Unbound: The Pentagon Group, Book 2 (11 page)

My mouth dried upon hearing the next item on the list. I took the cup of water in front of me and took a couple of long drinks. Turner asked me if I was alright. Honestly, I didn’t know if I was okay. “Can I have a little break?” I asked meekly. I felt the panic creeping from my fast beating heart up my neck to my head. The urge to tighten my hands around the glass frightened me. All I wanted to do was break the glass into my hand, make myself bleed to feel alive, instead of deadened.

I rose from the chair, keeping my head down. The men stood up, and remained standing as I walked out the door. I couldn’t clearly hear what was said, tuning everyone and everything out. Looking for an escape, I went straight toward the frosted glass doors we entered earlier. Once I came upon the elevators, I thought of going down and outside. Fresh air would’ve helped, but if I walked out of the building, I wasn’t sure I’d return. I stood by the large paned window and watched the outside world, wondering where I fit in. ‘How did I get to this place?’ Was the only thought racing in my mind. I hugged myself, trying to calm my frazzled nerves. I understood the importance of a prenuptial agreement. We both needed to protect ourselves, especially our finances, making our needs crystal clear. However, this all felt unnatural.

“Hey, Perlz. Are you okay?” Turner asked. I turned to him. His hands were in his trouser pockets. He always looked so casual, even in the face of pressure, but this wasn’t his stress to deal with.

“I don’t know.” I said honestly. “This seems so perverse. Discussing sex, where I’ll live, having or not having children. This should be easy. A relationship should be easier than this.”

“Perla, many people enact a prenup. It’s common and recommended, especially with the wealth we’re dealing with here.”

“I don’t care about the wealth. You see, Turner, I thought I was dating a simple orthopedic surgeon. I expected him to be a nine-to-five doctor because he made me believe as much. My expectations were he’d come home, eat dinner with us, and occasionally leave for business trips out of the country. I could deal with a prenup for a local surgeon. What I can’t deal with is a doctor who happens to be a financial wiz, owns part of a billion dollar corporation, and proposes marriage because he can’t deal with losing me over actions he was completely responsible for. Why me? What makes me so desirable as to give me all his money just to keep me? Do you realize over three months ago, I was happy working my jobs?”

“Were you happy, Perla? Were you happier three months ago before Matt came in the picture? Because all we saw, when we saw you, was a woman who was existing. You wouldn’t go out with any of us. And it wasn’t about the money because we offered to pay for everything. You were alone. And alone sucks, Perlz. You deserve him because you are a magnificent woman, darlin’. Everyone knows it, but you. He’s just the smartest of every man out there because he’s putting up his fortune and betting it all on you.” He paused to let it all sink in. I couldn’t argue with his assessment. I’d been hiding for the past eighteen months since separating and undergoing the divorce proceedings. I was mildly depressed. I’d lost everything when my marriage was over. Who, in my position, wouldn’t be depressed?

“What do you want me to do? I can go back in there and demand more time, but they were adamant they want to conclude this by Friday. I can’t finish negotiations by Friday, if we don’t discuss the terms today. I’ll go back in and distract them before Matt comes out to look for you. Perla, I need you to take another moment to compose yourself because you’re stronger than this. Carson told me to tell you, ‘you’re not given more than you can handle.’” Turner walked back to the conference room.

Carson knew I wasn’t able to deal with this alone. I needed encouraging words to push me forward. It wasn’t like I didn’t love Matt; I concluded. We were compatible in so many ways. I had to summon the woman who confronted him last Thursday and be strong to complete the negotiations, standing by my convictions. I prayed to my mother for strength while inhaling and exhaling several times before walking back to the conference room.

When I entered, the men stood again. I put a smile on my face, but refrained from looking at the love of my life because I knew the last remaining request would be the doozies which would create the biggest battle.

“Are you okay?” Matt asked. I looked up briefly, making eye contact and nodded. Turner pulled out my chair and helped me sit in the comfy leather chair.

“Let’s proceed. Perla requests she have no contact with anyone from Pentagon’s board. She doesn’t want to be part of any of the gatherings, whether social or professional, which Pentagon board members undertake during the marriage.” It was awkward to hear my demand when one of his best friends, member of Pentagon, was sitting before me. Zipper was Matt’s best friend. I assumed Matt would like Zipper and all his other friends to take part in the wedding, which we had yet discussed.

“In regards to the actual ceremony, Perla doesn’t want anyone present in the ceremony. The ceremony should be civil and not . . .”

“No, it goes against the expectation you hold yourself as my wife.” Matt interjected. I looked up to see Zipper put his hand on Matt’s elbow to stop him from interrupting. “You don’t want our families there, at least?” I shook my head, lowering my gaze to my hands. My heart skipped a beat. “What about a reception? Just a small gathering for them to celebrate our union?” I was at a loss for words because all I’d thought about was myself, but not how others would want to celebrate us, like his side of the family. I thought of Stella and how she really wanted us to be together. She was so hopeful her brother had finally found everlasting love.

“I’d rather not. I wasn’t planning on getting married or celebrating one in thirty days.” Matt was obviously upset with my request, but I remained quiet and hoped he would accept my choice.

“Let’s move on.” Matt said.

“In regards to children, Perla will decide when she is willing to have children within the five years of marriage, if at all.”

“Perla, I’m thirty-four-years-old. I want children sooner than later. I can’t wait for you to decide whether you want children now or ever.” Matt looked distressed. I pursed my lips, refraining from saying something hurtful.

“I need time to decide what I want from this relationship, Matt. Last week, we were just dating. Today, we’re planning a marriage; an institution I don’t take lightly. And the potential for divorce is kinda high here don’t you think? I’m not interested in bringing children into a marriage doomed to fail.”

Turner interrupted, “Dr. Keene, Perla is not completely closing herself off to the idea of having children within the marriage. Having children can be a subject to work through in therapy, since it appears Dr. Keene has no objection to couple’s therapy.” The frown on Matt’s face lifted as he pondered the solution. He looked at Zipper and nodded. Zipper took notes on the terms sheet. I was grateful for Turner’s pragmatic suggestion.

“Now on the subject of where to live, Perla, would ask to live in a home other than the Boston apartment in midtown or the mansion in the North Shore. She’d prefer to get something outside of Boston, but closer than your current home so she may commute to work within the city.

Matt stood up, visibly upset. “Perla, I bought and renovated that property so I can raise a family there. I love my house.”

“When did you buy that house Matt?”

“I bought it four years ago.”

“Were you engaged or were you married at the time?”

“I was married.”

“When I was married, I bought a house with my husband. I didn’t move into a house he’d previously screwed other women in, which brings me to the Boston apartment. How many women did you bring there?” Matt looked stunned. My animosity spilled over and I was laying out our private issues before our good friends.

“I’m going to take a break. I’ll be right back.” Matt stood, eyeing me with furrowed brows. When he walked out the door, Zipper stood.

“I’ll give you two a moment, and we’ll be right back.” Zipper nodded and walked out of the room.

“Hello, Perla. Welcome back.” Turner said sarcastically. “When I asked you to compose yourself, I didn’t ask you to try to put his balls in a vice in the process.”

“He’s delusional if he thinks this is a great idea.” Turner gave me a stern side-eyed look.

“Save your anger and insecurities for the therapist, darling. Don’t take it out on him in front of us.”

“Sorry, not sorry, Turner. We gave him a good reason to accept the new house situation. If I’m to marry him, then I want a house which is ours. I don’t want reminders of other women who he’s been matrimonially linked to nor ‘done’ thoroughly.”

“Darlin’, I know you try hard not to use the ‘f’ word around me, but I’ve heard it before.” He tried to bring in the levity. “I know what you mean. If this is going to work out, you want a fresh start in a new home.” I nodded. Turner looked at the time on his wristwatch. “Let’s hope he comes back soon, I have another meeting right after this.”

I felt anxious in wanting to finish my part of the prenup negotiations. It felt like time was getting away from us. Just when I was about to stand and get Matt, Zipper walked in the door and Matt followed. I was relieved and nervous; it was an interesting combination of emotions. Matt and I made eye contact, and I noticed the emotions in his eyes. They both took a seat in their claimed chairs.

“Are we ready to proceed?” Asked Turner. Both men nodded simultaneously. “In regard to dissolution of marriage at or after the five year mark, Perla doesn’t want any maintenance, payout, or physical or personal property other than those acquired during the marriage or provided as gifts. In the event children are born or adopted into the marriage, Perla wants sufficient child maintenance for housing, a vehicle for transportation, medical, personal needs, and most importantly, educational expenses for the children of the union. In addition to those requests, which will be fleshed out at the time of dissolution of the marriage and decision making for children, Perla wants term life insurance for each child, in the event of Dr. Keene’s death to protect the children’s future interests. None of these are to be considered for Perla’s personal use, but for the sole benefit of any children. These monies are to be held in a trust fund for the children with equal distribution of payments for their care. Any assets remaining in Dr. Keene’s estate should be equally distributed to the children’s trust.” Turner looked down at his notes and continued.

“In the event of divorce, Perla wants sole physical custody, but joint custody of the children will be granted to both Dr. Keene and Perla.” I heard Matt, rubbing his coarse beard. I looked at him and saw him shaking his head. He looked annoyed, which I couldn’t understand because he called for this situation. He leaned back in the chair, his cupped fingers covering his mouth, and listened.

“What’s the matter, Matt?” I finally asked.

“You’re talking about divorce, as if I’ll ever let it happen. You’re talking about what to do with children upon a never-going-to-happen divorce. I intend a lifelong marriage to you, which is why I even started all of this. When we do have children it seals the deal and ends any thought of divorce.” The assuredness in his voice was clear of his intentions to never divorce me. I felt my nipples pearl. I was thankful for wearing a padded bra. However, I was sure my face flushed.

“Well, you’re the one with prenuptial experience, so I don’t know why it’s a problem for me to protect myself and lay all this stuff out now. Did you think I would just sign your encyclopedia sized prenup without having some needs of my own? If you don’t know how relationships work, Matt, let me enlighten you. These things are not discussed in one rushed session. We’re supposed to discuss these things throughout our courtship and if we are of accord, we then proceed with a marriage.” As I spoke, his eyes narrowed at me. I was getting aroused at how he looked at me. He was definitely my physical type and I loved looking at his beautiful face, angry or not. “Are you starting to realize three months of dating may not have been enough time to go through this circus?” I asked. Matt smirked.

“No. As a matter of fact, I want it even more. Is there anything else?” He asked, looking at Turner.

Turner looked at his notes. “Those were the only concerns Perla had and wants included in the prenuptial contract. Are there any objections to anything we’ve listed?”

Zipper chimed in before Matt could express himself. “Matt does have a few concerns with Ms. Mercurio’s requests. However, we don’t think it would be anything which diverges from her needs. We’re sure we can come to a mutual understanding. We’ll go down the list.”

I braced myself for what he would take issue with. I could feel my jaw tighten and my teeth ground involuntarily awaiting his issues.

*****

“Getting started, Matt understands Perla’s need to work. He accepts her term to have her own income stream. However, he wants to make it clear he will provide all the living expenses in the marriage. Whatever Perla earns is for her to do whatever she wants. There are some requirements he would like to add to her working clause.” Zipper looked at his notes.

“Job can’t be more than forty hours a week with limited overtime unless it is during times Matt is otherwise unavailable, such as his travel. Additionally, Perla is to make herself available for business trips and vacations which are planned within enough time for Perla to take the time off. The total amount is five times a year for a total of six weeks out of fifty-two weeks a year. The honeymoon will be a two week consecutive time period, which will be jointly decided.” I didn’t think it was unreasonable. I would expect the same from Matt, but I understood his professional schedule was vastly different than mine. Turner whispered, ‘Are you okay with?’ near my ear. I nodded.