Henry sighed. “I could have a bite. Looks good.”
“Looks are often deceiving.”
“What are you saying?”
“Spaghetti tastes like eww.” Stacey winced.
Henry sat. “I’m sure it’s fine.”
She watched Henry take a big serving then sprinkled grated cheese on top. “I miss hanging out with you.”
“Me too, Stays. But my wife—”
“I know. I know. I understand. You know, these past months I came to realize that you are only right to stop coming here. If I were in June’s shoes, I’d be crazy mad if you hung out with your ex. You’re married now. We have to accept the change. It’s only right that you take your role as her husband. You’re a man of honor and loyalty. The contract was stupid from the very beginning anyway. I’m proud of you, Henry, of everything that you’ve accomplished, of who you have become. I hope June knows that.”
“She’s wonderful, Stays.”
“But you don’t know why she lied to get pregnant, right?”
Henry shook his head.
“Well, whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. It’s just…”
“What?”
“If she loves you, she wouldn’t keep a secret from you. Anyway, how’s the pasta?”
“Good.”
“Thank you for coming.” Stacey picked up her wineglass and raised it.
Henry did the same.
“Congratulations. May your marriage be blessed with a hundred more kids.” Stacey forced a smile and tried not to choke on the words.
“Hundred?”
Stacey laughed. “Ten?”
Henry smiled, but Stacey noticed sadness in his eyes.
“What’s up, sweetheart?”
“June is not the only one hiding something. She doesn’t know anything about the contract. I don’t think I can walk away from her and our baby.”
Oh, you will do it, dear. I’ll make sure of it.
“What’s this? In love with your wife?”
Henry gave her a shy smile. “Deeply.”
“Does she know?”
“Not yet. It’ll be our eight month wedding anniversary in two weeks. I plan to take her on our yacht. I’ll tell her then.”
“Ah. Where everything started. Well, make sure she doesn’t hear about the contract. Wait until you two have built a stronger foundation that no bad news could demolish. Don’t worry about your parents and the Greenwalds. Once they realized that you two love each other, I’m sure they’ll shred the contract themselves.” She reached across the table to cover Henry’s hand with hers. “June has her own secret. So I’m sure she’ll forgive you for keeping yours.”
Henry nodded. “I hope so. Thanks, Stays. For everything. How have you been doing?”
“Good. Been busy planning.”
“Planning what?”
“Another reason why I asked you to come here.”
“And that is…?”
“I want to throw a baby shower for June. A surprise. That is, if it’s okay with you.”
Henry squeezed Stacey’s hand “Of course. It would be nice if you two became friends.”
Yeah. And I’ll fucking choke her to death.
“Of course. Maybe I’ll take her shopping this weekend. Do you think she’ll like that?”
“I’ll talk to her.”
“Okay. So what do you think about the Hyatt, Cedar Brook Lodge or Alexis?”
“Any place not so expensive. She hates attention and spending money. What about the Edmonds Senior Center? They have a big conference room.”
Cheap slut.
“You sure? I wouldn’t want to insult June by using the center for seniors.”
God, I hate the smell of old people.
“She’ll feel the opposite. Believe me.”
“All right. If the center will make her feel comfortable then we’ll do it there.”
“It will.”
Stacey touched the side of her head with her index finger. “Venue. Senior Center. Okay, change of subject. Is John still interested in Vivienne?”
Henry laughed. “I don’t know. He hasn’t said anything.”
“Maybe he’s moved on.”
“Might as well. Vivienne hates him.”
“Why?”
“Because of me.”
“You?”
“June told Vivienne about the kiss.”
Stacey placed one hand on her chest.
Perfect.
“Vivienne knows about our kiss?”
“Yeah.”
“Oh, dear. I hope they don’t harbor hate against me. Henry, they might not agree with the baby shower.”
“Don’t know about Vivienne, but I’ve seen the best of June, Stays. I don’t think she’s capable of hating anyone.”
A fucking saint, you mean.
“Glad to hear it.”
“During the first weeks of our marriage, she never made demands or asked questions where I spent my time.”
“And now?”
“She still has never asked. I hurt her, I know, but she never showed it. In fact, she just trudged on. She made us a beautiful, warm home. I think she’s trying to prove that she’s not really a bad mistake. And she’s not. To tell you the truth, I’m glad our parents did what they thought was best. Otherwise, I would have lost her forever.”
“She makes you happy.”
“Yes. She’s nothing but a good wife, Stays. Funny, too.”
Fuck that bitch. She won’t be laughing when she bleeds to death.
“Henry, don’t get mad, but maybe she doesn’t care at all, so that’s why she’s never asked?”
“She knew her actions affected me, you, my plans. She didn’t think she had the right to make demands, to ask. But she cares, Stays. She loves me. I know. And…” Henry shook his head. “I’m in love with her.”
Stacey lifted her wineglass again. “Here’s to your happy marriage, Henry. May you and June fill your home with healthy kids.”
Henry smiled and lifted his glass. “And may you find your own happiness, Stays.”
Oh, I will. And if I don’t, that bitch wife of yours won’t either.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Why Stacey would give her baby shower was beyond her.
When Henry had told her that Stacey was planning a baby shower, June couldn’t believe it. That woman would probably cut her hair if she weren’t looking. So why?
Vivienne refused to believe that Stacey could be a friend. Not in a million years. June agreed. Best friends and family threw baby showers, not exes, and especially not for someone they didn’t know. But June had said yes—for Henry.
June thought about her husband. He was once again the man she had spent nights together with in his fancy yacht—funny, caring and worried a lot about her. He was aware of her pains and would be at her side instantly if she so much as winced. For months now, he’d been the perfect husband any wife could wish for.
He had told her not to expect anything from him. But lately he’d been giving her more than what she ought to receive. That night when he’d said he liked coming home to her, it was as close as saying that he loved her, and she’d settle for that. If coming to this baby shower would make Henry happy, fine by her.
“We should leave, June. I don’t like this.”
June looked at Vivienne. Her friend had been ranting about this baby shower from the moment they’d left the apartment until they’d parked the car. It was a miracle her ears hadn’t burst. “Aren’t you a bit curious about this shower?”
“No. That bitch who kissed your husband on your wedding day and most likely is still sleeping with—”
“We said yes, Vi.”
Vivienne shook her head. “You love him so much that you would do everything he says. Did it ever occur to you that maybe he’s just being nice to you now so when he files for a divorce, he won’t feel guilty about it?”
“Many times, Vi. But I just want to enjoy my marriage right now while it’s still good.”
“While it’s still good,” Vivienne repeated. “You really think he’s changed.”
“I’d like to think that he has.” June forced a smile. “Look at this place. Don’t you want to see what’s inside?”
What seemed to be hundreds of balloons were tied outside the Edmonds Senior Center. June thought if the building wasn’t attached to the ground, it might fly away. Boy, she could hardly see the front door. Too bad her mom couldn’t come because of a cold. She would have loved to have seen this.
“I’m sure somewhere a kid is crying because he didn’t get his balloon. You know why? Because they were all here.” Vivienne scowled. “This is weird.”
“Why?”
“So over the top. Colorful balloons are supposed to make one smile, but I feel the opposite. I have a bad feeling this is not really going to end well.”
“Vi, what if Stacey really wants to be friends?”
“Wake up, June. You stole her man! Her kind doesn’t just back down. Do you honestly think she’d want to be your friend? You know, instead of going in there, we should run.”
June wrapped her arms around Vivienne. “Okay. How about let’s go in there. If Stacey says anything then we’ll leave right away. How’s that?”
“Fine. But if that woman says anything against you, I’ll give her a knuckle sandwich.”
“You have my permission.”
“Do you think she wears hair extensions?”
“Don’t know. Maybe fake eyelashes?”
“I bet she’s so thick down there Henry had to use hair clips to find you know what.”
“Vi! You’re silly.” June laughed so hard she had to hold her stomach. “That is disgusting and not funny.”
“Not funny? Just look at your belly jiggling.”
“No. It’s not funny. You’re talking about her and…never mind. Seriously, that image…”
They were still laughing when the front door opened.
“Oh, speaking of… Look. There’s the witch. Check out her smile. It doesn’t reach her eyes. She actually reminds me of the characters in the movie
Mean Girls
. They smile at you, but in their heads they’re plotting something sinister.”
“Lord, Vivienne. Just be nice.”
“Fine.”
Stacey stood by the door, her smile unwavering. The white skin-tight pants, orange halter top and open-toed pale orange high-heeled sandals made her look like a mannequin—a stunning one.
Slowly, she walked over to where June and Vivienne stood. “I can finally breathe. All day I’ve been thinking about you, wondering if you’d come.” Stacey clapped her hands together.
“She can breathe. I want to throw up,” whispered Vivienne.
June shook her head at Vivienne then gave Stacey a smile. “Thank you for planning this baby shower, Stacey. You didn’t have to do this.”
“You’re right. I didn’t. Of all people, you should know that I’m only doing this for Henry. I want him to be happy and I am sure you have the same reason for coming. Henry told me that you must be dreaming of having a baby shower but can’t afford it because you don’t have that many friends who might plan a party like this.” Stacey raised an eyebrow at Vivienne.
Vivienne took a step forward but June grabbed her hand right away.
“I was surprised when Henry asked for my help,” Stacey continued. “You see, his parents’ friends kept asking if the Barefoot Bride was having a shower. The Colchesters have to say something, right? Otherwise, tongues will wag. And that’s a no-no for them. So, this is the solution.” Stacey turned around then walked back inside the center.
“The first arrow has been released. There will be more, June. Before we leave this place, we’ll be riddled with holes. I told you we shouldn’t have come. This whole baby shower thing is bullshit.”
“You’re right, Vi, but I’m not going to run. There is more to this shower. I want to know what it is.” She hoped they’d come out in one piece and with her heart intact.
If outside the center was impressive, inside no one would believe it was the same place the seniors played bingo on Saturdays. Lamps decorated with pink and purple ribbons hung from the ceiling. Pink candles inside the clear glass were lit and gave the room a peaceful feeling. There were baby girl dresses and framed posters like Winnie the Pooh, Tinkerbell and Cinderella. Dolls of all kinds lined a shelf along with other stuffed toys.
People were moving around talking to one another. No one noticed them. Funny that, considering she was the only pregnant woman in the room. They probably didn’t realize she was the star of the show, as Stacey had put it. How could they? They were all strangers to her.
June didn’t know any of them except for Henry’s mother, who was busy instructing the man in a white coat standing in front of a long table laden with food.
“Man, who in the world are these people?”
June shook her head. “Don’t know.”
“They don’t look like the same people who attended your wedding. Don’t get me wrong, June, but these people look like us. They paint their own nails and buy makeup that’s on sale. Ordinary people.”
“I know.”
Just as the situation began to feel awkward, Henry’s mother spotted them. She waved and hurried to see them. “Oh, goodness. You’ve grown since the last time I saw you. How are you doing?”
June returned her mother-in-law’s hug. “I’m good.”
“Is the baby giving you trouble?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“She’s as strong as a horse, Mrs. Colchester,” added Vivienne.
“Well, that is good to know. I can’t believe it has taken us this long to see each other again. But, you know, I’ve been busy.”
She’d bet her husband had prevented her from coming to visit. “I understand.”
Mrs. Colchester took her hands. “You know, Henry has changed now that he’s married.”
“He’s been attentive, making sure I’m eating.” Henry had been a perfect husband—looking into her comfort, refusing to leave her side and treating her like porcelain—special, breakable. He’d been making love to her like a lover, not a man needing to mate. But she would never tell her mother in-law that. “He’s always busy.”
Mrs. Colchester shook her head. “He’s a happy man, June. He laughs a lot, just like when he was a little boy. And he talks to me on the phone about the baby, the apartment. You. He makes my ears ring telling me all the best about you. He’s never been that way with anyone. You’ve changed him. June, I have reasons to believe that my son is—”
“Well, the star is here. We should start with this baby shower, Minerva,” Stacey said with a smile. Her tone, however, was nothing but flat.
“Yes, we should. So you can rest, June. Henry told me you’ve been having pains. He made me promise to make sure—”
“Minerva, we can chat later.”
“Right. Sorry, Stacey.” Mrs. Colchester gave June a small smile.