Page 69 of Whispers of My Skin

“How much more tolerant are you expecting me to be, Joel? I’ve let her stay here, I’ve been nothing but kind to her, yet she talks shit to me first chance she gets, and then does her best to paint me in a bad light with you. She’s up to something Joel, but I seem to be the only one who can see it.”

“I thought we’d got over this irrational jealousy of yours, Tara,” Joel sighs.

“This has got nothing to do with me being jealous. For the record, Joel, I’m telling you the truth about what happened, but it’s good to know you’re taking her word over mine. Thanks for that vote of confidence in your loyal wife.” I state furiously, before storming out of the house.

How dare he! He actually chose to believe that conniving bitch over me? Well, he can forget his plans for a romantic date in the city.

I walk without realizing where I’m going until I’m at the edge of the pond where we first met.

Many things have changed since then, but like this pond, we are still the same.

Although right now my husband is not my favorite person.

That bitch.

I need to remind myself again and again, that she is in trouble.

And so is Joel.

In so much trouble.

Unfortunately, things don’t improve, as the rest of the week continues in much the same way. I do my best to avoid Cassandra, but she still finds ways to put me in a bad light with Joel whenever she can, which inevitably starts to build a barrier between us. I know this is exactly what the bitch wants, and I can’t believe Joel seems unable to see though all her manipulative little ploys. Plus, Joel’s tried to contact Cassandra’s husband to ask him for an explanation but without success, which is increasing his frustration.

When Joel and I are alone at night, I can almost believe nothing’s changed. We still crave each other physically, but when I wake in the morning, alone and unhappy, I know things are off kilter between us because of her. I wish she’d just hurry up and leave, but if I dare to ask how her plans for moving out are coming along, she twists that around to make it look as if I’m prepared to throw a pregnant, abused woman out on the streets. So I try to say as little as possible, but it’s not easy.

Early on Monday morning, Fermin comes over to help with the preparations for our important meeting. He gets busy arranging beautiful fresh flowers into the tall vases he’s brought with him, he spreads a fine linen tablecloth onto the long table, fixes a fantastic snack buffet in the far corner of the terrace, and he even hangs some drapes from the pergola. My friend is over the top, that’s for sure, but I’m so grateful for him.

“Where on earth did you get all those amazing things from?” I ask in astonishment.

“Relax, darlin’,” he winks. “My mother won’t notice a few of her treasures have gone missing for a few hours.”

“Fermin! You should at least have asked her permission,” I scold, rolling my eyes.

“Why? I know she wouldn’t mind since she adores you and would be only too happy to help out. I just couldn’t face another one of her lectures, about how she wishes you’d married me instead of that cowboy of yours.”

“You’re incorrigible,” I chuckle, throwing a cushion at him.

“Looks like someone’s been very busy,” Fermin comments as he follows me into the kitchen and sees that four of the six burners on the stove are occupied by pots and pans.

“I think I may have over-catered just a little bit,” I admit, holding up my barely parted fingers.

“I think we know what y’all going to be living on for the rest of the week,” Fermin laughs, as does Mrs. Sanchez

“Well, I wanted to be sure we had plenty, but it won’t go to waste because Mrs. Sanchez says she’ll put a batch in the freezer when it’s ready,” I reply tartly.

“Yes, don’t you worry, I’ll take care of that for you,” Mrs. Sanchez beams. She really is a treasure and has been a huge help in getting all the food ready. I already feel very close to her and very thankful Fermin that found her for us.

“Okay then, I’ll leave you ladies to it while I get on with putting the final touches out on the terrace. Joel said he’d wait for his guests by the entrance so he can show them around outside.”

Once everything is organized in the kitchen, I quickly run upstairs to shower and make myself presentable.

I’ve chosen a yellow, knee length, linen dress for the occasion. It’s sleeveless, with pleats around the neck, a thin ribbon around the waist, and I’ll pair it with some high brown wedges. I clip my hair back in some loose waves, and with the addition of a little bit of makeup, I think I’ll do.

I’ve gained some of the weight I lost, and I look a lot healthier than I did, so thankfully it does seem as if the treatment I’m on to rid my body of toxins is working. I also have a lot more energy, which is just as well considering how demanding today will be.

I hurriedly return to the kitchen as it’s already past one-thirty and I know Joel will shortly be bringing everyone through to the terrace.

“Oh, Mrs. Sadger,” Mrs. Sanchez cries as soon as I walk into the kitchen. “We have a problem with the food.”

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