Page 46 of Sinful Beauty

“Is it? Would you care to explain how it’s any different?”

“Well, for one, I’m not married.”

Oh snap. I stand frozen, listening as their voices grow more distant. I don’t know Mr. Wagner as he was retired by the time I joined Lumina, but rumors circulated. Of course, there are rumors about Mrs. Wagner too. Hearsay I shall not be sharing with her son.

The second the private elevator dings, I hustle through the condominium to retrieve my clothes. One of the white panels is raised to reveal a luxurious coffee machine. Two coffee mugs are out, both used. How long was I sleeping while she was here? She came over for coffee? On Saturday morning? I locate my clothes on the floor. She must not have seen them from the kitchen, and I suppose Tristan didn’t either.

I get dressed as quickly as I can. I’d love to believe I have done nothing wrong. But I have. The non fraternization policy is clear, even if most employees disregard it. My stomach clenches and nausea circulates. If I’m fired for violating the non fraternization clause, will that be on my record? Would anyone recommend me for another position?

Chapter17

Tristan

She doesn’t yell. My mother never yells. But her body posture morphs into a steely executive. It’s her armor.

I’ve seen her strap it on my whole life. When emotions rise, her back straightens, her stomach flattens, and her breasts lift. When faced with an emotional situation, she becomes the power executive.

The not being married comment is a step too far.

How do I know I’ve pushed too far? Injured a nerve? Her angled nails curve in to her palm. She’s the opposite of a cat. When threatened, the claws come out on felines. My mother curls hers in, controlling any tremor of emotion.

Why is she still with my father?

I love him and he’s a good man, but she’s clearly hurt by his infidelity.

In the private elevator, descending to the car park, her reflection is unreadable to anyone who doesn’t know her.

“Why are you still with him?”

“Tristan.” The doors slide open into the brightly lit concrete garage. She leans forward and presses the button for the doors to close. As they close, she faces me. “I don’t believe in divorce. There are no divorces in our family.”

What she means is there are no divorces in the Wagner family, which she married into, and she won’t be the first.

“And you’re okay with your open marriage?”

She crosses her arms below her breast. Her chin lifts. For a woman her age, she does truly look remarkable. Her neck is firm, her cheek-bones high and full, as are her lips. The overhead light reflects off her smooth forehead. But in the right light, tiny lines can be seen, like cracks in a porcelain veneer.

The silence between us absorbs the oxygen in the small stainless steel lift. I’d like to open the doors and let in fresh air, but she’s afraid someone might overhear.

“He told you?”

When I was a child, my mother’s eyes were a bold blue. It’s only now I see the color has faded from her irises.

“I met her.” If it weren’t for her defensive posture, I’d pull her into my arms. Tell her everything is going to be okay. I’ve never asked and I’m sure she signed a pre-nuptial agreement, but I have more than enough to take care of her. And she’s been working her whole life. She’s the founder of a cosmetics company that has nothing to do with the Wagner estate. There are no financial reasons she could have to stay with him.

“Cassandra. A lovely woman. I consider her a friend.”

Did I mishear her?

“Tristan. Come now. This is the twenty-first century. While I wish if your father was going to inform you of our arrangement, he would have allowed me to be a part of the conversation, it is what it is. Don’t stand there looking so shocked. Your father and I are great partners. We’ve had an open marriage for decades.”

“But…” I am truly shocked. I had no idea.

“Tristan, you’re in your early forties. Please don’t tell me I need to assure you that you are still loved and that your father's and mine’s decisions do not affect the amount of love we feel for you? That’s the speech you give a teen.”

“You were just disparaging dad for cheating on you with assistants. Don’t act like this doesn’t bother you.”

“I was disparaging your father for bringing it into the workplace. He had plenty of private sources. Thank god that is no longer an issue. One of the many benefits of his retirement.”

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