Page 10 of Mr. Kelly

He shakes his head and stands. “I need a drink.”

I perk up at that. “Might I suggest Sauvignon Blanc for the citrus undertones of the meal. If you want to enhance the ginger in it, I’d say Pinot Gris or Riesling.”

He nods, impressed. “Better. Added more to your wine knowledge?”

“Yes.” I nod. “I try to remain versed in libations.”

“That’s why I hired you,” he admits once he returns to the table with Riesling and two wineglasses. “You know your stuff yet still strive for perfection.” He pours both of us generous glasses and takes a sip. The way his brow creases with his thoughts indicates he’s not off his original subject. “Don’t dancers know that their careers can end at any moment and start working towards teaching or building a company of their own?”

“Yes, but some like the spotlight so much that they aren’t prepared to consider that.”

I leave out the part where I tell him I think Helena is that person. This is his marriage, and he needs to speak to a professional whose focus is to keep couples together.

“I’d think I’ve been a generous enough husband for her to express her fears if that is the case.”

I take a sip, using that moment to choose my words carefully. The truth is, I’m attracted to him and can fall in the area of giving him the wrong information. I don’t like Helena so telling him to end it and run would be too easy.

“Sometimes communication issues are based on the fear a person has placed on themselves and has nothing to do with how easy the other person is to talk to, ya know? I’d say find a mediator. STAT. If you’re trying to save your marriage.” I look at his empty plate as he refills his glass of wine. “I know as abartender I’m a very good listener. I’m willing to listen if you still need to vent, but I need to point out that, with my current situation, I’m probably the worst person to give relationship advice.”

I earn another laugh, more than I’ve gotten all year, but it’s not for me to be his entertainment.

“Yeah, I will. You know how you need to say some things out loud to make sure you’re not crazy?”

I bob my head because I’ve been there. “Yeah, I totally get that. Speaking of crazy, I know and you know we’re practically strangers, but being here with me while skipping her opening night is most likely not the best way to ease her fears from this morning.”

Twisting his mouth, he raps the table with his knuckles a few times. “You’re right.” He stands and finishes his glass. “Sorry about the way she acted today. I’ve never given her a reason to doubt me.” He tilts his head towards the key he gave me. “Despite the rumors.”

I cover my face in embarrassment as he chuckles. When I move my hands, I know that he’s gone. I didn’t hear the elevator near his room ding, but I can feel it.

My life has definitely tilted on its axis, and I don’t know where it’s headed.

Chapter Six

THEODORE

I don’t knowwhy I went to the penthouse that night. It’s not like I forgot she was there. I’d told myself I’d just check on her and ended up staying for dinner. Worse, she was so easy to talk to that I spilled all my thoughts like she was my therapist. She must think we’re fucked up.

Rolling over in bed, I sigh and look at the ceiling. Helena and I were very much in love. There was nothing I wouldn’t do for her, and if she started acting like the woman I fell for tomorrow, I’d be all in again.

After dinner, I got in the car and drove aimlessly until I ended up at my cabin. My subconscious must have been telling me I needed solitude. I didn’t go to the opening two nights ago, and I haven’t contacted either woman since. Helena, because I’m exhausted, and River, because I don’t need to. We’re not anything beyond a boss and employee and it needs to stay that way.

Like my thoughts conjured her, my phone pings, and it’s the number from the phone Andrea gave River. The text only said two words.Your wife.Cursing to myself, I pull up the security app to check the penthouse. After I told Helena I needed some space, I haven’t answered her calls or texts. It looks like she’dpictured me at the penthouse cuddled up with River for the weekend. The picture of how that would be flashes in my mind before I can stop it. Kicking off my sheets and sitting up while pushing the question of what could’ve happened if she wanted to be a mistress out of my head, I focus on the picture on my screen.

Helena is there yelling at River, who is doing her best to ignore her. She’s calling her names and accusing her of hiding her husband. River stares at the phone, probably waiting for me to respond.

Instead of responding to River, I call my wife.

“Theo?” she yells into the phone.

“What in the fuck is wrong with you? Get out of the penthouse and leave that girl alone. She has enough problems.”

“You were here. I can tell.”

“I’m forty-five minutes away at the cabin, you psycho. I told you. I don’t like the guard dog routine. STOP IT. It pisses me off that you can accuse me so easily of having a mistress!”

At this rate, I’ll be divorced or on blood pressure medicine. “How did you know I was here?”

“You triggered the alarm when you came in the private elevator. River doesn’t have access.”

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