Page 15 of Mr. Kelly

I take off my clothes and put them in a bag for disposal, along with the shoes, and step into the shower as I replay how Helena completely shattered our love bubble.

“What do you mean, another production?” I asked as I climbed out of bed.

We’d just finished making love where she insisted that I come in her mouth. It quickly became apparent why she switched.

She pushed her hair out of her face and gave me the smile she uses when she wants something.

“I’m just asking for six more months.”

“Helena,” I sighed and squeezed the bridge of my nose. “You just told me you were retiring after this. You’ll still have the fame and endorsements. You have years on those contracts. You’re still a star, whether you're dancing or not!”

“Did I ask you to turn in the keys to your club?” She pulled the cover over her breasts since they weren't getting her her way and stared out of the window.

Everything broke in me at that moment. The hamster wheel I was on shattered. I was not going in this circle anymore. She did the same thing all the time. Dangled the future I wanted in my face, just to pull the career card days later.

“You're right.” I told her, although the pressure in my head made my ears ring. “I’ll never ask you again. Take on all the productions you want.”

She jumped up, showing the first signs of real excitement I’ve seen in months. “Really? You mean it, Theo?”

She spun in the bed and babbled about all the things she wanted to do, not noticing that I was preparing to leave. I slipped on my shirt and stepped into my shoes. My hand went to my chest, as if holding that spot would make any of this hurt less. That is what heartbreak felt like.

“From the bottom of my heart, I mean it when I say you’re free to chase every production you can handle.” She claps with a giggle because she still doesn’t get it. “Just make sure the name that’s flashing in the lights reads Helena Clark.”

Her expression morphed in panic, but I was numb to it and beyond caring. Her feelings were the only thing I’d cared about in the year we dated and the six we’ve been married.

“What? Are you serious?”

“I’ll tell my lawyer to start the divorce proceedings.”

“Don’t do this, Theo! I’m only asking for six months.”

I shook my head. “You’re asking for a six-month extension on the six years I’ve already given you. I asked you every step of the way if you wanted a family and you lied to me every time. The only family you want are the legion of adoring fans. That’s fine. I just wish you didn’t waste my time.”

She jumped up and followed me towards the door, not caring that she wasn’t wearing a stitch of clothing. Not that she needed to care, as her body was a masterpiece.

“You’re essentially saying six years of marriage was a waste of time!”

“Damn right, Helena. When both parties aren’t honest about what they want, it is, in fact, a waste of fucking time. You wanted a cheerleader, not a husband. They have that saying about releasing something you love. You know it. Don’t worry about me holding you back.”

“You release it to see if it loves you enough to come back, Theo.”

I shook my head. “Oh, yeah? That’s not what’s going on here. This is a regular release. I’m not looking for a return. I still love you, but I’m done.” I moved her back inside and closed the screen door. “Don’t follow me or call me. Give me the space I deserve.”

For two days, I stayed at our house, mad that she kept making me change locations. I should not be trying to get away from my wife. I’m supposed to crave her nearness and feel the urge to find her. It never came. Once I got past the anger, part of me started to miss River. Unable to fight at least speaking to her in passing, I showed up in time to see her get attacked.

Even now, in the hot shower, the idea that she would have been gone had I shown up five minutes later makes me queasy. The way he slammed her head against the wall infuriated me to the point where I had to call Andrea to do what he does best. I’d knocked out the other guys, but Von picked the wrong fucking day to attack River. My anger with Helena found an outlet when it merged with the fear I felt for River’s wellbeing. I took too much pleasure in hurting Von. He will be laid up with several broken bones and the only reason I didn’t kill him was because Donnovan called, reminding me that River needed my attention.

If Surly didn’t get this message, he’s a bigger idiot than I thought. I’ve zoned out for long enough, so I rush through the rest of the shower, scrubbing in remaining blood off of me, then I dry off and quickly dress. Making sure River is okay is my top priority. I have a few missed calls from Helena, and I go into my security app and change the code for the elevator. Helena had her own and so did I, but now hers is deactivated. The last thing River needs is for Helena to have one of her episodes.

River is in her night shirt, pacing as if she’s trying to decide to run or stay put. I must have been in the shower longer than I thought. The relief in her big eyes tugs at my heart and her rushing into my arms for a hug doesn’t help. I hold her tightly, assuring her that she’s okay. Von is too broken up to hurt her again, but I keep that to myself. I just allow the heat and solidness of my body to assure her as I rub her back.

“Thank you, Theodore. I don’t think I have had a chance to say that yet.”

Her voice is so small that I hate Mario even more. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m just so damn relieved that I decided to visit when I did.”

“Visit?” Her eyes are questioning and hopeful.

“Yes, visit. I know you spend a lot of time alone, so I was coming to see you.”

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