Page 42 of Wifey
She smiles and laughs a lot, making sure she touches the arm of whomever she talks with. She makes plans for brunch, spa days, and shopping. She briefly talks about the latest Netflix documentary and binge-watching show. She’s personable and extremely likable.
Heather’s social media pages prove she plays the role of a Senator’s wife like she was born for it. She talks about her gardening. The latest cooking recipe. She shares selfies with other senator wives. She talks about her book club pick and the OMG show everyone must watch!
She doesn’t get political on her page, other than the standard black background with white lettering performative solidarity post that every company during June 2020. No one would think she was a politician’s wife and maybe that was the point.
Heather does have pictures of her children and was sure to feature Cameron a lot. It was clear she wanted Cameron to be chosen and he probably would’ve been if she’d succeeded. Whether the woman would’ve stayed around long enough to deal with Cameron’s other activities is another situation.
“That woman wouldn’t know what hardship is if it slapped her face.” Hayley comments. “I can see Cameron takes after her a lot.”
“He’s the perfect combination of his parents,” I reply as we continue to watch Heather. “If you think Heather is charming, wait until you meet Eric. Eric will charm the pants off you and I mean that literally.”
“Oh, honey, I’ve seen Eric.” Hayley whistles. “That man is fine and I usually don’t do White dudes. He’s one of the guys that he knows he’s fine.”
“And he knows he can get away with murder.” My mouth says what my heart feels before I can stop it. It’s not that I hate Eric and Heather but I just don’t like them. Daddy was right – they were nice people but they weren’tgoodpeople.
“White people have been getting away for murder for years, Tay. They went from being slave owners to police officers, judges, and surgeons.” Hayley continues to look at Heather suspiciously. “You think I give a goddamn about Becky and Tyler being strung out on heroin? They grandmamma probably still wave the Confederate flag proudly and talking about thoseniggerswhile they roll their eyes but won’t check her at the dinner table. As far as I’m concerned, Cameron and Que are doing God’s work.”
“And thank you Ms. Social Justice Warrior.” I roll my eyes and Hayley flips me off. Heather makes eye contact me with and waves before she makes her way over. “Quiet now. Here comes Boss Lady.”
“She’s a trap queen…” Hayley begins to sing and I elbow her.
“Taylor!” Heather comes over and gives me a big hug like there’s not a pandemic going on with air kisses on both cheeks. “Thank you so much for coffee service!”
“You’re welcome.” I nod to her. “Heather, this is my best friend, Hayley. She helps run the shop with me.”
“Nice to meet you, Hayley.” Heather holds out her hand and I elbow Hayley to shake it. She begrudgingly does it as she gives me the side eye.
“Taylor, after dinner, the servers are going to serve dessert with coffee. Everyone gets a cup because everyonehasto try your coffee!” Heather shows me her whole smile and I see all 32 teeth. “After that, you can leave. The boring part will begin with speeches, promises, and yadda yadda yadda. You can leave the coffee and any leftover desserts and just swing by tomorrow to pick it all up!”
“Great.” I smile. “I’ll get started soon.”
“Thanks a bunch!” She smiles big and leaves.
Hayley shakes her head again. “She’s not just Karen; she’sSuper Karen!” She looks around. “Where’s Cam? I thought he was supposed to be here?”
So did I. I don’t have to wonder what Cam could be doing instead and I push the thought out of my mind. “He was but I had a feeling it was never about whether he was going to show up. He doesn’t like doing political things unless he has to. With his parents being here, he doesn’t really need to.”
“Yeah, but he knew you were going to be here. He could’ve supported you.” Hayley replies. “Anyway, I’m about to go check out the back and help put the desserts out. I’ll see you in a bit.” She leaves.
I stand at the back looking around for any sign of Cameron as I try to ignore Hayley’s words. This whole shebang was Cameron’s idea and yet, he’s nowhere to be found. I guess this is the other icky part about being connected with him – I’ll be left alone to fend for myself regardless of our relationship.
It scared me. I’d never been as close to Cameron as I was with any other man. I couldn’t tell if other men were seriously interested in me or they just wanted the fame and notoriety my Daddy had in close proximity.
We weren’t rich, but we never starved. Daddy was able to give me a very nice life and he lived one as well. It was nothing compared to the insurmountable wealth and privilege Cameron and his family have and not even close.
As I watch Heather continue to mingle with the guests, I’m quickly reminded of her role being Eric’s wife and Cameron’s mother – nothing was going to get in the way of her socialite circle. No mistresses, no drug dealing, and definitely no hurt feelings.
It’s a cue I need to take. Cameron won’t always be around and I would need to fend for myself. I would need to be as personable if not more than Heather. I would need to pretend to be happy with everything even if I just want to cry.
Just when I was about to go help Hayley with the desserts, I get a surprise visitor. “Hello, Taylor.” Eric Page greets me with a charming smile.
He’s a rather tall man, over six feet. He has stunning light eyes and dirty blond hair with a full beard. He has a boyish charm about him that lets every woman think she’s the only one that matters, despite having been married to Heather for almost 30 years.
He is also not-so lowkey racist, bigoted, misogynistic, and xenophobic. In other words, Eric fits right in with everything American apple pie about the country. He is easily elected every six years without a blink and I won’t be surprised if he is one day elected president.
The thought of him being my future father-in-law makes my skin crawl. “Hello, Eric.” I smile.
“Thank you so much for doing this for me. Your father used to serve coffee to my guests thought he never came to any fundraisers himself.” I wonder why Daddy didn’t want to attend a Klan meeting? “So, I’m glad you’re keeping up the tradition.” It feels like a racist dig somewhere. “Cameron talks about you often and I can’t tell you how much I love you two together.”
