Page 10 of Just Desserts

"WHY IS IT ALWAYS ABOUT ISLA!" came bellowing out of me before I could stop myself. A bit wild eyed, I stared at my family.

"You talk about betraying blood, what about me! You all have always put Isla before me. You've always been there for her, liked her more, gave her more love and attention. You've never cared about me! It's always about Isla!" My chest was heaving as I took in my mother and brothers shocked faces and my fathers fallen one, head shaking.

He looked up and pointed at me. "Every decision you have made has led up to this moment. This isn't Isla's fault, it isn't even Jonathan's fault. You are an adult, you have made it clear that you can make your own decisions. You are smart and determined. Ever since you got into law and started to pursue paralegal work, we've been so proud. You thrived, which makes sense as you always loved to argue and prove yourself right. So, here's your moment. Prove you're right. Prove why we should stand by you."

I gasped "So you would choose her over me?"

"We shouldn't have to choose!" My mother yelled "That's exactly what Isla doesn't want! She came here earlier, this girl who I consider another daughter, like a sister to you. She came here out of respect for YOU Alyssa. Lord knows why! She didn't tell us to embarrass or shame you. She came here to give us a heads up and begged us to not pick sides, to give you grace. And this is what you do with it?"

Tears were pouring down my mother's face, my father had turned into a stoney wall next to her. My brother just hung his head and looked at me with disgust.

"Well by all means, let's make sure we do things the wayIslawants." I sneered. "It doesn't matter that you've all clearly taken her side, she may have asked you to give me grace but I sure as fuck don't see any. It's always the same, always has been. Well you're so disappointed in me Mom? Congrats, Isla can finally be your one and only daughter."

With that I turned on my heel and stormed out of my parents house. Tears were pouring down my face and I angrily swiped them away as I sped out of the cul de sac. I didn't need them. I had Jonathan, at least for the moment. That was my ticket up and out.

I would forget those people with their small lives. I was always destined for more. No matter what anyone thinks, I will make my own power and I will get my way. Then, I’ll leave all the people who turned their noses down at me now in my dust.

Chapter 10

Isla

After dodging calls from my mom, my aunt, Wes and Jonathan I was about ready to throw my phone out a window and never get a new one. I settled for do not disturb mode as I stayed camped out in the inn for the remainder of November. I couldn’t stay here forever though, and once again Jen and Aiden were coming to my rescue. Aiden recently had a close friend relocate to our town after working abroad for years. To help him prepare, Aiden had pulled several apartment options for him.

That was barely two weeks ago and there were five still available. I saw the first two earlier in the week and was scheduled to see a few more today. I don't know exactly what I was looking for in an apartment, originally all I could think about was not having to go home to my house with Jonathan. Now though, after I've had some distance from the incident and looked at some spaces I was even more unsure of what I was looking for in an apartment. I didn't know what was wrong, but neither of the places felt right.

This last apartment is in the building Aiden's friend wound up choosing. They had another open unit that they were willing to let me see early since Aiden had referred another tenant. I met Aiden at the apartment building and was pleasantly surprised. The building was older but recently had work done. There were exterior lights and assigned parking spaces.

The lobby was a large open space with a small mailroom andwas manned by Frank, the doorman. Frank took us to go look at the apartment. It was a 2 bedroom one bath on the 4th floor with a small balcony. The bathroom was clean and had a large shower, both bedrooms had large closets and shiny wood floors. The bedrooms were good sizes but the kitchen was an absolute dream.

The main living area was one large open space, with a huge island delineating the kitchen from the living room. There was a pantry for ingredients and plenty of counter space for my baking. I could cook in the kitchen while still talking and interacting with any guests who may be in the living room.

This was it. This was what I was looking for, a space that I could really make my own. Reclaim who I am, or maybe figure out who I am for the first time ever. I went right from college roommates to marriage and living with Jonathan. I really never got to live on my own.

This was the first time in my 28 years that I had complete autonomy. I could decorate how I wanted, I could clean - or not clean - when I wanted. I could stand over the kitchen sink at 1am eating leftovers. I could entertain in a way that I was comfortable with. A feeling of rightness settled over me.

I offered cash for first and last month's rent if I could move in on the 15th. After we signed the lease agreement I let Aiden talk me into meeting up with Jen for a drink. It was a small start, but over a beer and a greasy burger with my friends I felt my heart stutter to life again. Each beat steadier than the next, reminding me that I could go forward and that the world didn't end. I knew there was more for me out there, and that was the first night I didn't cry myself to sleep.

Jonathan

How is this my life? How did everything spin out of controlso fast? Alyssa and I had been sneaking around for almost six months without anyone knowing. Now, not only did Isla know about my indiscretion but she told her whole family and Alyssa doesn't even have the decency to deny it!

Isla had ignored every single call and message I left for her. Her voice mailbox was full and all my text messages were left on read. I checked everywhere I could think of, her moms house, the bakery and even Jen’s house. Her car wasn’t parked anywhere and she hadn’t shown up to work since I was served with the papers.

We were well into December and my wife was gone, she was leaving me and I didn't even know where the fuck she was so I could talk some sense into her. And Alyssa, well I had no fucking idea what I was going to do there. She was right about one thing, the firm couldn't know about this.

A divorce wouldn't look good, all of the partners loved Isla and she got along well with the wives and other employees. Alyssa was already garnering a reputation for being ruthless and pushy. I absolutely couldn't lose Isla. A divorce would ruin me, not to mention I loved my wife! I never intended to leave her for Alyssa. Now though, I had to placate Alyssa somehow. I had no idea what sort of blackmail she's been preparing.

I should have paid closer attention, taken her competitive nature against Isla more seriously. I stuck my dick in crazy and now I was facing the consequences. I refused to believe that I couldn't fix this though. I hadn't gotten this far in life to let someone like Alyssa take me down. As for Isla, she would see reason, she will understand it's only ever been her. Alyssa was a mistake, a momentary distraction but it meant nothing.

Speaking of the devil, Alyssa's name flashed over my phone screen. I declined the call as I had every other call or text she sent over the last week. I sighed as I saw it go to voicemailand collapsed into my desk chair, my head hanging. My phone buzzed again with a text from Alyssa. Aggravated, I opened it and quickly dropped my phone in shock.

"Remember what I said, my love. Have some more lovely shots like these ready to send to the partners and board members. Talk Soon! Kisses"

Above that note was a picture of Alyssa looking haggard, there were bruises all around her neck and face. The photo was date and time stamped, as if prepared for an evidence folder. I knew we had gotten carried away over that weekend, the drugs blurring my full memory of what happened but it was all consensual!

"Who will they believe? Position of power .... been training me closely." Cold dread slid down my spine as I remembered the rest of Alyssa's words from earlier.

I was well and truly fucked. How could I get my wife back and keep my mistress happy too? How did I stop this fucking nightmare? I hoped I would wake up soon and things would be back to how they were, instead every morning another part of my carefully curated life was swirling down the drain. I had to get a grip, I had to stop this landslide.

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