Page 7 of Just Desserts

"Okay, it's still technically a holiday weekend but I've got a few people who owe me some favors. I'll get all the paperwork together and pull some strings to make sure we get the process server asap. I'll make sure he's served no later than Wednesday.

“If he tries to drag it out, we can use the evidence of adultery to speed up the mediation process. Sounds like he cares a lot about his image, or how he could impact his practice's image, and we will use that to our advantage. The fact that the woman he is sleeping with works in a subordinate role to him is also another card we have in our back pocket."

I felt like I could breathe a little easier, knowing that the process of cutting my ties with that toxic, manipulative, lying asshole had started. This was a gift. He showed me his true colors and gave me all the ambition to leave him in the dust.

I closed the laptop and with a quick text to my mom and Jen to let them know the meeting went well, I gave in to the sorrow that I had been keeping at bay. I turned my phone off and dragged myself back up the stairs. I stripped out of my bra and jeans and climbed under the blankets. I closed my eyes and finally let the tears fall.

Alyssa

I walked into my apartment after a wild weekend with Jonathan. Every part of my body throbbed inside and out. I was sticky between my legs and on my chest and back. There was a dull ache in all my muscles and I could still smell Jonathan on me. Throwing my coat over the couch, I kicked off my heels as I made my way into the bathroom. I turned the shower knobs to scalding hot, but hovered outside the water, reluctant to wash the evidence of our debauchery off.

The bathroom quickly filled with steam, forcing me to swipe the mirror to catch a clear glimpse of myself. I was startled by the women looking back at me. My lips were swollen, my hair wild, dark rings of mascara settled under my eyes. I had bites, bruises and lash marks covering every inch of my body. My neck was bruised from Jonathan's fingers, my skin was sticky and chaffed, but I fucking loved it.

This was my evidence, my proof of Jonathan's love. He wouldn't dare touch Isla like this, they would never have this connection. Isla was too delicate, too fragile. She couldn’t give him what he really needed, not like I could. The ecstasy had turned out to be an even better idea, it unleashed something in Jonathan. He was ravenous and animalistic in our fucking, taking me over and over with a seemingly endless supply of energy. I meant to grab the chip from the nanny cam I planted so I could go back and watch our weekend together. Unfortunately in my haste to get out of the house this morning I forgot to grab it.

As the mirror slowly fogged back up, I hesitated. As much as I hated the idea, once again I was gripped with fear of Jonathan leaving me. The more time we spent together, the harder it was to go home alone to my empty apartment. I went into my bedroom and took out the digital camera from my closet. I made sure the date and time stamp options were onand before I could give it much thought, I went through and photographed my body and face.

When the marks faded, I wanted to remember where all of them were. If Jonathan's adoration ever faded, well these pictures might come in handy in a different way. Once that was finished, I finally climbed into the shower and sighed as the hot water washed over my sore muscles, sighing sadly as the physical evidence of our latest rendezvous swirled down the drain.

Chapter 7

Isla

Originally I had only rented the cabin until Sunday, but I was not ready to get back to the episode of Jerry Springer that was my life at the moment. Calling in some extra employees to cover for me, I extended my stay at the rental. Lydia said Jonathan would get served by Wednesday, so I decided to push off facing reality until then.

Regardless, that day came far too soon. I had spent the time alone attempting to steal my spine, getting ready to go back and face my new reality. In actuality, I spent most of the weekend drunkenly crying and yelling to myself, monologuing like an evil villain. I wasn't big on confrontation, but that didn't mean I didn't want everyone to get their dues.

Mom was in touch with me everyday and, per my request, was gathering Aunt Susie, Uncle Charlie and my cousin Wes this afternoon so we could talk when I got back into town. I needed to let them know, there was no way to protect them from the blow back. On the drive to the house I grew up in, it felt like my stomach was in my throat. The winding roads and familiar houses did nothing to ease my anxiety.

What should be a safe space was sullied by this too. It felt like my world now lived in two hemispheres: before and after. Part of me was dreading this conversation. The smaller, scarier part of me was excited. I was angry; no, livid. I was ready to rip Alyssa to shreds. I was trying to focus that anger on Jonathan, but only because it hurt more to think about Alyssa'sinvolvement.

Anger was easier than pain at the end of the day but the truth was I was glad I got to reveal her true nature to those closest to her. That joy was scarier than the anger. I pulled into the driveway and quickly got out of the car. Now that I was back into town, I felt this irrational need to just keep moving. I had a list a mile long to distract me from the upcoming implosions.

I walked into my mom’s house, hung my coat in the closet and took my shoes off. I listened to the familiar chatter of my family while the smells of my mother’s cooking surrounded me. I closed my eyes for a minute and let it all wash over me, knowing that this would change things, there would never be another moment like this.

All the wind went out of my sails, any bluster or false bravado from before was gone. I walked further into the house and watched as Mom and Aunt Susie stood bickering over the stove. Seated at the table, Wes was making faces at Uncle Charlie, but wisely keeping their mouths shut. A sudden silence descended over the house as they saw me standing there.

"What happened?" Multiple voices queried. When Charlie came over to me, I barely noticed. He drew me into a tight hug and whispered in my ear.

"We got you baby girl. Whatever it is, just know that we have your back." I wanted to lean into him so badly but forced myself to push away and stop myself from breaking down.

"No, that's not what I want. Please just sit down. Let me just get this over with." My Aunt Susie went and sat down next to my Uncle Charlie on the couch, and they clasped hands. Wes sat on the large chair adjacent to the couch, perched at the edge of the seat as if prepared to launch into battle. My mother came up behind me and gave my hand a squeeze, then stood by my side. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"I'm divorcing Jonathan." There was a gasp from my aunt and a cough from my uncle cutting her off.

"He's having an affair." I opened my eyes and looked at my Aunt and Uncle, absolutely no joy in this moment. "He's having an affair with Alyssa. I found them in my house."

Before anyone could get a word in I spurred on, pacing across the living room as I spoke.

"I'm here because I want you to know even though I have to distance myself from Alyssa I absolutely do not expect you to. She is your daughter and your sister. I do not want anyone to choose sides. Jonathan is my husband. He and I are responsible for our marriage, I think we can keep the blame there." I stopped and held my breath, looking up at my family with reluctant hope.

A beat later, absolute chaos broke out.

Jonathan

It was the Wednesday after Thanksgiving and I was still daydreaming about my weekend with Alyssa. I felt wrecked and drained but a thrill went through me at just how far things went. Alyssa was full of surprises and let me do whatever the fuck I wanted with her. My wife on the other hand, well I had barely heard from her.

I debated offering to drive down to stay with her and her Grandmother but I hated that old bitch and knew she hated me. Still, it felt strange to spend so much time away from Isla. Just as I was about to grab my phone to find out when she was coming back the doorbell rang. I headed to the front door, taking a quick peek out the window.

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