C6 Backing

I barely find the courage to look into his eyes, as his fingers gently caress my bare back, the coolness of them make me shiver.

"So, is this how Mrs. Linda gets what she wants these days ?By undressing and seducing men ?"

"Oh, God ! I’m so bad at this."

"What exactly is this ?"

"I’m mortified."

I stand quietly for a few awkward moments, swimming in my shame , when he slowly begins to take off his shirt.

Oh shit ! Is this really happening ?

But then he takes his shirt and gently drapes it over me.

"I know you have a lot going on in your life right now, but this isn’t the Linda I’ve come to respect and admire. When finally you and I get together, it’ll be because you want me, not because you feel like you owe me."

"…I"

His tone and actions are gentle, but laced with something else, something I’ve never heard from a man before. Almost a longing. James never looked at me like he is. No man has. And I feel a level of respect I haven’t had in a long time.

Something inside me shifts and instead of feeling obligated to be with him , an actual desire begins to burn.

"I made up the guest room for you and left one of my shirts on the bed for you to sleep."

"Thanks !"

"What was that for ?"

"For being you. What you just said and did . You’re a rare gem, Mr. Smith."

"I highly doubt that."

Then he escorts me to the guest room and left after wishing me a good night.

The next day, I wake up in Riley’s guest room and stretch.

The horror of last night comes rushing back to me.

Oh God, how am I going to face him ? I wasn’t even drunk, just desperate. I think I finally reached rock bottom last night. I need to psyche before I go out there.

"Okay, Linda that was awkward but you got it out of your system. Make a joke when you see him and get it over with, then move on like it never happened."

I notice the box of my possessions Rosy rescued is sitting on a chair near the door. I walk over to examine it.

There’s a note on top with my name written on the front. I open it up.

“I had your things sent over, I hope you don’t mind.”

Wow! That’s so thoughtful. I wonder if he did that before or after I made a fool out of myself.

I’m moving downstairs extremely slowly, and it seems like I’ve been on this path for about ten minutes, steeling myself for an awkward encounter.

Riley gives me a bright smile as I enter the kitchen, but the kind of smile he would’ve given me on every other occasion .

Ok Linda, pretending nothing happened, it’s.

"Linda, did you sleep well ?"

"Actually surprisingly good, considering I usually don’t sleep good unless I’m in my own bed."

"Good, because there’s something I’d like to talk you about."

"Oh, I’m very sorry about last night . I don’t know what came over me."

"That’s water under the bridge. That’s not what I wanted to talk about."

"Oh, what did you want to talk about then ?"

He takes out a folder behind the table.

"I discovered the divorce papers you revised while I was organizing yesterday. You did an excellent job. I had them reviewed by my lawyer last night, and we’ve done our best to salvage your losses. And I managed to get James sign them."

"What ?"

"Luckily, he’s already put his signature on them. They are now in effect, Linda . You’re free now, congratulations."

"What — That’s impossible, James would never easily sign those papers !"

"Unless… you use a little trick. You’ve probably forgotten my identity, Mrs. Linda."

"Oh my, I’m truly….very thankful. I really don’t know what to say."

"Well, in that case. You’ll need to do me a small favor."

"Which is ?"

I feel a little bit nervous, yet also somewhat excited.

"I’m attending a high profile dinner tonight, and I’d like you to accompany me."

"What kind of a high-profile dinner ?"

"The kind where lots of important people will be attending. It’s a great chance to launch your comeback."

Or suffer the humiliation of everyone there knowing what happened to me and laughing.

"I don’t think that’s such a good idea. "

"Disappearing for weeks or months isn’t a good idea either. Show the world James didn’t destroy you."

"You made a good point, but…. I’m still not sure ."

"Think of it as a ripping off the band aid. Show up, get the first post Memorata Enterprise disaster out of the way."

"Umm… you are starting to convince me. Okay !"

"Look, if you lick your wounds in hiding, they’ll see you as injured and potentially weak. Don’t let them."

"Closing strong. I can see why you’ve been successful in business."

"I only said what we both know is true. My secretary, Worker will take you shopping, for something formal to wear."

"You have an assistant named Worker ? Do you also have a hairdresser named Cutter?"

"He’ll come to pick you up at ten o’clock sharp."

"Got it. I’ll be ready. And no jokes about Worker."

Three hours later, Worker and I arrive at the mall just before ten thirty and head inside, making a beeline for my favorite couture shop.

"So, how long have you worked for Riley ?"

"Many years."

"What kind of boss is he ?"

He gives me a side-eye and smirks.

"Oh, I’m not going to answer that."

When both of us step into a luxury clothing boutique, I notice one of the individuals I least want to encounter at the moment.

"Well, well, well . Looks like I should’ve gotten that restraining order after all."

I close my eyes and let out a long breath before turning to face her.

"Ivy, what’s an absolute delight to see you. And I see you brought your puppy, Shantel with you."

Ivy’s friend Shantel has always been jealous of my long friendship with Ivy.

"So, did you enjoy your time in jail ?"

Worker’s gaze shoots to me, and I can’t tell from his expression that Riley didn’t fill him in on that tidbit.

"Come on, Worker. We have some shopping to do."

"I am talking to you."

I turn my back and head toward the store as it Ivy isn’t yelling my name in the mall. Just as Worker and I reach the counter, someone grabs me by the arm and spins me around.

"Here. This is a prepaid debit card. It has 500$ on it. It’s the least I can do for you since we used to be friends."

I slap her hand away.

"No thanks. I don’t need it. But you probably do. Putting James junior through college won’t be cheap."

"The whole world knows about your affair. It was on every network. No one is going to hire a cheater like you. You’ve nothing and you’re practically starving. Stop pretending that you’re better than the rest of us."

Shantel says.

"Being a divorce and unfortunate woman, I believe all you can do is latch onto different men. I don’t know if you’ve been watching the news, but I have to remind you, this woman is a snake."

Ivy casts a glance at Worker and tosses the card at my face and it bounces off my cheek. I reach out and catch it as it falls.

"Considering your parents once supported me, consider this repayment."

"Who could ever have foreseen the once mighty heiress would be this ?"

"Oh, I can stop by and see how Susan is doing. I will keep my best to make her not look that pathetic."

"Yes, she’s. Goodbye, Ivy."

I turn and about to leave the shop in humiliation.

"Come on, Linda. We still have several stops to make before the dinner tonight. It takes at least two hours to get to Living Tower."

Worker says.

"Wait, Living Tower ? You won’t be going to Luxurious dinner party ? Oh, this is going to be good… I didn’t know you had fallen so low as to become a waitress at the party. What a shame !"

Ivy says laughing at me.

"Oh, Miss. I think this woman needs your help."

Shantel calls over the saleswoman.

"Yes, ma’am ?"

"Bring her the frumpiest dress you have . It’s her style."

Shantel says.

"The cheapest, most plain dress you can find in your warehouse will do."

Then, they leave still mocking me.

The saleswoman maintains her polite smile and brings several clothing options.

I find several gowns that would be perfect for the evening, the size also seems to fit my frame perfectly.

"Ma’am , may I inquire about your choice of clothing ?"

"You know what, I’ll go with this elegant red swan gown."

I have a feeling that tonight is going to be fun,

In the evening, I arrive at the same hotel where James and I married over a year ago.

"You might have mentioned this is where the dinner was tonight."

"I may have , but you might have refused to join me."

Riley answers me.

With a deep breath, I hook onto Riley’s arm and proceed into the event.

People whisper as I enter, a few commenting on how noble I look, noting the new woman with the eligible Mr. Smith.

"Most of them were my wedding guests last year."

"You run in influential circles. Of course there will be overlap."

Riley excuses himself to go to the bar and get us two a coupe of drinks, leaving me alone.

With their attention off of Riley, they finally recognize me as the disgraced former CEO of Memorata Enterprises.

"I heard she had an affair with someone. Got caught in a hotel room on her anniversary."

Someone behind me is whispering to her neighbor.

"I should ask for my wedding gift back. It was given in a fraudulent conditions."

"She certainly traded up."

"The whole thing is distasteful."

While I pretend not to hear the cutting remarks around me, Ivy and James enter and head straight for me .

"I think you’re in the wrong hotel."

Ivy says.

"Is that so what hotel should I be at ?"

"One where you pay by the hour."

"Oh, you mean your house? I’ll pass. We both know what happened last time I was there."

James suddenly approaches me and whispers softly in my ear with a voice that only the two of us can hear.

"Listen, I don’t know by which means you tempted Riley Smith to threaten me with cancelling all our Memorata collaborations if I don’t sign the divorce agreement . But you won’t enjoy your victory for so long because you’ll never regain control of Memorata. Not in your wildest dreams."

While I’m still shocked by Riley’s actions. James has changed his expression once again.

"I heard about how you disrespected Ivy in the mall today. I expect you to apologize."

"You expect ? Well, you’re going to be seriously disappointed."

"You’ll apologize here and now."

"How did I never notice how perfect you two were before now ? An asshole and a home wrecker. A match made in hell."

James’s face turns a dark crimson, and he steps toward me , shoving me hard. I stumble back, losing my footing.

An arm reaches around my waist to steady me preventing what would’ve been a spectacular fall.

"Why are you harassing my guest ?"

"Wait ! She is here as your guest ?"

"But, but, you are Riley Smith !"

"I think you have been fooled. My ex-wife isn’t who you think she’s. She had a lot of people fooled for a long time."

"She had an affair, and —"

Riley cuts her off.

"Whether or not, she’s fooling me is really my business and no one else’s. But I see absolutely no respect for my guest from you all."

"But you should know she is a conniving, spiteful woman who’ll take advantage of you."

"Let me worry about that. I think you have more important things to concern yourself with. You must apologize or leave this venue ! As you knew when you were invited, this is the Luxurious Dinner Party ."

While Riley does his best to diffuse the situation, I know I need a break.

"I think I need some air. If you’ll excuse me."

I make a beeline for the doors, anxious for some fresh air.

After a few minutes outside, I head back in and find the bathroom to freshen up.

I can’t believe what people I thought were my friends would say about me out there.

I splash water on my face and then freshen up my makeup. I startle when Riley appears in the mirror’s reflection.

"This is the women’s room, you know."

"I know."

He studies me for several long moments that nearly make me squirm.

"You said you want Memorata back and want revenge against James and Ivy."

"I do . I want both of those things."

"Then you can’t let what strangers say about you to get you like that."

"Some of them aren’t strangers."

"They’re in a sense. Obviously, they don’t know the real you if they believe the rumors at face value."

"You know what they say about rumors. There’s always some truth in them."

"Except this case. Everything was manufactured ."

"I’m beginning to wonder if I even know what’s real anymore."

"Don’t let them get to you. You’re better than them . You just need to believe in yourself again."

"I’m not like you, Riley . I was born into this life. I’ve never had to fight for it. You built your empire, I merely took over my family’s empire. I don’t know how to do this."

"I’m not some sort of self-made billionaire. I took over my family’s business as well."

"Oh, I didn’t realize that. I guess we were both born on third base."

"Just because what you see before you now looks polished, my life hasn’t been easy either. I even tried to take my own life once."

"You what ? "

"It was a long time ago. I’ve never told anyone that before, so I’d appreciate it if you don’t either."

"No. Of course not."

"Because the real first time we met wasn’t at your wedding."

"What ?"

I ask surprised.

"Well, we should be getting back. No doubt someone will notice I’m missing."

"Whenever you’re ready."

We walk back to the main ballroom together.

"While I won’t always stand by your side, you have to learn to rely on yourself."

"I know that. I guess I just needed to be reminded of it."

"There is the Linda I’ve always admired. I can’t wait to watch you punch back. I have absolute faith in you."

"I’m flattered that you have faith in me."

"Trust me. It’s well-earned."

Just before he leaves my side, he hands me a cellphone.

"What’s it for ?"

But he is gone before he answers, heading toward a group of people clustered near the center of the room.

I glance down at the phone, noting what’s on it and it becomes suddenly clear what he wants me to do.

Well, looks like Mr. Smith has given me the best gift.

Back in the ballroom, I feel more confident than I have since an hour ago here.

I’m not the same woman who ran to the bathroom to cry as they are about to find out.

"She’d an affair on their anniversary. Can you believe it ?"

"And she has the gall to act like the injured party."

"She’s such a skank. I mean James is a real catch. Who would do that to him ?"

"Plus, they’ve been friends since childhood."

The guests make derisive statements and sounds, totally buying Ivy’s lies.

Without thinking through the wisdom of my actions, I dump my glass of red wine on her head. It runs down her hair, dripping onto her white gown.

"What the hell ? "

"What can I say ? The spirit moved me."

"You bitch! You ruined my gown on purpose."

"Red wines goes well with your dress . You had a multi-years affair with my husband and then tried to smear me with a fake one."

"You are crazy and delusional ! You’re just making stuff up to save your reputation."

"Oh really ? Will you swear in front of everyone here, as my supposed best friend, that you’ve never slept with my ex- husband ?"

"You’re so desperate, you’d drap innocent people in your drama to save your image."

A guest says.

"I have more than an accusations."

"I have evidence that my ex-husband and his baby mama plotted to take Memorata Enterprise from me through illegal means."

"If you had that evidence, you’d have already turned it over to the police."

"Who says I haven’t ?"

"Once again, you are bluffing."

"I guess we’ll have to see then, won’t we ?"

I can tell I rattled them both, but the others guests are skeptical. A few flat-out call me liar, but I’m beyond caring.

I walk over to a smiling Riley and hand him back his phone.

"How are you feeling ?"

"I feel like I fired the first shot of my counter- offensive."

"That was quite the first shot !"

Riley reaches down to take my hand in a show of solidarity as we leave the ballroom.

The unexpected tingles of pleasure that simple touch sends up my arm is the icing on a very lovely cake of an evening.

On the ride back from the banquet, Riley remains quiet , though not uncomfortably so.

I watch inconspicuously as he takes a drink of water, his Adam’s apple moving enticingly.

"So, your grin practically split your face in half, but still , tell me how you thought tonight went."

"I think the smile speaks for itself."

"That’s it ? That’s all I get ? Well, I want to thank you for tonight. It really was magical."

"All I did was give you an opportunity. How you use that is up to you."

"Sometimes, just the opportunity is enough."

"Earlier, you asked me to help you to take back Memorata…"

"Yes, and to get revenge."

"I can help you with both."

My thoughts immediately shoot to last night and how he rejected me when I offered myself to him.

My earlier bravado is gone, and I know I’m back to feel confused and insecure.

"I want you to marry me."

"Sorry what ?"

"I want you to marry me for seven months. It’s a business proposition. After, we marry you’ll be Mrs. Smith . But I won’t interfere with anything you do. Within seven months, I’ll return you Memorata Enterprise to your hands. Free and clear."