When Paint Smudges

The Revelation

The next few days had become a mirage for me. I'd suddenly see pieces of my husband's presence here and there, walking by, brushing past my skin, a voice ringing in my ears and then the sound of a car engine fading off into the day.

There was always a new client, a new venture, a business trip, a business call. The residue of wet lips staining my cheek was the only thing that reminded me he was ever near. A peck on the cheek was scheduled into his busy day and I felt the anxiety reemerging.

My stomach grew queasy as I sat frozen, elbows engrained into the wood upon my desk, my fingers clenching at my scalp while my palms rested against my puffy brown eyes. Reminiscing and replaying the stench in these last few weeks. The loneliness surrounding my soul, the anger prancing around my heart. 

How could I be so selfish? He is just trying to accomplish his dreams and contribute to our legacy and here I am filled with envy-jealous of his colleagues for the time they've had to spend with my husband.

HE'S MINE!

With my emotions swarming out of control I ran to the nearest rest room and locked the door behind me. Clenching the sides of the sink, I sunk my head towards the ground and watched the tears fall into the sink, one trailing after the other,  gliding into the water consuming abyss.

Wtf is wrong with you Salem?! You have never been so weak-so fragile! I listened to the pride within me pester.

Pull yourself together dude this is not you! You cannot be this woman! I allowed the tears to fall some more as I  cowardly lifted my head to face my reflection.

"But I AM THIS WOMAN NOW", I admitted shakily.

I felt a piercing sensation stab at my chest as the revelation spewed within me.

"I am this woman now" I reprimanded almost ashamed, glaring viciously into my own eyes. 

That night on my way home, I decided to drop by Owens office. I missed him past my control. I knew he'd be working late so I set myself up to stay and help him finish up some paperwork so we could spend some time together. I knew once he got home he would be ready to jump in bed so I chose to ensure we'd at least spend an hour together while he was still awake and lucid.

I walked wearily up to the front desk when a familiar masculine voice shouted my name excitedly.

"Salem? Salem baby girl is that you?" I squinted my eyes to see it was Oscar, the security guard and one of Owens favorite uncles. I smiled uncontrollably and embraced his warm teddy bear hugs.

I met Oscar when Owen and I first started dating. Owen actually introduced me to him before his Dad. He was a retired cop and veteran so he had a strong husky build standing at 6'4 with long legs and arms. He was a dark caramel skin tone and had bright brown eyes with long curly eyelashes. He was in his 60's, but he was very handsome for his age. Just like Owen, I'd always say.

We developed a strong father and daughter bond throughout my relationship with Owen. Whenever I ran into any trouble or misfortune with Owen, he would hire himself as our counselor. He'd always knew we'd belonged together and he wasn't going to let nonsense mess that up.

"How have you been baby girl? why you don't call ya ol man?" I smiled wider and proceeded with a light reply.

"Aww I'm sorry pops, you know I've been really busy with work and keeping yo nephew in line" I laughed.

His animated laughter tickled my soul and I couldn't help but feel tears wail up in my eyes.

If only he knew how I really felt right now, I know he would be the perfect person to talk to.

I Brushed away the thought and focused in on what he was saying. We talked and laughed for about ten minutes before he pointed me towards Owens office.

"iight gone get up in deh and help ya hubby, I'm pretty sho he needs it. Ya mans been stressin his whole staff out all week. I smiled

"Well you know, Owen. Gotta meet his deadlines. "

 I heard his laughter fade beyond the walls as I made my way towards Owens door. I tapped lightly and he gestured for me to come in.

When I opened the door I saw him buried in paperwork with an intense look on his face. He didn't even bother looking up.

"Whats the word?" he asked seeming a little agitated.

"Well.." I said playfully. "I was intending on bringing a handsome young man some dinner and assisting the CEO with some paperwork, but"  I paused tilting on my toes towards the door while my gaze stayed glued to his face,

"I guess I'll just leave that young man be" I finished smirking rushing towards the door.

I laughed as I felt my feet lift from the ground and my body now cradled in his strong dark arms. His smile struck the corners of my mouse and I couldn't help but blush. He hadn't held me like this since our wedding night.

"Now where does this fine young nurse think she's going?" He asked chuckling.

"I'm sorry baby, I didn't know it was you, work has been CR-Azzy" he added placing me back down.

"Aw, I know baby that's why I'm here, where do you want me to start? " I asked with all the strength I could muster. Truth is I was exhausted, but I desired my baby, so I was going to do whatever it took. 

He motioned me over towards his desk and examined this list.

"okayy...hmmm..." I watched his fingers slide down the page.

"Ahaaa Marketing! The Marketing Team really needs help before we end tonight, so I'm gonna send you over to Dimitri, the head of marketing. She should be able to guide you. I gritted my teeth.

"Dimitri? but baby don't you need some help?

"Naw baby I got this, but I really need your help with marketing, now can you do that for me? " He finished lifting up my chin.

"Fine" I pouted. He pecked my lips and dialed her office. She's down the hall and to your left babe" I heard him say before rolling my eyes and walking out the door.

ugh fuck! What the fuck do I have to do?!

I knocked at her door and walked inside.

"Hiii, I said walking in with my head in my purse, "My husband sent me over to assist you." I finished while scrambling through my purse.

Where tf is my Carmax?

There was silence.

Okay, so bitches rude ! my ego detested before I faced the woman. My whole body froze. My mouth hung open and I swear my mouth grew dry.

"You-you're Dimitri?" I asked feeling nauseous.

She was smiling at me the whole time. I was wondering why she was so quiet. I watched as her gaze never lifted and Her smile became a smirk

"Hello again, Mrs. O'ceans. It is most pleasurable to see you again." 

Okay, fam, what do you think about this chapter? 

Who do you think Dimitri is?

What do think will happen now that Salem has to work with Dimitri?

Comments/ Feed back is appreciated!