Trial of Marriage 2

Part 13

When Trey woke he had a banging headache, but it wasn’t nothing he didn’t anticipate considering the binder he indulged. As much as he wanted to stay home he forced himself to get up and get ready for work. A day that was agonizing and he couldn’t wait to get out of the office. When he got home he found Angelique laying across the sofa in the family room watching the news while T.J. played. 

He walked in sitting his briefcase beside an arm chair and sat. “Hi.” 

“Hello,” she said, not taking her eyes from the screen. 

“You’re still upset with me?” 

“That’s a dumb question. What do you think?” 

“I know I messed up, big time, but I would like to make it up to you.” 

“I’m glad you realize that, I was starting to get worried you didn’t.” She gazed over at him. “I don’t want you to make up anything.” 

He got up going to sit at the end the sofa, sitting her feet on top of his legs. “I hate when we’re not talking.” 

“Then don’t do stupid stuff and you won’t have to worry about it.” 

“You’re right, Ang. Look, you didn’t let me explain and I want to tell you. After the game I ran into an old acquaintance and had too many drinks while catching up. I’ve just had a lot on my mind and alcohol isn’t the answer, but just for that little bit of time it was numbing. No it wasn’t right, but I did it and I can’t take it back. The only thing I can do now is promise you not to do it again.” 

“I’ll believe it when I see it.” 

“Fair enough.” 

“I haven’t done any work today and I’m tired because someone woke me up in the middle of the morning wanting to talk. I need a nap and since you’re home you can watch your son.” She went to put her legs down only to be stopped by him grabbing a hold of her legs.  

“You know we haven’t talked about our vow renewal, we’re still doing it right?” 

“Has anyone ever told you that your timing sucks? Does it even matter if we do or not at this point?” 

“Yes it matters and mad or not you know I love you.” 

“Well I’m not thinking about that right now, talk to me when I’m in a better mood,” she said, pulling her legs free to stand. “If I’m not up in two hours, you can wake me to give T.J. his bath,” she voiced, then left Trey alone to tend after their son.  

He pulled his cell from his pocket and began tapping numbers onto the phone keypad. He’d been avoiding making this call, but the sooner he got it over with maybe he could get thing settled and back on track. The phone ran a few times before going into voice mail. 

“It’s Trey, we need to settle a few things, meet me at Sandy’s coffee shop, corner of Aiken and Fifth at noon,” he said, then pushed the end button. 

T.J. tugged at his pants leg, he had a truck in his hand. “Hey little man, you want daddy to play with you? Go get the rest of your trucks.” He scampered off picking up an armful of trucks. Trey kicked off his shoes and got down on the floor. Quality time with his son is exactly what the doctor called for to clear his mind. 

*** 

The next day came pretty quick and twelve on the dot Trey sat in a booth at the coffee shop waiting on his guest to arrive. Ten minutes later he saw Chad entering, and walked over, sliding in the seat across from him.  

“I was wondering when I was going to hear from you. For a man with a lot to lose you sure took your sweet time. How did you find my number, your wife?” 

“Cut the bull, I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I’m warning you, don’t mess with my wife.” 

He sat back putting his arms across his chest. “I do fancy her a lot, unfortunately, I don’t think the feeling is mutual, anyway I prefer consensual affairs.” 

“You’re damn right the feeling isn’t mutual and you’ll do best to remember that before trying to make a move on my wife, Chum.” 

He smirked. “Let’s get on to more important details. You see I’m in financial need and you’re going to help me.” 

Trey laughed. “I’m not going to do shit.” 

“Oh you will or you can say goodbye to your wife right now.” 

The muscles in Trey’s jaw became tense. “You know I can go right now and tell her everything.” 

“You could, but you won’t and you want to know how I know that, hmm?? 

“You seem to like hearing yourself talk so why don’t you go ahead and tell me.” 

Chad hesitated making him wait before he answered. “Because you’re with her, that’s why, she doesn’t know about your past.” He took a card out of his jacket, pushing it in front of Trey. “I need eighty thousand dollars and you’re going to give it to me.” 

“You must be insane. I’m not your bank.” 

“I know you can get the money and I’m even going to be generous and stretch the payment out over three months. However, let me be clear that the first payment of $5,000 is due in two weeks and the same amount every week until it’s paid in full. The card I gave you has the account number for the transfer.” 

“And if I refuse then what?” 

“I would rather not go down that path if I were you, but if you must know, I suppose I’ll have to have a nice intimate conversation with that fine wife of yours.” 

“Don’t think you’re going to keep sitting her talking about her like that in front of me. I’m only going to take so much of it.” 

“I bet you’re wishing we never crossed paths. Oh how much the tables have turned.” 

Trey was livid, not only was Chad blackmailing him but he had to worry about him making advanced to Angelique. It had been years since the two had crossed paths, so why now did he show up, even importantly get into close proximity of Angelique. If it meant giving him the money to make amends, he would. The question though was could Chad be trusted? Until he could figure out a plan he had to do what he wanted because he was backed into a corner.  

“You’ll get your damn money, just stay the hell away from my wife,” Trey said, his voice heavy and harsh. 

Chad showed a slanted sly grin. “That’s going to be a little hard to do since we do work together. You’ve always been the lady’s man haven’t you old chum?” 

“Too bad you weren’t,” Trey spat out. 

He laughed. “Too-shay. How does it feel not to be in control of your destiny?”  

Trey had enough. Chad got what he wanted, it was time to end this meeting. “I think we’re done here.” 

He tapped the card. “Two weeks—nice doing business with you,” said Chad, scooting out the booth, then left without saying another word. 

As he walked away Trey looked on loathing the man in his view. Whatever he was involved in it wasn’t good. He wondered how he was even able to find employment with Bryn, better yet, knowing how Chad operated there had to be a con thrown in there someplace. Whatever it was he was going to figure it out, in the meantime, he had to look after the interest of his wife and Bryn. At one point in time he considered Chad a friend, but that friend quickly turned on him. .  

This isn’t over, not by a long shot, he thought.