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Awkward Marriage 10
Jake spent the rest of the week fuming despite his best efforts to put Sue Lewis far from his mind. He wasn’t married to her yet, and he was already dreading having her around his house. He hadn’t even been aware of her a month ago, and suddenly, she was a big part of his world. Six months. All I have to do is survive the next six months and I’ll be free again. Justin did his best to console him. “I don’t think she’s that bad of a woman. My wife speaks highly of her. She may not be rich but she has found a way into the hearts of many prominent women in town. They can’t wait to invite her to their luncheons.” He grimaced. “Before I know it, she’ll insist on dinner parties at my house. The next six months of my life are going to be a living nightmare.” “I don’t know. She’s got a lot of passion. It could help warm up those cold winter nights. You might enjoy yourself so much you won’t want to end the marriage.” “No way, Justin. I’m not going to lay a hand on her exce
Awkward Marriage 11
The moment of the wedding finally arrived and Jake stood by the preacher in front of the altar. He knew that this day was the bride’s day and everyone would be interested in her which was why he spent so much time preparing Sue for this day. The wedding colors were light blue and white. He picked light blue since it went with his tie. He had ordered blue ribbons and bows throughout the church, and the bridal bouquet featured white roses with a blue ribbon tying the flowers together. He supposed that women would prefer pink but he couldn’t stomach that color at his wedding, so he didn’t bother to ask her opinion. He didn’t want her opinion on any of the wedding plans for that specific reason. He was associated with this wedding, even though he wasn’t the main attraction. People would want to remember this day and he didn’t want pink to be associated with that memory. He considered the irony that she didn’t complain about the colors. She was bothered by the lace on her dress.
Awkward Marriage 12
“I think I’ve just been insulted,” Jennifer pouted, looking at Jake. “Are you going to let her talk to me like that?” “Yes, dear husband. Are you going to dictate how I talk to other people?” Sue pointedly wondered, staring at him in interest. “I agree with my wife. You were way out of line,” Jake quickly responded. Jennifer gasped. “I can’t believe you said that. I will tell Mr. Leroy that he has a rude employee.” He shrugged. “I don’t care what you do as long as you apologize to my wife.” “I’d rather eat snake.” “Wouldn’t that be cannibalism?” Sue reflected. She ran off, ready to cry on her father’s shoulder. Sue sighed. “I probably just lost you a customer.” He chuckled. “Are you kidding? That was worth it. Jennifer’s father isn’t that prominent in this society, and even if he was, I wouldn’t let his daughter get away with her comments.” “Really?” He noted that she seemed touched by his confession. He grinned
Awkward Marriage 13
Afret Sue cleaned up from the wedding mishap, she arrived at her new residence and marveled that Jake had such immaculate but beautiful taste. No wonder he got away from me and my family as soon as that mouse ran across the table. He doesn’t like to get dirty. He had wanted to stick around and go home with her so he could give her a personal tour of the place, but he was called to business at the last minute to discuss plans to buy the building that would house the future bank. So Henry took her and her things from the apartment to the house. She only had two worn suitcases that summed up her entire life. Her apartment had been furnished. It felt strange to know she was making such a drastic change in her economic status. She climbed out of the buggy, acutely aware that her old clothes were sorely out of place there. Henry carried her suitcases to the front door for her. “Am I supposed to pay you?” She searched for any money she might find in her purse
Awkward Marriage 14
He walked over to his desk and sat in the chair behind it. “I know husbands who are controlled by their wives. It’s not pretty.” He took out some paper he had neatly folded into his breast pocket and set them on the desk. “It’s official. I own a building which will become Mitchell Bank in a matter of weeks.” “That’s wonderful!” He smiled. “I already asked Justin Monroe to be the vice president. He and I will turn in our resignation letters to Conrad Leroy right after New Year’s Day.” “You would be surprised how many people in this town are afraid of what will happen when Conrad retires. George doesn’t have a very good reputation with the women I’ve talked to. He keeps a mistress in another town, and women don’t like the thought of their own husbands being unfaithful.” “Is that why you said you could hurt his reputation in this town?” “Women are as upset about infidelity as they are about children being forced out of their homes because of foreclosure.” “
Awkward Marriage 15
OuT of curiosity, Jake decided to attend the Christmas play at the auditorium later that day. He was surprised by how many people went to the event. Mrs. Walker was at the table collecting donations. “You don’t have to give if you don’t want to,” she told each person who walked through the door. “Where do your donations go?” one man asked. “To fixing the library, costumes and other supplies for future plays and additional books,” she warmly replied. “My goal is to provide a fun place for adults and children to enjoy the thrill of reading.” “I can handle that.” “Oh, you can just slip the money into this box. I don’t want to know who gives what. I’m just pleased people offer so much. This donation takes care of the entire year most of the time.” “Well, I can’t wait to see Trevor’s play this year,” another man commented. “My son is one of the lead characters.” “Really? My little Annabelle is one of the Temptations. I believe she’s named Lazy Time.” J
Awkward Marriage 16
The next afternoon after Jake came home from work, there were five dozen flowers sent from different bachelors congratulating Sue on her part in the play. What are single men doing going to these events? It was clearly a family-oriented production. “Has Sue seen these?” he asked Lydia. “No, sir. She’s been at work all day,” she replied, her eyes wide. “Who knew she would become so popular after marrying you?” “Indeed. Who knew?” He scowled at the flowers. “Throw them out. This is my house and she is still my wife. Those men have no right to try to court her. They should at least have the decency to wait until May 21.” “Right away, sir.” “Wait!” He took the cards. “I want to know who I need to watch out for. And I don’t want Sue to know about this,” he growled before he headed for the den. He sourly sat at his desk and sorted through the cards. Dear Sue, I saw the performance last night. You did a wonderful job as director, and Trevor’s writing cont
Awkward Marriage 17
He took an early lunch from the bank so he could get to the library a little before noon. He carried the dress in a brown paper bag so no one would know he was carrying it around. He had to ask the woman at the front desk where Sue was, and the woman directed him to the children’s room. He quietly entered the room and stood behind a bookshelf so he could watch Sue without her noticing him. She still wore her hair down, except today she had it pulled back with two barrettes. She wore a navy blue dress that showed off her hourglass figure. It was a good thing he was here to stop Mr. Martin before he got started. A group of about thirty children and their mothers sat in a semi-circle to listen to her. He didn’t recognize eight of the women. Mrs. Monroe, Mrs. Hawke, Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Edwards, and Mrs. Gregory were the women he recognized because of their husbands who did business with him. He shook his head in amazement when he noticed Mrs. Parker sitting with three children. M
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