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I was let through after the inspection and I entered the familiar sterile building of the bank. No space was wasted. Though everyone looked busy, the place was not overcrowded. I made my way to the person I met with when I wanted to get a loan. He was speaking to a man, he noticed me and gestured that I sit on the chair by the window.
A few minutes later, he was finished with the man and I joined him. “Pleasant day to you, Miss Carter.”
“Samantha is fine.” I replied curtly.
“Ok. How may I help you today?” He asked, typing away at his keyboard. Back when I was here he had delivered the news to me almost like he was afraid to crush me. However, I was here now to clear the debt.
“After all the letters the bank has sent to me you ought to know why I’m here. Anyway, I’ve come to settle the loan. What steps do I need to take?” I asked with a smile on my lips.
His lips twitched and there was disbelief in his eyes, “Are you sure?”
“Yes and everything. Now, let’s get to it.” It was great having money. People respected you and things went easier. With the weight of the loan lifted off my shoulder, I prepared to leave the bank. Though it was a bitter pill to swallow, it was a great decision selling that land and getting all the money and benefit I could. Though I got more than the land was worth, Jack did not complain or hold ill will.
I stepped out of the bank, the air outside felt hotter since I just stepped out of the AC in the bank. A voice like chalk on a board screamed. “Bitch! YOU WHORE!”
At first I didn’t know who was speaking and I looked around, like many others trying to find the owner of the voice. Salt Lake City was a very peaceful area and rarely were there public displays like this. A woman with plain features but with beautiful golden hair appeared in my sight. She walked gracefully, making her plain features appear regal that was until she spoke, her face turned into a mask of rage. “You finally have the face to come out in public.” She spoke, her words clearly meant for me.
I looked around baffled, maybe she was speaking to someone else. “Who are you? I don’t know you, so why would you insult me?” I retorted. People were watching us waiting for more. I hated situations like this.
“Don’t feign ignorance. When you seduced my husband and crawled into his bed, spoke lies into his head which made him divorce me, you clearly knew what you were doing.” She yelled coming too close for my liking. Her eyes were a muddy brown that had a crazed look in them.
“Ma’am,” I said coolly, “I don’t know you or whatever husband you are talking about. You’ve clearly got the wrong person. Excuse me.” I made to leave.
She grabbed my purse and dragged me back. That made my anger flare up. I saw her hand rising, poised to strike me. I slapped her offending hand away and glared at her. She reeled back, stung by the slap I gave her. “Have some self-respect. I’ve had enough of this. Next time, I won’t be so generous.”
She laughed, widely. “Look at her, she tries to act like a respectful woman.
But she’s not, she seduced my husband, Jack and made him leave me, the mother of his children. You took my husband from me!” That revelation struck me. I had not expected that. Everyone was now looking at her with recognition, others looked at me with suspicion and disgust. I was repulsed. I saw I was not getting any support here and pushed my way through the throng of bodies. Her shrill voice was calling after me. In a daze, I drove away from the bank. All of my joy and excitement ruined.
* * *
Mirabel was saying something and I was not really listening. My mind was elsewhere. “Earth to Sam. What’s wrong? You’ve been looking sad ever since you arrived?” She asked, concerned.
We were sitting on her couch drinking a glass of wine. I set my cup down and recounted all that transpired at the bank. “It was so humiliating. I fear I’ve lost any good reputation I have in this City. I didn’t even know her, who she was and all the accusations she made were not true but everyone seemed to believe her. I am mad at myself and more angry at Jack for not telling me anything.”
“I’m so sorry that happened. That’s horrible. Maybe you could file a complaint at the police station.”
“What use will that be? No. I think I’ve got to move out from Jack’s place and end whatever is going on between us before I unknowingly feed this rumor that’s bound to grow in the City.”
“Do you like him?” The question caught me off guard. “Do you like Jack?” she asked again.
I sighed, I had tried to avoid any conversation about him for months. “I think so but I’m not sure. Sure, he’s a handsome man but he’s way older than me and with this display by his ex-wife I don’t feel safe. What would people say? I don’t know what to think, Bell.” I said, despondently.
She wrapped her arms around me in a hug, “I will say forget what they think and trust your heart. Chase what you believe in, everyone else can eat dust. You are not a child and by all accounts I’ve heard from you Jack likes you and you surely do. The issue with his ex is trivial. Don’t let the talk get to you, my dear friend.” She said, comforting me.
I smiled through my tears, “Really?”
“Would I lie to you? Whatever your decision, I will support you.” She assured me. I smiled, a decision slowly forming in my mind.
CHAPTER10
Jack
My conversationwith Samantha back at home was still replaying in my mind. A smile slowly formed on my lips recalling how we fell into a familiar routine like an old couple. We had not yet defined our relationship but I liked to think things were going great between us.
I brought my attention back to the conference room watching as the General Manager was presenting a new idea, the projector casting his slides on the wall. I didn’t pay it much mind, he presents ideas once in a while but with no success. My mind wandered back to the call I received late in the night from Anna. That was what made me wake up early. It lodged a thorn in my heart as her voice came through the phone accusing me of abandoning her and the kids. True, I had been busy these past few weeks with important matters but I had it in mind to go see my kids soon. A sudden cold passed through my body as I remembered what she said in a rough whisper voice, “You will pay, and that bitch too.” I knew who she was talking about but that did nothing to ease my worry rather it created palpitations in my heart. All the years I’ve known her she was a soft-spoken and patient woman. Though there was no fiery love or passion between us, I had loved her and kept my vows to her. I didn’t expect she would suddenly become drunk on hate and jealousy.
“Sir,” a cool voice snapped me out of my trance.
