Uncover Persona - Chapter 4

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The phone buzzed as she sipped her coffee. "Have you told them?" she asked. "I need more time." "By the end of Derby week," SJK insisted.

She drummed her fingers on the table. It was too soon. Damn that SJK. She dialed a number. When the call was answered, she said, "Meet me in Louisville. We need to deal with our little problem."

The next day was the beginning of Derby week in Louisville, Kentucky. Emily knew that Kenton was probably already in Louisville attending all the parties leading up to the big race. She had gone with him to the Kentucky Derby the first three years they were married. Still, she hated the parties and couldn't understand why so much fuss was raised over watching twenty horses run around a circle. The actual race lasted all of two minutes, but the festivities leading up to it lasted two weeks. Kenton hadn't asked her to go in the last two years. When Damon had moved back to town, he started going to the race with Kenton. Emily was thrilled that she didn't have to go anymore.

Since she expected Kenton to be gone all week, she decided to have a little get-together of her own at the house. She invited her parents, Ashley and Kim, Barbara, Carol, Sonja, Fernando, and Mario. It was a Friday night, so everyone would have tomorrow off if the party ran late. She didn't expect her parents or Sonja and Fernando to stay late, but everyone else might be there until the early morning hours.

Dinner was going to start at six, and everyone would probably stay for drinks afterward. Even her parents enjoyed a mixed drink every once in a while. Emily was extremely excited. She'd never had a party of her own here, and her parents had never been at the house when Kenton wasn't there.

At five, Sonja went home to change clothes while the food was in the oven. Fernando, Mario, and she came up to the house at five-thirty. Both men were wearing pressed black slacks and short-sleeved, button-down shirts. Fernando's was a mix of colors, browns, reds, purples, and blues in triangular and striped designs. Mario's was a solid dark blue shirt that clung to his muscled form. Sonja was wearing a sundress with colors similar to Fernando's shirt.

Emily ran upstairs and changed into comfortable tan slacks and a pink, short-sleeved, button-down shirt with ruffles down the front. She slipped on low beige heels and put on the slightest bit of makeup. She let her hair down and sprayed a small amount of perfume on her neck and wrists. She found herself thinking that she hoped Mario would think she looked nice and then stopped herself. She wasn't dressing up just for him. She wanted to look nice in general.

She looked at herself in the mirror. She did look good. She was still as trim as she had been when she and Kenton got married. She only had a few strands of gray hair, but they weren't noticeable. And she did want Mario to find her attractive. She hated to admit it, but she was very attracted to him. He was so different from Kenton. He didn't go out of his way to flirt with women. He liked to work with his hands, and they could talk about flowers and plants for hours, something Kenton wouldn't waste his time with.

Taking a deep breath, she headed downstairs. Sonja was in the kitchen taking dinner out of the oven. She looked up at Emily. "You look nervous."

Emily smiled. "Maybe a little, my parents have never been here for a party, and I'm going to be meeting Ashley's partner for the first time."

"It will be fine," Sonja assured her.

The doorbell rang, and Emily went to answer it. She opened the door to her parents' smiling faces. She stepped into her mother's arms, hugging her tightly, and then hugged her dad. "I'm so glad you guys came."

"Well, you said Kenton wouldn't be here, and we really wanted to see you," her mother said.

"Come in," Emily motioned them into the family room. "You've met Fernando and Sonja before," she said, pointing at the two of them and then at Mario. "This is their nephew, Mario. He's the one I'm helping to start a landscaping business."

Emily's parents both shook hands with all three of the Rodriguez's. "Would you like a margarita?" Sonja asked.

"That would be fantastic," Emily's mother said. "I hear you make the best."

Sonja beamed at the compliment. "And you?" she asked Emily's dad.

"A beer if you've got one," he said.

"Of course," Sonja said. Fernando followed her into the kitchen to help fix the drinks.

"So, Mario," her dad said. "It sounds like you have an extensive background in construction and landscaping."

"Yes, sir," Mario said.

"I might be able to throw you some more work if you've got time to fit a few small yards into your schedule."

"I think I could fit a few more in," Mario said. "Once we finish the big landscaping jobs here and at Emily's friends' houses, I'll have plenty of extra time."

"Excellent," her father said. "I'll get Emily the details for you."

"Thank you."

The doorbell rang, and Emily went to answer it. Carol and Barbara were on the other side. She hugged both of them. "Thanks for coming," Emily said.

"I never pass up free food and alcohol," Barbara said with a laugh.

"I want to meet Ashley's partner," Carol said. "You know, just to make sure she's not playing on both sides of the fence."

Emily shook her head. "I don't think Ashley would do that, even if she didn't have a partner."

Barbara moved past the two of them toward the kitchen. "Sonja, Hon, have you got some of those fabulous margaritas made up?"

"Absolutely," Sonja said, motioning for Barbara to follow her into the kitchen.

Carol leaned closer to Emily. "Damon came home a couple of days ago in a mood. It was the worst that he's ever been. He practically raped me. He went to his weight room and worked out for hours. When I asked him about it, he said he was sick of being screwed over. He left this morning to go to Louisville for the Derby Festival. I don't know what I'm going to do if he comes home like that again."

"Leave if you to have, Carol. Don't let him hurt you like that," Emily said.

Carol shook her head sadly. "I'm not sure what to do. I'd hate to leave him, but I will if I have to. My parents really want me to move back to Atlanta to be closer to them."

Emily nodded. She was concerned for her cousin and wondered if his being friends with Kenton had something to do with what was going on with him. "Come by tomorrow, and we'll talk more."

Carol nodded and then went to the kitchen in search of alcohol.

The doorbell rang again. Emily opened the door, and Ashley was standing there with her partner. Emily was stunned because the short, stocky blonde was not the kind of woman she had expected to see with Ashley. "Hi," she said. "I'm so glad you guys came." She gave Ashley a hug.

Ashley said, "Emily, this is my partner Kim. Kim, this is my friend Emily from college that I've been telling you about."

Kim extended her hand, which Emily took. Kim gave her a firm handshake and looked up at her with warm and friendly green eyes. "It's so nice to meet you finally."

"And you," Emily said. "Come on in. Sonja has margaritas made up in the kitchen. Would you two like one?"

"Absolutely," Ashley said. "I'm dying to try one. You said that she makes the best."

"She does." Emily motioned them to follow her to the kitchen.

Sonja was taking the tortillas out of the oven where she had been keeping them warm.

"I've got everything outside on the buffet tables, so we are ready to eat."

"Excellent," Emily said and handed Ashley and Kim margaritas.

Mario and Fernando had brought Emily's parents, Carol and Barbara, outside, where they had pushed several of the small party tables together to make one large table next to the pool.

"Oh my gosh!" Kim exclaimed. "It is beautiful out here."

"Thank you," Emily said, handling her plate. "My gardens are my pride and joy. Mario is helping me redesign them. You'll have to come back later in the summer to see it then. It should really be amazing with the flowers and plants we are planning to put in."

"That would be great," Ashley said and then touched Emily's arm. "Now that we've reconnected, I hope we spend a lot more time together."

"Me too," Emily said with a smile. She looked toward Kim, who was filling her plate. "Will Kim be okay with that? I don't want to cause any problems for you."

"Kim will love it. You'll love Kim after you get to know her. She is the sweetest, most fantastic person I've ever met."

Emily smiled, "I'm glad you've found someone to make you so happy."

"Thank you," Ashley smiled. "Now, let's get some of this food before it's all gone."

Everyone filled their plates and sat down at the table. The doorbell rang again, and Sonja jumped up. "That should be my helpers for the evening." She looked at Emily. "I didn't think you would mind if I hired a few girls to help with serving and clean up."

"Of course not," Emily said reassuringly. "That was a fantastic idea."

Sonja left to go get the door, and Emily said to the group, "I honestly don't know what I'd do without Fernando and Sonja, and now Mario. They take such wonderful care of me."

"I'm so glad you have someone here to look after you," Emily's mother said. "it really upsets us that Kenton keeps you so isolated."

"You know, Mom," Emily said. "I didn't even really realize that was what was happening until recently, and I have plans to make changes. It just occurred to me the other day that Kenton has intentionally been rude to you guys to keep you away, and I let him." She squeezed her mother's hand. "I won't let him keep me from seeing more of you guys from now on. He's not around that much, and he's just going to have to deal with me spending more time with you two."

"Now that's the daughter I remember," her dad said. "We have been so worried, and we are so glad you've decided to make changes. We knew that if we had pushed you to try to see us or go against Kenton that it might have pushed you further from us." He took Emily's mother's other hand. "We had hoped you would realize what he was doing and come back to us."

"I'm sorry it took so long," Emily said.

"That is so sweet," Kim said. "Family should always try to work things out."

"Are you close to your family?" Emily's mom asked.

"Yes, thank God," Kim said, taking Ashley's hand. "Being gay can really isolate you from your family, but, fortunately for us, my parents have adopted Ashley as if she were their own daughter."

Emily's mom smiled sadly at Ashley, "Emily told me about your parents having trouble with your lifestyle. Hopefully, they will come around."

"Sadly, I doubt that is going to happen." Ashley squeezed Kim's hand and smiled at her. "But Kim's parents' love has more than made up for my parents being the way they are."

Sonja came back to the table and sat down between Mario and Fernando. "It sounds like we should make a toast to family and good friends."

"I agree," Emily's dad said.

They all lifted their glasses. "To family and friends," Sonja said. They touched glasses around the table.

Mario smiled affectionately at Emily as she touched his glass. "I'm glad you decided to make your parents a part of your life again."

"Thank you for encouraging me not to be afraid of what Kenton would say," she said and touched his glass again.

Everyone began eating, and conversations flowed easily. Emily looked around the table at her friends and family. She smiled. This was the happiest moment she had had in a very long time.

"Emily," Kim said, looking around at the flowers. "I have been admiring your amazing garden. I've been doing some freelance photography for an article in a Tennessee gardening magazine. Would you mind if I came by and took some pictures?"

"No, not at all; just let me know when you want to come by." Emily pushed her plate away. "So, is landscape photography all you do?"

"I do some photojournalism, mostly because it pays more," Kim said. "It's not one of my favorite things to do, but when it comes to paying the bills, you do what you have to."

"True," Mario agreed. "I've had some pretty crappy jobs, but, as you said, you do what you have to do."

Sonja stood up, motioning for her helpers to begin clearing away the plates. "I hope you all saved a little room for dessert. I have made my famous flan and fry bread covered with powdered sugar."

It was approaching nine-thirty by the time everyone finished eating. "Oh my God, Sonja," Carol said, rubbing her stomach. "Everything was wonderful."

"Gracias, Carol. I'm glad you enjoyed it," Sonja said. She was about to get up when she looked up, and her face went completely white.

"Sonja? What's wrong?" Emily asked. She turned to follow Sonja's gaze to see Kenton standing in the frame of the sliding glass doors.

Everyone, except Ashley and Kim, jumped up. The two watched in fascination as the others hastily gathered the dishes and food back into the house. Emily smiled apologetically. "Party's over, I'm afraid."

"Just because your husband came home?" Kim asked.

Emily nodded. Ashley stood and took Kim by the elbow, encouraging her to get up as well. "Do you need us to help with anything?" she asked.

"No, Sonja and her team will take care of everything," Emily turned and looked at Kenton, who had moved out of the doorway but stood in the family room, scowling at her. "I'll just walk you guys out."

Emily's parents were waiting by the door for her. Her mother hugged her. "Don't let his coming home like this change the path you've decided to go on. Call me tomorrow and let me know you're okay."

"I will," Emily promised. She hugged her dad, who was staring daggers at Kenton. Kenton just glared back.

Carol hurried to Emily and gave her a quick hug. "Tell Barbara I'll be waiting in the car for her."

Emily nodded. She turned to see Barbara approaching Kenton. Oh Lord, this is not going to be good.

Ashley pulled her into a tight hug. "Are you going to be okay?" she asked. "Should we stay? Should you leave with us? He looks pissed."

"It'll be okay," Emily said, not so sure it was the truth. She hadn't see Kenton look this angry in a long time. "It's not like he caught me here with another man. I just had friends over."

"Exactly," Kim said, hugging Emily too. "It was so nice to meet you, and seriously, if you need for us to stay or come back, we will."

"Thank you, Kim. It'll be fine. We will plan to get together again soon. I can't wait to see your portfolio."

Kim and Ashley gave a wary glance at Kenton, who was staring at Emily even as Barbara seemed to be drilling him about something.

Emily closed the door and then went over to where Barbara was talking in a curt tone to Kenton. "I want to see the status report on my investment," she was saying. "If I don't see something soon, my attorneys will be contacting you. It's been over a year. I should have seen some kind of status report by now."

Kenton turned to Barbara, finally acknowledging her. "There is no progress report. The project was a bust, and you knew that was a possibility when you signed up for the deal," he said coolly.

"Bullshit," Barbara barked. "You promised me a good return on that investment. I expect to get my money back, and soon."

"Or what?" He laughed. "You'll call your lawyers? Go ahead. You'll spend more than you invested trying to get the money back."

Barbara had turned blood red, and Emily was terrified she would have a stroke or a heart attack. "You'll be sorry, Kenton Jenkins. Mark my words. I know people, and I will either get my money back, or you'll pay."

Emily gasped and put her hand to her mouth. "Kenton!" She hurried to let Barbara out. "I'm so sorry, Barbara."

Barbara turned to Emily. "No, I'm sorry for you. You are most likely going to get caught in the spiral of his downfall. Because I guarantee it is coming."

Emily shut the door after Barbara stormed out. She looked toward the kitchen where Mario was standing in the doorway.

"Who are you?" Kenton demanded.

"I'm Fernando's nephew. I'm staying with them for a few days," Mario said quietly, his eyes and body tense.

"I'll be damned," Kenton shouted. "I didn't give Fernando permission for you to stay with them."

"I gave them permission," Emily said quietly. Kenton turned on her. "Without consulting me?" "We talked about it a few weeks ago, and you were fine with it."

Kenton narrowed his eyes at Mario. "Well, I think his visiting time is up." Kenton stormed to the kitchen. "Fernando!" he shouted. "Your nephew is to leave my property tonight. Is that understood?"

Fernando dropped his head. "Yes, Mr. Jenkins," Emily whispered to Mario. "You'll do no such thing." Mario looked at her, worry creasing his brow. "What's this?" Kenton demanded. "Having a little private conversation."

Raising her chin and gritting her teeth, Emily looked up at Kenton. "I was thanking him for his help with the garden."

Kenton looked from her to Mario. "Get out of my house and off my property," he shouted at Mario.

Mario looked at Emily hesitantly and nodded. He wasn't going to start a fight with her husband with her right there. Especially when it looked like this man might strike out at Emily if he did. He left the house, but he only went to the side and waited for his aunt and uncle.

"I'm going upstairs," Kenton said to Emily. "I expect to see you up there as soon as this mess is cleaned up."

She nodded and watched him storm up the stairs. After he had slammed the bedroom door, she let out a breath. "Oh my God, that was so awful."

"Are you going to be okay with him tonight?" Sonja asked, gripping both of Emily's arms. "I've never seen him so angry."

"It will be okay," she assured her. "He has never hit me or hurt me. I'm sure I'm getting ready to get a good ass-chewing, though."

"This is my fault," Sonja said. "I encouraged you to have this get-together."

"It's not your fault." Emily pulled Sonja into a hug. "Normally, he wouldn't have come home this week. He should have already been in Louisville. I'll deal with him. He'll leave, and we'll go back to life as usual until he shows up again." Sonja didn't look so sure. "Really, it will be okay. I'll see you first thing tomorrow morning, okay?"

Sonja nodded, but she was terrified for Emily. She had never seen Kenton this angry, and he had a dangerous look in his eyes. But, she left, as Emily requested.

Emily allowed herself to become angry as she approached their bedroom. She pushed open the door and shut it hard. Kenton turned to glare at her. He was wearing just his boxers and holding his phone texting.

"Was it really necessary for you to be so rude to everyone?" Emily asked.

Kenton raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure who the hell you think you are talking to, but this is my house, and I can be rude to whomever I want. What the hell did you think you were doing having dinner here for your friends and family and the servants?"

"This is my house, too," she said, sticking her chin up and not backing down. "I should be allowed to have dinner for my friends and family."

"I don't want anyone who I know dislikes me in my house. I know how your parents feel about me. Carol and Barbara are just parasites looking for free rides from anyone who will give them the time of day."

"How can you say that? Carol is married to my cousin and your best friend."

"Damon? My best friend? I think not. He's another leech looking for someone to pull him up with them as they climb to the top," Kenton spat. "He is riding on my coattails. The reason he has the kind of success he does is because of me."

Emily was taken aback. She knew Kenton was arrogant, but to actually take credit for Damon's success. "So you're saying that all, this time, you've been pretending to be Damon's friend?"

"Of course, I needed things from him; he needed things from me, and now, and I don't have any need for him anymore. There never was a friendship; it was always business," Kenton's phone buzzed. He turned and went into the bathroom, shutting the door.

Emily moved toward the door and listened. "What?" Kenton growled into the phone. "I told you we are done. It's over."

Emily put her hand to her mouth; that son-of-a-bitch is cheating on me.

"You are not going to do anything. You'll keep your mouth shut and go along with everything like you always do." There was a pause. "What the fuck ever. Don't call me again. Lose my number."

Emily didn't step back from the door quickly enough for Kenton not to see that she had been standing outside the door listening. He grabbed her by her upper arms and shook her hard. "What the hell do you think you are doing? Were you trying to listen to my phone conversations?"

"Kenton, stop," she cried. "You're hurting me. What is wrong with you? Why are you acting so mean?"

He threw her onto the bed. "No, I'm not acting anymore. I've been acting for years. Did you really think that you were the perfect wife for me?"

Emily tried to crawl to the other side of the bed, but Kenton grabbed her legs. "Stop," she shouted. "Get your hands off me."

"I don't have to stop," he growled into her ear. "You are my property. That's why I married you. I knew you would be so easy to control. You were so eager to do my bidding, wanting to be the perfect little wife to please me so you could have this perfect life. Perfect house. Perfect car. Perfect gardens. Everything just perfect." He grabbed the front of her pants and ripped them open. "Well, nothing is perfect, little girl. Nothing and no one is exactly what or who we think they are. And if you think for one second, I believe that you aren't fucking that Spic you are wrong. I saw the way you two looked at each other."

"What are you talking about"? Emily cried and tried to push his hands away from her pants.

When she slapped at his hands, he slapped her across the face causing her to see stars. "You and Mario. Nobody touches you but me! You got that," he screamed in her face.

He jerked her pants and underwear down around her ankles and then flipped her over on her stomach. "Stop!" She screamed.

He smacked her hard again - so hard that it jarred her teeth, and she saw stars again. He lifted her hips and pulled his boxers down. She felt his fully erect penis against her butt. "No one tells me no," he said through gritted teeth. "No one!" He screamed in her ear as he leaned over her. She expected him to enter her from behind, and she tried to brace herself for his thrust. She realized his real intent when he spread her butt cheeks, and she screamed.