Chapter 16 - Sloane
Chapter sixteen
Flipping through each page of the seating arrangement, I stop at my parents' table. Margot and I spent hours last night finalizing this, and she asked me no fewer than twenty times if I was sure I was fine with my parents coming. Each time I assured her it was okay, but after what she witnessed when she met them, I’m sure she’s still skeptical.
Looking back, I realize my parents finding out I’m married to a man I’d known for three months might have been a lot to take in.
Especially a man who’s ten years older, covered in tattoos, and owns a sex club.
“Ah! Sloane, there you are, darling. I’ve been looking for you!” Blanche flounces down on the sofa beside me, kissing my cheek. “Oh good, you’ve got it! I was sent to find you and this book to give to Rafa so he can get the place settings finished!”
She must notice the reason the folder is open to this specific page, because she wraps her arm around my shoulders and pulls me into her. “I’m glad you invited them. I’ve been so proud of the steps you’ve taken to mend things with your parents. I know it’s not perfect, but these things take time.”
Smiling, I lean into her hug. It’s the most matronly embrace I’ve ever had, and because of that, I cherish our relationship.
“Yes, we try to see them more often now, and they’re both crazy about the kids.
Of course, therapy has worked wonders on my own trauma.
I’m thankful that Ledger and Allie were so insistent on it, or I probably wouldn’t have gone. ”
“Oh, how is Allie? I was devastated to hear that she wasn’t able to make it to the wedding.”
“She’s doing wonderfully! She’s a licensed therapist now.
She’s got an office in the city, but she’s about to take a little break to spend some time in Paris.
She’ll be there for three months, I think.
She’s actually staying in Margot’s old apartment!
Ledger and I are planning to visit at some point before she comes back. ”
“Oh, that would be lovely! Perhaps Margot can get some of her old friends to give her a welcome. Visiting a new country alone can be quite daunting, even for someone as spunky as Allie!”
Laughing, I close the folder and hand it to my mother-in-law. “Can you believe I ended up with her as my best friend and Ledger as my husband? Me? Boring, good little Sloane.”
“Oh my darling, I wouldn’t say you were so good after all, and certainly not boring. I’ve heard you girls talk. I know way too much about what you and Ledger get up to.”
“Oh, please, we aren’t that wild—”
“How many shows have the two of you put on? How many countries? I will say, meeting in a play is a bit ironic considering how many performances I’ve heard about.
Did I hear you whisper something about almost a thousand to Margot one day?
” My cheeks heat, no doubt flushing to a deep crimson, the color symbolic of what Ledger and I indeed have gotten up to.
“Oh, I wouldn’t say a little exhibitionism is that crazy…
I’ve seen some insane kinks play out at the clubs we go to. ”
“No, you're right, it’s not that crazy. I would consider it rather vanilla, actually. My son’s initials carved into your asscheeks, however, are not.” Blanche winks.
“I’ve heard some things about you, too!”
Heard. As in, after we watched her ride the largest dick I’ve ever seen while wearing a damn schoolgirl outfit. We scrolled through the files and the titles on some of them…holy shit: UFO; Middle Earth; Potions Class; Save the Cowboy, Ride the Horse.
I shiver at the thought of the last one as Blanche cackles. “Oh, I’ve had my fair share of fun. Ledger’s father and I used to get up to all sorts of debauchery.”
“What was your favorite thing?” I ask, but then immediately regret it. Why in the world would I ask that question?
“Hmm, we did everything. Both of us loved to try new things, but we always did it together. I will say that man loved to share me, and I loved it, too.”
Okay, that went about as well as it could’ve.
“Oh, Ledger would never. He doesn’t even like another man flirting with me. He gets so mad, I can’t help but tease him with it.”
“Yes, I’m afraid the moment my son locked eyes on you, you belonged to him.
His father was a bit different in that regard.
It took both of us some time to realize what was happening between us.
As you know, he was contracted to marry Katarina’s aunt at the time, and I was just getting my footing in the world.
Neither of us was looking for a relationship when we met, but the pull between us, well, I’ve only ever felt that…
it’s a rare thing. One I know you and Ledger share. ”
One you’ve only felt with one other man. Oh, poor Blanche.
I take her hand in mine and squeeze it tight. “You know, it’s okay to feel that again. I can’t imagine a life without Ledger. But I do know if I ever lost him and someone else came along, he would want me to be happy. I’m sure the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in that regard.”
Blanche smiles softly. “I know, dear. Even though I don’t know if I could say the same.
I’m not sure I would ever be alright with another woman in Henry's arms, yet sometimes I wish…never mind love.” Blanche kisses my head as she stands.
“Thank you for working so hard on the seating! You have no idea how disastrous it can be if these things aren’t done properly.
At least all our guests know who the bride and groom are!
Terrible things happen when you go to wedding celebrations without all the pertinent information… ”