The Shine Journal

TEA WITH THE OTHER WOMAN

by

Lyn Michaud

“Mom, I know how to deal with most of the women in his life, but no specific etiquette rules exists for dealing with the other woman.” Donna flipped her gray cell phone shut. She walked into the lobby of Toute de Suites, the elegant hotel that served a proper afternoon tea.

She caught a glimpse of herself in the revolving glass door and adjusted the pink beret on her dark brown hair. Harkening back to the fashion of polite society she even wore pure white kidskin gloves.

Never late and sometimes just on time, for this appointment she chose to arrive early and find a table facing the door to wait for her husband’s mistress. Her competition was definitely her exact opposite. The blonde in her early 30s at most wore an outdoorsy pantsuit and cowgirl boots. Donna smiled her personal vindictive victory; she’d chosen the venue for this confrontation to her advantage and this woman showed no signs of high-class domesticity.

“I’m Beth Condon, pleased to meet you.” The woman held out her hand and smiled with bold warmth.Donna didn’t plan to become her friend. “Don’t strain for niceties. I want to know what your intentions are.”

“I really don’t know what you mean.”

“Let me match crude words to the situation. You’ve been having sex with my husband.”

Beth didn’t bother to deny what they both knew to be true.

Donna continued. “Do you want to also do his laundry, clean his home and chauffer his children to dressage riding lessons and soccer?”

“Not really.”

“Then why do you want the benefit of his bed?”

“We fulfill each others needs. Had you been physically available, he wouldn’t have turned to me.” Beth shrugged.

“You might be interested to know that he makes love with me most nights.”

 Beth looked surprised.

“He wouldn’t tell you that.” Donna nibbled on a cucumber sandwich. “I want to know what you expect. His money? His protection? Or just his body until you tire of him?”

“Women in my position don’t think about the future.” Beth sipped from the porcelain cup decorated with pink roses that matched her faint blush.

“I think you should. Right now you have nothing more than pleasure. Are you willing to become a slave to his wishes and hostess to his career?”

Beth set down her teacup. “Since we’re being honest and civilized, I prefer to let things develop naturally. He and I share many interests.”

Donna smirked. “A perfect match. You may have him, so long as you also take my responsibilities. I’d adore my freedom as long as I can continue with my lifestyle.”

“You’re gracious about this situation.”

Donna stood up. “Trust me. I can afford to be.” She smiled her sweetest and dumped the remaining clotted cream in Beth’s blonde hair. An errant giggle escaped when she heard Beth’s shrill, ‘that b*****’, just as she stepped through the revolving door.

In the lobby, Donna flipped open the cell phone and called her mother. “Now I know why there are no etiquette rules for this situation – too many rules would spoil the fun.”

My Bio: Lyn Michaud holds a Bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry and publishing credits in science encyclopedias. She enjoys rollerblading, mountain biking and climbing in Colorado. Her fiction publishing credits include Characters and Alienskin.

My Motivation: I'm motivated by whatever makes me passionate in the moment and love with all the ramifications has to be a part of it.