Primrose

Primrose-Chapter Two

Bradley decided it was time to act with absolute conviction. Instead of his constant exercise of futile abating in an attempt to smother the malady of guilt within him, he knew it was best to excise the festering notion. He knew he had utterly defiled Em and Rich's union. There was no need for any entity to render judgment onto Bradley, when he himself was fully cognizant of his repeated transgressions. With each forbidden coupling, it only reminded him of how alone he was, left awash in his own anger.

His heavy punching bag in his garage was never enough to exorcise the rage that he felt. He could exhaust himself, until every inch of his body was a muted dullness, but it couldn't dilute the potency of the guilt that shackled him. After every time he fucked Em, he went outside in the middle of the night, hoisting a sledgehammer to viciously slam into the dirt, each blow a dull thud that scattered soil and grass alike, the instrument wielded deftly in his hands. Each burning muscle was a chorus of movement to try and disperse his anguish, to offer a temporary relief. It never worked.

Crossing the street under the grueling afternoon sun which turned even the short distance to his destination into a mirage, he knew Em would be gone. He had studied her routine, ensuring that the privacy he needed to accept his doom could be provided. He knocked, Rich soon opened it, appearing as the very definition of casual in attire, but nonetheless tailored for his exceedingly tall frame, his history as a collegiate basketball player evident in his posture. His voice was lackadaisical, as was his customary tone."Yo, Bradley! Good to see you man. I got your text, here let me grab you a beer bro."

"Good to see you too." Bradley said as he followed behind, unable to swallow, knowing he was headed towards total oblivion. He had carefully rehearsed this moment through a night without sleep, anticipating the brutal confrontation that would ruin not only his life, but crush Rich's evidenced love for Em. Bradley could accept whatever violence or scorn he would receive, but the public exposure to the merciless engine of gossip that was Primrose made him feel worse than anything. Adelaide would know what kind of man he is, and it broke his heart to even entertain that notion.

Rich handed Bradley a chilled Corona, a pre-cut slice of lime floating in the amber liquid, effervescent bubbles made it bob and eventually settle within the neck of the bottle. The patio door slid open, the sight of the hot tub was a vicious reminder of a now familiar graphic memory, where Em and him had firstreconnected. Bradley and Rich sat down on Arhaus Montauk graphite swivel chairs, each acquired on sale for $2,460.00, which Em had bought thoughtlessly. They were deeply uncomfortable to sit in, poorly constructed, yet aesthetically were masterful.

"Listen. Rich I gotta tell you something dude. It's not fucking easy to say." Bradley's fingers dug into the armrest, trying to hold on to anything to stabilize himself as the words he knew he needed to speak, he could barely muster. After a long silence that was held between them, Bradley resigned himself to all his fears, and purged his affair.

He exhaled. "For the last year... I've been fucking Em. I'm so fucking sorry."

His fists clenched, never daring to bring his arms up, or assume some defensive posture, he readied himself for a blow that never came.

Rich shrugged, drowsy in his response as he took a long swig of his beer. "Bro, so what? It's kind of our thing."

"Wha... what?" Bradley's shoulders slumped, he shook his head in complete disbelief, with no way to discern whether this was a lie.

Rich yawned. "Yeah man. I travel a lot. She's at home a lot. We stay safe, always open with each other, lots of aftercare and shit. She told me every time she fucked you."

"She never told me about this. Not a single word."

"That's weird. I even asked her for photos and videos!"

"What? I'm sorry I don't-"

"You know how she is. Mischievous as hell bro. I don't think she was trying to mislead you."

Bradley shook his head, still in a state of disbelief. "You're serious? You're not fucking with me?"

"Ask her yourself. Not lying."

"No, I'm good. Honestly? I was dreading this."

"I've talked about it with her, but if you ever want to partner up, I bet she would enjoy it. We could do an Eiffel Tower or some shit." Rich clapped Bradley's shoulder.

"Sorry, that's just not my thing. No offense."

"None taken. You change your mind, I know she would love it. Her fortieth is coming up. It would be a hell of a gift for her. Or maybe for your forty fifth!"

"Yeah... I'll uhh keep that in mind. So, it's alright? You're not going to kill me in my sleep or something?"

"Bro I'm not lying. It's weird she didn't tell you. Not gonna lie though, it's also pretty fucking funny."

Rich laughed as if he had heard the funniest joke ever told. Bradley's nerves were still smoldering, he quickly stood, shook Rich's hand, offered a quick hug and left out the back gate, furious at Em for lying to him. Bradley would hold firm to his resolve to never be with her again. He had to find his own way now, even if that meant he would be alone. Anything was better than living in the miasma of guilt and longing for something he could never have again.

***

Dave Hobbes woke from a rejuvenating sleep, staring in disbelief at the room he awoke in. They had officially manifested their dreams into reality, the luxury and status they were always owed, was finally theirs. He knew that of course this was due tohisefforts as a husband and advisor. He smiled with faded yellow teeth as he stretched and yawned, but soon suffered disappointment, when he looked at Kourt as she was changing.

She was pulling her silken black panties up past her thick thighs, soon clasping her red lace bra shut, which accented her stout figure and bust. To his displeasure, the slightest, visible rolls on her stomach, which complimented her wide hips, and womanly curves, caused revulsion in him. He watched her begin packing for the upcoming convention trip while deciding on which dress she should wear to work today.

"Morning. Babes you gotta start doing some cardio again. Remember how you looked on your twenty first?" He slipped his sheets down to his ankles.

She chuckled, winking at him playfully, pulling her sheer black stockings all the way up her thighs. They cut deeply into her skin, unveiling a flattering, supple fold that spilled softly over them.

"Good morning tiger! Oh come on, that was ten years ago. But maybe you could help me with some cardio later?" She winked coyly, showing a teasing hint of desire.

"We'll see. If I feel up to it."

"Oh. Well. That's ok! I have a super huge meeting today. I'm sooo nervous. It's with the secondary product team, but they're doing this phoenix pilot for older Learning Box materials. So like, there's these older standards at the state level and because of the county-"

"Babes, I'm falling asleep again. Save it for your colleagues." He knew the comment hurt her, but he also knew she had a frequent tendency to over speak, over share, and was unable to observe what others wanted to hear. She was trapped in her own thoughts, her own excitement, her passion, all of which was barely contained despite her instructed restraint by his teaching. Since their time together, he had tried to teach her to be more reserved like him, and failed to his chagrin.

She wouldn't disagree with his assessment of her. It was after all, why her parents seldom spoke to her. They weren't interested in hearing about her life or ambitions, they only wanted to ensure that she upheld their vows, kept the good book close, and held respect for her home and husband as was tradition. She was to be a steward of dignity and loyalty. She would uphold that at any cost, and he would ensure that she would not stray from such an expectation.

Dave swung his legs out of bed, his egg shaped head was accented by a chinstrap beard that only made his face miserably rounder, his blotchy pale skin and disproportionate width didn't matter, his stalwart confidence, charm, and ferocious intellect was his true value. At least, that's what he told himself. After all, he knew it was the reason why Kourt felt lucky to be with him, and he made sure to offer her gentle reminders of the fortune she had found with him.

He stumbled past her, yawning as he belched and waddled downstairs in his boxers. He stood in the kitchen admiring its furnishings looking out on the back porch towards the scenic retention pond which had started to bubble recently. The HOA had put out a P.U.D (Primrose Universal Declaration) that no one should get remotely close to the pond itself, especially after last week's horrible tragedy. No one thought the water wasthatflammable.

He put on one of his carefully curated mixes on their Amazon Echo, rummaged through the cabinets searching for breakfast, and broke wind so loudly that it echoed off the title, he chuckled with an odd, juvenile pride. Eventually he poured himself a bowl of Prim-Puffs, which was carried only at the local market; it was gluten free, protein enhanced, all organic, wheat germ derived artisan cereal. It was his current favorite, and a bargain in his eyes at $76.00 a box. His milk of choice was from the local farmer's market, raw of course. His array of podcasts he listened to about enhancing his gut health but also his dominant aura all recommended going "raw".

Lazily shoveling a spoonful of cereal into his mouth, he watched Kourt preparing for the day. She always preferred to make her own lunch to save money. He had approved of it, as long as he didn't have to make it. She was carefully affixing her vintage golden hoop earrings, which bore a slight patina that highlighted her old world beauty. He wiped away some errant milk that had escaped his lips with the back of his hand, smearing it across his patchy beard. "Babes. Those earrings again? You could wear something so much prettier."

She managed to muster a smile. "They remind me of her, keeps us close y'know?"

"Come on. They're just earrings."

"It's just... I know Grandma's watching over me when I wear them." Kourt lightly tapped the base of the earrings, her mind drifting to the warmest memories of her youth.

"Well, I think you should upgrade." He slurped the milk from the bowl and placed it in the sink, deciding he could handle it later.

Kourt felt her phone vibrate and quickly read the text message. "Tiger! Your ma said she wants to come and stay a bit. I think it would be nice."

"I gotta get ready for work. Can we talk about this later?"

"Well, she needs to know, your dad is going on a work trip and-"

"I know. I talk to him everyday. Fine. She can stay here for a week. That way he doesn't have to deal with thenag in chief." Dave let out an exaggerated sigh, cocking his head back and already dreading the visit from his mother, a woman he had grown to loathe since he was a teenager. Whatever she was, was the opposite of what he wanted Kourt to be.

Kourt finished packing her lunch. "Gawsh that's not fair. She's so sweet!"

"Sure. Try living with her. You remember why I was so excited for our mission trip. To move out with you. To get away from her."

"Well, I still can't wait to see her."

Kourt gently placed her finger under Dave's chin, tilting his head up towards hers, she let her glance say everything, adoration, warmth and affection. She kissed him softly on the lips, she smiled as she grabbed her bag.

He leaned back, almost falling off the stool, his mind caught in a brief fog of desire that soon dissipated. "See you soon babes. Love ya."

"Love you too!" She blew a kiss, her tall, wedged heels clacked loudly against the tile as she left for work, tapping her earring twice as she buckled up, and thinking of the woman who inspired her most. She said a soft prayer for her grandmother's memory, remembering every grace, every word of encouragement that she had offered her. She felt protected as she drove away, towards her new place of work. Which she was sure would be full of driven men and women, career focused, but without the loss of themselves. It, too felt like a place in which she could grow not just her skills, but fulfill her ambitions, and meet someone,anyone, to call a friend.

***

The next morning came, as was expected, for unless an errant gamma ray burst dissolved Earth into atoms, or a severe solar flare rendered all technology man has since created, to glorified monuments of metal and circuitry it was a near guarantee. Thankfully such a calamity hadn't happened, as Kourt woke after a long dream, the details of which she couldn't recall. That was fine by her, when the dawn of a new day bloomed in her veins, taking the dogs for a predictable stroll felt properly rejuvenating. She donned her ill fitting, Temu cloned luxury athleisure wear, and affixed Apollo and Rocky's leashes.

Despite the modest strength she held, the dogs dragged her in awkward steps, causing her to violently lurch forwards at their behest. After her first lap around the block she noticed Samuel, lazily settled on his porch on a storied wicker throne.

He wore simple khaki slacks, brown leather moccasins, and a sky blue polo tucked in gracefully, with a rustic and vintage leather belt. On his wrist was a vintage, elegant Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso watch, purchased at auction for $12,000 flat. A perfect everyday watch for him. He watched Kourt stumble by, the massive dogs leading her with vigor. He waved. "Good morning Kourt! Truly a splendid day."

She struggled to keep the leashes firm, she pulled back and called them to heel, yet they wouldn't dare obey. Flustered, her thighs strained against her bike shorts as she spoke. "Good to see- damn it Apollo! Good to see you Samuel!"

He walked off his porch and grabbed the leash of Rocky petting the dog enthusiastically. Kourt sighed and chuckled. "Gawsh thank you! These cutie-magooties can be so much hassle!"

Samuel wrapped the leash tighter around his fist, his grip firm, but measured. She could see a hidden strength in his lean arms, a surprisingly commanding presence was clearly visible despite his lithe form, his voice matched his posture.

"They can be. I had dogs for many years, German Shepherds mostly. Truly noble spirits. Would you like me to go fetch your husband? I'm sure he could help. I saw his... unusually large truck in the driveway, he is home I presume?" Samuel, attuned to the dog, brought him to sit easily with a whistle, his command undeniable.

Kourt was out of breath."Umm Dave's so busy, otherwise he'd be here. I mean, he is here! Sorry, flustered. I meant he would be here with me, er us." And she knew he would, Dave was always thoughtful he always let her know that. She smiled at the thought.

Samuel spoke with a disarming tone. "Well my dear, I'm here. With you. If you don't mind, I'd be glad to accompany you on your walk."

"Really? No, no, they're my responsibility."

"It's alright. Here as neighbors we cansharemany things."

They were just dogs, they shouldn't be a chore. Kourt smiled and nodded, her v-neck shirt already sweated through. She moved her arm to try and conceal her robust modesty, keenly aware of her accidental display. "Sure. Yeah, jeez if you want to, I mean-"

"Only if you'd like, Kourt. Consent toallactions is essential, no?"

She nodded. "Thank you." She could feel his subtle gaze completely fixated on her. She didn't know how it made her feel, not truly, except that it was discomforting, yet also exciting.

"Tell me, how long have you been with David?"

"It's Dave, gawsh it's been ten years now."

Samuel nodded thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the endless, repetitive labyrinth of Primrose. "That's a long time. The bedrock of your marriage must be made of nothing but love."

"Oh absolutely. He's my everything! He's thoughtful. Handsome. He's intelligent too. I mean, you know he almost worked for NASA?"

Samuel stifled what would have been a pointed and mocking laugh. "Almost huh? Well, that is quite the potential achievement. I suppose seldom few can profess to have even made the attempt to... fill out the daunting application."

"Right? That's what I was saying. He said he didn't get the job because his ideas were above their heads."

Samuel had yet to meet Dave, yet already had a strong sense of his character. They continued down the perfect, spotless sidewalks, the dogs tails swaying as they walked in step, noses picking up a broad range of hidden scents.

Kourt wanted to break the silence, but took to whistling instead, conversation eluded her. Samuel reminded her hometown's minister, and while that man was cruel and cold, Samuel was the opposite, and to her own surprise, she found in his posture and face the remnants of a once handsome man, on the cusp of fading forever, but still prominent. She knew however, he could never compare to Dave, she was safe in the bulwark that was their marriage.

She alternated between humming and whistling a song, one he didn't recognize, and was off key to his annoyance. What he did notice was the way she glanced over her shoulder at him, slightly longer than she should have, clearly nervous, perhaps intrigued. He had known her type, countless times, always reeking of a quiet denial of the utter failures of their marriage, and their accompanying husbands. Husbands who were all the same, lacking responsibility, initiative, intuition, ambition, finesse, or elegance. He never fancied anything except natural seduction, and he could sense with trained ease that she was curious to the presence of other men. Men like himself.

He figured it wouldn't take long to have her in his bed, making love to her while her feckless husband puttered about, unaware of the sheer bliss she would experience. He knew as well however, that some women stubbornly clung to their vows, taken by those who never deserved them.

As their walk came to an end, she attempted to bring the dogs back inside.

Samuel gestured to his home elegantly. "Could I get you a glass of water Kourt?"

"No thanks! I have plenty of water inside. I mean our mortgage isn't that high!"

"Well, if you ever need help with those two, let me know. Retirement does have it's benefits."

"Of course! Thank you so-APOLLO STOP!" She pulled the leash again.

Samuel waved goodbye as she trudged on. "Keep going with the garden by the way! Don't give up. It takes time to grow anything worthwhile."

She struggled as she led the dogs into the house, frustrated, flustered, her pink cheeks reddened, nearly slumping over as soon as she got inside.

He chuckled, turned and went back inside his home. It was lovingly curated, with mementos of his family, towering bookshelves filled with academic texts. He sat down at his desk and sighed, as he imagined how he would ravish Kourt entirely, and send her back to her pathetic husband with a smile on her face and a delicious gift to feed him between her legs.

***

Em had come home early from her weekly gossip session with Karen, her favorite frenemy who she constantly fed false information to. Their mostly civil interaction was cut short when Karen's little boy drank out of her sippy cup full of Chardonnay, a classic technique she had perfected to drink poolside without anyone noticing.

Rich was busy cleaning down counter tops, polishing every inch, the robotic hum of the Roomba was something she heard before she even entered, heralding Rich's once per week obsessive detailing of their home. He slicked his dark hair back and grabbed Em by her ass, cupping her fullness as he kissed her neck, she giggled and playfully ran a finger down his chest.