A Manhattanite's Christmas

  “You sure?”

  “Yes, I want you to be the one.” Her eyes rake boldly over me.

  I love hearing that this woman wants me.

  I pull back a second, admiring her vulnerability matching my own, and cherishing this moment before saying, “Put your hands around my neck.”

  She does.

  My heart jolts as I drive my cock into her. First just the tip, in and out, back and forth. Then up to the shaft, I growl, “Damn Wonder Woman. Feels good. So good.” And then I thrust once. “Fuuuck, you’re tight.”

  Neve’s warmth surrounds my hardness as her body quivers.

  Realigning myself directly over her, my hands explore the hallows of her back. I thrust twice, and once again until we have a rhythm going her body and mine.

  She whimpers, her

  Her breath hot against my ear, she whimpers.

  “Am I hurting you?”

  “No. I love you inside me. Keep going. Don’t stop. I’m going to come. Soon. Now. Oh. My. God.” With no desire for this to end anytime soon, she caresses the stiff tendons in the back of my neck, and smiles up at me.

  I lift myself into push-up position so I can watch her face as she orgasms. Her eyes shift from wide to narrow, her lips pressing together. She grabs onto my back firmly, pulling me closer, farther and deeper into her.

  My dick buries deep, so deep inside her scorching walls. Her muscles contract and then loosen, tight then tighter, until on my final thrust, just as I’m about to come, she lets out a loud scream in my ear.

  My cock soaked in her excitement, I draw her closer to me.

  She lays panting, running her fingers deliciously up and down my face, admiring me, admiring her.

  Instead of pulling out, I stay inside her, draining my release of being her new husband. Tucking her curves neatly into my own contours, I gently lie down on her as she hugs me, my cock twitching until every last drop is inside her.

  “That was amazing. You are amazing.” I flop onto my back. We lie there for a minute, enjoying this moment between us, catching our breath, staring at up at the ceiling.

  “Do you see what I see?” she asks, pointing up at a mirrored sphere. A red light blinks.

  “Looks like one of those cameras they have in the department stores,” I confirm. “What’s that flashing mean?”

  “We’re being recorded.” Neve sighs and runs a hand through her hair.

  “Whoa!” I pull the sheet up over our nakedness. “I didn’t think LUX TV would be recording our bedrooms. Did you?”

  “Yup. I did, but to be honest I forgot. You came in all hot and bossy and I just didn’t think. I’m sorry.” She raises her chin and kisses me.

  “Don’t apologize. Even if it is on camera, I loved every minute of it.”

  “You did? Really?” The heavy lashes that shadowed her face flew up.

  “Looks like you’ll have to watch the tape to find out for sure.”

  We laugh for a minute until it’s cut short by a terrible realization.

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I’m craving beer. This isn’t good.

  Baring my teeth, I sit up in bed, frustrated with myself. I haven’t had this feeling in a while, but it makes sense. Booze goes with sex—at least according to my mind.

  I jump to my feet. Drawing a heavy breath and releasing it before speaking, “Before we go to dinner, I must make a call.”

  “Okay. I’m going to freshen up.” Sensing I need my privacy, Neve makes her way to the bathroom and closes the door.

  Trying not to panic, I reach for my cell, making the dreaded call, one I haven’t made in quite a while.

  “Rick. It’s Sheldon. I need…to speak with you.”

  “Hey, buddy, how are you?” His voice is calm and steady.

  “Not good. I’m craving a… drink.” My throat closes up as I grit my teeth.

  “Take it easy. We’ll get through this together. First, I’m glad you called. Tell me, are you in possession of any alcohol right now?”

  “No. Yes. Well, I’m at winery.”

  “What? You need to leave! You can’t be there. You know that, don’t you?”

  “Yes,” I reply, feeling like a fool for putting myself in this situation. I throw my suitcase on the bed and start to pack.

  Buh-Bye Hubby

  Neve

  Singing one of my songs to myself, heat radiates through my chest as I’m on cloud nine.

  Sex with Sheldon is amazing. I’ve come before, when masturbating, but not like that. Two-dozen bells, like the ones at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, went off in my ears. Angels sang. Clouds parted way. The Universe spoke to me and said: that was frickin’ amazing.

  I wash up and fix my makeup, trying to collect myself.

  Dinner is in fifteen minutes.

  Sheldon and I will meet the rest of the cast. I haven’t seen the TV host, Poppy White, yet. Kiki had told me earlier that Poppy had a specific interest in casting Sheldon for the show. I’m wondering if she’s even here tonight or if she’ll make her appearance tomorrow.

  In addition to having her own talk show, Poppy White is the executive producer of this reality program as well as a slew of others. I think back to what Taddy and Kiki said, about me taking on Tarla Storm.

  I can do this. I know I can.

  Wrapping myself in a towel, I step out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.

  Sheldon is gone. Hmmm. He must’ve headed down to dinner early. He’s probably starving. We didn’t really eat lunch.

  I step into a purple slinky dress. On television I tend to wear a lot of jewel tones like this one from Prada. It makes my skin glow on camera and my features pop. I put on the only pair of Christian Louboutins that I packed, followed by a final spritz of my signature fern perfume. I grab my grey sharkskin clutch and make my way down the winding marble stairs.

  On the landing I spot Tarla with Waris.

  “Hey, guys.” I put a fake smile on and hug Waris. “Congratulations on your baby. That’s wonderful news, I had no idea you had it in you.”

  Getting the pun, he laughs.

  Tarla’s face sours with a stern expression. With a huff of hot air, she quickly looks away from me as if she can’t be bothered.

  “Have either of you seen Sheldon?”

  “That tall muscular hunk you came with?” Tarla asks.

  “Yeah, my hubby. Did he go to the kitchen?” I look around for him but don’t see him anywhere.

  “No, honey. He left.”

  “Left?” My head flinches back slightly.

  “As in packed his bags and arrivederci.”

  “Huh?” I poke my tongue into my cheek as my stomach flutters.

  Without any warning, Poppy White pops her head out from around the corner. There is a cameraman behind her, along with a tech guy holding up a light and another one with a microphone over us.

  “Neve! Just the woman I’m looking for.” Poppy stops in front of us. “Welcome to Long Meadow Creek Cellars and to Celebrity Newlywed Boot Camp. We’re so glad to have you.” Even in person she radiates Hollywood fame and fortune. Petite with dark hair cut sharply in a bob, she gives off an air of calm self-confidence that fills the room. You could say that I idolize this woman. In many ways I aspire to be just like her; producing and hosting shows.

  “Thank you for having me.” Nervously I run a hand over my hair.

  “We seem to have run into a snag.” Her head swings lazily from glaring at me to Waris and then back to me.

  “Oh. What’s that?”

  “Appears your husband, has left the grounds.” Poppy straightens her shoulders and clears her throat.

  “Told ya so,” Tarla snaps fiercely in my direction.

  “What are you talking about? He was just up in our room. We were having sex. I mean making love.”

  “That must’ve scared him off.” Tarla laughs with an evil tone, which sends a shiver up my body causing the little hairs on the back of my neck to rise.

  “Now. Now.” Poppy raises her well-manicured h
and to separate us. “Neve, why don’t we step into the study?” She dismisses Waris and Tarla and leads me through a nearby double French doorway. Books adorn the walls.

  She pulls out an envelope and hands it to me.

  My name is scribbled across the top. I tear into it to read:

  Dear Wonder Woman,

  I’m sorry. I can’t do this TV show with you.

  Please don’t be upset with me.

  One day I’ll explain everything.

  Yours,

  Shel

  Stay calm. Keep your composure.

  “He’ll be back. He just had to run an errand.” I give Poppy and the crew a face of confidence although inside I’m dying.

  “Would you like to show the camera your note?” Poppy asks with intent in a lowered voice.

  “I told you what it says, that he went to go take care of something. It’s about his son. I think. He’ll be back after dinner. Promise.”

  “Why don’t you take a seat?” Poppy’s heavily jeweled hand points to a chair and then closes the French doors. Tarla and Waris remain outside in the hall perhaps trying to eavesdrop. The camera crew, however, sets up camp next to me on the chair.

  Crap! I slide gracefully into the chair and try not to freak out.

  “As you know, I’m not just a talk show host and producer. I have a PhD in Psychology from Columbia University and will be everyone’s therapist for the next two weeks.”

  “Yes, Taddy told me.” I sit forward and look at her intently. Over the years I’ve seen many therapists in my day. What foster child hasn’t? Bring it, Poppy White!

  “Taddy is such a dear friend. Did you know, we’ve been friends since our freshman year of college?”

  “No, I didn’t know that.” Unsure of where Poppy is taking our conversation, I cross my arms and make an impatient shrug. Embarrassed, my eyes dart about, admiring the oak paneling and pieces of equestrian oil paintings on the walls and I start to pray that I leave and go find Sheldon soon.

  “Neve, perhaps Taddy didn’t share with you my standards for the show. Allow me to elaborate.”

  Uncrossing my arms I try to illustrate receptive body language. I’m always thinking of how I’ll look on camera; the last thing I want to do is appear like a closed-off bitch.

  “Your marriage to Sheldon was rushed, was it not?” She crosses her short legs.

  “We met and fell in love. We married within the week.”

  “Last year you got kicked off the Housewives reality show because you were scripted, fake. You refused to get real with the cameras and thus ruined the season with a storyline of bullshit. Did you not?”

  “Poppy, I learned—”

  “Let me finish. Celebrity Newlywed Boot Camp has all the right ingredients to win us an Emmy. I’ve been working in TV now for almost two decades and have yet to win myself that award.”

  “I see.” Suddenly I understand that it isn’t just me who has an agenda for their career with this show. Poppy has her own goals, as she should. We all should. I guess, I didn’t think about anyone else except myself. I’ve got to get better at taking others interests at heart.

  “This program is going to be huge when it airs. I intend for us to win not just an Emmy but also numerous awards such as People’s Choice. I’ll be building this show’s format into a franchise and taking it global. We’ll air in Australia, Canada, and England.” A knowing grin strikes her features. She pushes her shoulders back and watches me, gauging my reaction.

  “I have every bit of confidence you will, Miss White.

  “Do you know what could prevent me from having this happen?”

  Without a clue as to how to respond, I shake my head.

  “If your marriage to Sheldon proves to be a sham. That’s how. I will not only expose you for who and what you are, but I will make sure that you’re never cast on another reality show in this town again. Do you understand me?”

  “Miss White,” I say, trying to collect myself. Knowing full well that I’m doing exactly what she doesn’t want, I realize that not only could I ruin my career but hers as well. “I’m grateful that Taddy pulled her strings to help get me on this show. I have tremendous respect for you and this program. I will do my best over the next two weeks to be transparent about my life, especially when it comes to my relationship with my husband.”

  “Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page.” She glances down at her wristwatch. “Long Meadow closes their gates at midnight. Sheldon must be back on this property by then or you’re off the show. Am I clear?”

  “Perfectly.” I nod feeling the blood drain out of my face.

  On her feet, Poppy turns and leaves the room.

  I stare at the segment producer who is leaning against the wall texting. He looks up at me. “Yes?”

  “What’s your name?” I stand, getting my balance, collecting my thoughts about what I need to do next, and make my way over to him.

  “Judd Wolf. I’m the executive producer, along with Poppy.”

  “Wonderful. Did you by any chance see Sheldon leave?”

  “Yes, he left on foot.”

  “Do you have a car that I may borrow?”

  He reaches in his pocket, pulls out the keys, and throws them to me. “It’s the red Jeep out front.”

  “Thanks. I’ll— correction, we’ll—be back before midnight.”

  Turning on my heel, I make my way down the hall and peek in on the cast. Everyone is filing in as the cameras set up around the dining room table. I spot Tarla and Waris taking a seat next to news anchor Cash McGowan and his supermodel wife, Lima Kloss. There are two other couples, both from Los Angeles. Politely, I wave to them. “Enjoy dinner.”

  “Did you get kicked off already, honey?” Tarla snarls.

  “My husband ran to the drugstore. He forgot to pack a few things.”

  “Like what? Listerine for your dirty mouth?”

  Anticipating a fight, the cameras zoom in on her and me.

  Inhaling deeply, I allow a few seconds to pass before I unleash my comeback. “No, Tarla. My hubby forgot to pack the magnums. See, I’d hate to get knocked up right now at this stage in life.” I glance down at her belly. “Like you did. I just have so much going on with my handbag line and fragrance company that we agreed to wait a while before starting a family.”

  “Spare me.” She stabs a piece of lettuce from her salad plate and points it in my direction before shoving it in her mouth.

  “Enjoy eating for two,” I say in Tarla’s direction, then wink at Waris.

  He winks back at me and smiles.

  “See you all later tonight.”

  Climbing into the Jeep I turn the key. The engine roars as the dashboard lights up. I stare at the GPS navigational system just above the radio, then tap on the area that’s showing my car blinking: Jamestown. Thinking Sheldon is probably starving, I type in ‘restaurant.’ There’s a diner a quarter of a mile a way.

  Pushing on the clutch, I shift the Jeep into first and make my way down the windy dark road. Like a grape, the winery becomes a small dot in my rearview mirror.

  Three restaurants later I pull into a local bistro, throw the Jeep into park, and jump out. I can see Sheldon’s muscular silhouette in the window at a nearby table.

  Head hung low, he’s staring at a pitcher of beer.

  “Demons disguise themselves in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they are the people we fall in love with, like bad boys and naughty girls. Other times they are materialistic things that we can’t live without, like fame and money. In Sheldon and Neve’s case, it’s themselves.” –Taddy Brill, CEO of Brill, Inc., girlfriend to Warner Truman, and Shih Tzu lover

  His Oversized Cojones

  Sheldon

  “Nice work there, Mr. Truman.” Neve struts toward me like a Learjet ready to take off. The door she swung open slams shut loudly, causing everyone in the bar to notice her.

  Oh no.

  “You get me all hot and bothered for you, make me feel like some kind of wild
animal in heat, lusting after you like I’ve never craved any other man before.”

  A mother covers her daughter’s ears sitting in the booth ahead of me.

  “Shel, you have the cojones to take my virginity and then leave the second I turn my back.”

  Two men at the bar turn around with a ‘gonna kick your ass’ look on their faces.

  Mortified, I smile at them, signaling, ‘I got this.’

  “Nice to see you too, Neve. Won’t you take a seat?”

  “I’m too worked up to sit. I’d rather stand.”

  “What do you want?”

  “For starters, an explanation as to why you left.”

  “Simple: I can’t do the show with you.”

  “Why not?” She stomps her foot like a child throwing a temper tantrum.

  “I just can’t be around you right now.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you.”

  “Was I that bad of a lay?”

  “Sit! Let me explain?”

  Throwing her purse into the booth, Neve folds her arms and edges herself onto the cushion, facing me. Even when angry, she is beautiful as always.

  “Sheldon, why can’t you be on the show?”

  “For starters, those people. Tarla and even that Cash fella are not my kind of people.” Yes, I’m deflecting here trying to get the courage to tell her what’s really eating at me.

  “Okay, I can see that. Sure. Am I like them?”

  “No. Not really. I mean, you’re hungry for fame, but they’re kinda nuts.” My thoughts scramble as I take a sip of water.

  She laughs. “What else?”

  I stare at the pitcher of beer in front of me and chew on a piece of ice. I didn’t have a drop. I ordered it with the expectation of getting trashed, but then Lex called, putting my son on the phone, and I just melted inside. He had a good day today. Lex and Massimo took him to see a children’s musical on Broadway that she had designed the clothing for. “Liam stayed focused on the show the entire time. He loved it. He laughed in all the funny places and really enjoyed himself. He misses you, Sheldon,” Lex told me.