The Other Woman
Emily sat in her car, staring at her sat nav. She was definitely at the right address. All she needed now was to gather her courage and do what she had planned. Taking a deep breath, Emily stepped out from behind the wheel. It was just a short walkperhaps fifty yardsbefore she reached the entrance to a cosy little coffee shop. The Coffee Nook, read the sign above the door. Well, that sounds idyllic, Emily mused inwardly. She knew she had to step inside, but suddenly her resolve began to waver. Maybe she should just turn around, get back in the car, and drive as far away as possible? No, she couldnt allow herself to do that. She hadnt come all this way just to give up now.
She tugged at the handle, pulling the door open. Soon, shed be face-to-face with HERthe other woman, the one who had come between Emily and her husband and shattered their peace. What did Emily know about this woman? Honestly, not much. Her husband affectionately called the girl Kitten, but her real name hardly mattered. All Emily knew was that she worked here, in this cafe, as a waitress. Emily took a seat by the window and waited for her rival to approach and take her order. And there she wasthe waitress shed briefly seen in a photo. She was on her way. A few seconds seemed to stretch into eternity, and Emilys mind raced with thoughts, enough to fill a heavy tome.
Good morning! the waitress greeted. Emily glanced at her badge: Katie. Of course. Not the most imaginative pet name, Kitten, if her real name was Katie. While Katie, blissfully unaware of Emilys turmoil, carried on, May I offer you a menu? Just call me when youre ready to order.
Emily beamed her brightest smile, all the while scrutinising her adversary like a specimen under a magnifying glass. How had she ended up face-to-face with her husbands lover? It was a long story. But let’s start at the beginning.
For ten years, Emily had been happily married to Michaelor so she believed. They had an eight-year-old daughter, Sophie. Michael adored his little princess, spoiling her outrageously, despite Emilys looks of disapproval whenever he brought home the latest doll. Sophie worshipped her dad, sometimes, Emily felt, more than her. But Emily didnt mindshe was a psychotherapist by training and knew it was vital for a girl to have a fathers love; it laid a foundation for healthy relationships later on.
Emily always made it a point to discuss any problems with Michael, so their marriage had few serious arguments. Theirs was a typical middle-class life: a mortgaged flat, a car, and a little cottage in the Cotswolds they visited at weekends.
And then, out of nowherean affair!
Emily discovered it by accident. A few days ago, Michael was in the shower when his phone rang. Probably Dad! He promised to ring tonightcan you get it? he called out.
Shed never answered Michaels phone before, but since he had asked, she meant to pick it up. As she reached for the handset, she noticed it wasnt his father calling but someone else. The call was through a messaging app, the contact listed as Kittencomplete with a photo. Emily stared, stunned. It was a young woman shed never seen, arms wrapped around Michael. What on earth? The room spun. Should she answer? Speak to the girl? While she dithered, the call ended.
Emily backed away from the phone as though it might bite her. At that moment, a message pinged: Mikey, Im working 2/2 from Monday next week. Come by The Coffee Nook at the end of my shiftwant to treat you to my special coffee. Love you, miss you And a line of hearts.
Emily yanked her hand away from Michaels phone as if it were a snake. While her mind refused to believe it, the evidence was clear. Kitten, the photo, the call, the messageno way to read it as anything else. How long had it been going on? Was it just a fling, or something deeper? Either way, it was a crushing blow. She needed time to think.
Michael emerged, asking if shed spoken to his father. Emily replied that she hadnt reached the phone in time and hadnt seen who was calling. Then, feigning a headache, she said she needed to pop to Boots.
Of course, she didnt go to the chemist. Instead, she sat down on a bench in the nearby park, turning everything over in her mind. When had things gone wrong? She couldnt spot the crack. But she had to face the truth. Emily wasnt the type to pretend nothing was wrong while the boat sank under her. That wasnt her style. Nor was she the kind to erupt into screaming rowsshe preferred reasoned, measured conversations, no matter how difficult. Her first impulse was to confront Michael about Kitten, but then shed have to admit to checking his messages. No, shed think on it.
The irony was they had their tenth anniversary coming up in a weeka celebration booked at their favourite cafe, with Sophie planning a surprise poster and grandparents due for Sunday roast at the cottage. How could she keep up the pretense now? Emily felt tears sting her eyes. Maybe she should just pack Michaels things and tell him to go to his Kittenor wherever else he pleased. But there was Sophie to think aboutDads little girl. It would break her. And the mortgage, and the parents, andworst of allshe still loved Michael.
Then she rememberedthe name of the coffee shop and the waitresss schedule. Shed seen Kittens face in that photo. Why not go and see her in person? Maybe even speak to her?
For the next few days, Emily stumbled through life in a fog. She couldnt eat, couldnt sleep, though she forced herself to act normal. Her wan state didnt escape Sophie, nor Michael. She blamed it on work stress and a tricky client, hinting she might need to see her supervisor. Sophie only hugged her mother tighter, while Michael eyed her suspiciously.
Eventually, unable to bear it any longer, Emily decided she must go to The Coffee Nook. If nothing else, seeing Kitten might bring some clarity.
***
Ill have a latte and what dessert would you recommend? Emily asked briskly.
Our honey cake is rather nice, Katie replied.
All right, the honey cake please.
When her husbands lover brought the order, Emily barely touched it. The coffee was passable, and the cakewell, ordinary. Few customers at eleven in the morning; Emily had picked this hour deliberately, hoping shed get the waitress alone for a chat. After a while, Katie returned, politely concerned, I noticed you didnt eat much. Was the cake not to your liking? I can bring you something else.
No, its not the cake. Ive just not much appetite. So much on my mind.
Im sorry. Ill leave you in peace then
No, Katie, youre not distracting me. I was just thinkingshould I finish my cake, or file for divorce? What would you choose? Emily fixed her with a penetrating look.
Katie looked a bit alarmed. The customer must have seemed slightly mad.
Ive never had to make that kind of choice
And if you did? Suppose you found out your husband was cheating?
Katie was silent, clearly unnerved. Emily quickly changed the subject.
So, how long have you been working here?
Around a year, Katie answered, on guard.
Are you a student?
Yes, Katies distrust was obvious, but she answered anyway.
Whats your degree, if you dont mind me asking?
Im at the arts universityCreative Writing.
Interesting. That must help your imagination.
I Im not sure what you mean.
I mean, could you put yourself in someone elses shoessay, a betrayed wife, or a mistress?
Katie said nothing, but she fidgeted. Emily decided to end this pointless exchange. What was she doing here, anyway? So what, she’d seen Katie in the fleshshould she pull her hair, or throw the cold latte at her? Would that make her feel better? Certainly not. Emily grimaced and quietly asked for the bill.
Katie returned shortly after, but her customer had gone, leaving notes on the table with a generous tip. Katie stared out the window, sighing with a strange sadness.
***
At the cafe, Emily made her decisionshe would go ahead with their anniversary plans as arranged. No need to ruin Sophies special day; shed poured her heart into homemade decorations. Emily would wait until after, then talk to Michael.
So, they went to their favourite bistro for their tenth anniversaryEmily, Michael, and Sophie. Tin or wood? Emily wondered. Glass, more likecrystal clear, about to shatter, and here I am playing along, she thought bleakly. As the meal wound down, Michael winked mischievously at Sophie. Whats a celebration without a cake? Sophie squealed, I want the biggest slice!
Michael signalled to someone. As Emily watched, her heart nearly stopped. Bringing out the celebration cake was Katieotherwise known as Kitten, the supposed mistress. No doubt at all. Katie set the cake down and lingered at their table. Michael smiled at her warmly, then turned to his wife.
To ten amazing years, my love! This cake is for you.
A childrens entertainer drew Sophie away to play a game. Emily was struck dumb. Michael intervened.
I gather youve already met Katie.
Katie nodded politely.
No trial can touch our love, Michael declared. Thank you for being my rock.
He tried to kiss Emily, but she turned away.
What is going on here? she finally asked, voice trembling.
Emily, it was all a prank. A silly one, maybe, but thats all it was Michael shrugged sheepishly.
A prank? Emily echoed in disbelief.
Yes. You see, I hired a special events companythey organise unique parties, script everything, cast actors. For us, my affair was the storyline. But youve handled it all with such dignity and strengthIm truly amazed. Im so lucky to have you! He tried again to put an arm round her; she moved further away.
So youre telling me theres no mistress?
No! Michael said joyfully.
And Katieshes a professional actress?
Im still at drama school, Katie chimed in. I only moonlight here and at the agencybut you were so gracious, Emily! Some wives have poured coffee on me or caused a public scene, but you were calmand you even tipped me.
Emily could only stare, first at her husband, then at Katie, speechless.
Michael, do you actually find this funny? Appropriate? Her voice cracked and she nearly shouted, Why would you do this to me of all times?
Katie started to leave, but Emily made a sharp gesture for her to stay. Michael had never seen his wife shout before. Always so calm and reasonable, she was now letting her emotions show.
Do you understand at all how Ive felt these last days? Why would you pull this, just before our anniversary?
You see, Emily, youre always so cool-headednever any drama. I thought our relationship needed a bit of spice. Yes, it was stupid. Im sorry.
Emily barely contained her fury. Katie stole away while she had the chance.
Oh, you want spice? Here you go! Emily grabbed the entire cake and smeared it right in Michaels face. Theres your spiceand your filling. All in one!
Michael fumbled, trying to clear icing from his eyes.
Are you completely out of your mind?
No, dear, Emily replied, her tone feather-light. Just trying to liven up our marriage a little! With that, she rose and headed for the door.
What on earth has got into you? Michael called after her. I never cheated on you!
Emily turned at the door, her voice loaded with feeling.
It would almost be better if you had!
She strode over to Sophie, took her hand, and together they left the cafe. Outside, the crisp evening air hit her and, all of a sudden, she burst out laughing.
Mum, what is it? Whats so funny? Sophie asked.
Oh, nothing, lovejust remembered a silly joke.
Will you tell me?
I will, sweetheart. But first we need a serious chat. Sometimes well, sometimes we have to live apart from Dad for a little while.
Not forever, Mum?! Sophies eyes were huge.
I dont know, darling. Time will tell. Are you with me? Sophie nodded bravely.
And together they walked on, down the evening street.
Sometimes, you must stand up for your own happinesseven when others dont understand your pain. Life, after all, is too short for pointless games, and self-respect is worth far more than any fairy-tale ending.
