My Husbands Mistress
Mary sat in her car, staring at the navigation screen. She had checked it twiceyes, shed arrived at the correct address. All that remained was to summon her strength and do what needed to be done. She inhaled deeply, squaring her shoulders, and climbed out from behind the wheel. She walked for about fifty yards and halted in front of a small coffee shop. “Coffee Haven,” read the sign in gilded letters. “Heavenly, indeed,” Mary thought grimly. She was supposed to walk in now, but her determination wavered. Should she just let it go, get back in the car, and drive as far away as possible? No, she could never do thatshe was here for a reason.
She grasped the handle, pulled open the door, and stepped inside. She was about to meet HERher husbands mistress, the woman who had silently set her family home ablaze. What did Mary actually know about this girl? Not terribly much. Her husband called her Kitten in his messages, but Mary suspected the girls real name was something far more ordinary. She worked here as a waitress. Mary took a seat by the window and waited for someone to come and take her order. And then she saw her. Without question, it was herMary recognised the girl from the glimpse of a photo shed found. And now, here she was, walking straight over to Marys table. The few seconds that passed seemed endless, as thousands of thoughts raced through Marys mindenough, it seemed, to fill a mighty tome.
Good morning! greeted the waitress brightly. Mary glanced quickly at her name badge. Catherine. So thats her name, Mary mused. Not much imagination, she thought, for her husband to call Catherine Kitten. Meanwhile, Catherine, oblivious to the storm brewing in her guests mind, continued, Would you like a menu? Take your time, and let me know when youre ready.
Mary gave her the brightest smile she could muster and watched her carefully, scrutinising her rival as if studying a curious invention. How had it come to thisfacing her husbands mistress? It was a tale that had unfolded by chance, one that Mary wouldnt soon forget.
For over ten years, Mary had believed herself content in her marriage to Andrew. Or at least shed thought she was. They had a daughter, Emily, eight years old, the apple of Andrews eye and his endlessly spoilt little princess. Mary would raise an eyebrow every time Andrew bought yet another dollHonestly, why does she need the twentieth one? shed ask, but hed just shrug sheepishly. Emily adored her father, and sometimes Mary wondered if she loved him even more than she loved her mum. Still, Mary didnt begrudge it. As a psychologist, she knew just how crucial a fathers affection was for a girls future happiness.
Mary always made a point to discuss problems with Andrew, so serious arguments were rare in their home. They were a thoroughly average family, really: a mortgaged flat, a car, and a modest cottage out in the countryside, some thirty miles from London.
Then, without warning, came the mistress.
Mary found out entirely by accident. Only a few days ago, Andrew was in the shower when his phone started ringing. He called out, Mary, can you get that? Itll be Dad, he said hed phone this evening! Im a bit tied up. It was the first time shed answered one of his calls, but since hed asked, why not chat with her father-in-law? As she reached for his phone on the side table, she noticed the nameKittenand a profile picture: a young woman, unfamiliar, her arms slung around Andrew. Marys heart lurched. What was this? She stood paralysed, unsure whether to answer or not. The call ended before she could decide.
Quickly, she moved away from the phone, determined never to lay eyes on it again. But thenanother message alert. She couldnt help but glance: Andy, Ill be working Mondays and Tuesdays next week. Drop by Coffee Haven after my shift, I want to treat you to my special coffee. Love you, miss you followed by a string of hearts.
Mary snatched her hand away as if the mobile had bitten her. She was still in denialeven so, there was little doubt: the girl from the photo, the overfamiliar tone, and this secret meeting place. Andrew had a mistress. How long had it been going on? Was it a meaningless affair or something deeper? Not that it mattered for Marythe very thought was a crushing blow.
When Andrew emerged from the shower and asked if shed spoken to his father, Mary simply said she hadnt made it to the phone in time. Then she excused herself, citing a headache and saying shed go to the chemist.
Of course, she never went to the pharmacy. Instead, she sat on a bench in the small park near their flat, turning over her thoughts. She replayed everything from their marriage, searching for where the first cracks had appeared, but nothing came to mind. She had to face the truthshe wasnt one to pretend nothing was wrong, to keep sailing a sinking ship.
She wouldnt make a scene, nor would she resort to dramathat wasnt her way. Calm conversation and thoughtful choices, however painful, were her preference. Her first urge was to confront Andrew directly, but then shed have to admit reading his private messages. No, that wouldnt do.
Then Mary remembered: she knew the name of the café where the mistress worked, had her work schedule, and had even seen her face. Perhaps she could go, see the girl for herself, maybe even talk to her.
For the next few days, Mary was like a ghostshe barely slept, lost her appetite, and did her best to act normal. But Emily, and even Andrew, noticed her distress. Mary put it down to exhaustion and a particularly difficult patient at work, saying she might need professional supervision. Emily hugged her more, unsure how to help, and Andrew watched her warily.
Eventually, Marys nerves frayed so badly she resolved: she must go to that coffee shop and see Catherineotherwise shed never find peace.
***
Ill have a latte and a dessert, Mary said, her voice steady. What do you recommend?
We do a lovely honey cake, Catherine replied with a smile.
Alright then, the honey cake.
When her husbands mistress brought over the order, Mary could barely touch it. The coffee was mediocre; the cake, nothing special. Only a few customers lingered in the caféunderstandable for eleven in the morning. Mary had picked the hour on purpose, hoping she could have a word or two with Catherine. Her calculation paid off. Ten minutes later, Catherine returned with a gentle query,
Youve barely touched your cake. Is it not to your liking? Can I get you something else?
Oh, no, its not the cake. I just Ive a lot on my mind.
Sorry then, Ill leave you in peace.
No, Catherine, youre not disturbing me. Im just pondering what comes nextwhether to finish my cake or apply for a divorce. What would you do? Mary looked at her closely.
Catherine looked startled. No doubt the customer appeared unhinged.
Ive never had to make that kind of choice
And if you did? Suppose you discovered your husband was unfaithful.
Catherine said nothing, eyes wide. Mary, perhaps sensing this was going nowhere, changed the subject.
How long have you worked here?
Almost a year, Catherine answered, still cautious.
Are you a student?
Yes, Catherine replied uncertainly.
And whats your subject, if you dont mind me asking?
Im at the Arts University studying performance.
Interesting. I expect you must have a good imagination, then?
Im not sure what you mean.
Could you, for example, put yourself in the place of a jilted wife? Or a mistress?
Catherine flushed visibly, fidgeting. Suddenly Mary realised how fruitless this all was. Shed come, shed seen Catherinewhat now? Wrestle with the so-called homewrecker or toss cold coffee in her face? Would that do any good? She sighed, weary.
Just bring the bill, please.
When Catherine returned, Mary was gone. Only her money lay on the table, with a generous tip.
Catherine gazed out of the window and let out a melancholy sigh.
***
In that coffee shop, Mary made her decision. She would celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary with Andrew as they had planned. No sense robbing Emily of her joyshed spent days preparing, making banners for her parents. After the celebration, Mary would talk to Andrew, whatever it might lead to.
So there they were: Mary, Andrew, and Emily in their favourite bistro, marking a decade together. Tin or woodwhat did it matter? More likely glass, Mary mused, about to shatter, and Im pretending its all fine. The dinner was nearly over, when Andrew winked at Emily and said, A party isnt a party without cake! Emily squealed, Hurray for cake! I get the biggest slice!
Andrew discreetly gestured to the staffand to Marys astonishment, it was Catherine herself who emerged, bearing a celebratory cake. Catherine, or Kitten, or whatever you might call her; there was no mistaking her.
Catherine set the cake on the table and lingered nearby. Andrew beamed at herthen at Mary.
Happy anniversary, darling! This cake is for you, he said.
An entertainer arrived to lead Emily away for a game, and she eagerly skipped after him.
Mary sat mute with shock. Andrew, seeing her distress, hastened to explain.
I suppose youve met Catherine, he said.
Catherine nodded politely.
Our love can weather anything. Im grateful for you, Mary. He moved to embrace her, but she recoiled.
What is going on? Mary at last managed to ask.
Darling, it was a joke. A silly, perhaps tasteless prank, butoh well, there it is Andrew spread his hands.
A joke? Mary repeated, dumbfounded.
Yes. I went to a special agencythey create unusual parties, with scripts, actors, the works. For us, it was my affair. But you, Mary, you were extraordinaryso calm, so wise. Im lucky to have you! He leaned in, but Mary again pulled back.
So youre saying theres no mistress?
None at all, Andrew said joyfully.
And Catherine is an actress?
Im still in training, said Kitten. I work here part-time and with the agency. You handled yourself with dignity, Marymuch better than some wives! Ive had drinks thrown at me, been cursed in public. But you were composed, and even left a tip.
I am speechless, Mary stared between her husband and Catherine. Andrew, you thought this prank was funny? Appropriate? Acceptable? Her voice faltered, rising to a near-shout. Why did you do this to me?
Catherine made to leave, but Mary stopped her with a gesture. Andrew had never before seen his usually measured wife so openly furious.
Do you even know how my past few days have been? What possessed you to stage something like this for our anniversary?
You see, Andrew began awkwardly, youre always so calm I thought our marriage could use a little spice. Yes, it was foolish. Im sorry.
Marys anger nearly overcame her. Catherine hastily excused herself and disappeared.
So you wanted spice, did you? Here you go! And with that, she seized the cake platter and smeared the creamy dessert across his face. Thats your spice, and your filling. The whole lot together!
Andrew tried to wipe the mess off, half-laughing, half-outraged.
Are you insane? he spluttered.
No, darling, Mary replied sweetly, just making our marriage a little more lively! With that, she rose and strode towards the door.
What on earth is the matter with you? Andrew shouted after her. I never cheated, after all!
Mary paused, looked back over her shoulder, and declared, Better that you had!
Then she walked over to Emily, took her hand, and together they left the café. Outside, Mary drew in the cool evening air and, to her own surprise, began to laugh.
Mummy, whats funny? What made you laugh?
Oh, nothing, darling. Just remembered a joke.
Will you tell me?
Of course. But first, we need to have a serious chat. You see, for a while, we may need to live apart from Daddy
Live away from Daddy? Forever? Emilys eyes widened in alarm.
I dont know just yet, Mary answered honestly. Time will tell. Will you be with me? And Emily nodded at once.
And so, side by side, they headed out into the evening, the road ahead uncertain but together.
