It Was Just Sex (It Meant Nothing!)
By John Locke
3/5
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About this ebook
Wives need a reason to cheat; husbands just need a place.
This is the lesson 28-year old Cameron Poole learns from her philandering husband, Jake, who readily admits he’s not likely to win any Husband of the Year awards. The question Cameron must answer is this: now that she knows what Jake’s been up to, what’s she going to do about it?
PRELIMINARY REVIEWS:
“If I ever catch my husband cheating on me, I’m calling Cameron Poole!”
“Forget the tired, worn-out vigilante stories where a gang rapes and kills the hero’s wife, kills his kids and his dog, and the hero tracks them down one-by-one and murders them (yawn!) Locke’s latest novel is next-level revenge from the female perspective: cunning, diabolical, and delicious.”
“Locke is such a prolific writer it seems like years since his last book. Thankfully, he’s back, and in excellent form. Sweet Cameron Poole is the nicest person ever. Until she isn’t.”
John Locke
John Locke kommt 1632 im englischen Wrington zur Welt. Nach dem Besuch der Westminster School in London studiert Locke bis 1658 in Oxford. Zwischen 1660 und 1664 lehrt er dort Philosophie, Rhetorik und alte Sprachen. Sein enzyklopädisches Wissen und seine Studien in Erkenntnistheorie, Naturwissenschaften und Medizin bringen ihm früh die Mitgliedschaft in der Royal Society ein. Als Sekretär und Leibarzt des Earl of Shaftesbury ist Locke in Folge der politischen Machtkämpfe in England gezwungen, ins holländische Exil zu fliehen. Erst 1689 kehrt er nach England zurück und widmet sich auf seinem Landgut seinen Studien. Im selben Jahr erscheint anonym Ein Brief über Toleranz, der die ausschließliche Aufgabe des Staates im Schutz von Leben, Besitz und Freiheit seiner Bürger bestimmt. Die hier formulierten Ideen finden in der amerikanischen Unabhängigkeitserklärung ihren politischen Widerhall. Lockes Hauptwerk, der Versuch über den menschlichen Verstand, erscheint erst 1690 vollständig, wird aber vermutlich bereit 20 Jahre früher begonnen. Es begründet die Erkenntnistheorie als neuzeitliche Form des Philosophierens, die besonders in der französischen Aufklärung nachwirkt. Locke lehnt darin Descartes' Vorstellung von den eingeborenen Ideen ab und vertritt einen konsequenten Empirismus. Aus der theoretischen Einsicht in die Begrenztheit der Erkenntnisfähigkeit ergibt sich für Locke die Forderung, daß sich weder ein Staatssouverän noch eine Glaubensgemeinschaft im Besitz der allein gültigen Wahrheit wähnen darf. Der mündige Bürger, der in der Lage ist, kritisch selbst zu entscheiden, wird konsequenterweise zum pädagogischen Ziel Lockes. John Locke stirbt 1704 als europäische Berühmtheit auf seinem Landsitz in Oates.
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It Was Just Sex (It Meant Nothing!) - John Locke
Part One: It Was Just Sex
1.
Friday, July 21, 6:40 p.m.
WOMEN NEED A reason to cheat; men just need a place.
Had 28-year-old Cameron Poole known this axiom of marital infidelity she might have handled things differently.
But no.
Six minutes ago, she arrived home from her bi-weekly Pilates class to find her husband sitting at the kitchen table sobbing, with his head in his hands. She dropped her gym bag and rushed to his side.
Omigod, Jake, what’s happened? Has someone died?
He shook his head no, but continued convulsing.
Did something happen at work?
No response.
Jake, please! Talk to me!
It took a while, but eventually he composed himself, raised his head, looked into her eyes and said, We need to talk.
It wasn’t the words, but the way he spoke them that made her realize this wasn’t a problem that affected Jake alone. This was about them.
Cameron’s knees buckled. If not for the table, she’d have fallen to the floor. As the room spun around her and the color drained from her face she was vaguely aware of Jake at her side, holding her up, helping her shaky legs navigate from the kitchen to the den, where he sat her on the couch and began pacing back and forth.
Abruptly, he stopped and said, Here’s the bottom line: I did something stupid and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.
As she aimed her eyes in the general direction of his face Cameron heard him say, I slept with someone.
Which brings us to the present.
Cameron’s eyes find their focus. "I’m sorry. What the fuck did you just say? Because even though she heard Jake perfectly, the four words he uttered were so extraordinary she needs to hear them a second time. When he repeats,
I…slept with someone," the anger bubbles up inside her like molten lava seeking an exit.
Through clenched teeth, she says, Who?
Jake makes the mistake of saying, It doesn’t matter,
which forces 20 tons of metaphoric lava to explode from Cameron’s mouth to form the words: "It most certainly does fucking matter! Who is she?"
When Jake fails to respond immediately, Cameron screams, "Who did you fuck? Who did you fuck? Who did you fuck?"
"Jesus! he says.
Quiet down!"
Cameron does the opposite, increasing her volume to a shriek: "Who did you fuck? Who did you fuck?"
"All right! Jake shouts.
Her name’s Stacy. I’m not saying her last name, so don’t bother asking."
As Cameron struggles to put a face to the name, Jake says, Don’t worry, you don’t know her.
Cameron’s eyes narrow to angry slits. "Don’t worry? Did you actually just tell me not to worry?"
You know what I mean.
"I have no clue what you meant, Jake. Maybe you’ll be kind enough to explain it to me."
I just meant she’s not someone you know. I wouldn’t do that to you.
How thoughtful.
Jake frowns. Look, I know you’re pissed—
"Am I, Jake?"
Yes, and you have every right to be. But no matter what else happens, I want you to know that—
"Shut up! she says.
Just…shut the fuck up!"
He does.
After a minute of seething silence, Cameron reigns in her anger enough to say, I’m entitled to some answers.
Jake nods. I agree.
After revealing how old Stacy is (22), what she looks like (Cute, but big thighs and flabby stomach. Definitely not as pretty as you
), where they met (Nashville, at a bar
), how long it’s been going on (Six months
), how many times he fucked her (I can’t remember, but less than you think because the sex was dreadful
), who else knows about it (No one, I swear!
) Jake can see his wife steeling herself to ask the question that will make or break their relationship: Do you love her?
"No, of course not! It was just sex. Honestly Cam, it meant nothing."
"It meant…nothing?"
I swear to God!
He pauses. It was…a momentary lapse in judgement.
I wouldn’t call six months of fucking another woman a momentary lapse.
Right. Of course not. But once it started, I was afraid to stop.
Why?
She threatened to tell you.
"You should have told me!"
"I know, and I am telling you. I’m telling you now."
A little late, don’t you think?
I would have told you sooner, but she threatened to kill herself.
She did?
I swear!
"Well, that’s an important point to leave out till now. You should have mentioned that at the start. Where’s your medal?"
What do you mean?
You basically just told me you weren’t really cheating on me, you were saving a woman’s life by fucking her. Surely you deserve a medal!
He sighs. The suicide threat came early in the relationship. After that I only pity-fucked her a couple of times to calm her down and keep her quiet.
So, the first few fucks were sincere.
"The entire relationship was a mistake. A huge mistake. It’s not something I planned, it just sort of happened."
And?
I feel awful.
She stares at him. A while ago you said it was just sex, and that it meant nothing. Did you really mean that?
It’s the God’s honest truth.
I see.
You’ve got to believe me, Cam!
"Here’s the thing, Jake: I do believe you."
Thank God!
"What you’re saying, our marriage meant so little you were willing to risk everything for a sexual encounter that meant absolutely nothing to you. You’re saying our six years together, your wedding vows, my love and devotion, the children we talked about having…all these things meant less to you than random sex with a woman you don’t even care about. Back up."
Excuse me?
You’re standing practically on top of me. Take three steps back.
When he does, she stands and says, Close your eyes.
Why?
I’m gonna slap your face as hard as I can.
Cam—
I’m serious, Jake.
He sighs. Look: I understand you want to hit me. If it makes you feel better, go ahead. I certainly deserve it.
I agree. Close your eyes.
Why?
Because you don’t have the right to see it coming, just like I didn’t see it coming when you confessed cheating on me just now.
Jake closes his eyes and braces himself, but she doesn’t slap him. Instead, she kicks him in the nuts as hard as she can, catching him totally by surprise. He lets out a yelp, crumples to the floor, writhes around, holding his crotch in agony.
"Omigod, Jake, I’m so sorry! she says, sarcastically.
I didn’t plan to kick you, it just sort of happened. But it’s okay. It meant nothing."
She walks to the kitchen. Picks up her gym bag. Grabs some clothes from the laundry room. Walks out the back door. Gets in her car and drives away.
2.
WINCING IN PAIN, Jake staggers to his feet and shuffles to the kitchen. He opens the freezer, grabs a frozen bag of peas and presses it to his crotch. Knowing Cameron won’t answer, he calls her anyway, just to say he did. After leaving a message, he waits ten minutes, calls her again, leaves another message. Then he texts Cameron’s best friend, Lara Doubleday:
I told her.
Lara: When?
Jake: Just now.
Lara: Holy shit! How’d she take it?
Jake: Not well. She kicked me in the nuts.
Lara: LOL! Wait: literally?
Jake: Literally. With great force and perfect aim.
Lara: Are you okay?
Jake: No. Come rub it for me.
Lara: I’ll ignore that comment. Where is she now?
Jake: Who gives a shit?
Lara: You need to at least ACT like you do.
Jake: She drove away, furious. I doubt she’ll come back tonight.
Lara: I’ll call her. What name did you give?
Jake: Stacy, from Nashville. Can we meet someplace? I need to see you.
Lara: No. We agreed to put this behind us and work on our marriages.
Jake: YOU agreed, not me. I love you.
Lara: You love FUCKING me.
Jake: I sure as hell do!
Lara: It’s over, Jake. From now on be careful how you act around me. I don’t want to lose Cameron’s friendship, not to mention my marriage.
Jake: I’ll be cool.
Lara: Not cool, Jake. Be appropriate. Because if Cameron or Frank finds out, I’ll lose everything.
Jake: You won’t lose me. I’ll never stop loving you.
Lara: Stop saying that. We had a fling, nothing more.
Jake: It was much more than a fling and you know it. Two days ago, we were great. Now, after one bump in the road you’re ready to call it quits.
Lara: You should be grateful we dodged a bullet. IF we did. How many times did I tell you not to meet in town?
Jake: I didn’t know her cousin worked at the Halstead.
Lara: That’s my point. You fucked up.
Jake: At least YOU’RE safe.
Lara: Safe? Her cousin has me on video!
Jake: From a distance. And you were wearing a wig. Trust me, you’re safe.
Lara: Sorry, but I don’t FEEL safe. You promised to protect me if anything happened. Well, something has. So, I’m asking you to honor your promise.
Jake: Of course. We’ll lay low, let this Stacy thing blow over, then start seeing each other again, but only out of town. How’s that sound?
Lara: Terrible. You’re not listening to me.
Jake: I am. But I’m also fighting to save our relationship. Don’t give up on us.
Lara: There is no us.
Cam will forgive you, but Frank’s different. He’s erratic. You have no idea how he can be.
Jake: Frank’s a teddy bear.
Lara: Not always. You need to promise not to say or do anything that could get me in trouble.
Jake: I promise to keep you safe.
Lara: If Cameron sees the video, she’ll recognize me.
Jake: Her cousin agreed not to show it if I confessed. So, I did, and now you’re safe.
Lara: I hope so. Meanwhile, you should call Cam and beg her to take you back.
Jake: I’ve called her nonstop. She won’t answer. Not sure she’ll take me back in any case. She was pretty upset.
Lara: Trust me, she will. And when she does, treat her right, okay? And behave yourself.
Jake: What are YOU going to do?
Lara: Pray we get through this.
3.
WHAT’S WRONG?
FRANK says.
Lara looks up from her phone. Jake and Cameron had a fight.
Frank sits beside her on the couch. What happened?
He cheated on her.
Frank nods. Did she catch him, or did he confess?
Lara’s eyes go wide. You knew he was having an affair?
Yeah. He’s been bragging about his hot little Stacy, from Nashville.
Lara frowns. How long have you known?
A couple months.
"And you didn’t tell me?"
He turns his palms up. It’s a guy thing. I knew you’d tell Cameron. I didn’t want to betray Jake’s trust.
"Is he keeping your secrets too?"
"What secrets do I have? You think I’m cheating on you?"
"If you were, how would I know?"
"Because I wouldn’t do that. I love you."
Jake loves Cameron. But that didn’t stop him from cheating.
He doesn’t love her like I love you.
How could he cheat on Cameron? She’s gorgeous, with perfect legs.
No one’s got better legs than you, Babe!
Cameron does. I wish I had her legs. Not to mention her ass. Have you ever seen her in leggings? I refuse to be in the same room when she’s wearing leggings.
"So, you’ve said. But I happen to love your ass, not hers! Want me to show you how much?"
No. What I want is for you to answer a question honestly. Are you fucking Cameron?
"What?"
You heard me.
"Are you crazy? No, of course not!"
She’s gorgeous.
I agree. So, what?
We’ve gone out with her and Jake at least six times in the past two months. How could I not know you and Jake had this huge secret? How could you sit there though all those dinners and parties and act like nothing happened?
He’s my friend. I try not to judge.
Cameron’s your friend, too. Didn’t it bother you he was cheating on her?
She pauses. "Or maybe you were proud of your boy, Jake, for getting some hot young pussy on the side. Were you hitting it, too, Frank?"
He takes a deep breath. I know Cameron’s your best friend and I’m sorry Jake’s been cheating on her. But you’re deflecting your anger at him onto me.
You said he was bragging. Did he give you details?
Frank starts to say something, then changes his mind. I’m not having this discussion with you right now.
Where are you going?
Basement. I’m gonna work out. Do me a favor?
She looks at him.
Don’t punish me for something Jake did.
Lara stands, trying to decide if she’s mad at him or not. They stare at each other until she gives him a reluctant hug.
He says, Try not to get all worked up. I’m not Jake. I love you too much to cheat.
She sighs. You’re right. I’m sorry. It just breaks my heart to think Jake would take a chance on losing his marriage. It scares me you might do the same thing.
What did I just say?
You’re not Jake?
He kisses her forehead. Exactly.
4.
FORTY MINUTES LATER…
Jake: Have you heard from Cam?
Lara: Why are you texting me this late?
Jake: Shit! I didn’t think about the time. Sorry.
Lara: Luckily, Frank’s working out in the basement. No, I haven’t heard from Cam. I called twice and left messages. How about you?
Jake: She called to cuss me out, then hung up on me.
Lara: Tread lightly, Jake. She’s emotional right now.
Jake: No shit! She accused me of canceling our joint credit card.
Lara: Did you?
Jake: Of course not.
Lara: Was it canceled or declined?
Jake: She said canceled.
Lara: That’s odd. Is that her only card?
Jake: Yes. You’d tell me if she was at your place, right?
Lara: Of course. She’s not here.
Jake: She probably got a hotel room. Must have resolved the credit card issue, or you’d have heard from her.
Lara: I agree. I’ll call her again. If she doesn’t answer, I’ll try again tomorrow morning. Meanwhile, you should call her two more times tonight.
Jake: Why? She’s not going to answer.
Lara: Maybe not, but she’ll appreciate that you tried. And leave her sweet messages like please come home, I’m so sorry, I can’t bear the thought of losing you
Jake: Even if I don’t mean it?
Lara: I hate when you talk that way! I may have slept with you but she’s still my best friend. You’re lucky to have her, and I’m lucky to have Frank. It’s not too late to save our marriages. I’m sure as hell gonna try.
Ten minutes later…
Lara: I think you might have a problem.
Jake: What do you mean?
Lara: I’ve been thinking about your joint credit card. I think SHE canceled it.
Jake: That doesn’t make sense. If she canceled it, she wouldn’t be able to check into a hotel. Plus, she called to cuss ME out, remember?
Lara: What if she has a credit card you don’t know about?
Jake: Not possible. The bank statements would have to come to our home or my office. I would have seen them.
Lara: Could she have a boyfriend?
Jake: Not without YOU knowing. Unless…haha…Never mind!
Lara: Unless what?
Jake: How funny would it be if she were having an affair with Frank?
After a long pause Lara texts: Fuck you, Jake.
5.
Saturday Morning.
TO LARA’S SURPRISE, Cameron answers her phone cheerfully. Hey, Lara. What’s up?
"What’s