Surprise

By Claudia Buntyn

Can you love someone you dont like? They say opposites attract. Cala was a quiet, studious, goal-oriented overachiever. Micah was a handsome, rich playboy who partied like there was no tomorrow.

A quiet beauty, she was unlike anyone he had ever met. From their first encounter, his attention fixated on having her by his side. Though he faced resistance at every turn, his perseverance finally paid off during a magical dance at the country club.

From the moment she said yes, her life became a series of surprises and broken promises. He viewed her protest as her way of showing gratitude. Cala was resigned to enduring the life she had chosen, always hoping time would mellow his extravagance.

A person can only endure so much disappointment. Late nights, secret phone calls, and wild expenditures can cause even the most trusting wife to become suspicious. Cala knew she must act for the sake of her own sanity. Now she is planning a little surprise of her own.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Oct 26, 2016
• ISBN: 9781489709561

Claudia Buntyn

Claudia Buntyn lives in the suburbs of Augusta, Georgia, with her husband, J. D. Buntyn. Growing up in Atlanta, she was the neighborhood child with the wild imagination and imaginary friend. Her stories are a natural progression of those daydreams. With the success of her debut novel in 2015, she has again whetted our appetites for the unexpected.

Book preview

Surprise

The Beginning of the End

AS HE LED HER INTO THE BANQUET ROOM, THEY WERE MET WITH an explosion of ‘surprise’. There was an undulating sea of grinning faces, all eyes on her.

Her husband of twenty five years stood at her side looking like the Cheshire cat who just swallowed the canary. While they were being congratulated with raised glasses, someone yelled ‘speech’, others joined the cheer.

Micah was a refined business man, easy on the eyes, some would even call him handsome, and she had thought so at one time. He was five ten, stocky athletic build, dark hair and eyes, always ready with a smile.

He took the spotlight accepting a glass of champagne and handing one to his lovely wife as well. He stepped up onto the raised platform normally used by speakers who occupy this area for special events.

Cala stood there expressionless, trying to conceal all the resentment and frustration that had built up over the last few months. Watching him in the limelight finalized what she’d known all along.

This wasn’t about her or their anniversary. It wasn’t about celebrating their time together or their family, it was about him. ‘Look what I’ve done’, ‘I’m so thoughtful, I’m so generous’, ‘look at me’.

He was always first to grab the check when out with friends. He was an easy pinch when someone needed to borrow a few bucks. He’d be first to volunteer when praise was involved, or his name would be heralded. He kept himself out in the forefront, such a good guy, everyone loved him.

The first words out of his mouth confirmed his true motive. I really pulled this off. There were a few times when I thought I’d been caught, but I made it without any snafu’s. he continued for ten minutes talking about things he’d done to stay under the radar while planning this party.

She noticed how many times he said ‘I’. I did this, I did that or I didn’t do this, I didn’t do that. As she listened she tried to remember why she’d been attracted to him in the beginning. Why hadn’t she seen things this clearly before. Instead of regret she had confirmation on her own plans.

People loved Micah; they looked up to him, admired him and even sucked up to him all the time. Maybe she had gotten caught up in idol worship too. When someone bigger than life is surrounded by adoring fans singing their praises, it draws your attention and awe.

In his rambling expose’ nothing was said about her, or their marriage. Nothing about their twenty five years together or the two children they’d raised. His only thoughts were of this wonderful gesture of surprising her with the party he’d planned and perpetrated.

No doubt some of the moonstruck women in the crowd were wishing they had been the object of this fine gala event. Wishing their mate was this thoughtful and romantic. If only they knew.

Cala was neither impressed nor pleased. She was surprised, of all the things she’d suspected him of being involved in the past few months this party wasn’t among them. Only two weeks ago had she figured it out from a few well placed phone calls.

She watched the crowd as they were being entertained by her husband. She too had been planning a little surprise for him. It was based on false assumptions, but it was time, time to move out of his shadow and into the light.

Her mind had wandered as she sipped her drink. Thinking of the days to come and how he would likely react. She felt old and tired. Too much of her life had centered on keeping him happy, and making him look good.

Had he ever really thought about what she wanted or what she needed to be happy? If so, it never showed. How many times had he bought her jewelry knowing she never wore it? She was a simple girl with simple taste, content with a new paint brush or tube of paint.

He’d bring her flowers just so she could watch them die. How many times had she said a potted plant last longer, they have roots, I can water them and keep them. He didn’t listen. There was probably thousands of dollars worth of cut flowers in this room. They were beautiful, but it just made her sad.

All the explaining of her preferences just made her seem ungrateful and unappreciative. He never noticed that she returned his gifts. Because he paid little attention to her except when it benefitted his needs.

Lost in thought she suddenly realized people were encouraging her to speak. She glanced about as they shouted questions; Weren’t you curious? Didn’t you notice him sneaking around? Speech, speech They were pushing her toward the platform.

She stood beside her husband and looked out at all the friends and acquaintances from over the years. People from his work, from her work, from their church, and their neighbors. His parents were there but no other family. Finally they quieted a bit as she nodded.

I hate surprises! she voiced as they all erupted in laughter.

After they quieted again she added No, really, I hate surprises. Any of you that know me well have heard me say that. I’ve expounded on that subject at least once a week for the last twenty five years. Obviously it hasn’t stopped my husband.

Laughter broke out across the room. She added Clearly the man is deaf.

Someone yelled out It’s called selective hearing. The crowd roared.

She nodded as he put his hand on her shoulder saying she really loves it, protesting is her way of showing gratitude.

Could he possibly believe that, or was this more show boating? I’d much rather he had surprised me with that cruise to Hawaii I’ve been hinting about for the last two years. They whistled and cheered

Let me tell you why I hate surprises….

He threw back his head, his hands went up, and he groaned. Not one of her stories. Someone pass the champagne.

She continued one of my sisters had a friend whose husband was in service, deployed overseas. Her family was in Oklahoma, and she was expecting her first baby. Her friends locally were her only support.

Suddenly the friends started avoiding her. You see they were planning a surprise baby shower. Everyone was afraid they’d be the one to spill the beans, so the best way to prevent that was not to talk to her.

The day of the shower one of them came to pick her up unannounced, pretending that she wanted to take her to lunch. When she protested that she needed to do her hair and change clothes, the friend insisted she come as she was, because her time was limited.

When they arrived at the party everyone was dressed nicely but her. You mothers all know how being eight months pregnant feels; fat, ugly and miserable. So, Instead of enjoying the party she was self conscious, and feeling betrayed.

Micah interrupted Hey, I told you we were going out to dinner. You had plenty of time to do your hair.

She heard Right on, looking good among the cat calls and whistles.

The point is; while a well meaning person is all wrapped up planning a surprise, you don’t know what’s going on in the other person’s mind.

He again interrupted The real point is; this is a party, enough gloom and doom already. Next time I plan a surprise I’ll give you notice, okay? people giggled and snickered

No, the real point is; you don’t know what I’ve done.

Now she heard oo’s and oh’s.

With a cocky grin he asked What have you done?

Well, unlike my sister’s friend, I wasn’t planning my suicide. She felt like an outcast, abandoned by all her friends, then ambushed. Every time she saw the pictures she was reminded of how badly she looked.

Cala scanned the group and asked rhetorically, What’s the first thing you think of when your mate suddenly changes their habits? They start going to the gym… he flexed his muscles. They start working late, going in early, and avoiding conversations with you…

She glanced up at him and continued No matter how good a person thinks they are at concealing things, there are always signs. She turned back to the group Add to that; my husband completely moved out of our bedroom six months ago.

He objected with raised hands as the audience booed Okay, okay … there’s a story behind that. You see our engagement was six months long, and she made me wait till our wedding night. I thought I’d give her a taste of her own medicine. He smirked She’ll appreciate me a lot more tonight, like a second honeymoon.

Now the men whistled and howled. Someone sang there’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight.

Cala had set her Glass on the podium, with hands clasped in front of her she glared at him. For young unmarried persons, abstinence is quite appropriate. But, for a married couple, who have vowed to love and honor each other, it’s totally unacceptable. Unless of course you wanted me to think you were cheating.

For every action there is a reaction. As you became more distant, I became more determined to find out why. One morning when you left for work an hour early, I followed you.

He stared at her, mouth agape. Then glanced out at his friends, realizing they were all watching. What did you do?

I followed you here to this hotel. You came inside and met a pretty young brunette in the lobby. You boarded the elevator together and went upstairs.

His cocky grin was back, with relief he said That was the banquette coordinator; I rented this room from her.

I had no way of knowing that. After seeing you with another woman, disassociating yourself from me, and money missing from the checking account, you can imagine the conclusion I jumped to.

Still chuckling I’m sorry Cala. I know this makes me look bad, but I just wanted this to be a special time for us.

How can you plan a special time without including our children? I see your parents here, but I don’t see mine, or any of my family.

You know your mom and Rachel would have both spilled the beans. Craig isn’t old enough to drink yet. All’s well that ends well, right?

The crowd was virtually quiet now, waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Well…how is this well? For months I’ve been going through hell feeling my life as I’ve known it for the past twenty five years was over. Trying to understand where I went wrong and how I could fix it.

Everyone in this room knew about your plans. I had confided in at least three people, the things I suspected. People I thought were my best friends. Yet not one of them said anything to relieve my worries. I feel betrayed and abandoned.

Cala let’s talk about this when we get home.

What, you didn’t reserve the bridal suite?

Everyone laughed; his face was blank like it had never occurred to him to plan past the surprise crescendo.

You have spent thousands of dollars on this stupid party and for what? What exactly do I get out of it? A glass of champagne and a big ‘surprise’? she raised her hands wiggling her fingers in the air as she said surprise.

Now he looked hurt and for a split second she almost felt sorry for him. Then his anger came out…

You never appreciate anything I do for you…

She wagged her finger at him No Micah, we’re not going there. You can’t put the responsibility for this fiasco on me. For what you’ve thrown away we could have spent two weeks in Hawaii, and then come home and remodeled our entire house. All this so your friends can drink free booze and pat you on the back. None of this was for me. It’s all about you looking good to others.

She hadn’t raised her voice but the anger showed through. Everyone was frozen in place expecting the worst, but she kept her cool. Well, surprise Micah, you failed big time.

Through gritted teeth he said We’ll talk about this when we get home.

You’re not listening as usual. There is no ‘we’ there is no ‘home’.

You’re talking in riddles. I haven’t done anything wrong. Whatever is bothering you, we can straighten it out tomorrow. Next year I’ll take you on that ‘stupid’ cruise.

She shook her head and slowly repeated You… don’t know… what I’ve done.

They First Meet

CALA WHITMORE HAD ALWAYS BEEN A QUIET CHILD. SHE KEPT TO herself playing with paper dolls and coloring books. On family nights when everyone would gather around the television for a movie, she’d be at the table working a puzzle, quietly entertaining herself.

She always seemed to be able to shut out the rest of the world, lost in her own thoughts. That ability helped make her a good student. Concentration was a key to long nights of hitting the books.

Both her older sisters were cheer leaders. Her younger brother played basketball. Cala was happy sitting in the bleachers watching the others. Her mother encouraged her to join in, but all that jumping around didn’t interest her.

Marge Whitmore ran the household, keeping track of all the activities and finances. She drove the carpool, attended all the games, and arranged for camps. She made sure everyone was at practice on time.

Their house was always full of people. In summers the backyard and pool was a big draw for friends and neighborhood kids. The homemade cookies and snacks helped, free food and a place to hang out.

Cala had learned to budget and shop wisely from her mom. Keeping tabs on expenditures was a key to eliminating shortages, and overruns. She’d say; watch your pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.

Her parents preferred to have everyone at their house rather than scattered over the neighborhood. Keeping an eye on things, knowing where they were prevented mishaps, always in control.

Cala wasn’t anti social by any means. She just preferred the quiet, being more like her dad. She swam, she went to parties, and attended school or church functions. Mostly she liked sitting in a quiet corner with a book or sketchpad.

Randal Whitmore was always social, ready with a pat on the back or compliment. When Cala thought of her Dad she pictured him sitting in his study with the news paper, while her mom shuffled the chaos outside the door.

He played the stock market constantly, checking the papers daily for fluctuation. She had watched him make thousands of dollars with one phone call. He was a patient teacher and Cala had learned well from him.

She bought her first stock when she was ten with money she’d saved, turning loose of it was fraught with anxiety. Her dad made suggestions and guided her, but the final decision was hers.

Each day when he came home from work, she would run to his study to check the market. He patiently took out the news paper and helped her find the right column. She watched it rise and fall, agonizing over her interest.

His key rule was; never invest more than you can stand to lose. ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket’, he would warn. She’d heard tales of the great market crash with people killing themselves because they lost so much money.

Between the two parents she had a good grip on finances. Watching her pennies and investing in her future cautiously. By the time she entered high school she had a few shares in three different companies. Nostalgically she hung on to the original.

Her first dividend check at age eleven had been a major decisive point in her life. She earned it through ‘brain power’ her dad said. That was a good way to make money it would become her play money. Reinvesting it again and again, watching it grow.

Her parents had been a good match with a single goal; Being frugal and diversified. With one hand on their family and the other in the community, she had learned well from both.

While all the girls in school were swooning over the latest fashion, Cala was watching the market. Though she liked to dress nice, she was content with her sisters’ hand-me-downs. Her prom dress had been there two years earlier. She reasoned no one she knew had seen it, and that much money could be used to purchase at least half dozen shares of stock.

By the time she graduated, both her sisters had married and moved away. She learned to shop at thrift stores and yard sales. Her biggest expense was shoes. Usually by the time they were discarded they were ready for the trash bin anyway. Dress heels were different, people just got tired of them before they were worn out.

Cala went to summer school every year to accelerate gradation. By January her junior year she had enough credits to get her diploma. She clept out second Year College and enrolled before her sixteenth birthday. Her major was business finance, with a minor in the arts.

Crunching numbers was easy for her; they just seemed to fall into place. Her passion was in art; you learn to mix colors in grade school, but each medium is different, and she explored every one of them.

You might think the two fields were unrelated, but Cala used her skills interactively. Grafts and charts enhanced the mathematical projections and illustrated the trajectory.

She started working part time to help pay her way through college. The firm handled basic bookkeeping, payroll, and general accounting for many businesses in the area. Cala started as a simple data transfer assistant, organizing the books for tax purposes. She quickly came to the bosses’ attention after finding errors in the records.

After a year with the firm she entered their tuition assistance program with her supervisor’s recommendation. This relieved the burden on her dad who now had her brother to help as well.

Randal had planned ahead for their education, but no one had anticipated the sharp rise in tuition fees. Inflation had eaten a big hole in everyone’s savings. She would never ask him to tap into his stock money; that almost seemed sacrilegious.

Cala met Micah at the office Christmas party her first year there. She had noticed him immediately, who could help but notice. He was out there, in the forefront, like a celebrity working the room. He seemed loud and obnoxious, with a roaring laugh. Loud mouth show off she thought, why do people ignore their first impressions?

His arm candy was a fellow employee named Tammy. She was equally as loud as he, laughing at everything. Her bright red sequined dress left little to the imagination. Both had too much to drink.

Cala’s idea of dressing up for the party was a red and white fuzzy sweater over black slacks. She wore sensible two inch heels and let her long dark hair hang loose rather than the pony tail she normally kept it in. the only jewelry she owned was a small rose pendant her mother had gotten her for graduation.

Tammy was a receptionist, bubbly, giggly, and very outgoing. She wore her clothes too tight, too short, and too low cut, but she fit the profile for front desk greeter. She seemed capable at her job, but definitely not the brightest bulb in the pack.

She introduced Cala to Micah as they made the rounds. His first words to her were insulting, some offhand reference to a cartoon character. It felt as if he were flirting with her right there in front of his girlfriend. ‘How dare he?’

As they walked off she shook her head in disgust. There was suddenly a bad taste in her mouth, what a jerk.

Micah, of course saw the whole episode from a different perspective. He’d spotted this little wall flower the moment they walked in. she was exotic; long dark hair that hung almost to her waist, soft brown eyes that sparkled with hints of gold. Her complexion was smooth, skin tanned like she came from the islands, and glistening white teeth. She was slow to smile, way too serious for a party. Her simple beauty was intoxicating.

She was so different from any of the girls he’d ever dated, and there were many. He too was in college, majoring in women and his minor in booze and party’s. A full time student is how he described himself. Truth is; he was drunk most nights and seldom showed up for class.

She had snubbed him. When he put out his hand, she nodded as acknowledgement and took a sip of her drink, leaving him hanging in mid air.

Tammy introduced her as Cala. He thought it sounded like a beautiful flower, sleek and sophisticated.

He said they should have named you Aurora, after the sleeping princess. Her expression was as if he’d cursed her. He figured she just didn’t know who ‘sleeping beauty’ was, not by name anyway. Her hair was dark like princess Jasmine, but otherwise she was Aurora.

He’d never met a woman he couldn’t charm. She was obviously brighter than your average office worker, which made him all the more determined. His game was one of conquest, and she’d become his next target. She’d prove to be a tough nut to crack.

After the party he got the scoop from Tammy on all the people he’d met. So, what’s the deal with the ice princess? She acted like I spit on her or something.

Oh, she’s cool, real nice, she just doesn’t socialize much. I think she’s really shy, but very smart. She’s in college too, takes lots of math classes, you have to be smart for that.

Being a Pest

AT SIXTEEN BEING AWAY FROM HER FAMILY HAD BEEN HARD FOR Cala. Calling frequently, and making the one hour drive alternate weekends helped. School would be out from December the twenty second to January third. She planned to spend that time with her family. The office was also closed during that period, and then they started the big crunch until April fifteenth, end of tax season.

All the siblings came home for Christmas. Cala would arrive a day early to help with the baking and cooking. After the crowd left she would help put away the decorations into the attic for next year.

She and her dad had long talks about her studies and the stock market. Her job was intriguing. For the most part she never thought about the various businesses she handled. She was just checking numbers to keep things straight.

Her boss, Mr. Rathbone, had suggested she change her minor to accounting. He’d encouraged her to think about becoming certified. It could only help in so many ways; more opportunities, greater demand for her services, and higher pay.

Dad said as long as they helped with the tuition it was worth considering. You can never have too much education. Now was the time while she had no other obligations. Once she started a family it would be much more difficult to devote time to studying.

The art classes were very interesting and would be hard to give up. It was something she could pursue later. After three years of art in high school most of this was repetition. What she really needed was practice, and she could do that on her own.

After the holiday break she arranged to switch her classes. Her apartment was near the main campus, an easy walk to class. The business school was in the down town area. A shuttle took her out and back to the other building each day, and then she drove to the office.

Her schedule was tighter with the new arrangement. If the shuttle ran late it put her late for work at one P.M. Parking was so limited down town, it was nearly impossible to get a permit. Lunch was a wash most days. She’d carry an energy bar to eat on the bus. Usually there wasn’t even time to go inside, just hop in the car and take off.

Mr. Rathbone had taken a shine to her right off. It had been his idea to change her minor. If she were a few minutes late, he allowed her to make it up at the end of the day. He would sign her time card to okay it.

He was British with sparkling blue eyes and a stubby blonde mustache. He always wore a three piece suit very dignified and fatherly. His posture was staunch with that Napoleon, fingers between the buttons, stance.

Though always serious about work and regulations, there was a side of him just below the surface that showed kindness and understanding. He reminded her of her own father in many ways; enforcing the rules while knowing we all mess up sometimes.

Still working hard one afternoon at five, she looked up to see Micah standing at her desk. Caught off guard she scanned the room then back at him as if he was lost. Everyone was getting ready to leave for the day.

Ugh… Michael, right? She stammered

Micah, but close, so, how are you doing princess?

She chewed the inside of her lip while collecting her thoughts, all of them indignant. Why is this jerk here? What can I help you with Micah? her distaste showing

Nothing, I came by to give Tammy a ride. Her car is in the shop, just wanted to say hi.

Her nostrils flared Hi, I believe Tammy is at the reception desk upfront. She pointed

I think we got off on the wrong foot at the party. Maybe we can have a drink together and make a fresh start.

The nerve of this guy! How many women does he have on the string? He’s here to see one girl and ask me out too. She shook her head and started to speak.

He interrupted Hey, me and Tammy are just friends. We’ve known each other for years. You can ask her.

Sorry, I’ll be working late and then I have other plans for the evening. She returned to her papers.

Maybe some other time, it was good to see you. He walked off looking dejected.

Cala was boiling; some guys think just because they’re good looking, all it takes is a big grin, a little flirting, and women will fall all over themselves to be with them. She’d seen his type before. She knew what he was really after.

The very next day he showed up again. Cala was trying to gather her things and leave the office before he made his way to her desk. She almost succeeded.

Ignoring him was impossible, he was one of those ‘in your face’ kind of people. He entered a room like a wind storm ruffling everything in its path. Everyone was his friend; ‘Tom ole buddy, good to see you.’, ‘Dick you’re looking good today.’, ‘Harry let’s get together later.’

"Hey, princess, glad I caught you. Tell me something; why is such a good