We Are Us

Chapter 36 Bali, Indonesia

Honeymoon

Bali, Indonesia, is just as beautiful as Bora Bora. For two days, while Tucker and Wren work, Sadie and I swim and snorkel and scuba, then retreat to the spa to be pampered like concubines. My skin is tan and glowing, and as smooth as a newborn.

Tonight, though, we are together for a business di

A translator hovers nearby, although the men speak nearly perfect English. The women don’t say anything at all. They are here purely as decorative ornaments, just as I am. We are merely pawns, used to blunt the hard edges of a high-stakes business negotiation.

No alcohol is offered or served. And so far all talk at the table has been about burdensome government regulations, currency rates, and international trade. It’s boring as hell.

I’ve attended di

Sadie is at a disadvantage tonight. She left community college after a few semesters and has spent the years since jumping from one dead-end job to another. Meanwhile, Wren is sophisticated and cultured, comfortable discussing issues Sadie has never heard of. She is a party to this negotiation and when Wren speaks, Tucker and the other men at the table listen. Sadie is paying attention too, looking for an opening. Every so often, her lips part as if she’s about to take the leap. But the moment passes, and she is left gulping down papaya juice as if it’s wine.

Knowing she’s attempting to fight a losing battle, I feel sorry for my sister. She is accustomed to men, including my husband, fawning all over her, all the time.

Tonight, however, Tucker is all business. Sadie and I, and the four beautiful, silent women seated across from us, are just window dressing. The only one who doesn’t realize this, is Sadie.

She scoots her chair closer to me now, leaning into my ear. “How much longer, Pops? If I have to listen to Wren another minute, I’m going to scratch her eyes out.”

I clamp my mouth shut before a giggle can escape. As if he heard it anyway, Tucker glares a warning at me. Get your sister under control. Now.

“Be good, Sadie,” I whisper, reaching out to squeeze her hand below the table. “This is important to Tucker.”

Wren looks our way, raising her voice like a teacher addressing a misbehaving student without actually addressing him at all. “Before our evening comes to a close, I’m sure Tucker’s wife and her sister would love the opportunity to view your recent acquisitions.”

One of the men inclines his head, says something to the woman in yellow.

She nods her head in understanding and stands. “You will come with us,” she says, addressing Sadie and me in perfect, unaccented English before taking diminutive steps away from the table. The rest of the rainbow jumps to their feet and scurries after her.

I look at Tucker for confirmation that we’re expected to do the same, but he is looking at Wren, mouthing the words, thank you. I flush, hating that Wren is handling me for my own husband. And that he appreciates it. Appreciates her.

And then I hate myself. Because I merely grab Sadie’s hand and follow.

Some battles aren’t worth fighting.