Author's Notes: This is the first installment in the Sofia and Alex series. Enjoy!
A special thanks to DyannBridges for her editing, patience and above all, words of encouragement!
Prologue - Resentment
"Dammit Alex, you always do this," Sofia exclaimed. "We made plans with them weeks ago. It's Sarah's birthday and they're expecting us!"
"I know, but I can't help it, babe. I have a work thing on Saturday. I have to meet with an important client," Alex countered.
"That's bullshit, you're going golfing. Again!"
"Baby, it's an important client and there really is nothing..."
Sofia cut him off mid sentence, "Forget it, Alex. I'm sick of hearing excuses. It would be really nice if you could put me first for once, instead of your stupid clients!" She stormed out of their bedroom and slammed the door behind her.
*****
Alex was full of excuses! If she made dinner plans, he would cancel at the last minute because he was working late. If she wanted to go on a vacation, it was the busy season at work and he couldn't get away. But the excuse he used that infuriated her more than any was when he had a 'golf meeting' with an important client. That seemed to take precedence over everything! She knew he loved the stupid game and would use any excuse to justify getting a round in, whenever he could.
Even though she was frustrated by Alex's inattention to their marriage, Sofia still felt as strongly towards him today, as she did when they first fell in love. They met while she was studying to be a physiotherapist and he, a committed, but not so boring accountant at the University of British Columbia. They were a perfect match. Attractive, active and fully dedicated to their future careers. Their romance was a whirlwind. Within a year of graduating, they married in Sofia's hometown of Kelowna.
Now, after almost seven years of marriage, and still in their early thirties, they were in the middle of a rough patch. Sofia worked part time at a local sports physiology clinic, but that was really to maintain her independence. She certainly didn't need to work given how much money Alex earned.
Alex however, was consumed with work! There was no question his dedication and perseverance had paid off. He had already made partner and would likely end up running the company one day. The problem with that commitment to his work, was it prevented him from spending more time with his wife. There was always some pressing issue or client meeting that took precedence over her plans.
Long gone were the days of going out for dinner, attending a play or even watching a game together. Hell, he didn't even have time to go golfing with her. Not that she really enjoyed the game, but she was happy to play, if it meant she could spend time with her husband.
She was happy for their mutual accomplishments, but couldn't help but wonder at what cost had the success come. Alex's time away left her feeling lonely and wondering what to do with her days. To make matters worse, their sex life was almost nonexistent. She couldn't recall the last time they had made love. Any pleasure she got these days seemed to be alone with the help of her vibrator!
Sofia knew that a drastic change needed to happen or their marriage wouldn't survive much longer. Desperate, she was determined to come up with a way to bring some much-needed love back into their lives.
Chapter 1 - Ultimatum
The following Monday, Sofia decided it was time to do something about her problem. As soon as Alex left for work, she picked up the phone to call her dearest friend and confidante, Arwa.
Arwa was a mother figure to Sofia. Two years ago, Sofia's mother was killed by a drunk driver. At a time when she felt her life was being ripped apart and shredded, Arwa was a rock. Alex, bless his heart, tried to be there for her, but he didn't truly understand her pain. Arwa was the one who held her while she cried, or listened when she needed to rail against the world.
Born in Morocco, Arwa emigrated to Canada with her family when she was eleven. She grew up and went to school in British Columbia. Although Arwa was a kind soul, nurturing and compassionate, there was no mistake that she was also the matriarch of the family. Her husband Sayed made few decisions without first running it by Arwa for her input.
Sayed was a few years older than his wife. Born in Egypt and schooled in the UK, he met Arwa when she was visiting relatives in London. One of her cousins was a schoolmate of Sayed's and the two met by chance at a local pub. He was enchanted by the beautiful young woman. He loved how she would grab a small lock of hair to wrap around a finger, as she listened intently to his stories.
At the end of the evening, Sayed decided he couldn't just let her walk out of his life with just a small hope he might see her again some day. He mustered up all his courage and asked if she would meet him early the next morning for a coffee before she returned to Canada. Arwa smiled and placed her soft hand on his and explained that she already had breakfast plans with her Aunt and Uncle. She did ask that he write her and she would look forward to hearing from him when she returned home.
Sayed was head over heels in love and knew that Arwa was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. So, at first he did write to her. In fact, he wrote to her often. Ultimately, though he knew that may never lead to marriage and so instead he made the bold move of relocating to Canada. After a year and a half of courting, Arwa finally accepted his proposal and agreed to marry her persistent suitor.
Now happily married for over thirty years, the Youssef's still owned the accounting firm they had started together. With Sayed's drive and Arwa's family contacts, it was now a successful multi-million-dollar business. The couple were well-established and extremely influential within their community and they owned a fabulous home in the upscale Shaughnessy neighborhood of Vancouver.
Arwa and Sayed's greatest sorrow was they were never able to have children. In the seven years that Alex had worked for them, the Youssef's had become very close to the young couple and now thought of them like their own children.
"Morning Arwa, it's Sofia."
"Sofia! Good morning, love. You're not working today?"
"No, not until Wednesday. I called to ask for your help, Arwa. It's about Alex."
"Alex? What's wrong with Alex, is he okay?"
"Yes, he's fine, Arwa. It's just that... Well, we're having some problems in our marriage. I need some advice. And maybe your help." Just hearing the genuine concern in Arwa's voice had caused Sofia to choke up a little.
"Of course, my dear! You know Sayed and I will always do whatever we can for both of you."
Sofia continued explaining, "Alex never puts time aside for us, Arwa. When he's not working, he's golfing, or worse he's out golfing with clients. When we do have plans, he constantly breaks them for some work-related thing. There's always something that comes up, or some excuse and he never has time for me. We hardly do anything together, any more."
"Ah, I see. It was the same when Sayed and I were young. He was so busy trying to get the company off the ground that he never had time for the two of us. Believe me, I wanted to kick him out on his behind on more than one occasion! It sounds like you are having the same problem. Have you thought about what you are going to do? Do you need my help with something?"
"I just wish we could take a vacation. It may not solve all our problems, but I hoped if we could get away from here and spend a week or two with just each other, we could reconnect. But every time I mention it, Alex says he can't and that he is too busy with work."