Interview with Love (22 page)

Vaughn took a moment to stare at the ceiling in his office. In three short weeks his life had become completely unrecognizable. Natalia Simone had forewarned him that she was difficult to work with. That minute detail had been a complete underestimation of her talent to throw every nuance of his life off-kilter.

His days and the majority of his nights were spent fine-tuning the campaign for
Inner Beauty
. Which he noted wryly, changed daily.

He'd been correct in his assumption that a partnership was riding on the Simone account. His boss had intimated that if all went well, and Natalia continued to be enthralled by Chase & Burroughs, he'd make partner. Everything had gone according to plan.
Everything except Sienna.

Vaughn ran a hand over his overworked eyes. That was the one piece of this intricate puzzle that he'd been unable to make fit. He'd tried countless times to contact her. She wasn't returning his calls and she didn't answer when he knocked on her door.

His pride had been hurt at the realization that she'd written him off. That she had moved on. Hurt turned to anger that she didn't care enough about him to allow him to explain the circumstances surrounding their encounter in New York. Her inability to trust him had caused him to cease trying to make amends.

Life doesn't always go according to plan.
He told himself. Neither did his expectations. He'd expected to get it out of his system. He'd expected to allow himself some time and be done with missing her. He'd expected to not go by every single phone he came across and feel the urge to stop and call her. Most of all he'd expected not to still be as in love with her now as he was when she had her ATV accident. That incident alone caused him to admit the extent of his feelings.

Dammit, Doc. Why didn't you hang in there?

His telephone rang. He leaned forward and picked it up. “Deveraux.”

“Hi Uncle Vaughn.”

He smiled. “How's my Angel?”

“Terrible.”

He sat up. Worry lines creased his forehead. “Why? What's the matter?”

“I miss you. It's been ages since you've spent any time with me,” his goddaughter complained.

He relaxed now that he knew it wasn't something physically wrong. “I'm sorry I've been so tied up with work. I promise I'll make it up to you soon, okay?”

“When?”

“Soon.”

“How soon?”

Vaughn smiled. “Is Friday night soon enough for you?”

“Ooh, that's perfect,” she exclaimed, excitedly. I have a recital after school and—”

“Whoa, wait a minute. Did you say a recital?”

“Yes, Uncle Vaughn, it's a dance recital.”

“You're dancing now?” he was dumbfounded. “When in the world did that happen?”

“I've been going to the studio for ages now. This is our first recital. I'd really like if you could make it.”

He quickly scanned over his date book. “Okay Angel, I'm there. What time?”

She filled him in on the details before letting her dad on the phone.

“Why didn't you tell me Angella's a ballerina now?”

“She's not really a ballerina. It's more like a musical. She wanted to tell you herself. Don't feel bad, it was a surprise to me as well. Still, she seems to be having fun and she's really good.”

Vaughn flicked his pen between his fingers. His not being there for Angella weighed on him. “I'm sorry I haven't been available lately. Work has been incredibly hectic. Actually hectic would be manageable.”

“No word from Sienna?”

Vaughn's pen hit the desk. “None. I guess I should resign myself to the fact that she's ended it.”

“Since when do you resign yourself to anything?”

“I can't make her take my calls, or listen to what I have to say. She thinks I had an affair with Natalia. If she wants to assume the worse so be it. It's obvious we weren't that solid to begin with.”

“Sorry man, but you'll never convince me of that. She was crazy about you.”

“Pivotal word being was.”

Vaughn's second line rang. “I'll have to talk to you later.”

“Sure thing, but remember what I said and we'll see you Friday.”

“Will do,” Vaughn agreed before disconnecting the line.

 

Friday arrived sooner than anticipated, but luckily Vaughn was able to clear his schedule for Angella's event. Now if he could just have a Natalia-free afternoon all would be perfect. Carlton gave him the address with plans to meet up at the studio.

As he walked through to door with the other guests, he admitted to feeling enthusiasm at seeing Angella perform for the first time.

He saw his friend from across the room. He waved and headed in his direction.

“You made it.”

“I said I would. When does she start?”

“In a few minutes. I got here early and saved two seats up front.”

Vaughn followed Carlton down the hall and into a large room. There were rows of seating and a large curtained stage. The drapes were closed for the show, but he could see and hear slight movement behind them. Shortly thereafter, the spacious room was filled to capacity with parents, grandparents, friends and kids. Digital camera flashes were going off in rapid succession around the room while people waited for the show to begin.

Seconds later, a woman walked elegantly across the stage. She was wearing black leggings, ballerina slippers and a long-sleeved top in a fusion of colors. Vaughn's chair screeched in protest when he reared back in surprise. A mother turned around and shushed him.

“Good afternoon everyone and welcome to our recital. For those of you that may not know me, my name is Cassandra Lambert.”

“What the hell is going on?” Vaughn whispered loudly.

“How so?” Carlton replied.

“That is Sienna's stepmother.”

“Yes, I know. Angella's taking dance lessons from her.”

“Don't you think I should've known that tidbit of information before now?”

“Why? What difference would that have made? You wouldn't have come if you knew Angella's teacher was your girlfriend's mother?”

“Ex-girlfriend,” Vaughn snapped. “And you know better than to ask me that.”

“Okay, so what's the big deal?”

“It still would've been nice to get advance warning, Carl.”

“Point taken. Now be quiet. That grandmother over there is giving us the evil eye.”

While Cassandra was talking, Vaughn slowly perused the audience. When he didn't see Sienna anywhere he visibly relaxed.

“You're pitiful,” Carlton whispered.

“Shhh,” Vaughn warned.

Several people turned to stare at Carlton. His expression when he looked at Vaughn was telling. He mouthed the words, “Payback.”

“Bring it,” Vaughn mouthed back.

All concern at running into Sienna was forgotten the moment Angella stepped out on the stage. She was dressed in a Nineteen Fifties pink Poodle Skirt with an embroidered black poodle. Her short-sleeved polo shirt was black with a pink poodle. At her neck was a pink chiffon scarf. White cotton socks, saddle shoes and pink cat eye glasses completed her outfit. Her hair was pulled back in the signature ponytail tied with a scarf. She danced with a young man also dressed in period attire. They danced to the song
At The Hop
and then they broke out into the Twist.

When they were done, the crowd cheered and clapped. Carlton beamed proudly. “That's my little girl.”

“She was incredible,” Vaughn enthused over the tremendous applause. He was cheering along with the majority of the audience.

There were another three performances by the students followed by a grand finale of Cassandra's teenage ballet class to
Deux Arabesque
by Claude Debussy. What made it difficult to sit through was that Sienna was the pianist. Throughout the entire routine Vaughn's eyes would stray to the piano off to the side of the large stage. Sienna's profile was relaxed as her fingers moved effortlessly over the keys. Her back was straight and at times her head would move in time to the music. It was clear she was caught up in the classical composition. It was all he could do to stay in his seat. Several times he shifted uncomfortably. He was in purgatory. A serene and well-choreographed hell set to beautiful music. It was almost more than he could bear.

At the conclusion of the piece, the troupe received a standing ovation. Much to Vaughn's dismay there was a reception afterwards. The whole procession filed out into another room where tables placed along the walls were laden with refreshments. He stood around trying to look at ease, but it was an act. He realized that at any moment he might see Sienna. Vaughn's calm outward demeanor was in stark contrast to the emotions warring within him.

“We're not at a tax audit,” his friend chided. “Quit scowling.”

“I'm not,” Vaughn smiled in reaction. “Here's my Angel now,” he said as Angella walked up. “These are for you, lovely lady.” He handed her a bouquet of red roses. “You were sensational.”

“Thanks, Uncle Vaughn. Oh my gosh, did you guys see me trip when we were doing the Lindy Hop?” she cried. “I was so nervous I'd mess up again.”

“We didn't notice a thing, baby,” her father assured her.

Vaughn gave her a hug. “No way did you look anything but incredible out there. I had no idea you were interested in the arts.”

“I couldn't help it. Miss Sienna and Ms. Cassie made it sound so awesome I had to try it. Don't worry Uncle Vaughn, I still love my sports.”

Crouching down so that he was eye level, Vaughn tweaked her nose. “Angel, you can do whatever you want. You know your dad and I will always support you.”

“That's right,” Carlton piped up. He glanced over Angella's shoulder. “Sweetheart I think we should go and thank Ms. Cassie for a job well done.”

“Sure daddy.”

As she turned around she spotted Sienna. “Hi Miss Sienna. The show was great wasn't it?”

“You know it. I'm so proud of all of you.” Smiling, she hugged Angella. “How does it feel to be a star?”

“The butterflies didn't leave until after our second performance.”

“Well by then you were an old pro,” Vaughn joked.

“Come on Angella we don't want to miss speaking to your teacher.”

The pair said their goodbyes leaving Sienna and Vaughn alone.
Here it was.
Vaughn lamented.
That dreaded first meeting after the relationship post mortem.
He looked her over. “Hi, Doc.”

A strained expression crossed her face.

“Sienna,” he corrected, annoyed at her reaction. “Or would you prefer Dr. Lambert?”

She bristled. “How are you?”

Was that a trick question?
He wondered. “Just fine and you?”

“Good.”

Time slowed to an agonizing crawl. The two stood there staring awkwardly at each other.

“I'm surprised you didn't bring a date?”

Vaughn shrugged. This was Angella's moment. I didn't want to detract from that.”

Sienna nodded. “It was nice seeing you. Take care of yourself,” she told him turning to leave.

“Sienna?”

Halting, she turned around. “Yes?”

He hadn't planned on stopping her, but he just wasn't ready for her to go.

“Vaughn?” Sienna repeated. “Is there something you wanted?”

Yes…you.
He declared to himself. It was too late. The moment was gone. Resigned, he shook his head. “No. It was good seeing you that's all.”

“Likewise.” With that she turned and walked away.

“You have to be the most pig headed guy I know.”

“No offense, but do I look like I need a lecture from you right now?”

Gordon gazed up from his mug. “What you need is to stop being stupid. Go apologize to my daughter and patch things up.”

“With all due respect, I'm not the only one at fault here.”

“Great, so you'll both resign yourself to being miserable for the rest of your lives just so each of you can be right?”

Vaughn took a sip of his beer and remained silent.

“You know what? The more details I hear about this big blow-up, the more I think you and Sienna are perfect for each other. You're both two peas in a ridiculously asinine pod.”

“Name calling won't get you anywhere,” Vaughn said, in a clipped tone.

“Just tell her you had a client account on the line and be done with it.”

“No. She didn't trust me enough to realize I would never cheat on her, or that there may have been more to the story. I don't suppose she cares for me enough, either,” he groused.

Gordon was incredulous. “Are you two the only ones that can't see that you belong together?”

Vaughn stared down at the table. “Maybe.”

At that Gordon signaled the bartender for another round. “So what you're saying is you no longer have feelings for my daughter. That your life is better off without her?”

Vaughn's gaze turned polar. “That's not what I'm saying. Why does everyone ask me that?”

Gordon leaned across the table. “Well if it's not, you're doing a real good imitation. Vaughn, I like you. You are a real stand up guy, but you aren't thinking this through very well. I suggest you take my advice and fix this thing before it's too late and you both lose out.”

“It's not that simple.”

Sienna's father scoffed. “You know I've had a chance to tour the world during my military career. It's brought me in contact with different cultures and ways of life. I was also fortunate enough to have good men serve under my command. One thing I do know is that there are many things in life that are downright difficult to bear. Admitting your feelings to the one you love shouldn't be one of them. How we overcome adversity to persevere is really what tests our mettle. It defines us. It makes us stronger and I'd hope wiser. I know you'll eventually see what's staring you square in the face.”

“What, that I'm wrong?”

“No, that you can't ride two horses when you've only got one ass.”

Vaughn's eyebrow rose. “Is Sienna supposed to be one of those horses? You already know I'm not cheating on her so who's the other one?”

Gordon looked Heavenward. “Sometimes I wonder about your intelligence. It's not who, it's what. Pride. The other thing I'm talking about is pride.”

Sitting back, Vaughn swirled his beer around in its mug. “I knew that.”

 

Sasha paced back and forth across her bedroom floor. Her conscience tugged at her. Glancing across the room, her gaze settled on her laptop. On it was an e-mail from her agent she'd only half read. Time was running out. Her outline was way overdue. She needed to start working on her book if she was going to be on schedule. A knock sounded on her door. She turned toward the sound. “Come in.”

The door opened, and Cassandra stuck her head in. “Hello dear. We missed you at dinner earlier.”

Sasha faced her stepmother. “I wasn't hungry.”

“May I come in?”

“Sure.” Sasha walked over and sat heavily on her bed.

Closing the distance, Cassandra came over and sat on the bed next to her. “Do you want to talk about whatever it is that's eating at you?”

Looking up, Sasha was ready to deny it, but something stopped her. Bolting off the bed, she put some distance between them. “Oh, Mom. It's a mess. Everything is such a mess; I don't know where to start.”

Cassandra regarded her daughter for a few seconds before a warm smile flitted across her face. “I find that the beginning is usually the best place.”

Sasha nodded. “She was right.”

“Who was, dear?”

“Sienna. She was right—about everything.”

“Darling, I'm not quite following you,” Cassandra said, in confusion.

“I lied, Mom. I was here to…to get material for my book. I intended it to be a book about being twins and all our sordid baggage, but..I—”

Cassandra bolted upright, a horrified expression on her face. “My God, Sasha. After everything Sienna's been through…you could do this to your sister?”

Sasha's eyes were burdened with unshed tears. “Oh, mom,” her tone was remorseful. Years of turmoil laced throughout those two words. “You don't know the half of it.”

Two days later
…

Sasha pressed the doorbell button and waited. After five seconds she pressed it again.

“I'm coming, hold your horses,” she heard through the door.

When it was finally opened she said, “Took you long enough.”

“Pardon me for being upstairs working,” Sienna complained. “What brings you by?”

“What a minute,” Sienna's eyes bugged out. “You rang the doorbell. You didn't use the key you won't give back.”

Ignoring the barb, Sasha stepped past and came in. She watched Sienna close the door and head upstairs so she followed behind her.

Sasha sat in the seat near Sienna's desk. “So, how was the recital?”

Sienna fixed her with a dubious stare.

“What?”

“Oh please, you're living with Ma and Pa Informant. I know you know exactly what happened at the recital.”

“Okay, maybe I do,” Sasha capitulated, “but the details are better coming from the source instead of a watered down version.”

“There's not much to tell. Vaughn was there to see Angella perform. I figured there was a chance that he would be there—and he was. End of story.”

“I hardly think that's the end. You two talked, right?”

“Trust me, there wasn't much to say.”

Sasha sighed with frustration. I don't understand your reticence. You have feelings for Vaughn. I'd wager they are very deep. This isn't an insurmountable situation, Sienna.”

“Why do you even care, Sasha? You and I have a strained relationship at best.”

“I know that.”

“Then I don't understand—”

“I messed up once, Sienna,” Sasha cried out. “I…wasn't there for you. It cost us both a lot. I just…I'm sorry that I didn't support you.”

Sienna stood utterly still. “Why now? Why tell me this now, Sasha?”

Sasha angrily wiped tears away from her cheeks. “Let's just say your best friend gave me a wake-up call.”

“Vivian?”

Sasha nodded. “She put me in my place—and I deserved it. Do you know how it makes me feel sometimes, Sienna? That she's more of a sister to you than I've been? You don't think it gets to me?”

“I…you never—”

“Well it does,” Sasha said, hoarsely. “I didn't do enough to salvage our relationship, but I can't let that happen again.”

Hesitantly, the two sisters came together and put their arms around each other.

When they parted, both stood there ill at ease.

“This will take some serious work,” Sienna admitted.

“I'm willing to give it a try if you are.”

“I am.”

“Sienna, you need to do the same with Vaughn. What you two have is real. It's worth fighting for.”

Her sister backed up. Her face contorted with pain. “How do you know it can be fixed? You don't even have all the facts.”

“And you do?” Sasha countered.

“Of course she doesn't,” Vivian said from the doorway.

Sienna jumped. “Good heavens, don't either of you knock?”

“Hey, I did knock,” Sasha protested.

“Girl, please. If God intended that people should knock on their best friend's doors he wouldn't have granted someone the power to invent spare keys,” Vivian leaned on the edge of the desk. She turned to Sasha. Her smile faltered when she saw their faces. “What did I miss?”

“Progress,” Sasha told her.

Vivian nodded. “So, what's going on with Mr. Deveraux?”

“Nothing. There's no more discussion. It's over and it's time to move on, remember? Now if you two will excuse me I'd like to mourn in peace.”

“Mourn? What's to mourn? You think he cheated on you. I guess it's better you found out now before—”

“Before what? Before I made it worse by falling in love with him? You said it yourself Viv, remember? I am in love with him.” Sienna choked out. “I know I act like I'm not affected, but the truth is…I feel like I've been ripped apart inside.” She wrapped her arms around her middle. “I've prided myself on my ability to withstand anything. I was the voice of reason in every situation. I even came up with these stupid rules to live my life by.”

“They're not stupid,” Vivian corrected.

“The heck they aren't. I tried to make sure life was all neat and packaged up so that I could control it,” she turned to her sister. “I tried that with you, too. I was so far off, and I'm sorry. You know, Vaughn was right about me. I can't control everything—or everybody. He told me life isn't perfect. It just
is
.”

“Sienna, if you feel so strongly about this then don't you think you owe it to yourself to hash this out with Vaughn?”

“He cheated on me. I can't forgive that. I won't forgive it.”

“Were you there?” Sasha said, in a terse voice. How in the world can you surmise that Vaughn cheated on you during a three minute conversation in a restaurant?”

“That woman practically said it straight out. I don't need a road map you know. It was obvious.”

“You know, for a psychologist, you are extremely dense sometimes,” Vivian argued. “Women have been lying since before the dawn of time to get what they want. Sure maybe that barracuda wants your man, but how the hell do you know she's already had him?”

Sienna paled visibly. “Vivian, I know you mean well. You both do, but he put that woman before me. Regardless of what the redhead said, or didn't say, that speaks volumes. He said he didn't have time for me. That was no misunderstanding. He told me that looking dead at me. It's over,” Sienna said, with conviction. “Now I'd appreciate it if both of you would give it a rest. I've got to go get packed.”

“Where are you going?” her sister asked.

“I have a focus group to moderate. I'm leaving within the hour.”

“Where to now?”

“New York. I've really got to get moving. I'll see you both in a few days.” Sienna got up and walked quickly from the room. Sasha traded looks with Vivian after her sister had left.

“This just isn't right.”

“Remember what you said earlier,” Sasha countered.

“I know what I said. I was trying to get her to fight for her man by downplaying the attachment. I was wrong, okay? That reverse psychology stuff doesn't always work. I don't want her to kiss her relationship goodbye. She loves him, Sasha. I mean the forever type of stuff with the His and Her engraved towels and the no-sex tonight headaches. We've got to do something to fix this. With or without her help, I might add.”

They were silent for some time. Sasha pinched the bridge of her nose. As she looked down at the table she suddenly smiled. She picked up Sienna's cell phone. She hit a button and flicked her finger across the scroll button. Sasha glanced at Vivian. For the first time that day a bright smile lit up her face. “I've got an idea.”

Forty-Five minutes later…

Pierce put his feet up on his coffee table. His arms were crossed with one hand supporting his chin. His face was a mask of concentration. “It won't work.”

Sasha looked disappointed. “Why not?”

“It reeks of a set-up. You can't be obvious with it. It won't take long before one or both of them realize they've been played.”

“Fine. Do you have a better idea?”

When he regarded her his expression was questioning. “I'm a bit surprised by this about face.”

“What are you talking about?”

“From what I saw your first night here, and what I've heard, you two get along about as well as fire and baking soda.”

“I know,” she admitted. “I'm not saying we're inseparable at this point, but…we're working on it. Getting her and Vaughn simpatico again…just say it's my olive branch.”

“Fair enough. Give me some time to mull it over.”

“We don't have time,” Sasha stressed. “If we wait much longer they'll get past the point of no return. Sienna is already at the there-is-nothing-more-to-discuss phase. If we wait for one of them to grow up and get a clue they'll miss the boat, and what in the world is that horrific smell?” Sasha pinched her nose shut.

Pierce looked baffled. “What smell?”

Sasha got up from her chair and walked around his living room. Her face was a mask of concentration. As she walked by the couch she stopped. She sniffed the air and then leaned in toward Pierce. She recoiled immediately.

“Hey,” he said, in surprise.

“It's you.”

“What's me?”

“That smell.”

“What? I don't think so,” he scoffed. “I just showered. You caught me on the way out. I always smell nice before I go out with my ladies.”

Her lip curled up. “Not tonight you don't.”

Pierce bounded off the couch. “Are you serious? I showered, shaved and used a sample of the beta test for my new cologne.”

Sasha leaned in and took a good whiff from his neck. She burst out laughing. “I'd say your chemist needs to go back to the drawing board. My guess is you were going for the woody crisp variety, but one of the base notes is overpowering. I don't know if it's the Olibanum or Patchouli. One of them needs to be toned down—way down.”