Payback and a Bottle of Merlot: Like Sisters Series Book One (2 page)

“Oh, Aaron, I love you too. You’re my best guy friend and I don’t know what I would ever do without you. I hope I never find out either. Anyway, I need some ISO 200 and 400 film. I’m doing a photo shoot in Beacon tomorrow, and then another in the city on Saturday. I just want to get everything now since the prices in Manhattan are crazy expensive.”

“Alright, gorgeous, give me a second. I’ll be right back with your film.”

Mia walked around Aaron’s wonderful shop, remembering the hundreds of times she’d been there. She loved this store, and Aaron. He was her rock, the man she leaned on for everything.
Is that fair to him?
Aaron was such a handsome man, strong and reliable. Everything about him was nice, comfortable in a way. He was honest, good looking, never married, and crazy in love with her.
So what’s my problem anyway? Why didn’t I fall in love with Aaron years ago? Is he just too dependable, too predictable, too much of a friend? Was I that attracted to Jack because he was indifferent to me?
“That’s disgusting.”

“What did you say, hot stuff?” Aaron asked, with his sweet smile.

“Oh, nothing, I was just thinking out loud.”

“Well, here’s your film. Have a great time in Beacon, Mia. I know how much you like that town, and be careful in the city. See you next week for dinner, right?”

“No can do, Aaron. You’re crazy, but I love you anyway. See you next week.”

He watched her walk out as he had so many times before. Her long, blonde hair caught the wind and swirled across her face as the door closed behind her. Her jeans were tight in just the right places, and the black, distressed leather biker jacket and moto boots gave her that sexy edge Aaron loved. She glanced back through the window, knowing he was still watching. She blew a kiss to him and waved before disappearing around the building.

“My God, what a beauty,” he said, shaking his head, as the next customer came through the door. “Hello there, can I help you?”

Chapter Two

“Hey, girl,” Vic said, as she air kissed Mia and pulled up a bar stool at Bottoms Up. They each ordered a beer and began paging through the menu.

Mia loved hanging out with Vic, even though Jack tried to keep her on a short leash. He had no reason to dislike Mia’s friends, he just didn’t want her to have any. Mia usually got together with the girls while Jack was at work. Any other time he refused to let her go out.

“I really need my best friend and a few beers right now. You’re a great sounding board, Vic.”

“I sure am. What did the jerk do now?”

“It was the typical morning fight before he went to work. I’m so sick of being ignored and really living alone. I mean, why be married at all?”

“Jack’s a control freak. It sounds like you’re coming to your senses though. Divorce his ass and date someone that deserves you, or take some time off and hang with me. We have so much fun together. Jack is a self-centered, arrogant, egotistical snob. When the right man comes along, you’ll feel it, or I’ll tell you. But for sure, the next man needs to be your own age, has to be likable
and
hot. Jack’s had a stick up his ass from the day you met him. Find someone who is fun, then maybe I’d actually come over and hang out with you once in a while.”

“Jack’s only seven years older than me,” Mia said, frowning.

“Yeah, he’s forty years old and tries to run your life like he’s your father. He does whatever the hell he wants, and you sit there and stew about it. Get rid of him, and the sooner, the better. When was the last time you had a good romp in the hay with him, the operative word being
good
? Or, when was the last time he took you out for a night on the town? Manhattan is less than an hour away, Mia. You could spend the weekend, see a show, order room service, get laid. You should be doing the same things couples that actually love each other do.”

“That sounds nice. I can’t think of a time we’ve ever done that, even when we were dating.”

“That’s right, and it sucks. Sweetie, haven’t we had this conversation a million times? You make a decent living on your own. There’s no kids to concern yourself with. You can part ways without any ties or hard feelings.”

“I have a lot of thinking to do, that’s all. Jack either spends hours and hours at work, or in the city with his daughter. He never has time for me. I’m so over the lifestyle we’re living, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to throw in the towel yet. There had to be something he saw in me to marry me. I have to try harder don’t I?”

“I can’t believe you said that. I ought to smack you upside the head. He was lucky you accepted his lame proposal in the first place. Um… hello? A proposal via text, no less. Can you get any tackier than that?”

“He was on the road, Vic.”

“Whatever, Mia. Stop making excuses for the man. He treats you like you’re nobody, and that’s the farthest thing from the truth. He spends way too much time with his spoiled kid and ex. Don’t forget, he’s not just spending time with his daughter, the ex-ball and chain is with them too.”

“That’s hard to forget. I know it all too well. Let’s order lunch and talk about something else, okay?”

“Sure, hon, just one last thing. There’s a lot of men willing to give their right nut to go out with you. Move on and meet the real deal, or don’t. Stay with Mr. Wrong and be pissed off for the rest of your life. You want kids someday, and he isn’t going to give you any. To me, that’s a deal breaker. Definitely a deal breaker. Look how hot you are. I can name five guys right now that would love to knock you up, especially Aaron. Why do you think he’s stayed single all these years? He’s waiting for you to get your head out of your ass. In my opinion, Aaron would be a great catch. That’s just my two cents.”

“Oh my God, seriously, what am I going to do with you? At least I know where to go for a good laugh whenever I need one,” Mia said, almost choking on her beer.

“Okay, so about me. I met this gorgeous guy at Morey’s last night. Let me tell you all about him,” Vic went on cheerfully.

“You’re insane,” Mia said, as she listened to Vic’s story.

***

Mia took a gulp of her Diet Coke, then flung her head upside-down and turned the blow dryer to the highest setting. A Diet Coke took the place of lunch today as she seemed more rushed than usual.

“Why am I always running late? I don’t have time for this crap.” She gave up the attempt to look “put together” and yanked her damp hair back into a ponytail. It was the only way she would get out of the house on time. She had a train to catch. With her backpack full of camera equipment, she did a quick visual once over of the living room to make sure she didn’t forget anything. “Keys-check, purse-check, backpack-check. I’m out of here.” Mia took another glance at her watch. “Damn it, I’m going to miss the train if I don’t hurry. I’ve got ten minutes before it leaves the station.”

Jack popped into her mind as she drove. He irritated her to no end. Vic was right. He always had an excuse to stay overnight in the city. Giving the current conditions of her marriage way too much thought, Mia hit the brakes just before blowing through an intersection. Cars skidded and horns blared out at her.
Shit! Enough already! It’s time to get him out of my head before I cause an accident.
She arrived at the station and boarded seconds before the train departed. With a photo shoot to do in Beacon, one of her favorite villages, she had no intentions of being late. With any luck, she could hit some antique stores before heading home later.

Mia had almost an hour to relax on the train and her mind drifted back to Jack. She needed to come up with some direction, a new focus for her life. This life, this marriage, definitely wasn’t working the way she hoped.

Meeting three years ago, Jack picked her number to call while looking for someone to shoot photographs for his portfolio. Jack, being a successful sales rep was offered a nice promotion with Plan-It Kidz. Updated photos for his portfolio and business cards were in order. He heard through the grapevine Mia James would be a great photographer for the job.

Mia remembered that day, sitting in the reception area of Plan-It Kidz on Fifth Avenue. She waited for Mr. Barnes to come through his office door and welcome her in, hoping he would be on time. She had other places to be that morning. He set up an appointment to see her portfolio before making a final decision on the photographer to hire for the job. Mia wasn’t the least bit nervous, just a little impatient, until the door opened and their eyes met. She wasn’t prepared for the man in front of her, smiling that infectious smile. That gorgeous face—she was instantly smitten. He invited Mia in and offered her a comfortable leather chair to sit on, while he introduced himself as Jack Barnes, Regional Sales Director of Plan-It Kidz. Mia couldn’t take her eyes off him. Jack flashed perfect white teeth, and had that oh-so-sexy dimple, planted squarely in the center of his chin. His azure eyes pierced her soul and made her heart skip a beat every time he looked at her. She stammered as she spoke, trying to maintain some composure she knew would be impossible to do. He was way too hot. She impressed Jack with her photography accomplishments. He hired Mia on the spot. It didn’t hurt that she was pretty hot looking herself. They worked together off and on for several days as his schedule allowed. Mia enjoyed the opportunity to work for Jack since he was so easy on the eyes. During the shoots, he told her about himself and his life, as she snapped picture after picture. He was divorced and had a five year old daughter, Claire. She meant everything to him, but lived here in Manhattan with her mother. Jack temporarily lived in New Rochelle with his brother, Mick. He visited Claire as often as he could, since he and his ex-wife, Karen, had joint custody. The divorce was amicable. They didn’t have a visitation schedule set in stone. He saw his daughter whenever he wanted. It was the perfect situation, he said. Jack talked a lot about himself and his very important life.

On the final day of shooting, Jack suggested lunch. “So, Mia, how about grabbing a bite to eat with me after we wrap this up? I have to eat lunch anyway.”

“Okay, I guess,” she responded.

“Good, just follow me then. I have a white BMW 535i sedan, you can’t miss it. Watch for me pulling out of the parking garage. We’ll go to Edward’s on West 42nd Street.”

Hmmm… he’s gorgeous and all, but kind of arrogant and self-centered. He’s never even asked me one thing about myself. A decent guy would have offered to drive us both to the restaurant, wouldn’t he?
Mia wondered why she even accepted the invitation. She felt irritated with herself after she agreed.
I’m sure I’ll have to pay for my own meal too.
She brushed her thoughts aside to focus on the BMW she was following.

That initial lunch together was three years ago. Jack and Mia met again a week later to go over the proofs. From that point on, he pursued her, calling every day until she agreed to go out with him. Jack liked having his way. It was winning that counted with him, not the prize. Mia eventually gave in, and they dated for three months before Jack moved into her home in Tarrytown.

Mia James hit the big Three-0 the year she met Jack. She never married, and always thought there was plenty of time later on.
What’s the rush anyway? Mr. Right will come along when I least expect it. Isn’t that what people always say?
she thought. That time arrived when Jack Barnes proposed. Mia was ready to settle into a real commitment. They married nine months later. She was happy then, wondering how she got so lucky to have married this successful, gorgeous man. She loved her life in the quaint town she grew up in. The only things missing were kids. She thought that would be the natural progression until Jack made it clear to her he already had a child. One was enough for him, end of story. Mia thought about the irony of it all.
Jack works for a worldwide children’s clothing and toy retailer, but he despises kids, except for Claire, of course.
Her hopes and dreams began a downward spiral when Jack informed her there would be no children between them.

Shaking herself out of those thoughts, Mia gathered her camera equipment as the train slowed down at the Beacon station. She loved the small town feeling, realizing how different she and Jack were in that respect. The fast life and hustle bustle was what he craved. The quaint picture perfect, postcard type of villages were for old people, or so he said. Just remembering that comment alone made Mia question why she ever thought they would be a good match.

The photo shoot took several hours. She loved her work, and especially enjoyed photographing families. Today was a shoot in the park with a mom, dad and two beautiful daughters. Mia lived for photography. She knew it was the only thing that gave her peace these days. After the shoot, she stopped for lunch at a cute sidewalk cafe. The place had a Parisian flair with the wrought iron bistro tables and black and white striped awnings above every window. It was beautiful and quiet. The sun was bright, and the temperature was warm and balmy that May afternoon. Mia watched as a young girl and her mother sat on a park bench across the street. They threw corn to the ducks that waddled toward them, begging for a handout. They laughed and watched the ducks retreat to the pond once they had their fill. The little girl squealed with delight at the constant group of small animals lining up for their turn to get a snack. Mia smiled and snapped a few candid shots while she enjoyed her turkey club and beer. She walked the red brick sidewalk to the downtown area to check out a few antique shops before catching the four o’clock train back to Tarrytown.

Finding a beautiful set of antique Empress China dinnerware in the Woodmere pattern made Mia smile from ear to ear. “I’ll take this set please. It’s absolutely gorgeous,” she said, as she wrote down her address for the store to ship it to. The set would be perfect for special occasions, and would look lovely in the china cabinet Mia inherited several years ago from her grandmother. She checked the time and headed back to the train station, pleased with her day.

As she rode home on the train, Mia thought about the conversation she had yesterday with Vic. Vic’s point of view was a lot closer to being right on, than her own. Mia was living proof that her own opinion and judgment wasn’t always rational. She still wanted to work on the marriage, at least until she convinced herself it was absolutely flat lined dead.