Payback and a Bottle of Merlot: Like Sisters Series Book One (23 page)

“Excuse me? Where do you get off judging where I live? For your information, there are a ton of people that would give anything to live in Tarrytown. I’ve lived there my entire life, and I love it. There’s no other place I’d rather be. It might be a quaint village, but it’s far from boring. It’s historic, with plenty of charm. There are parks, wonderful shops, and plenty of fun bars and restaurants to go to. Plus people call each other by name. They even have the names of each other’s pets memorized. Do you know your neighbors by name?”

“I’ve never asked them their names. I’m far too busy to chat with them.”

“Right. That’s a real shame, but Tarrytown might rub off on you. Enjoy it during the daytime, because once Jack gets home from work at seven p.m. you’re on house arrest.” Sasha threw a shocked look at Tina, then they both burst out laughing. “How about dinner downtown? We can show you around before it gets late. Bottoms Up is a great place to eat, and it’s pretty lively too. We should call and see if Karen is still in town. We’ll all go out together.”

“That’s nice of you, Tina, thanks.”

“Sure, no prob. Here’s my phone, call Mia. See if everyone is still hanging out.”

“You want me to call?”

“Um yeah… have you noticed I’m driving?”

“Oh… right,” Sasha said, as Tina handed her the phone.

“Hello, Mia? Tina and I are on our way back to Tarrytown. She, or we, were wondering if Karen was still there, and if all of you want to go to Bottoms Up for dinner later. Would you ladies like to do that?” Sasha asked, pensively.

“Yeah, Karen is still here. We’re just hanging out. Come to the salon when you get back.”

“Okay, thank you.”

“Sasha?”

“Yes, Mia?”

“Chill out. We aren’t going to bite you. There’s a slim chance we’ll all be friends someday,” Mia said, as she hung up the phone. “Wow, that girl is uptight. Plus she’s over the top full of herself. No wonder she and Jack got along so well. They have the same personalities.”

“That is
so
going to change if Sasha intends to hang with us for the next ten days. We’ll show her how normal, decent people behave. She’s beautiful for sure, and lucky to have the looks to earn a living off that beauty, but her personality? That’s going to get a complete overhaul,” Vic piped in.

Mia, Karen and Vic spent the next hour cleaning the salon and putting away the props they had out for Sasha’s photo shoot. The dried out appetizers were thrown away, but Mia munched on a few carrot sticks that were still pliable. The crystal glasses glistened like new, and the starched table linens were neatly folded and placed in the back closet. Classic rock poured out of the surround sound speakers while the girls sang as they cleaned. On occasion, they would break out dancing with the brooms. The day turned out okay after all. They couldn’t ask for a better end result, even though Mia’s conversation with Sasha was heated for a while. They now have her siding with them. Jack has no allies, no lover, and soon, no job.

“Sasha never even mentioned the fake contest. She was probably too wasted to remember why she came to the salon in the first place,” Vic said, chuckling.

“Well, no matter what, we should still give her some advertising. I did get a few beautiful head shots of her. Karen, you can make some jumbo posters of her for the salon, can’t you? We’ll put them on the windows showing the great makeup and hair styles Hair Brained does. It will also get Sasha’s gorgeous face known out here in the burbs, not just in Manhattan.”

“Hey, could you imagine the expression on Jack’s face if he saw Sasha on a huge salon poster here in Tarrytown, at Hair Brained, no less?” Karen said.

Mia choked on her wine, picturing it in her mind. “That would be a look I’d love to videotape. I’d put that sucker on YouTube in a flash. You know we’re going to have to go over the plan I have in my mind for Jack’s demise, but we’ll have to do it privately. I don’t think we can discuss it in front of Sasha. We don’t know her, and she hasn’t earned our trust yet. I think it’s better to keep her in the dark in case she has second thoughts. I do want her there with us that night, but she can’t be in on the plot. It has to go down just like I’m picturing it. I won’t let anyone ruin my idea, it’s too perfect.”

“It’s happening at Jack’s promotion party though, right? We can’t waste a huge opportunity like that. He won’t know what hit him. I hope he gets everything he deserves, and then some.”

“Oh he will, Karen. Blindsides are beautiful, and this one will go down in the history books at Plan-It Kidz. Let’s keep the wine out. Tina and Sasha should be back any minute. Everything else is cleaned up and put away, so it’s time to relax and have a few drinks.”

“Amen to that, sister,” Vic agreed, as she poured each of them a glass of Merlot.

***

The girls decided an early dinner was the smartest way to go. At five-thirty they piled into two cars and drove the short distance to arrive front and center at Bottoms Up Bar and Grill. They had no intentions of running into Jack, now that he didn’t have a reason to stay late in the city.

“This is the lively, happening place you mentioned, Tina?” Sasha asked, with a groan.

“Really, Sasha?” Vic snapped, becoming annoyed with her already. “It’s five-friggin-thirty. Things don’t start hopping around here until at least seven. How many bars in your neighborhood are packing them in this early? Never mind, you live in the city. The bars are always packed. Anyway, keep your opinions to yourself, got it?”

“Yes, I got it. Sorry.”

The five of them went inside the darkened bar area and plopped down on the vintage, red vinyl barstools. “Oh my,” Sasha blurted out, as she took a seat and looked up at the ceiling. Dollar bills covered every square inch of ceiling space above her head, with something written in black marker on all of them. Old license plates adorned the walls, and vintage posters were scattered throughout the restaurant area. “I’m surprised. This looks like fun. I’m accustomed to going to, you know, high end, minimalist looking places. Why are the dollar bills on the ceiling?”

“Just for shits and grins.”

“What does that mean?” Sasha asked, raising her perfectly shaped eyebrows.

“Never mind. You’re supposed to write something memorable and the date on a dollar bill. Freddy will pin it to the ceiling for you. It’s something to talk about, that’s all,” Tina explained.

“I want to do it too!” Sasha said, now excited.

“Well cough up a buck and you can,” Vic snickered.

“I don’t have a dollar. Excuse me, sir. Can I buy a dollar with my credit card?” Sasha asked Freddy the barkeep.

“Oh my friggin God, Sasha. Put your damn credit card away. Here’s a buck. Freddy, bring me your marker,” Mia said, shaking her head in disbelief. “Tomorrow you’re going to the ATM and getting some cash for yourself, got it?”

“Yes, Mia. Thanks for the dollar. Now what do I do?”

“Now you write something.”

“What should I write?”

“Seriously, this shouldn’t be that hard. You aren’t filling out a job application for Pete’s sake! Just write whatever you’re feeling, okay?”

Sasha was bewildered. She spun the barstool around looking in every direction for some inspiration. A joyful expression lit her face, and she finally appeared happy with her decision. She feverishly scribbled something from end to end on the dollar bill.

“There,” she said, pleased with herself.

“Well, can we read it before Freddy tacks it to the ceiling?”

“I guess so,” she replied, a bit embarrassed.

Mia took the dollar and silently read the words Sasha just wrote. “July 8, 2014 - My life is about to change. I just met my new best friends.”

Mia was dumbfounded and saddened by the words in front of her. She couldn’t speak, and quickly brushed away the tear rolling down her cheek. Luckily, the room was dark. She passed the dollar around for the other girls to read. Sasha was a victim in Jack’s life plan too. Mia had to remember that. She was an innocent, maybe a dingy one, but an innocent, none the less. She didn’t deserve the treatment they dished out today. Her beauty couldn’t mask the loneliness she must have felt. There was a hole deep in her heart. Between the four of them, they would fill that void. Sasha would become one of them. They were now five.

They let go of the anger and sarcasm, and welcomed Sasha into the fold with open arms. She needed their friendship and support, just like the rest of them needed each other.

Chapter Thirty

Jack arrived home in a particularly foul mood. He played Sasha’s voice mail just before leaving work. He couldn’t believe his ears when he heard her say she was on her way to the airport, and leaving for France. She said she wasn’t sure when she would return, but she’d call soon.
How dare she fly to France without telling me first.
They always had dinner and crazy sex lasting hours before she left town. He expected that of her, and now he was furious. Jack tried her cell phone numerous times, but it went straight to voice mail.

Mia was home, but not hungry. She made no attempt to cook for Jack, even though she expected him on time tonight.
Poor Jack, there’s nowhere for you to go anymore.
She happily relaxed on the patio, reclined to the perfect position on the chaise. The sun was setting behind the trees reducing the glare on her tablet as she read. The frothy beer hit the spot as she delved deep into the latest romance novel from her favorite author.

She heard the overhead garage door as it creaked opened, then closed with a loud thud. The service door slammed after Jack entered the kitchen.
My, aren’t we pissy tonight? I wonder what you’ll use as an excuse for your attitude this time.
The familiar sound of the liquor cabinet opening filled Mia’s ears. First, the clank of the rocks glass when it hit other glasses as he pulled it out. Now, the bottle of Scotch opening.
Listen for the pour.
Hmmm… you didn’t put the bottle away. Guess it’s going to be one of those nights.

She heard footsteps coming toward her. The slider opened and closed. Jack stomped across the patio with a rather full glass of Johnnie Walker Black Label, and scowled at Mia. “Where’s dinner?”

“In the kitchen, Jack, waiting for you to make it. I’ve already eaten downtown with my friends.”

“What friends?” he asked, with a snarl.

“You know damn well who my friends are, you just don’t want them around. Do you have any friends? If you do, who are they? Give me some names.”

Jack was silent. His blood began to boil. She deliberately taunted him, knowing full well he would hold on to his secret, and say nothing.

“Back to your question. If you want dinner, make it yourself, or go out. From now on, I’ll need advance notice if you’re coming home for supper. I’m not going to cook a big meal anymore if I’m eating alone.”

“I’ll be home for dinner every night from now on, at least for a while,” he sneered.

“Why, Jack? What’s changed?”

“Nothing. I’m just going to eat dinner at home. Do you have a problem with that?”

“Nope… do you?” she asked, as she sat up and faced him. She cocked her head, mocking him with her eyes. Mia took another gulp of her lager and stared him down.

He glared at her, a little too long for Mia’s comfort, guzzled his Scotch, and stormed into the house. Within seconds, the garage door opened and close again. She heard his car roar down the street.

“Good riddance. Don’t choke on a bone,” Mia said, as she found that cozy spot again on the chaise and continued reading. Her mind drifted from the book to Aaron and Max. There was going to be a time, very soon, when she would have to talk to Max. Mia cared about him a lot, and if it wasn’t for Aaron, Max might have been that special man for her. But there was Aaron, and Mia was positive, deep in her heart and soul, he was the one. Aaron was the man she would be happy with for life.

She checked the time on her phone.
He’s home now from the shop. I should give him a call.

Daniels Camera Shop closed at six p.m. during the week, five p.m. on Saturdays, and was closed all day Sunday. Mia went in the house and popped open another cold beer. Aaron’s number was the first one on her contact list. She tapped his name on her phone, and listened for the ring.

“Hi, Aaron.”

“Hi, gorgeous. Are we still on for tomorrow, and the next day, and forever?” he joked.

Mia laughed as she poured the beer into a clean mug she pulled out of the freezer. “What am I going to do with you?”

“Do I really have to spell it out for you? You did take sex education in school, right?” he teased.

“You’re crazy! Yes, I’ll be over in the morning. There’s a lot to talk about. We can laugh and tease like now, but we do need to have a real conversation, a serious one, soon.”

“Sweetheart, I want to have a serious conversation with you. You’re my future wife, Mia, my one and only. We better be serious about it. I want you for life, but only if you feel the same. So yes, our serious talk can start in the morning, okay?”

“Okay, that sounds nice. I’ll see you at eight o’clock. Bye.”

“See you in the morning, honey. Bye.”

Mia hung up, with happy thoughts of Aaron. After years of wishing, she now realized the love of her life was there all along, right in her own hometown.

***

She rolled over to the sound of the service door closing and footsteps in the kitchen. It was after midnight. She punched her pillow and smiled as she dozed off. In less than two weeks Jack would be gone for good.

Mia laughed at the sight of Aaron when he opened his door the next morning. There was that smile, that enormous smile he wore every day. It was infectious, and she loved it. Everything about him excited her. She was sure it always did, but she was too preoccupied trying to save her pitiful marriage, to notice.

“Good morning, sunshine. I made pancakes and bacon.”

“Are you kidding me? Aaron, it’s a work day. You didn’t have to go to the trouble.”

“Hush, my beauty. Sit, eat and be merry.” Aaron kissed her on the cheek, then poured orange juice into the waiting goblets.

“There’s no way our mornings are going to be this easy and relaxed once there’s a few kids,” she teased.