Payback and a Bottle of Merlot: Like Sisters Series Book One (25 page)

Vic poured a round of coffee as her phone rang. She momentarily looked away from Max and glanced down at the caller I.D. “Oh shit, it’s Tina.” Vic darted out to the patio to talk.

Max turned to Mia, grinning from ear to ear. “Is she always this jacked up?”

“Only when she’s in the presence of someone as hot as you. Vic’s smitten.”

“C’mon, really?”

“I’m just saying.”

“Interesting.”

“What is?”

“What you said.” Max winked at Mia and chuckled.

Vic came back in the house a bit calmer than before. “So what’s the plan? Don’t you have some business to take care of today, Mia?”

“Maybe. Don’t you have a job to go to, Vic?”

“Nope. I don’t have any clients today. Tina said she can handle everything. No worries.”

“Okay then. I guess I better walk Reggie, then do whatever that business is I’m supposed to do. Is that okay with you?” Mia looked at Vic and smirked.

“Yep. So Max, how would you like to have lunch with me? Bottoms Up is a cool place with awesome burgers and the best local micro-brews. We can get better acquainted. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Really?” he asked, giving Mia an embarrassed glance.

“Yeah, you know, the urban legends, and stuff like that on TV. You can tell me your story over a few beers. See ya, Mia. We’ll catch up later, hon.”

“Whatever. Max it was so good to see you again. Let’s keep in touch, I mean it. Stop by whenever you want.” Mia reached out to Max and gave him an enormous hug.

He returned the hug and held her tight as he whispered into her ear. “You’re special to me, Mia. We’ll always be close, right?”

She kissed his cheek. “That’s right, always.”

***

Mia scrolled down her contact list as she walked Reggie. “Hey, Karen. We’ve got five days before Jack’s party, so we need to do this right. No mistakes. He has no idea any of us are going to be there. He came home a few nights ago going on and on about the upcoming social event at the Sofitel this Friday night. Either he doesn’t know it’s for him, or he wants me to think it isn’t for him, so I don’t invite myself. No matter what, we all need to be ready to leave on the five o’clock train, dressed to the nines. I was wondering about that black wig of yours. Is it human hair?

“Sure it is, why?”

“Can we dye it at the salon tomorrow? Say, like a fiery red?”

Yep, can do. Who’s going to wear it?”

“Well, my plan is for Sasha to wear it. We’re going to surprise Jack at his party, like the good wife and ex-wife should, but I want it to really sting when he realizes the redhead is Sasha. I mean what can he say? He can’t let on that his mistress is in the crowd too. He’s been a real bitch to deal with this past week, so I want him to see her, just not too soon. He’s going to find out how betrayal feels, especially since he assumed Sasha was in France all this time. He’ll be out of his mind that she found out about us, and took our side, no less. We also need to confirm everything with the videographer that’s taping the evening’s events. He has to keep the camera rolling until Jack makes his hasty exit out of mortified humiliation. We’re going to enjoy that tape for years to come, my friend. The last thing on my list is to make sure the slide projector is at the hotel and hidden away somewhere in the ballroom. We’ve got to get there early and set everything up, then stay out of sight until the right time. I’ve already talked to Jack’s boss, and his plan is to do a ten minute speech about what a great Regional Sales Director Jack is, and how he’s honored to promote Jack to the position of National Sales Director of Plan-It Kidz… yada, yada, yada. I’ve already told Jack’s boss that I want to do a slide presentation of the last few years with Jack. He was totally on board with the idea. I made him swear he wouldn’t tell Jack I’m coming. I said I wanted to present him with a big surprise. What a joke, right? So bring your pictures and the wig to the salon tomorrow. We’ll do our prep work there.”

“Sounds like fun. You’re going to be a new person once that toxic man is out of your house and out of your life. How’s Sasha doing?”

“Get this. Tina told me Sasha has been talking about putting her apartment up for sale and moving to Tarrytown for good. Can you believe what a turnaround she’s made? She could end up being a great friend, just like you have. We’re blessed to be such a tight knit group of friends. I love you, sister.”

“I love you too. We do have a great life, and we need to keep reminding each other of that. We should plan a party for next Saturday. We’ll call it your ‘jail break’ party. What do you think?”

“I like it. Jack hasn’t got the nerve to show up here again. After Friday, I’ll have all of his stuff put into storage somewhere in New Rochelle. They can send the bill to his brother’s house. Jack will probably stay there anyway until he finds somewhere else to live. All I have to say to him is adios, hasta la vista, au revoir, arrivederci and sayonara, sucker!” Mia said, laughing.

“Girl, I had no idea you were so fluent in different languages.”

“Yeah, right. I only know the words that count. Anyway, see you tomorrow morning. Out.”

***

The ladies arrived at Hair Brained at ten o’clock Tuesday morning. Karen walked in last, carrying a dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts and a box of photos. The black wig was plopped on top of her head with her own hair hanging out below it.

“What is that black thing on your head?” Sasha asked.

“It’s the wig you’re going to wear, you goof. My hands are full. Take the stupid thing off my head while I put this stuff down.”

Sasha obliged and held the wig in her hand, staring at it, with a bewildered expression on her face. “Why am I going to wear this? My hair is already black.”

“Honey, we’re going to dye it red today, and you’re going to wear it at Jack’s party Friday night. We don’t want him to recognize you, okay?” Mia said.

“Okay, Mia, whatever you say.”

“Don’t worry, Sasha. Everything is under control. All you need to do Friday night is follow my lead.”

“Mia, can I talk to you outside for a minute?” Vic asked.

Three heads jackknifed, and stared at her.

“What? It’s private. Don’t give yourselves whiplash for God’s sake.”

Mia followed Vic outside to the small patio behind the salon. They sat at the table in the morning shade. Mia waited, Vic fidgeted.

“Holy shit, Vic, just say it already. What do you want to tell me?”

“I don’t want you to be pissed at me.”

“Pissed about what?”

“Max had lunch with me yesterday, so I’m sure I overstepped my bounds. But you did say you and Aaron were going to give it a shot, right?”

“Yes, I said that,” Mia enjoyed making her friend sweat, just a little.

“Jeez, it’s hard talking to you about this.”

“It’s harder for me when I don’t know what the heck you’re going to say.”

“Fine then. Okay, it’s like this. Max and I had a great time at lunch. He’s really cool and I like him. Plus he is
so
hot.”

“Like, you’re telling me something I don’t already know?”

“No. Okay already, here’s the deal… and don’t be mad. I invited him to go with me to my cousins wedding on the 26th.”

“What the hell is that about? Wasn’t I your date? Now I’m friggin burnt toast?” Mia stared at her, enjoying the mortified look on Vic’s face before she burst out laughing.

“Mia, I thought you were going to kill me just now.”

“Honey, I’m really happy you invited Max to go with you. To be honest, I plan to keep Max in our lives as one of us, our little family. He’s too precious and wonderful to let go of. And my sweet girl, no need to worry. Max and I already had a talk. I told him I’m with Aaron, so he’s free to do whatever he likes. I’m hoping it will turn into something good for you two.”

“You and me both. He’s so hot, plus I think he likes me.”

“What’s not to like? C’mon, let’s go inside before those three have an aneurysm wondering what we’re talking about.”

“So we’re good? About Max, I mean?”

“Of course we are. I love you, and Max too. I want all of us to be in each other’s lives forever.” Mia wrapped her arms around Vic and squeezed her. “We’re like sisters, always have been, always will be. Nobody will ever get between us, nobody. Oh, and by the way, Karen suggested a party for Saturday. It’s going to be at my house. Invite some friends, it’s fine with me. I’d asked Aaron to come, but he has to work all day. Pretty soon we can all hang out together and throw parties whenever we want. Who knows, Aaron and Max might even become good friends. Anyway, back to the party. The more the merrier. It’s going to be my ‘jail break’ party. No more Jack the jerk. We’ll talk more about it later. Now, let’s go have a doughnut before those oinkers eat them all.”

Chapter Thirty Three

“Don’t forget I’m going to that huge gala tonight. I’m sure it’s for me and my big promotion, but nobody has said so specifically. That’s how it goes when you’re the guest of honor, even though I’m supposed to act surprised. What I am sure of, is everyone from the company will be in attendance. I don’t know if I’m coming home tonight, or not.”

“I’m quite sure you aren’t coming home, Jack,” Mia whispered under her breath.

“Did you say something?”

“Yes, I asked where the party is being held.”

“I told you it’s at the Sofitel. Anyway, the subordinates take care of the petty stuff. Gotta go, can’t keep Plan-It Kidz waiting. I’ll see you, when I see you. Don’t wait up.”

“I wasn’t going to. Oh, by the way, I’m having a party here tomorrow.”

“What the hell does that mean? I didn’t give the okay to throw a party. Oh, it’s for me, right? That’s cute. If I stay in the city tonight I can’t guarantee when I’ll be back. I’ll make an effort to show up, since it is in my honor. Jack Barnes, National Sales Director of Plan-It Kidz. It has a nice ring to it, if I do say so myself.”

“Don’t you have an important job to get to?” Mia asked.

“What? Oh yeah, I guess I was just basking in my own success. Later.”

“Thank God you left before I got sick. Yeah I’m going to have a party tomorrow, and you aren’t invited,” Mia sneered, as she watched him pull out of the driveway for the last time. She looked at the clock, seven-thirty.
Too early to call and see how Dad’s doing.
She set the alarm on her cell phone for noon. She needed to catch up with her parents and brother. Mia poured a fresh cup of coffee and decided to look through her closet for the perfect dress to wear to Jack’s demise. Pushed to the back of her closet hung a few cocktail dresses with the price tags still attached. Two years ago Mia thought being married to a successful businessman meant going out and schmoozing with clients and co-workers. Yet the dresses still hung in the closet, unworn. The only woman ever on Jack’s arm dressed beautifully, was Sasha.
I won’t hold that against her. She had no idea Jack was married.

Mia chose an emerald green, satin cocktail dress for the gala. It had an empire waist and fell just above the knee. The bodice was covered in shimmery green rhinestones and had capped sleeves. A brand new pair of six inch stiletto heels in black satin, and a matching purse sat on the top shelf in her closet.
Should I wear these heels? What if I fall on my ass as I’m walking to the stage?
Mia convinced herself that Jack wasn’t worth buying new shoes for, especially if she wouldn’t wear them again. Mia James was a laid back, small town girl, and she liked it that way. Flip-flops in the summer and moto boots in the winter suited her just fine.
I’ll manage, it’s only for tonight. I’m wearing the damn things.

***

The cell phone alarm went off just as Mia slathered mayonnaise on the BLT she was making for lunch. She grabbed a Diet Coke and the sandwich, jammed her phone into the front pocket of the cut-off, faded jeans she wore, and headed to the patio. She put everything down neatly in front of her on the picnic table, including the paper towel she held between her teeth, and placed the call. She popped open the can of soda just as her mom’s phone rang in California.

“Hi, Mom. How are you and Dad?” she asked, happily.

“Hi, honey. We’re doing really well. Matt and Liz are such good hosts and the kids, well you know how wonderful they are. How are you, dear? How’s Jack?”

“I sprained my ankle about three weeks ago, but it’s fine now. I was going to take some pictures of a mother deer and her fawn and I got so distracted by them I fell down a hill. I’ve always been a klutz, you know that.”

“Oh my word, Mia, you certainly are a klutz. And Jack? How is his big shot career going?”

“Jack got fired. Plan-It Kidz decided he wasn’t the right man for their squeaky clean company. I guess he did something they didn’t approve of. After all, they do portray a Disney type of image.”
This isn’t a white lie. I’m just telling her the truth prematurely.

“Oh, Mia, I’m so sorry. Is he looking for another job?”

“Jack hasn’t said what he’s going to do. I’m filing for divorce soon. But, on a good note, that means I can come and visit you guys whenever I want.”

“Are you getting help, honey?”

“For what?”

“For the drinking problem you had when you came to Florida. Is that why Jack is divorcing you?”

“Mom, seriously? I don’t have a drinking problem, and that has nothing to do with us getting divorced. If you want the truth, I’ll tell you the truth.”

“Of course I do, honey. Should I put your dad on the other line?”

“Hell no! Sorry, I didn’t mean to swear. No, don’t put Dad on the phone. He’s still recovering isn’t he?”

“Yes he is, and this is so funny, just the other day… ”

“Mom, can we stay on topic here?”

“Alright, dear, what were you talking about again?”

“I was talking about Jack. You said you wanted to know the truth. He cheated on me the entire time we were married.”

“Sounds like you needed re-hab, like your dad did. We could have done an intervention when you were visiting us.”

“Okay, this is going nowhere. Mom, I love you, and when you and Dad get home, I’m going to come and visit for a while, okay?”

“That sounds wonderful, honey. I’ll see you soon. Tell Jack hi for us. We love you, bye bye.”