Stella in Stilettos (17 page)

“What look? How’d she look?” Alex crossed his arms as though it would settle his sudden rapid heartbeat. “Tell me.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere,” Steve spouted.

“How’d she look?” Not knowing was clawing him to death from the inside out.

“Like she’d lost her best friend. Although Trish is her best friend and they’re cool, so whatever is bugging her has to do with you.”

Alex laid his forearms on his thighs and hung his head. “I messed up, Steve.”

Steve stood up, grabbed his coat and headed to the door. “Let’s take this conversation elsewhere.”

“This is better. We have the perfect blend of coffee and commotion, so tell me what’s on your mind,” Steve said, after they settled in a booth.

Alex agreed to make the short trip to the coffee shop, but he was rethinking the sanity of pouring out his thoughts. “I don’t have time for this. I’m supposed to meet Maggie in forty-five minutes to decorate for the freaking party.”

“You started this damned therapy session and you’re going to finish it.”

Alex sighed. “I’ve been fighting with myself since I met Stella. And I’ve been a bastard to Jett and Marc.” He stretched his hands like they were tight. “I’ve decided to quit, Steve. I’m not sure when, but I’m not staying. Don’t breathe a word, okay?”

Steve started to say something but stopped when the waitress came to refill their coffee cups. “Not a word. I promise. What about Stella?”

“That’s the part I’m struggling with. When she finds out they offered me that assistant VP job she’s going to be hurt.”

Steve’s blue eyes rounded with surprise. “They offered you the VP position? I mean the assistant’s position. Son of a bitch! Another stepping stone. You lucky bastard.” He stopped when he realized he was the only one tickled with the news. His bushy, blond brows knit to the center when the information sank in. “That’s the job Stella had her heart set on. Shit.”

Alex pulled in a short breath. “Yeah. No kidding.”

Steve frowned and dropped the f-bomb a few times. “You didn’t go after the damned thing, did you?”

“Hell no, I didn’t.”

“Stella’s a great gal. All you have to do is explain that you had nothing to do with the offer and she’ll understand.”

Alex shook his head. “The last couple of days I’ve stayed away from her because I felt guilty. I know I should just tell her instead of confusing her.”

“You weren’t distancing yourself the other night,” Steve reminded him.

“I know.” Alex wished he could go back to that night. He would’ve never left Stella at her door. He would’ve made love to her and things would be great right now.

“Listen, lame brain. Stop the madness. Tell her about the job and let her know how you feel.”

“Why does everything seem simple to you?”

Alex had thawed a little by saying hello, but it’s all she got. Maggie and Belinda had taken vacation days, so she didn’t have to deal with their nonsense. All in all, it hadn’t been a horrible day.

Stella thought about the magazine article she read last night. It talked about the best way to seek revenge when your guy dumps you. Technically, Alex wasn’t her guy and he didn’t exactly dump her, but it was a universal message. The article said the best way to survive your latest heartbreak, was to look like a million bucks. Make him take notice. Make him regret tossing you aside.

Stella rummaged through her near-empty closet. Nothing in there would make anyone take notice. She groaned because she’d had an opportunity to buy some spectacular dresses when she and Trish went shopping, but she’d been too bullheaded to consider them. Now she had zilch.

She dialed Misty’s number. “I need your help.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m okay, Mist’,” she said halfheartedly. “Actually, I’m not. I’m a mess. But I know you can help.” Everything about the last several days tumbled out. By the time she finished, she was holding off tears and Misty was ready to wring Alex’s neck.

“Can I borrow something to wear?” Misty had a wardrobe to die for. Her full-ride scholarship covered tuition, books, and housing. Any money her parents gave her was spent on a few necessities and the rest on some great clothes. After all, a soon-to-be doctor couldn’t walk around in rags.

“I have just the thing. It still has the price tag on it. How soon do you need it?’

A frantic look at the clock made the effort seem lost. “Seven.”

“Well then, I’m going to have to meet you somewhere to save time. How about the Easton Mall restroom?”

Stella laughed nervously. “You’re kidding right?”

“You wish.”

Stella paced like a crazy woman while she waited for Misty. She checked her watch, checked it again and paced a little more. It was almost six-forty-five and there was no sign of her sister.

She traipsed to the main entrance and grimaced at the falling snow. Misty should’ve been there already. Maybe she was stuck in traffic. Stella took a deep breath and refused to think of worse possibilities. Misty would be there soon. She just needed to exercise a little patience.

She fumbled with her cell phone. Call. Don’t call. What if she called and distracted Misty and caused an accident.

A muffled ring in her pocket gave her hope. “Hello,” she said, trying to sound calm.

“Where are you, Stella? I’ve been in the restroom for a half hour. People are going to report me as a shady character pretty soon.”

Stella had a sinking feeling. “Which mall are you at?”

“Tuttle Crossing.” Misty let a few cuss words fly. “I said Easton, didn’t I? Why am I at Tuttle? I remember saying Easton. I’m sorry, Stella.”

“Don’t beat yourself up, Mist’. It’s a sign I shouldn’t go. You actually did me a favor.”

“Bull. You’re going. You have to. If you don’t, the hooligans and the handsome thug win.”

“He’s not a thug,” rushed out. Stella was surprised by her sudden defense of Alex.

Misty was just as surprised. “Interesting.”

“No it isn’t. Nothing is interesting.”

* * * *

Trish was probably climbing the banquet hall walls. Stella had called her cell phone but it went to voice mail.

 Ten minutes after seven, the door to the Ladies room opened and Misty ran in, out of breath, toting the dress and a shoe bag. “Sorry.”

“I’m the one who’s sorry. You shouldn’t be out in this weather, delivering clothes to your sister.”

“Keyword there is sisters, Stella. Delivering clothes or whatever is what we do for each other.” Misty wrapped Stella in a quick hug and then held up the dress for her inspection.

“It’s beautiful, Mist’.” Stella was blown away. The soft-pink dress had a slit up the side, two thin straps that crisscrossed at the neckline and was gathered beneath the bust.

Misty pulled a pair of silver stilettos with a thin ankle-strap from the bag. “What’s with the dark circles under the eyes?”

“Restless night,” she said with absolute truth.

Misty smoothed a lock of hair from Stella’s face. “No guy is worth all this trouble.”

Stella sighed. “I know.”

“But you can’t let him know he’s gotten the best of you. Let’s get you into this thing.”

Stella slid into the dress and stood back for a look.

“That dress is so you. Not too naughty, but enough to make every guy at the party salivate.” Misty giggled. “Once Alex sees you, he’ll know he screwed up. And if you’re lucky, he’ll wipe out in the puddle of his own drool.”

“You’re the best, Misty.”

“I know, now get going.”

Stella took a step in the high heels and almost turned an ankle.

* * * *

Trish and Steve were waiting for Stella at the door. “It’s about time, woman. I thought you were going to skip out on us.”

“I left you a voice mail.”

Trish wrinkled her nose. “I hate having that thing glued to me 24/7.”

Someone was posing as Trish. The Trish she knew slept with her cell phone. Stella wanted to laugh, but she was too nervous. “Did I miss much?”

“Nope. Everyone seems to be running behind, including your illustrious boss who showed up a couple of minutes ago.”

And Alex?

Steve put a hand on Stella’s shoulder. “The one you carefully avoided asking about is across the room with a leech hanging on him. He’s not very happy about it either and tried to pawn her off on me. I told him to get real.” His blue eyes sparkled with something indefinable. He looped one arm through Trish’s and the other through hers. “Let’s go. There’s dancing to be done.” Steve guided them into the hall but subsequently left to search for champagne.

“You look beautiful,” Stella exclaimed. Trish was a vision. Part of her auburn hair was pulled up and the rest hung around her shoulders in soft curls, with a few loose tendrils to frame her face. The form-fitting black dress she bought on their shopping excursion was filled to perfection. To complete her look, a grin that said she’d found her soul mate.

“So do you.” Trish nudged Stella with her shoulder. “I love that dress.”

“Misty’s.”

“Ah.”

“I know,” Stella said.

“Maybe she’ll let you borrow it for the trip to Key West; you know, in case we want to go someplace swanky while we’re there.”

“I’m pushing my luck by wearing it tonight. By the way, have you told Steve you’re going?”

Trish voiced a guilty chuckle. “Yes and no.”

Stella cocked her head.

“Actually, he sort of brought it up by saying he had to go away for the holidays and I told him I did too, but neither of us was specific.”

“You have the start of a very strange relationship.”

“Isn’t it great?” Trish started to say something about Alex when Steve returned with three glasses of bubbly. She winked as if to say they’d talk about Alex later.

Maggie started things off by taking the microphone. “Good evening, one and all. Welcome to this year’s Christmas party.” She scanned the room. “Where’s Alex?” When she didn’t find him right away she repeated the question. “Alex Clay, where art thou?” She laughed into the microphone, and at the same time almost lost her balance.

Hmm. Maggie must’ve had her own party before she arrived.

“There you are.” Maggie pointed to the corner of the room.

Stella didn’t want to look but her gaze drifted in his direction. Her pulse pounded in her chest and she tried to calm it with a sip of champagne.

Maggie made a face. “Peel yourself off of him, Belinda. Come on Alex, you’re my co-host.”

Alex had to pry Belinda’s hand off his arm, which made everyone laugh; everyone but Stella.

Jealousy stirred its way to a hiss. Stella was glad it was drowned out by the roar of the crowd. She was angry with herself for letting Alex bother her. After all, she was there to make him jealous. Not the other way around.

She took a big gulp of champagne and tried to focus on the decorations.

Red poinsettias were scattered about and cream colored candles flickered from each table. The pleasing scent from pine boughs wafted through the air. The banquet hall was breathtaking, although not enough to hold her attention.

Alex looked cheerful as he made his way to the stage. His body language said something different.

Maggie slaked an arm around Alex’s waist. Stella let another hiss slide out. Did everyone have to put their hands on him?

“Now where was I?” Maggie raised her glass. “To a great year.” She took a sip and looked directly at Alex. “And to an exciting one to come.”

Stella narrowed her eyes and tried to take a sip of champagne, spilling a few drips down the front of her; luckily they trickled down her cleavage instead of spotting Misty’s dress.

When Maggie hugged Alex, she almost choked. What was her boss going to do for an encore? Swat him on the butt?

Steve was warm with understanding. He removed Stella’s champagne glass from her lips. “Easy, sweetheart.”

Trish undid Steve’s move. She returned Stella’s glass to her mouth. “Drink up. It’ll help.”

Steve winked at Stella. “Save a couple dances for me. We have feathers to ruffle.”

Maggie announced that the music would start in a few minutes. “Enjoy.”

Stella didn’t want to dance and certainly didn’t need any more champagne. To heck with her get-even plan. It was destined for disaster anyway. The best thing she could do would be to find the nearest exit.

“Come on, ladies. Let’s check out the hor dourves before we dance.” Steve tugged Trish by the arm who in turned tugged Stella.

 Trish snagged a celery stick from a veggie tray. “Look at all this stuff.” She filled a small foam plate with chunks of hot pepper cheese, Colby and Muenster, and then heaped on baby carrots and a dollop of dill dip. “Aren’t you going to eat anything?”

Stella shook her head. She was too anxious to eat.

“The ham dip is excellent,” a familiar voice said very close to her ear. His hand, also familiar, found the territorial position of the small of her back.