Payback and a Bottle of Merlot: Like Sisters Series Book One

by Bria Marche

  “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, pleas
ed 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.

  Chapter Three

  Mia wanted to rekindle some of the romance she thought was there when she and Jack began dating. She wasn’t going to give up without giving her relationship everything she could, and then some. Tonight, Jack’s testosterone would be put to the test. Mia found some sexy blues to download onto her MP3 player. This smokin’ hot bra and panties set under my silk robe, and a pair of heels should do it. The tee shirt and shorts normally worn to bed was stashed in the dresser drawer. I’ll have wine ready and candles lit when he comes home. The problem was, she had no idea when that would be.

  “I know this isn’t going to work. He’ll have some lame excuse that he’s tired, and why can’t I understand how hard he works to advance his career. He’ll turn everything around to make me look like a selfish horn dog, only thinking of myself, like usual. Damn it! I’m going to give it one last shot, even if I fall asleep until he gets home.”

  Curled up on the couch, Mia woke to the sound of the overhead garage door opening. She tried not to doze off while mindlessly watching TV, but obviously lost that battle to the sleepyhead gods. She looked at the clock and realized it was past midnight. Reggie was sound asleep, snuggled up, and lying across her legs.

  “Shit, my legs are asleep. Reggie, get in your kennel,” she said, as she limped across the living room. She wanted to wake up and appear sexy before Jack walked in. Mia quickly lit the candles and hit the play button on the MP3 player. She leaned against the wall for support until the pins and needles in her legs subsided. Sexy blues began to flow throughout the surround system located in every room.

  Jack entered through the kitchen service door, surprised to see her waiting up for him. “What’s going on?” he asked.

  “I’ve missed our time together, Jack. I want you to make love to me,” she said, offering him a glass of Merlot while showing off her sexy bra and panties.

  “Really? What brought that on?”

  “Jeez, can’t you even try to be romantic? Why don’t you ever seduce me?”

  “Yeah… whatever. I’m going to hit the shower first. I’ll be done in ten minutes.” He wandered off toward the bathroom, chugging the glass of wine as he checked the text messages on his cell phone.

  “Great… that really made me feel wanted,” Mia said, as she turned off the music and put her wine glass in the sink. “He didn’t even notice what I was wearing, damn him.”

  In bed, Mia leaned in toward Jack, kissing him softly at first, and then more passionately as she straddled his belly. She knelt over him, her kisses lingering on his chest as she stroked his manhood. Mia wanted to feel something from him, possibly a rekindled spark. She hoped that moment would turn into Jack making wonderful love to her, wanting her, as much as she wanted him. Instead, he flipped Mia over on her stomach and entered her roughly from behind. No intimacy, no love, only raw sex. His act lacked any semblance of love, being only a primal need on his part. Within minutes, he moaned, spilled his seed, and rolled over on his back. He made himself comfortable and fell asleep.

  Mia lay on her side facing away from him, as tears dampened her pillow. She was alone, and unable to drift off. I have to fix this, somehow. The green illuminated numbers on the clock read two o’clock before she dozed off. She woke to the sun peeking in through the bedroom window. She turned over to find Jack’s side of the bed empty. A note lay on his pillow written in pencil. “Thanks for the romp. I guess I needed that. I’m staying in the city tonight. Be back sometime tomorrow.” The words angered her even more than they hurt. “You needed it? What about me, Jack? You’re always thinking about yourself, asshole. That wasn’t even lovemaking, you jerk.”

  Mia wanted to be in love, to be happy, and have a family. In her heart she knew precious years were wasting away. She felt robbed of happiness. She wondered if Jack would he ever treat her like a wife instead of a simple possession.

  ***

  To be completely alone Friday was what Mia needed. She didn’t have any appointments set up, and she already had lunch with Vic a few days ago. The last thing she wanted to do, was drive her friends crazy with her relationship issues anyway. She decided on a bike ride through the trails. It would clear her head. Her backpack was filled with snack bars, binoculars and a digital camera. She inflated the bike tires, threw the backpack over her shoulders and pulled her bike out of the garage. The day was beautiful. There was abundant sunshine, and the temperature was a beautiful seventy-five degrees. A few hours to spend at Riverwalk Park seemed like the perfect idea. She planned to ride for a while, bird watch, and take great shots of the May flowers blooming. Mia wanted to enjoy her day, and decided not to give Jack a second thought. From her house, it took fifteen minutes to get to the park. She locked the bike, reciting the combination in her head like she always did, and started down the path. With her binoculars and camera dangling from her neck, she set out looking for migrating birds and colorful flowers. She snapped a dozen or more pictures, then sat at a picnic table to look through the photos. A couple pushing a baby stroller walked by, laughing with each other. Mia sat and watched. That’s what I need and want. Is there someone else out there better suited for me?

  She took more photos, making sure to get one of the family after they passed. Mia wanted this snapshot as a reminder for herself. I’m not giving up on a family. I have to tell Jack again how much this means to me.

  She went home to find the box of china sitting on her front porch. The UPS man was pulling away from the curb. Oh cool, the china is here. Organizing the china cabinet and placing the pieces where they look the best will be a great distraction. It will give me something to do for a few hours. “Am I pathetic or what?” Mia asked herself out loud, then chuckled. “Whatever… these are the things that make me happy.”

  Mia knew she wouldn’t get a phone call from Jack. He was too preoccupied with his daughter’s piano recital to give her any consideration. He could have at least texted me when he left work. She had no idea when he would return home on Saturday.

  ***

  She packed her equipment Saturday morning for the photo shoot in the city, knowing it would be a sitting for a family portrait. Family sittings were her favorite, being able to capture the individual personalities through her lens. This shoot was an all afternoon job. Mia planned to shoot outdoor candid pictures in Central Park by the pond, and then several structured family poses in their home. This should be fun. I can relax and enjoy the day. She looked at her watch, knowing she had to catch the eleven-fifteen train, arriving at Grand Central Terminal just past noon. Time to get going, she thought, as she scribbled out a brief note to Jack, then tore it up. She felt guilty doing it, but she was in a snarky mood toward him anyway. Let him wonder where I am. She locked the door behind her and left.

  Mia loved taking the train. She observed people as they sat, and wondered what their lives were like. Have they got secrets and skeletons in their closets? Are they happy with love filled lives, or not so much? Time passed quickly as she wondered about everyone else. The momentum slowed. They were approaching Grand Central Terminal. As the train halted to a stop, Mia grabbed her purse and slung the backpack of camera gear across her shoulder. She waited for the doors to open in a hypnotic stance, similar to everyone else riding into the city with a multitude of thoughts in their minds. Mia stepped down to the platform and caught an unexpected glimpse of Jack in the distance, waiting for the outbound train to Tarrytown. He wasn’t alone. Taken aback, Mia stepped away where she wouldn’t be seen. She was stunned, and couldn’t help but stare at them. He sat, stroking the hair of an olive skinned beauty. His arm rested on the back of the bench and over her shoulder, keeping h
er pulled in against his side. Her hair draped halfway to the ground, as she sat with her head resting against his. His fingers stroked her arm, over her bare, golden skin, moving slowly, up and down, from shoulder to wrist. Mia was mesmerized by the slow, sensual movements he displayed. These were movements she hadn’t seen from Jack. She realized now that he was capable of sensuality, but saving it for this woman.

  So it’s not your ex-wife and daughter consuming your time. It’s this mystery woman, you son of a bitch! Caught completely off guard, Mia’s heart thumped triple time in her chest.

  As she stood against the wall, Mia watched as the Tarrytown train began boarding. They rose together from the bench, the mystery woman wearing nothing more than a spaghetti strapped, clingy red sheath, and rhinestone studded sandals. He took her face in his hands, and engulfed her mouth with his own. There was passion and fire between them, with their kiss lasting for what seemed like an eternity. Jack was the last to board as Mia stared, frozen in place with her knees ready to buckle.

  “Damn you, Jack, you two-timing son of a bitch! How could you do this to me? I’ve never given you a reason to cheat on me. I don’t deserve this, you bastard!”

  Mia waited for the train to depart, then found the nearest restroom and went inside. She felt nauseous and needed to splash water on her face. She wet a paper towel and held it against her forehead, taking several deep breaths for composure. As she stared at herself in the mirror with tears streaming down her cheeks, the stall door behind her opened, and the woman in the red dress stepped out.