by Bria Marche
Nobody at Barney’s recognized Mia, and they had a great time making up stories about this famous fashion photographer visiting Tarrytown for the day. All that was left to do now was decide when to put their plan into action.
“Karen, did you get a chance to go through the box of pictures you have?” Mia asked.
“I did, but the close up ones showed both of their faces too clearly, and the pictures from a distance made it hard to tell who Jack was. He could have been any business man on the street.”
“Well, I guess that means I have to get a high power zoom lens and start following them. I have to get the perfect shot of Jack’s face while they’re kissing. I just thought of something else too. I’ll need some business cards with a phony name on it. If Sasha talks to Jack about this photo shoot before we tell her the truth, she certainly can’t mention my name.”
“That’s true,” Karen said. “I’ll put a few together for you. Is there any name in particular you want to use?”
“Just use a first name, something flamboyant like Jasmine, or something like that. I wouldn’t want her Googling me. What phone number should we have on the card?”
“I’ll make up a phone number with a different country code on it. We can act like you came from South America, or something. I’ll have it ready in a few days.”
“So what’s next?” Tina asked.
“I need to get good pictures of them together first. We can’t do anything to make either of them suspicious. Once I get some up close and personal pictures of Jack in compromising positions, we can move forward,” Mia said.
“Okay, ladies, I should head back to Greenwich. It’s almost three o’clock. Today was a blast. Stop by in a few days, Mia, and I’ll give you the cards. All of you are welcome to stop by any time. We should start having lunch dates together,” Karen said. With a wave out the window, she smiled and drove away.
“Well, that was fun,” Mia said. “I should wash this goop off my face and take off the wig before I go home. Let’s get back to the salon before anyone else asks who I am.”
***
“Hello, beautiful. I can’t get you off my mind. Will you join me for dinner? I know it’s short notice, but I need to see you tonight. I have good news to share with you.”
“I’d love to, Jack. I just got home from meeting with my agent. They’re going to find someone to update the photos in my portfolio. It’s been three years and I need new pictures circulating. Anyway, yes, let’s have dinner. I’ve been on the go all day and I’m starving.”
“Great, I’ll be there in twenty minutes. How about Zara’s?”
“That sounds perfect. I just have to freshen up a bit.”
Jack made reservations at Zara’s for seven o’clock. He was confident Sasha would join him for dinner before he even called her. He had a quiet table at the far end of the restaurant set aside for them. It would be perfect for tonight. He walked to her apartment, but called ahead for a cab to be in front of the building at six-thirty.
He rang the bell and waited for her to buzz him in. He entered through the living room and headed directly to the master bedroom. He found her standing in front of the full length mirror, checking her appearance. He was mesmerized by her face, her body, her smell. Her hair was pulled back tightly in a sleek ponytail that fell to the center of her back. The black knit sheath clung to her curves and was cut low enough to reveal her ample cleavage. He moaned at her beauty, and kissed her. His hot breath and flicking tongue engulfed her mouth. She seductively bit his lower lip and responded by squeezing his buttocks, pulling him in closer. He wanted her right then, and pressed his growing manhood against her pelvis.
“Can you feel what you’re doing to me? I can barely resist you, Sasha. You get me so worked up.”
“I know I do, but I’m starving. You can have every inch of me when we get back,” she said, with her sexy innuendo. She gave his groin a squeeze, and laughed.
“You’re one evil woman, you know that, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.” Sasha looked out the window and saw a cab pull up to the curb. “The cab is here, let’s go.”
They arrived at the restaurant and the hostess addressed them, “Mr. Barnes, it’s nice to see you again. Ms. Renaud, hello. Please follow me.”
They were escorted to that quiet corner table. Candles were lit, and the ambiance was beautiful. Jack pulled the chair out for Sasha and kissed her neck as she sat. The scent of Chanel filled his nostrils.
“This is lovely, Jack, thank you.”
“Thank you, Sasha, for being my love, my woman, and putting up with my crazy schedule and hectic life.”
“Well, if I wasn’t so busy going back and forth to Marseilles to care for my father, it might be a different story. For now, we both understand that there are other things influencing our lives.”
“I want to tell you something special.”
“Yes, my love, what is it?”
“I’m going to be promoted to National Sales Director next month and things will get even busier. Because of that, I want us to go away together before the promotion. Let’s take a week to celebrate, say to some exotic island in the Caribbean. We need to relax and appreciate our time together. We can indulge each other with our deepest fantasies. I want to spend all day in bed with you, catering to your needs, making your wishes come true. Would you like that?”
“That sounds delicious, Jack. I want you to make every inch of my body quiver with excitement.” She parted her teeth and slipped her tongue out slightly, while licking her lips.
“You’re such a tease, Sasha.”
“You’ll see what I can do when we get back to my place, and I guarantee it will be the real thing. But for now, you have to wait.”
She taunted and teased Jack throughout dinner. He could barely contain himself during the ten block cab ride back to her apartment. He paid the driver and led her inside, pulling her into the elevator. He slid his hand under her dress and caressed her buttocks while pulling her moistened panties down. The elevator stopped at the third floor and the door opened. They laughed and ran inside her apartment to continue where they left off. They made love for hours, pleasuring each other to a frenzy numerous times.
Jack knew he had to take the last train back to Tarrytown. This evening wasn’t planned, and he didn’t have a change of clothes or his toiletries with him. It was so hard to get Sasha out of his head once he had his mind set on her. She was his drug of choice, and had been for six years. He couldn’t live without Sasha. She felt the same, even though everything she thought she knew about Jack was a lie.
Chapter Eleven
Mia ate dinner alone hours ago. She lay on the couch with Reggie watching one of her favorite TV crime series. What a jerk, now he doesn’t even make up some lie when he’s staying in the city. He just doesn’t come home. The chimes on the grandfather clock rang out eleven times. “That’s it Reggie, bed time for both of us. Go on, get in your kennel. Good boy, night-night.”
She turned off the lights and went to bed. Mia was done catering to Jack. There wasn’t going to be any more staying up waiting for him to come home. There would be no more hoping the telephone would ring. She wouldn’t answer it if he did call. The porch light would be off, and there wouldn’t be any notes on the table. They were two people living together in the same house and nothing more. She wondered what Jack’s agenda was. Why not just divorce me if Sasha means so much to you?
Mia woke up to the sound of the shower running. The illuminated numbers on the alarm clock showed it was seven-thirty. She was surprised she didn’t hear Jack come home last night. Mia slipped on her robe and started the coffee. He’s running late. I bet he had an exhausting evening… how gross. I must be getting over him since I don’t even care what he does. I just want to ruin him, and soon.
Jack rushed past her and grabbed his briefcase and keys.
“What, no time for coffee and a side order of bullshit this morning, Jack?”
He grumbled on his wa
y out and slammed the front door. He ran down the sidewalk to his car.
Trying to sneak in last night, huh? You didn’t put your car in the garage because the sound of the overhead door would have woke me. Nice going, asshole. As she was about to take the first bite of her microwaved breakfast burrito, Mia’s cell rang out. Kind of early for a phone call. She grabbed the phone sitting on the granite counter top and looked at the number, realizing it was her brother Matt. “Oh no, this can’t be good… hello?”
“Mia, Matt here. Dad’s in the hospital. He had a stroke last night. I don’t think it’s life threatening, but it’s serious enough. Mom is beside herself with worry. I guess she tried calling you last night, but it went straight to voicemail. Can you make it to Tampa today? I can catch a plane on Saturday. Liz is in Phoenix at a work convention, but she’ll be back Friday night. I’m sorry, Sis, but I have the kids to watch until she gets home.”
“It’s okay, Matt. I have to make a few arrangements first, then I’ll fly out this afternoon. I’ll call Mom and get the hospital info and tell her I’m on my way. Thanks for calling. Text me your flight information so I can pick you up at the airport on Saturday.”
“Thanks, Sis, will do. Bye.”
“Bye.” Mia tried her mother’s cell phone after hanging up with her brother. It went to voice mail. “She must have the phone turned off if Dad’s in ICU. I’ll try again later. Thank goodness I don’t have any photo shoots set in stone. I have to call Vic and Karen and tell them everything is on hold until I get back. Crap! What in the hell am I going to do about Reggie? Jack isn’t concerned enough to take proper care of him.”
Mia took a gulp of coffee and started writing down the things she needed to do this morning. She had to check the airline schedules on the computer and purchase a ticket leaving this afternoon. Once that was taken care of, she needed to find someone to care for her beloved dog until she returned. Mia purchased a direct flight leaving at six o’clock from LaGuardia. She would arrive in Tampa at eight forty-five. Oh yeah, I need a rental car too. When Mia had those important necessities done, she printed her boarding pass and car rental confirmation, then tried calling her mom again. She walked Reggie as she talked.
“Mom, it’s me. How’s Dad? How long is he going to be in the hospital? How are you holding up?”
“Hi, honey, well he’s just lying in the hospital bed. His left side doesn’t work and he can’t speak.” Ann’s voice cracked.
“Mom, we’ll figure this out. I’ll be there tonight, and you can fill me in on everything. I’ve already got my airline ticket and rental car. Are you sticking around the hospital, or are you going home later? I won’t get to the house or hospital until close to ten o’clock.”
“I’ll be here, honey, at the hospital. Maybe after you arrive and see your dad, we can go home and get some sleep. I’m just a wreck right now worrying about him.”
“I know, Mom. What hospital are you at?”
“We’re at Tampa General on Davis Island, honey. There’s a rehabilitation center on campus too.”
“I’ll find it, don’t worry. I’ll see you tonight, and take it easy. Dad will come through this just fine. He’s a tough old fart. I’m going to talk to the doctors and get all the details over the next few days.”
“Thanks, honey. I’ll see you later.”
“Keep your cell handy, alright? I love you, Mom, bye.”
“Bye, Mia.”
***
Vic and Tina were too busy to watch Reggie, but she did have someone else in mind that would be perfect. Mia jumped on her bike and headed downtown. She walked into the familiar surroundings that always made her smile. The bell above the door rang out like always. This place was as warm and predictable as Aaron himself. Is that so bad? The more she thought about Aaron, the happier she felt.
“Mia! It’s great to see you, sweetheart,” Aaron said, as pleased as he could be at the sight of her. “What a vision.”
There never seemed to be a time when Aaron didn’t smile from ear to ear at Mia’s presence. There never seemed to be a time when Aaron wasn’t happy in general.
He’s got it made. There’s something Aaron has that I want too. He has that happy spark, and enjoys life to the fullest, no matter what. “Hi Aaron, do you have a few minutes to talk?”
“Sure, Mia, I always have time for you. Do you want to sit and have a cup of coffee? I promise it’s fresh.”
“That sounds great. I’m not keeping you from anything, am I?”
“Only daydreaming about you. But having you here in the flesh is way better than any daydream,” he replied, genuinely happy that she was sitting next to him.
“Thanks, Aaron, you’re the best. I have a request and I’m only asking because it’s urgent.”
“Mia, is everything okay? I’d do anything for you, seriously.” His response this time showed real concern as he reached for her hand and held it.
“Well, I got a phone call this morning from Matt. He said my dad had a stroke. Aaron, I just talked to my dad a few days ago, and he sounded fine.”
“Strokes happen, honey. Is he okay? What can I do?”
“I’m not sure if he’s okay, but I’m leaving for Tampa tonight. I have no idea how long I’ll be gone. The thing is, I can’t trust Jack to take care of Reggie. He’s unpredictable, Aaron, and sometimes doesn’t even come home at night.” Tears ran down her cheeks.
“Mia, that sounds like a problem we may have to discuss when you get home. I had no idea. I’m so sorry. Do you want me to take care of Reggie? He can stay right in the shop with me during the day. I’ll walk him at lunch time when I close up, and he’ll be fine at home with me at night. As long as it takes Mia, it’s no problem.”
“Are you sure? It’s such short notice. I can’t take him to a kennel since he doesn’t have a current bordetella vaccine. I’m so sorry to impose on you like this.”
“Mia, Reggie is a great dog. He already knows me. He’ll be our family dog someday,” Aaron said, with confidence.
“What am I going to do with you, Aaron?”
“Well, that might take a little time to explain. Anyway, you can either drop him off here, or at my house. What time do you fly out?”
“My flight is at six, but that means I need to catch the three o’clock train. I don’t want to park at the airport since I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”
“I’d be happy to take you to the airport.”
“No way, you’re already doing enough.”
“Well, you aren’t going to leave your car at the train station either are you? I’ll come by at lunch time and pick up everything for Reggie. We can drop him off at my house and go out for lunch. Then I’ll take you to the train station. It makes more sense to do it that way, sweetheart.”
“Are you sure? I hate imposing on you.”
“You could never impose on me. I’ll come by at noon, okay?”
“Thanks, Aaron, you’re my lifesaver.”
“I’m holding you to that, Mia,” he said, smiling. “I’ll see you at noon.”
Mia left, relieved that Aaron was always there for her. He’s everything I want in a man, in a husband and partner for life. The only problem is, he’s my best friend. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not. She had a few hours to kill, so she stopped at the salon to tell Vic and Tina what was going on. Saying goodbye in person was much better than a phone call. The plans they were making would have to be postponed for now. When she returned home, everything could continue where they left off. After explaining the situation to Vic and Tina, they hugged goodbye, and Mia headed home. Vic said she’d contact Karen and tell her things would be postponed for a while.
Mia packed a suitcase and got Reggie’s food, pillow and dishes together. She disassembled the kennel and had it waiting at the front door. At noon, the doorbell rang. Mia looked at the time. That’s another reason I love Aaron. He’s someone I can depend on.
Aaron came in with his usual smile. “Hi, gorgeous. Let me get this
stuff loaded in the car for you. Does Reggie need a quick walk around the block before we take him to my house?”
“That’s a good idea, let’s go.”
They laughed and talked as they strolled around the neighborhood with Reggie leading the way. This is nice. All that’s missing is the baby, Mia thought. They enjoyed lunch together and Aaron dropped her off at the train station at two forty-five.
“Mia, take care of yourself while you’re gone. Give your parents my love and let them know they’re in my prayers. I’ll take good care of Reggie. You don’t need to worry about him at all.”
“I know, and I can’t thank you enough. I’ll call you when I get in, that’s if you want me to,” she said, grinning.
“You silly girl, you know I do.”
They hugged each other and Mia kissed him on the cheek. They said their goodbyes, and she boarded the train to Grand Central Terminal. From there, she’d take the airport shuttle to LaGuardia and be on her way to Tampa soon afterward.
Chapter Twelve
Mia boarded the train and exhaled a deep sigh. She needed that time to decompress before transferring to the airport shuttle at Grand Central Terminal. After the whole day of arranging for her departure, she realized she hadn’t even called Jack or left him a note. Wow… I guess this truly is a disconnect. He didn’t even cross my mind. I’ll call him from Tampa. I doubt if he’ll even be home by the time I get there. Mia dozed on the airplane, then left Jack a message on his cell when she arrived at Tampa International. I’m not going to spend much time worrying about him. Reggie’s in good hands and that’s all I care about.
During the short drive to the hospital Mia also called Aaron. He told her she was missed already, and Reggie was sound asleep without a care in the world. He reminded Mia to stay in touch and not to worry about anything back home. “Give your parents my love, Mia, and focus on them. I’ll be thinking of you. Good night.”
“Good night, Aaron, and thanks for everything. I’ll call you in a few days.”
