Shattered Lives (The Shattered Series Book 1)

by Marilyn Williams

  “I can’t take a vacation with everything going on here,” said Tami.

  “I understand. What about an intimate party? You can throw him a small but elegant birthday party. Go all out with declarations of love and everything. Once over, you continue with the romance, privately.”

  “I don't know, Ramona. Josh doesn't like being the center of attention. He's very low key.”

  “Yeah, but every man likes to know he's appreciated. It can be a surprise and have it a day or before his actual birthday. That way he won’t suspect a thing.”

  “The more I think about it, the more I believe it's a good idea. You can help me plan it and attend, of course.”

  Tami was making it way too easy to infiltrate her life. Obviously, she would be at the party, she wouldn't miss it for anything. To be on the sidelines watching her torpedo her entire marriage is what she has been waiting for. There may have been a few snags here and there, but now the ball was finally rolling. Ramona faced Tami, plastered a convincing fake smile on her face. “I would love to help you plan a party for your man, but I don't know about attending. It’ll be private and mostly friends you two share together. I’m not a friend of his.”

  “No. But you’re mine and that's good enough.”

  Later that day, Ramona had to pay a visit to a supervisor on the tenth floor where Alexis was the department head. As soon as she stepped one foot off the elevator, she ran right into her. They traded glances with one another before Ramona proceeded down the hall. Alexis caught up with her and pulled her aside.

  “I know what you’re up to and I won’t let you get away with it,” said Alexis, with a firm grip on Ramona's wrist.

  Ramona pulled away with such a force it caused Alexis to stumble backward. “Get away with what?”

  “You're trying to come between Tami and me but you can't.”

  “Looks like I already have.”

  “There may be a small rift in our friendship but it will never be permanent. I don't know what you're up to but I’ll figure out and when I do…”

  “Blah....blah....blah! Just shut up! I don't care what you think you may know. It's not my fault you lost your best friend and she won't speak to you. What's going on between y’all have nothing to do with me. I'm tired of you getting in my face about petty shit.”

  Alexis eyed Ramona with her nose turned up in disgust. “Your behavior and language are inappropriate for the office. I have no choice but to report this exchange to Tami.”

  Ramona stepped closer to her. So close, their noses could touch. “I dare you!” When she returned to her desk, she never said a word to Tami about the confrontation she had. She doubts Alexis would follow through on her threat but if she did Ramona was ready. She had Tami right where she wanted, confiding in only her. The more isolated she was the easier it would be to dismantle her life. To begin that process, she asked Tami to meet her at the Blue Room after work. She agreed but asked Ramona to go on without her because she had to finish a conference call.

  The Blue Room was a ritzy lounge located downtown, close to their office, and it certainly lived up to its name. Everything in the lounge was a different shade of blue. From the lightest color of sky blue that seamlessly blended with the dark shade of midnight blue. When Ramona arrived, she ordered a drink while she waited for Tami. She glanced around the lounge and noticed several men checking her out hoping to get her attention. She ignored them. Her thoughts were on the phone conversation she had last night with Tami when she spilled about the birth control pills. Never could she imagine the depths of this woman deceitfulness. Not only did she secretly terminate a pregnancy, she has continued the lie by taking birth control pills. Her poor husband was completely in the dark about it all. Hopefully, she could get her to confess all her secrets. That would be her sole purpose of the night.

  Fifteen minutes later Tami arrived. Ramona waved her over towards the table. mShe watched her every step, there was an air of confidence she exuded from within. She never noticed before the way Tami commanded attention when she walked into the room. She kept her head high, avoiding direct eye contact, as she moved forward towards her destination. Unaware that all eyes were on her. Little do they know she’s a fraud. She appeared to be a confident woman on the outside, but full of lies and deceit on the inside. Ramona doesn’t see the woman she presents to the world. Instead, she’s the scum responsible for the death of her father.

  When Tami reached the table, Ramona stood and gave her a hug. “I remember you mentioned before that you liked white wine. So, I ordered one for you. I promise I put nothing in it,” she smiled.

  Tami laughed. “Thank you. I’m surprised you remembered.”

  “That‘s why I’m good at my job. I listen to everything you say. Anyway, I asked you here because I thought it would be nice to spend time away from the office.”

  “I agree. It’ll give us a chance to learn more about each other.” said Tami as she took a sip of wine. “I’ve told you about my marriage but I don’t remember if you said if you were married or dating.”

  “Neither. I prefer the single life.” Her relationship with Nick had to remain top secret, for now.

  “Why?”

  “I think I’m similar to you in some aspect. I’m serious about my career and right now that’s what fulfills me.”

  Tami nodded in agreement.

  “Now if only I had a mentor like you. I’d probably be in charge of my own division by now.”

  “I wouldn’t consider myself a mentor.”

  “But, you are. You are the first female VP in the company. Also, it appeared you had taken Alexis under your wing and she’s now Department Head. Although, she’s not professional enough to handle the title.”

  “Whoa! Where did that come from?” asked Tami, setting down her wine glass.

  “I know she is or was your friend. But, I don’t get why she has it out for me.”

  “Did something else happen between you two?”

  “Much of the same.”

  “Honestly, I don’t feel comfortable talking about her with you. We may be estranged at the moment, but I still consider her my friend. We have to get past the disagreements we’re having.”

  “About me?”

  “Yes, and no.” Tami grimaced. “I will only say this. She believes I shouldn’t trust you and she didn’t like it when I told her I’ll make up my own mind.”

  “I’m glad you did. Hey, I wanted to ask you if you’re volunteering anywhere. I read you used to donate time at a women’s clinic.”

  Tami fidgeted in her seat. “I forget sometimes how much information you can find about a person on the internet. Right now I’m not volunteering my time anywhere but I donate money whenever I can.”

  “That seems to be important to you, to give back.”

  “Yes, it is. It started when I was in college. One of my classmates was homeless with a child. She was in school to better her life and when she shared with me they were sleeping in her car, I had to help. I told my mother who suggested that I convince the school to have a fundraiser for her. So, that’s what I did. A group of my friends and I held a dance and rummage sale in her honor. We raised enough money, that we were able to pay six months rent on a room, get her clothing from a consignment shop, and put a few hundred in savings for her,” said Tami.

  “So it seems you always had it in you. To do for others, I mean.”

  “I guess. Something awoke inside me I didn’t realize was there. From that moment, I never stopped.”

  “How did you get involve with the women’s clinic?”

  “My friend Lauren. She has an international charity that caters to the welfare of children. Through her, I met Dr. Pennington.”

  “Were you two close? I only ask because more than half of the articles I found mentioned him.”

  “We were,” she mumbled with a faraway look in her eyes.

  “Were you with him when he died?”

  Tami shifted in her seat. “That’s an odd question to ask
.”

  “I’m curious, that’s all. I read that there was a robbery or something of that nature.”

  “No, I was not with him at the time of the robbery. I saw him earlier that day about a personal matter. Wait a minute, are you researching me?”

  “No,” said Ramona, laughing off the suggestion. “I told you I read up on you and Dan before Tim hired me. I wanted to know who I’d be working with.”

  “I guess I’ll buy that. Since we’re playing twenty questions. I have one for you. The night of my dinner party my mother seemed to recognize you from somewhere. I asked her before she became ill if she had ever met you.”

  Ramona looked Tami square in the eye. “And she said no, right?”

  Tami shook her head yes. “She did. Why do you think she had that reaction?”

  This bitch is really trying to put me in the hot seat. “I don’t know, Tami. She’s your mother.”

  Tami paused for a minute and finished the rest of her wine. “I didn’t think it was possible. I apologize for her behavior that night.”

  Ramona asked no more questions. Tami gave her all the information she needed. She confirmed that her father helped her with something personal, which backs up with what her Aunt Melissa found. She was sure she had an abortion, and she was continuing her lie with the birth control. There was only one thing to do, get this information to Josh. She didn’t know how, but one way or another everyone will know the secrets that Tami has kept hidden.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Alexis downed the third bowl of her favorite ice cream, chocolate chip cookie dough. She had a tendency to overeat when she’s depressed. Losing a friendship was difficult, especially when it’s a friend who’s been through almost everything with you. She thought their relationship was taking a turn for the better when they spoke a few months back. Tami had revealed that she had received some mysterious letters and promised to show them to her the next day. That never happened. Once Ramona became Tami’s assistant, the strain in their friendship worsen.

  She had promised she would keep a watchful eye on Ramona to protect her best friend. Tami didn’t like it and pulled away more than before. Watching her closest friend become increasingly distant within the past month has been hard. All the while, Ramona waited for the right moment to take her place in Tami’s life. Her one wish would be to figure out what Ramona was hiding. From the moment their paths first crossed she’s felt bad vibes. It’s not jealousy like Tami has suggested, it’s the way Ramona looks at Tami when she thinks no one is watching. It’s the look of someone who possesses hate in their veins. Tami refuses to listen and heed her warning, so it’s up to her to prove it. Once she uncovers Ramona’s secret, Tami won't have a choice but to listen.

  Tim was the perfect person to start with. He’s the one that introduced Ramona to everyone, so he must know something. Alexis put her now empty bowl in the kitchen sink and called it a night. She had to get up bright and early to meet Tim for breakfast at the Pancake House.

  ◆◆◆

  The piercing sound of birds chirping woke Tim from a deep sleep. The sound continued over and over before coming to an abrupt stop. One minute later it would start over again. This continued for five minutes until he realized it was the sound of his ringtone. He blindly knocked the phone onto the floor hoping that would make the sound stop. When that didn't work, he slowly opened his eyes only to be met by the glaring sunlight peeking through the open blinds in his room. Tim turned over in his bed and found a naked woman sleeping next to him. He tried to recall the events of the night before but drew a blank. It was his fourth blackout this week. His new hobby was to drink until there was a black hole of nothingness. Why not? He doesn't have a job, and it seemed, for now, no company will come near him with a ten-foot pole. He guessed his reason for his departure from One Star had gotten out. In that case, what’s wrong with indulging in booze and women? Trying not to disturb the naked blond in his bed, he reached for his pants that were on the floor. With his head pounding with every move, he clicked a button on the remote for the window blinds, instantly darkening the room. Tim popped three aspirins into his mouth to get rid of his hangover, he then woke the unknown naked woman sprawled across his bed. He helped her gather her clothes and walked her to the door. When he re-entered his room, the sound of the chirping birds met him again. Once the phone stopped ringing, he picked it up from the floor and saw eight missed calls from Alexis. Why was she calling him? He tosses the phone on his bed and plops down on the pillow beside it. The aspirin was not working fast enough. Fifteen minutes later the phone rang again. “Hello,” Tim reluctantly answered.

  “Hi, it’s Alexis. Where are you?”

  “What do you mean where am I? I'm at home with a massive hangover.”

  “We agreed to meet this morning at the Pancake House. Remember?”

  “No, not really.”

  “Tim, we need to talk. It’s important.”

  “Sorry, maybe we can meet tomorrow. Maybe at Tami’s party?”

  “Did she invite you?”

  “No. Dan has been ignoring my calls and text. He’s the last ally I have left so, I feel he can’t ignore me if I’m in his face.”

  “I don’t know, Tim. Tami and I are not on good terms at the moment.”

  “You can come as my date. Well, not a real date but my companion.”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Trust me, it’ll be fine. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  Although Alexis hadn’t told him, he had an idea what she wants to discuss, and he couldn't wait to unburden himself. Once he did, Ramona becomes someone else's problem. He had to focus on becoming a new father and getting his career back on track instead of reaping revenge.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  “Okay, I finished my call with the event planner and there are a few last-minute problems with the caterer she’s resolving. Also, as of this date seventy-five people Rsvp’d,” said Ramona to Tami. They were both staying late to finalize the party details. Initially, it was supposed to be a small and intimate gathering. However, once the planning began they added more people to the list. Before they knew it, the size of the guest list had outgrown Tami’s home and they will now hold it at The Four Seasons Hotel. Ramona had found an event planner who could get everything completed by the deadline of three days. Tami’s vision was very specific it had to be a spectacular night Josh would always remember. The entire night will be a complete surprise. He believed he and Tami were going out to dinner tomorrow night.

  “It seems almost everyone invited will be in attendance. You can scratch Alexis off the list. I sent her an invitation, but she sent a text stating she had a prior engagement,” said Tami.

  “I’m shocked you sent her an invitation. You two are still not speaking, right?”

  “No, we’re not. I sent it because we were friends for a long time and it didn’t feel right not inviting her. It doesn’t matter, she’s not coming.”

  “That might be for the best,” said Ramona, who was ecstatic she chose to skip the party.

  “Why would you say that?”

  “You’re going through a rough patch with your best friend the last thing you need are negative vibes in the air. Tomorrow will be too important, you need to surround yourself with positivity.”

  “I guess you're right,” shrugged Tami. “I don’t need any disruptions from Alexis. Mostly, everyone who’s attending has known us since the day we married.”

  “Are you inviting anyone from the clinic you volunteered?” asked Ramona.

  “No. Why would you ask that?” Tami eyed her strangely.

  Ramona shrugged her shoulders. “You said most of the guests have known you since your wedding. I was curious if anyone from there were on the guest list.”

  Tami looked up from her computer screen. She sat back in her chair with her arms folded across her chest. “This isn’t the first time you’ve inquired about the clinic or the Pennington family.”

  Ramon
a cracked a half-smile. “Was that a question or an accusation?”

  “Neither. But, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were digging for information.”

  “Then I would say that my boss was wrong. You were in the company’s newsletters volunteering at the clinic as a representative for One Star. I wondered why you abruptly stopped.”

  “I kept my distance from the family after Michael, I mean Dr. Pennington death. The family was in mourning and his sister wasn’t sure if she would continue to keep the clinic open. The few times I returned the memories were overwhelming. They would flood my mind the moment I stepped through the door.” Tami had a look in her eyes as if her thoughts were on a particular memory.

  “Are you, okay?” asked Ramona, placing her hand on Tami’s arm.

  “I’m fine. It’s bizarre how suddenly I’m thinking and talking about that time in my life,” she said, as she retrieved a paper from the printer behind her desk. “It’s weird how you can block a period of your life from your mind. Then out of nowhere something happens that causes those memories to flood your mind.”

  “Are you speaking in general or did something happened?”

  Tami shook her head no. “Let’s just say I received a reminder of the past.”

  “What do you mean?” asked Ramona.

  “Forget it, it’s nothing important,” said Tami, handing Ramona a to-do list.

  “You know I won’t say anything.”

  “You’ve been a good friend. From what I’ve seen so far, I feel I can trust you. But, I need you to stop asking about my time at the clinic. I have a lot of painful memories associated with that time in my life that is extremely private and I want it to remain that way. I have to get home, so I’ll see you tomorrow. Please make sure you take care of everything on that list.

  After work Ramona walked to her car and thought about the current events of her life. She was currently living with a married man who she might be in love with. She’s pretending to be a friend to the person who she held responsible for the death of her father. She’s responsible for the firing of the man she was blackmailing because he double-crossed her. Was she happy with the choices she has made? Yes. Would her grandmother or father agree with her choices? Probably not. They might understand that her guilt drives her. She’s guilty for the time she wasted running away from home and eventually being locked away. She hoped they would understand that all she has done was for them. The two people in her life who loved her unconditionally.