Insecurity and a Bottle of Merlot

by Bria Marche

  Vic felt her face heat up. The blush had to be evident to Max.

  “I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I only wanted to say you look really nice.”

  “Thanks, Max. You’re not too bad yourself,” she responded, back to true form. Vic had that fun loving cockiness everyone knew, and loved about her.

  “That’s my girl. Let’s go have a great motorcycle ride.”

  Vic finally let her guard down and smiled. Max just might be the real deal after all. “Hell yeah. I’m not wearing these boots for nothing when it’s 80 degrees outside. I even borrowed a leather biker jacket too,” she laughed.

  “Alright, gorgeous, let’s go. Here, put on this helmet. We don’t want anything happening to that beautiful head of yours.” Max caught Vic off guard when he leaned in and kissed her fully on the lips. It was the last thing she expected, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and responded eagerly.

  “Let’s go before we change our minds and stay here,” she said, taken aback, but very turned on.

  “You got it, mama. Rhinebeck, here we come.”

  The ride to Rhinebeck took an hour and a half. Max drove his Harley through small towns and winding roads along the Hudson River on Route 9. The weather was perfect, with a cloudless blue sky, and light breeze. They weaved in and out of the shadows of large trees along the route.

  Vic wrapped her arms tightly around Max’s strong, muscular back. She inhaled the woodsy, spicy scent of Gucci Pour Homme on his shirt, as she snuggled in close. Oh my God, I’ve died and gone to heaven. This man is going to drive me insane, I swear.

  They parked near the Beekman Arms and walked the shopping districts along East Market Street and Montgomery. Each gallery and antique store was more interesting than the one before. Lunch at the Public House was a fun experience all its own.

  Max started the conversation as they waited for their salmon burger and catfish tacos to be served. “So, Vic, other than owning Hair Brained with Tina, what’s your story? I want to know everything about you. You piqued my interest from the minute you came rushing out of Mia’s house yelling at us.” Max let out a full blown laugh, just picturing that image again.

  “I’m sorry your first impression of me was of some wack job ready to attack you both. In hindsight, it’s kind of funny, but then, I was really worried about Mia.”

  “There’s something special about you girls. You love each other and have a bond nobody will ever come between. I like that about all of you… you’re loyal. That says quite a bit about your personalities. It’s an admirable quality.”

  “Do you have a group of close friends, Max?”

  “Naw… not anymore. I used to, back in the day. I don’t ride with those types any longer. I’d much rather ride with a beautiful woman like you.”

  “Thanks, that’s a nice thing to say. As far as myself, I never really found someone that took my breath away. I’ve been perfectly content living my life as it’s been for years. I have a great group of friends, and you saw how huge my family is,” Vic chuckled. “But I’m thirty-three years old. If I am going to do anything different with my life, I guess I should start giving it some thought.”

  “I get what you’re saying. I’m kind of in the same boat. I love kids, but never had any of my own. Haven’t met the right gal. It’s not good to become too settled though. Life can pass you by, and before you know it, you’ve lost the opportunity to get married and have a family.”

  “Do you want that for yourself?”

  “Sure I do. I think I need to start spending more time around adults, of the female gender, I mean. I love the Boy Scouts and camping. It’s a great life being a wilderness guide, but not if I ever plan to have a family of my own.”

  “What would you do for a living if you weren’t a guide?”

  “I’ve always thought of opening my own hiking and camping supply store. I think it would go over well in this neck of the woods.”

  “Wow, that’s ambitious. I think it could be a great success. There’s nothing like that around us, in Tarrytown, I mean.” Vic looked at Max, her face revealing her deepest thoughts.

  “I don’t live in Tarrytown, Vic.”

  “But you could.”

  Vic and Max were connecting with no expectations other than having a wonderful day together. They talked a lot, browsed the shops and walked hand in hand. They learned a lot about each other at lunch. The day was magical and full of possibilities. The ride back to Tarrytown was fun and playful. Along the Hudson River they stopped and took in some of the sights. They walked through the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery just because Max had never seen the burial site of Washington Irving.

  They arrived back in Tarrytown at six-thirty, just in time for dinner. Eating at Bottoms Up was a great way to end their perfect day. They sat outside on the patio after dinner, Max with a mug of beer, and Vic, a glass of wine.

  “Max, I want you to know how much I enjoyed today,” she said. Vic sipped Merlot as she studied Max and took in his features. He was gorgeous. She couldn’t find anything remotely wrong with him. “So what’s with all the tattoos? I really like tats, and even have a few myself, but yours don’t seem to fit your personality. I picture them on someone harder with a rougher edge. You’re thoughtful and such a gentleman.”

  Max laughed. “What? The grim reaper and skull and crossbones don’t fit my personality? That image used to be me, a long time ago. But that’s a story for another time. Should we head out?”

  “Sure, let’s go.” Vic enjoyed Max’s company so much she hated to end the day. “Do you want to come in for a bit before you go home? I can whip together a few cups of coffee,” she said, as she got off the bike. She was hoping he would say yes.

  “Aren’t you sick of me yet?”

  “Not even close. C’mon in. At least have some coffee for the road.”

  “Okay, you’re the boss,” he said, grinning.

  Vic poured two large mugs of Columbian coffee. “Do you take cream or sugar?” she asked, as she reached in the refrigerator for the cream.

  “Just cream, thanks.”

  Vic flashed Max a smile as she closed the refrigerator door. “Same way I take it. No wonder I like you, we have a lot in common.” Vic set the cups on saucers with stirring spoons and brought them to the table where Max sat.

  “So I did good today?” he asked, giving her a wink. “I want to make sure there’s a chance for another date with you, Vic. I don’t want to screw it up.”

  “Are you ready for this, Max, dating I mean?”

  “Yeah… I think I am. It feels good. I like spending time with you. I hope you feel the same.”

  Vic leaned in and kissed him. “I’d love to go out with you again. Maybe we’re both seeing there’s more to life than just our jobs and closest friends. To be honest, this is the first actual date I’ve gone on in three years.”

  “So the wedding didn’t count?”

  “Sure, if you consider you, me and two hundred of my friends and family, a date,” she said, laughing. “No, I mean just two people, alone together for the entire day. That’s a date, and today was a real date.”

  Vic walked Max out to his Harley. It was already nine o’clock, and he still had a half hour drive home. “Thanks again,” she said.

  Max stood next to his bike, fidgeting with the keys. “Vic, can I call you this week?”

  “Of course you can. I’d love to talk to you, or see you, anytime.”

  “Good, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Good night.” Max took Vic’s face in his hands and kissed her softly at first, then more deeply. They both wanted more, but there would be time for that later. This was a special moment to enjoy just the way it was.

  Chapter Nine

  Mia took a bite of the grilled ham and cheese sandwich when her cell phone rang. “Damn it,” she muttered with a full mouth, trying to swallow quickly and clear her throat to speak. “Hello?”

  “Ms. James, this is the county clerk calling from the courthouse in White Plains. You
r husband, Jack Barnes is due in court on Wednesday. We’re calling to say that you, and anyone else involved, has the right to appear and make a victim’s statement. His arraignment is at one o’clock in courtroom 7B.”

  “Oh… okay, thank you. I’ll give that some consideration.” Mia hung up, and immediately called Aaron. “Hi, honey. The court clerk called and asked if we want to make a victim’s statement Wednesday at Jack’s arraignment. What should we do?”

  “We should go ahead. Jack has to realize that you’re a strong woman and won’t play his game anymore. You need to speak your peace, and I will too, for that matter. He has to see we won’t tolerate his bullying and scare tactics. What’s your opinion?”

  “I agree, we should do it. I want to show the judge we’re taking this seriously. I don’t want Jack in my life or around my house ever again.”

  “Good answer. I’m proud of you, honey. Why don’t you and Reggie spend the night tonight? I’ll whip up a nice dinner for us, then we can go on a leisurely walk around the neighborhood.”

  “That sounds great. One of these days we’re going to have to talk about putting my house up for sale,” Mia said.

  “Wow… that’s a committed statement. I like where that’s going. Let’s discuss it over dinner and wine later.”

  “That sounds nice. Bye, Aaron.”

  “Bye, sweetheart.”

  ***

  Vic talked a mile a minute as she trimmed and highlighted Mrs. Johnson’s hair. She wanted everyone to hear about the date she had with Max on Saturday. The ladies in the salon listened with their ears perked up, ready to offer their two cents. Stacy Hill said Vic should have let Max spend the night. Mrs. Johnson thought they should have set up the next date before he left. Vic enjoyed the banter, especially since she was the center of attention.

  Tina was quick to describe Max to all the gray haired ladies and hipsters in the salon, just to get them going. “If you ladies had any idea how hot this guy of Vic’s is, you’d be blown away. I mean, I’ve never seen a man as sexy as him in my life. He has muscles pouring out of every limb, and I do mean every one!” Tina laughed out loud when Vic gave her a look of utter shock. The old ladies gasped at the comment. The hipsters were salivating.

  “Well… all I can say is I’m anxious to go out with Max again. He just might stay overnight, Stacy. Who knows what a little wine can do?” Vic smirked as she looked over at Tina. They both enjoyed giving the customers something to chatter about. The salon was known as the hot gossip spot of Tarrytown, and the customers loved to talk.

  Hair Brained closed at five o’clock. Vic and Tina stopped at Bottoms Up to have a glass of wine together and talk, alone and privately.

  “Vic, I’ve never seen you this giddy. You act like a different person. I mean, you’re Vic, always cutting up and goofy, but now you’re super happy.”

  “I’m usually happy, but this is a different kind of happy. It’s like I have something to look forward to.”

  “That’s great, and Max, how does he seem?”

  “He was behaving the same way. We kissed, and he complimented me like a million times. He said he’s looking forward to our next date, and asked if he could call me during the week. I’ve never been around a guy as polite as him. What’s that about? I’ve never even met girls that nice.”

  “Who knows, just enjoy it, sister.”

  Vic went home alone, with a lot on her mind. She needed to test Max in a way, to find out if he was sincere about his feelings for her. Is it really about me, or is it just a way to stay close to Mia? Damn it, why did he and Mia ever meet at all? Vic didn’t like feeling insecure, and it wasn’t her norm. But it was Mia, the blonde haired beauty that everyone adored, not some fleabag, gutter skank. And Max? He was the true Adonis of the northeast. Vic decided to plan a party. She’d say it was in honor of Mia and Aaron becoming a couple. Everyone would be invited, including Max. Vic had to see if Max was truly into her, or Mia, even though it seemed like a sneaky, underhanded way to find out. No matter what, Mia was Vic’s best friend for life. Relationships come and go, but Mia and I, we’re like sisters. Nobody will ever come between us, not even the hottest guy on earth.

  Vic entered her bedroom and opened the closet door. The back side of the door held a full length mirror. She stripped off her clothes and stared at herself, the way a man would look at a woman naked. She studied her body closely. My figure is okay, curvy, but not too curvy. My ass is big, but I am Puerto Rican for God’s sake. Anyone would understand that. My boobs are nice, no kids so they don’t droop yet. I have a tiny waist, that’s a plus. She studied her face and teeth in the mirror, up close and critical. She smiled, open mouthed and closed, to see which way looked better. I have great teeth, so I should show them when I smile. Shit! When I smile with my mouth closed, my eyes squint. I wonder how long I’ve been doing that! My eyes are gorgeous, I must admit. She opened her eyes wide and studied the gold colored flecks sprinkled throughout her stunning green irises. Her eyelashes were thick and long. I should practice batting my eyes, she thought. She moved on to her hair. Well… there isn’t much I can do with these kinky curls. I guess I need to accept them. On a positive note, my hair is long and full. No split ends. The curls are healthy and shiny. Okay, my hair gets an A+, at least when it isn’t humid outside and the entire mop turns into frizz. Would I think I was hot if I were a guy? An idea popped into her head as she put her clothes back on. She called Mia to talk about the party, but to also get her opinion of what Aaron might think.

  “Hi, Vic, what’s up?”

  “Chica, I gotta talk to you about a few things. Is Aaron with you?”

  “Yeah, I’m at his place. We’re making dinner, why?”

  “Ask him if he thinks I’m hot.” Vic put Mia on speaker phone and began plucking her eyebrows in the bathroom mirror.

  “What?”

  “No, seriously, Mia, please ask him.” Vic plucked while she waited.

  “Just a minute. By the way, Vic, you’re a total head case. Aaron?”

  “Yep, what is it babe?”

  “Vic wants to know if you think she’s hot.” Mia began giggling as Aaron looked at her in shock.

  “Um… what am I supposed to say? Is this a trick question, with a right and wrong answer? I’m sure this is against the man code.”

  “Oh for God’s sake, Mia. Just tell him to answer you honestly. Nobody is going to give a shit, and you aren’t going to get mad at his answer anyway.”

  “So you’re assuming he’s going to say yes?” Mia teased.

  “Damn it already, put his ass on the phone.”

  “Aaron, Vic wants to talk to you.” Mia could barely contain herself, she was laughing so hard. Her eyes began tearing up when she saw the horrified expression on Aaron’s face.

  “Hello, Vic,” he said, apprehensively.

  “Aaron, grow a set already. I’ve known you since we were in grade school, for crap’s sake. Am I hot, or not? I want a guy’s opinion, and I think you’re a guy, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah… I mean, of course I am. Jeez, Vic, nothing like putting me on the spot, thanks. So you want me to answer right in front of Mia?”

  “Duh! Just answer my friggin question already.”

  “Okay, yes you’re hot. Are you happy now?”

  “Yep, thanks. Put Mia back on the phone.”

  Mia was still laughing as she took the phone from Aaron. “Hey, thanks for freaking him out.”

  “Well, what the hell? Seriously? Anyway I want to plan a coming out party.”

  “Is there something more you’re trying to tell me?” Mia squealed with laughter as new tears squirted from her eyes.

  “I mean for you guys, as a couple, you dork. That kind of coming out party. So I have to start planning it. How about Saturday August 23rd? I mean, by now people have seen you around town together, and our friends know you’re a couple. What do you say? We’ll have the party at my house. I haven’t thrown a party in years. Ask Aaron if his dad can cover the shop tha
t day and get back to me. I don’t have much time to put this together. Call me tomorrow and let me know. Out.”

  “You know she’s certifiable, right?” Aaron said, as he set the table.

  Mia went back to tossing the salad as she wiped her eyes with her sleeve. “Oh, she definitely is, but I love her anyway.”

  Chapter Ten

  Mia stared out the car window Wednesday as Aaron drove the I-278 East to White Plains. The courthouse wasn’t far enough for her to become deep in thought, being only a fifteen minute ride door to door. She wasn’t the chipper Mia Aaron was accustomed to seeing.

  “Are you nervous, honey?” he asked, as he reached for her hand.

  “I guess I am, aren’t you?”

  Aaron glanced at Mia, trying to read her thoughts. “It’s uncomfortable, but it’s something we need to do. Jack has to be held accountable. He wanted to terrorize you and he succeeded. I’m just glad it was cut short before anything dangerous happened.”

  “Do you think Jack is dangerous?” Mia shuddered, giving the image too much thought.

  “I don’t know, honey, but he certainly didn’t have the right to do what he did. All we need to say is that he violated your rights as a home owner, and trespassed on your private property. His offense is like breaking and entering, except he stole the key, so he didn’t actually have to break in. If you’re afraid to talk, I can say everything that needs to be said. It’s alright, I can take care of it.”

  “I’ve got to say something. If I don’t, Jack wins. He’ll know he scared me off. I can’t let him victimize me like that. I have to say my peace. I’ll be okay.”

  “That’s my girl. Put on a brave face, he’ll never know you’re nervous.”

  They reached the courthouse at twelve forty-five. The beautiful brass, retro style elevator took them to the seventh floor. They found courtroom 7B and peeked in through the heavy, double, oak doors. The previous case was just finishing up. They quietly slipped in and sat on the last bench by the door. For a few minutes Mia’s mind wandered away from the task ahead of her. She had never been to the courthouse before, and was surprised to see how beautiful this courtroom actually was. Carved golden oak woodwork adorned every bench. The ornate hanging lamps looked like late 19th century converted gaslights. An enormous oil painted mural on the wall behind the judge’s bench appeared to be White Plains, probably in the late 1800’s. Mia took it all in, being one to spot beauty wherever she was, and relaxed for a few minutes. Aaron nudged her when Jack was led into the room. The anxiety returned.