by Mj Williamz
“And why is she your enemy?”
Lana sighed.
“It’s a long story.”
“Try me.”
“She used to sleep with my girlfriend. Since Ronnie and I have been together, she’s been insanely jealous.”
“What else has she done?”
Lana recounted every event from the slashing of the tires to her showing up in a trench coat demanding a threesome. She was sure to include her attempt to scratch Lana’s face at Madeline’s.
“Wow. Sounds like she’s got a screw loose, for sure.”
“Yes. And now this. But I don’t know how to prove it was her.”
“Well, we’ve dusted the car for fingerprints, so we can compare hers with any we lift.”
The other officer walked up.
“Looks like whoever did this wore gloves. There aren’t any fingerprints at all.”
Lana felt like she’d been punched in the gut. There had to be something they could do to catch her.
“Can you think of anyone else who might have a grudge against you?”
Lana shook her head.
“No one.”
The officer gave her his card and said to call if she had any other issues. She took it and watched them drive off, feeling naked and vulnerable.
She called her insurance company and filed a comprehensive claim. They told her the name of the body shop they used and gave her a claim number.
“Remember, you’ll be responsible for your deductible which is two hundred and fifty dollars.”
“Thank you,” Lana said and hung up the phone. She called the body shop and made an appointment for the following day. Then she called the rental car company to pick her up from the auto shop. By the time everything was done, she was still shaking, and checked to see that Ronnie should be home any minute.
She poured a glass of wine and sat on the couch, trying to soothe her frayed nerves. She heard Ronnie’s truck in the driveway, but it was a few minutes before she let herself in.
“Baby, have you seen your car?”
“Oh yeah. The cops have been here, and I have an appointment tomorrow at the body shop.”
“This has gone too far,” Ronnie said.
“Tell me. But there’s no way to prove it’s her.”
“That can’t be true.”
“It is. And there’s no way to stop her.”
“Shit.” Ronnie sat next to Lana on the couch. “I’m so sorry, baby.”
“Yeah. Me, too.”
Lana handed her wine to Ronnie who took a sip and handed it back.
“I feel so helpless and I’m not used to that feeling,” Ronnie said.
“I know. It’s frustrating and unnerving to say the least. I never know where she’s going to strike next. I’m not safe in my own home.”
“At least she can’t get to you,” Ronnie said. “It’s bad enough what she’s doing to your car, but she can’t touch you.”
“I hope you’re right. I really hope you’re right. She’s got me afraid to leave the house.”
“Don’t. Be brave. She’s not gonna get you.”
Lana burrowed against Ronnie, feeling instantly safer. She took another sip of wine.
“You want a glass of wine?” she said.
“I’ll get it. And I’ll bring you a refill.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem, baby.”
Lana thought back to their morning and the promise of an afternoon of lovemaking. And now, thanks to Whitney, she wasn’t in the mood. Whitney was winning and that pissed her off. She took her glass of wine from Ronnie who sat back down on the couch next to her.
“I wish I had something to say.”
“I think we need to forget about it. She’s disrupting our life, and that’s what she wants to do. We can’t let her win.”
“Well, what can we do to forget about it? You wanna watch some TV?”
“No. I want you to kiss me.”
“Gladly.”
Ronnie leaned in and brushed Lana’s lips with hers. Lana held on tightly and ran her tongue over Ronnie’s lips. Ronnie opened her mouth and their tongues tangoed together. Lana lost herself in the kiss. Soon her pulse was racing with a familiar need.
Ronnie broke the kiss and stood. She set her wine glass down and took Lana’s from her.
“Shall we take this to the bedroom?”
“We shall.”
They walked hand in hand to the bedroom where Ronnie stripped Lana before quickly undressing herself. They fell onto the bed together. This was just what Lana needed. To be taken by Ronnie and claimed as hers. Ronnie ran her hand over Lana’s body before slipping between her legs. She delved inside her, and Lana moaned her appreciation. Ronnie moved in and out over and over, and Lana felt the tension grow. She knew she was close. Her muscles in her stomach tightened as she fought to maintain control. But it was a losing battle. One swipe on her clit from Ronnie sent her soaring high above her body. When she was back, she couldn’t fight the desire to please Ronnie.
She kissed down her body, pausing briefly to tease and please her small breasts. She kissed lower until she was where her legs met. She licked the length of her before plunging her tongue deep inside as far as it would go. She lapped up all the juices flowing there. Her face was covered in Ronnie’s essence before she moved to her clit, which she licked ferociously until Ronnie pressed the back of her head against her and called her name as she came.
They lay together like that until Ronnie’s stomach grumbled.
“Oh yeah,” Lana said. “I guess it’s time for dinner.”
“I hate to get out of bed, though.”
“We’ll be getting back in soon enough,” Lana said. “Now, come on.”
They got up and dressed.
“Oh, by the way,” Ronnie said as they walked out to the kitchen. “While I was getting wine earlier, I called and cancelled my first couple of shoots in the morning. I want to go with you to the auto body shop.”
“That’s not necessary, Ronnie.”
“It may not be necessary, but it’s what I want to do. Besides, Whitney was my first shoot.”
“Ugh.”
“Tell me. I’d rather be with you. Besides, you’re gonna need a lift back, right?”
“No. I made arrangements for a rental car to be delivered.”
“Oh. Good idea. Well, I’d still like to go with you.”
“Okay. I’d like to have you there. I just feel bad about you missing work.”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m not sure I can photograph Whitney objectively. I may have to talk to Madeline and tell her I won’t photograph her anymore.”
“I think that would be wonderful.”
“Yeah,” Ronnie said. “I thought you would like that.”
Ronnie went out to fire up the grill. She seasoned the steaks and drank her wine while she supervised the cooking of them. Lana was in the house making a salad. Ronnie thought how happy they were. They were completely blissful or would be if it weren’t for Whitney. Damn her!
She’d been surprised Lana was in the mood to make love that afternoon. Ronnie sure hadn’t been. Until they’d kissed. That always put Ronnie in the mood. She smiled at the thought of their lovemaking that afternoon. Even after everything Lana had gone through, they’d still come together in bed. And it had been wonderful.
Lana was out with the salad and plates and silverware.
“How are those steaks doing?” she said.
“They’re ready. Thanks for bringing the plates out.”
“Thanks for cooking dinner.”
They ate in the warm summer evening, and Lana poured them each another glass of wine.
“I’ll take mine while I do the dishes,” Ronnie said.
“I’ll help.”
“No. You go relax. I’ve got it. Honest. I’ll meet you in the living room in a few.”
Lana kissed her and walked out of the room.
Ronnie wanted to be alone with her thoughts again. She ha
d to figure a way to get back at Whitney. She could refuse to photograph her, but she was popular and people paid big bucks for her. Still, it wasn’t like Ronnie didn’t have enough models to keep her busy.
She finished the dishes without a solution. She sat on the couch with Lana.
“What’s on your mind?” Lana said.
“This whole Whitney fiasco.”
“I thought I’d gotten your mind off that earlier.”
“And you did. But now it’s back. I think I’m going to call Madeline and let her know I won’t photograph Whitney again.”
“Are you sure? Doesn’t she bring in a lot of money?”
“Sure. But I’m so busy I’m turning models away anyway. This way I’ll have room for more.”
“Okay. I just think it may cause her to go even more ballistic.”
“What more can she do?”
“I suppose you’re right.”
They finished their wine and went back to bed where Lana curled up against Ronnie, and she held her all night long.
In the morning, they made slow, passionate love in bed before continuing it in the shower. Ronnie was in a fantastic mood by the time they got out and dressed. She was relaxed from all the sex, but also happy to have time to spend with Lana. They were sipping their coffee when there was a knock at the door.
“Don’t answer it,” Lana said.
“Baby, relax. I’ll go get it. You stay here.”
She opened the door to find Whitney standing there.
“What the hell are you doing here?”
“You cancelled my shoot this morning. I demand to know why.”
“Personal reasons. If you have a problem, take it up with Madeline.”
She went to close the door, but Whitney put her foot in the way.
“Bullshit. You never cancel shoots.”
“I have some personal business to take care of this morning, thanks to you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“If you must know, we’re taking Lana’s car to the shop this morning to take care of your handiwork.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Bullshit. Now, leave my house or I will call the cops. I’d love to see you taken away in handcuffs.”
Whitney stood as if trying to decide her next move.
“Well, when are we going to do our shoot?”
“I don’t know. I may never photograph you again if you don’t grow up.”
“I am a grownup. And don’t you dare threaten me like that.”
“Never mind. I’m going to call Madeline as soon as I get a chance.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
“Watch me. Now get out of here.”
She slammed the door in Whitney’s face and locked and bolted it.
Ronnie walked back to the kitchen where she saw tears in Lana’s eyes.
“She scares me, Ronnie.”
“Don’t be scared. I’ve effectively just cut her out of our lives. Relax, baby.”
“You sure she’s not going to be angrier?”
“She’ll get over it. We won’t have to deal with her anymore. Now, come on, we need to get to the body shop.”
They drove in silence, with Ronnie lost in her thoughts about Whitney. She sure hoped she wasn’t poking the bear by deciding not to photograph Whitney anymore. She prayed she’d made the right decision. She’d feel sick if Whitney escalated. But what more could she possibly do?
They arrived at the body shop, and Ronnie stood with Lana while the repairman looked over her car.
“Wow. Someone really wanted to mess up your car,” he said.
“Yeah. It was someone with a vendetta,” Lana said.
“I guess. Okay. If you two want to wait inside, I’ll be in in a minute with an estimate.”
While they waited, the rental car arrived. Lana filled out all their paperwork and was given the keys. The driver got into a waiting car and drove off.
“At least you have a nice ride while yours is getting fixed,” Ronnie said.
“Yeah. At least there’s that.”
The repairman came in and went over the costs for repairing her car. Ronnie held Lana’s hand while he went over everything.
“That’s a lot of money,” Lana said.
“At least you have good insurance,” he said.
“True.”
“Okay, if you’ll sign here and here, we’ll get started. It should be ready in a few days.”
“Thank you.”
“No problem. And don’t worry. She’ll be as good as new.”
Lana signed the forms and handed the clipboard back to him.
“Great,” he said. “You’re free to go.”
They drove back home.
“How do you like your rental?”
“It’s nice. I hope she doesn’t attack it.”
“Yeah. Me, too.”
Chapter Fifteen
Ronnie got to the office a little past twelve. She’d stayed and had lunch with Lana before leaving her alone. Lana was still shaken up and Ronnie hated leaving her alone, but she had work to do. The first thing she did was call Madeline.
“Hello?” Madeline said.
“Madeline, it’s Ronnie Mannis, the photographer?”
“Of course. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Well, unfortunately it’s not really a pleasure call.”
“Oh dear, what’s going on?”
“I’m calling to tell you that I can no longer work with Whitney LaRoche.”
There was silence on the other end.
“Are you sure?” she finally said.
“Positive. I’m sure someone else would love to pick up her shoots but it can’t be me.”
“Would you mind telling me why?”
“It’s personal. She won’t leave my girlfriend alone. She’s attacked her and her car here at the studio and attacked her car in my driveway. I’m afraid of what she’ll do if I continue to have contact with her.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Okay. I’ll let her know.”
“Thank you.”
Ronnie hung up and took a deep breath. She needed to get Whitney out of her head so she could focus on her job.
She still had an hour before her shoot, so she called everyone and cleared her weekend. She thought Galveston would help Lana relax.
Her model arrived, and Ronnie got the set ready while she changed. It was all set when she came out of the dressing room. Ronnie gave the model instructions, and she followed them well. Ronnie worked the camera as did the model, and after an hour and a half, they were done.
“You did great work,” Ronnie said.
“Thank you.”
“You can change back to your street clothes now.”
The model left, and Ronnie told everyone they were through until Monday. She locked the door behind her and headed home, excited as usual to see Lana.
“Hey, baby, I’m home,” she called as she locked the door behind her. There was no answer, so she walked through the house looking for her. She found her sound asleep on the bed. Ronnie couldn’t blame her for sleeping. It was a nice escape from everything that had happened lately. Ronnie climbed into bed and wrapped her arms around her.
Ronnie had just dozed off when she felt Lana stir. She checked to make sure she was okay only to find her wide-awake.
“Hey, baby.”
“Hi. When did you get home?”
“A little while ago. How long were you asleep?”
“I don’t know. Longer than I’d meant to be. I’m sorry I wasn’t awake when you got home.”
“It’s all good.” Ronnie kissed her forehead. “Hey, I had an idea today.”
“Yeah? What’s that?”
“I thought we’d go to Galveston. How does that sound?”
“You don’t work this weekend?”
“I cleared my schedule. I work enough hours. I need to think about not working weekends anymore. I mean, now that we’re together and al
l. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend our weekends together?”
“If you think you can afford to.”
“I do. Believe me, I’m not hurting for money. And I won’t do it all at once. I’ll start by cutting back, okay?”
“Sounds great to me.”
“So, Galveston?”
“Yeah. When do you want to leave?”
“As soon as we can get packed.”
“Oh. Okay. That sounds good. It’ll be nice to get away from everything for a couple of days.”
Ronnie got a suitcase and they packed for the weekend. She put the suitcase in the back seat of her truck. She came back in and found Lana reaching for her keys.
“What are you doing? We only need one car.”
“I don’t feel comfortable leaving the rental here. I want to drive it, too.”
“Okay. That makes sense. I’m sorry you’re living in fear, baby.”
Lana shrugged.
“You’re not responsible for her actions. I just wish there was something we could do to put her away.”
“We’ve threatened her enough. And the cops have been on her case. She’s probably learned her lesson by now.”
“I hope so.”
“Well, I don’t mind leaving my truck here, so we can ride together in the rental.”
“I really think I’d feel safer if you bring your truck, too. I don’t want you taking any chances, either. Let’s just bring both cars.”
“Okay, baby. If that would make you feel better.”
“Thanks.”
They kissed good-bye and Ronnie headed off down the road with Lana following close behind. They pulled onto Seawall and Ronnie rolled down her window and inhaled the salty air. She smiled to herself. She loved Galveston, and it made sense that she’d share it with her favorite woman.
She drove to their subdivision and pulled into her driveway. Lana pulled in behind her.
“Hey, baby,” Ronnie said. She kissed Lana, who snaked her arms around her neck and pulled her close.
“Hey back,” Lana said when the kiss had ended.
“Let’s get upstairs,” Ronnie said.
She carried the suitcase and the ice chest upstairs while Lana opened the blinds and made the place homey. Ronnie took the suitcase into the bedroom. She turned to see Lana standing behind her.
“What’s up, baby?”
“I need you, Ronnie.”
“You’ve got me.”
