Intrigue and a Bottle of Merlot

by Bria Marche

  “That sounds perfect. I’m looking forward to it already. We’ll buy some wine and a few things for dinner when we leave tonight. Okay, I’ll be back soon.” She offered another deep, sensual kiss before she left.

  Karen crossed the street and stepped into the quaint sandwich shop. A cute, bubbly blonde and a dark-haired, slender young lady, likely in her mid-twenties, greeted her. The latter was fresh faced, beautiful, and had shockingly white-blue eyes and dreadlocks to her waist. The two women stood behind the counter and prepared soup and sandwiches for the lunch patrons, who were scattered among various mismatched tables. The small shop had the mountain-town, hippie vibe about it. There was even a dog lounging on a rug near the door. Karen chuckled to herself, thinking about how well Mario fit in here. She placed the order to go, and sat at a table to wait. Playing solitaire on her cell phone kept her entertained.

  “So, what are you going to do about it?” the blonde whispered to the dreadlocked girl.

  Karen wasn’t trying to eavesdrop on their private conversation, but given the proximity of where she was sitting, it was impossible not to hear them.

  “I don’t know. I’m scared. We parted ways because of Brad, but I’m available again. Who knows if, or when, Brad will come back to Telluride. I could apologize and ask if we could start over. Mario and I had a really good relationship for a few years. But he got so busy when Gravity went from just a ski school to the full-blown store. Brad was there for me at the right time. He flirted and made me feel important. I guess I got caught up in all the attention. Now that Mario is back, I’m really anxious to talk to him. I mean, he came back for a reason, didn’t he? As soon as he finds out Brad is gone, we’ll start over. I’ll go back to working at Gravity, and we’ll be a couple again. I saw him yesterday through the window, and my heart almost pounded through my chest. I just wanted to jump in his arms and kiss him—he’s so damn hot. Why didn’t you slap some sense into me last summer, Erica?”

  “I don’t know. You seemed determined to be with Brad. Look where that got you… nowhere. Mario was always the right one for you, Sarah. You shouldn’t have given up on him so easily. He really loved you.”

  Karen’s head was spinning. She felt the heat climb up her neck to the point of nausea. This can’t be happening. A quick assessment told her she had at least ten years on this girl, maybe more. The girl, Sarah, was nothing more than a child. How do I compete with her? She doesn’t even have to try—she’s perfect already, perfect for Mario. I look friggin’ menopausal compared to her.

  “Your takeout is ready, ma’am,” Sarah said. She called out again, louder. “Ma’am… hello.”

  Karen glanced up. “Oh, you’re talking to me? I guess I don’t think of myself as a ma’am.” She handed Sarah a twenty, grabbed the bag, and stormed out, forgetting her change. I can’t believe that little bitch called me ma’am. The sweet-looking, fresh-faced, dreadlocked mountain girl instantly became a rival Karen intended to crush if necessary. The problem was that Karen felt like the underdog who didn’t have a chance in hell.

  Lunchtime was a blur. The rest of the afternoon was, too. Karen looked at Mario differently as if the conversation she’d overheard earlier was somehow his fault.

  How dare he bring me to Telluride when his old girlfriend works right across the street? Have they been in touch? Is he going to meet up with her? What if she walks in? What the hell am I going to do? Should I bash her face in and rip the dreadlocks right out of her head? Yeah… right, like I have the nerve to do any of that. Besides, I’m old enough to be her aunt. “Awesome. Now I’m going to break out in hives for sure.”

  “Why are you going to break out in hives? We can stop at the pharmacy and pick up some medication when we leave,” Mario said. He looked at her up close. “You’re beautiful. I don’t see any hives.”

  “Sorry. I didn’t realize I was thinking out loud. It’s the wool. I’ll let someone else fold these sweaters—no problem.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Karen walked side by side with Mario through the City Market grocery store, looking for a good wine and something for dinner. Her mind wasn’t on their original plan. The thought of a romantic dinner prepared together with soft music and wine, later leading to wonderful lovemaking, now made her feel used and unappreciated. Worse yet, she was embarrassed, humiliated, and felt old. She was sure Mario had only brought her to Colorado to help get the store back on track and to have an easy hookup along the way.

  You bastard, Mario! I knew this was too good to be true. I should have stayed home with Claire and my real friends. It’s going to be Tina and me, the sole spinsters from now on. She can borrow Kismet, and I have Claire. We’ll sit around and complain about our lack of love and sex while we brush our pets. We’ll join ASPCA and rescue animals. At least they’ll appreciate us.

  Karen decided to handle this on her own terms. She wasn’t going to cry to her friends back home. Actually, she was ashamed of herself for falling for a younger guy who wasn’t even her type. Damn it, who was I kidding anyway? I asked everyone to help me look younger, dress younger, and act friggin’ younger. I’m not even their age, let alone the age of this adolescent girl Mario had, or has, a thing with. I’m so out of my league and out of my element here, and I’m sick of wearing these skin-tight jeans. They give me a stomachache, for God’s sake. It’s time to go home. Mario can stay here with his Sarah. They can wrap their crazy-ass hair around each other while they make love for all I care.

  Mario carried the two bags of groceries into the condo. Karen had a bottle of wine in each hand and was contemplating whether she should whack Mario over the head with them or drink them.

  “Should we get dinner started? I’m famished. I’ll put some nice music on first.” Mario busied himself as he searched for a blues station on the radio.

  Karen rifled through the drawers in the kitchen, looking for the corkscrew. She didn’t notice it in plain sight, sitting on the countertop. In that moment, she had a decision to make. Should I twist the screwed end into my own temple for being stupid or into the cork so I can bury my anguish in blatant drunkenness?

  “What are you looking for?” Mario asked from the living room.

  “Um… the corkscrew.”

  “It’s on the counter where it was last night, isn’t it?”

  “Oh, yeah.” She chose to sink it deep into the cork instead of her brain. That might be going too far since I’m not really fond of pain, plus it’s a decent vintage. She twisted the handle ferociously and pulled the cork out with a loud pop. She poured two glasses and left the bottle uncorked to breathe.

  Mario turned the volume up a bit so they could hear the music while they made dinner. He danced his way into the kitchen and took Karen by the hand. “Remember, I still owe you a dance lesson. I haven’t forgotten.” He pulled her in close and nuzzled her neck. “Just follow my steps.” He put one arm around her waist, and his other held her hand. “Forward, back, side, side. Forward, back, side, side. It’s easy.” Mario grinned at Karen then looked more closely at her. Tears were welling up in her eyes. “Karen, what’s wrong?”

  Acting as though it was nothing, she blamed the tears on a slight allergic reaction.

  “We forgot to stop at the pharmacy. I’m so sorry. I’ll run out now and get you something.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m fine. Let’s make dinner.” Karen wiped her eyes with a tissue and began preparing the salad. She washed the vegetables, grabbed the cutting board, and began chopping in a frenzy.

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yeah, I’m sure.”

  ***

  Mario stepped out onto the balcony and opened the gas grill. He removed the cover from the hot tub and set two towels on the chairs next to it. The view from the balcony showed the city of Telluride in all its beauty. Evening lights twinkled. The mountain stood before him, still snow covered and majestic. He loved this town, but it brought back painful memories. He’d been ready for marriage just a year ago, and Sarah would have
been the one. Now, his hopes were renewed, but this time with Karen. Mario had his mind set. He needed to fire the two managers. His gut told him they were behind the stealing. The store would go up for sale, but that meant he’d have to extend his stay for a while. He’d get the store back in the black and hopefully have it sold within a month. Tomorrow, he’d start making calls, beginning with Billy Mayberry, who had seemed somewhat interested when Mario had mentioned selling the store. Mario didn’t want to be an absentee owner anymore. His focus would be on Karen, the Summit, and Geared Up.

  He opened the slider. “Karen, come out here and sit with me. Let’s watch the sunset together. It’s gorgeous, and so is the view of downtown.” Mario was a hopeless romantic, and that side of him was beginning to emerge again.

  She carried the glasses of wine out to the balcony and sat in the chair next to Mario.

  He reached over, took her hand in his, and held it. “Isn’t this a great view?”

  ***

  Karen looked at Mario and saw pure joy in his eyes. Is he happy because he’s back? Is he looking forward to sneaking away with Sarah? Karen’s heart broke as she pondered the unknown.

  Mario stood. He leaned over Karen and kissed her. “I’ll grab the steaks and get them started. After dinner, we can sit in the hot tub with our wine and enjoy the night view. I’m so happy you’re here. I knew this week would be awesome.”

  Karen wondered how the night would progress. Should I have breakup sex with him? Who knows if I’ll ever get laid again? She was more than confused. Mario was behaving perfectly normal and acting very loving. Maybe I’m going off the deep end with this. What if Mario doesn’t have any plans with Sarah at all? Damn it! I’m going to have to break down and call Vic. She has to give me some advice. Karen stepped inside and grabbed the wine bottle. I need some liquid courage until I talk to Vic tomorrow. For now, I’ll keep my mouth shut.

  After dinner, Karen cleared the table and loaded the dishwasher, slowly, washing each plate first. She was stalling, but had no valid reason to avoid Mario.

  “Are you ready for the hot tub and more wine?” he asked, giving her a sexy wink. “It’s pretty romantic out on that balcony.”

  “Sure, I’ll get my swimsuit.”

  Mario laughed out loud. “Really… you’re kidding, right? I have a better idea. Follow me, gorgeous.”

  He took her hand and led her through the sliders. The patio heater was on, keeping the balcony warm and toasty. Mario faced Karen and took her head in his hands. He kissed her, flicking his tongue and searching her mouth. Grabbing the bottom of his tee shirt, Mario pulled it over his head and let it fall, exposing his solid abs and strong, muscular biceps. Karen moaned. The nibble on her ear sent shockwaves straight to her groin as he whispered his needs to her. Mario lifted the peasant top over her head and unhooked her bra, dropping them both to the floor.

  “Sit down for a second, hon.” Mario leaned against the hot tub. He slipped his shoes and socks off and unzipped his jeans. They hit the floor, too. He stood naked in all his magnificent glory. His man parts were eye level with Karen’s face as she sat on the chair. He was rock hard and waiting for her response. Her breath caught in her throat. Mario removed her shoes and socks and took her hand as she rose. He buried his face against her neck and unzipped her jeans, sliding them down with her panties. Karen couldn’t have held back even if she’d wanted to. She didn’t have a clue what was right or wrong. Instincts told her to make love with this man. Mario pushed the button on the wall, and the hot tub jets fired up. The steamy bubbles of water broke the calm surface as they stepped in together. Karen straddled Mario’s lap on the molded seats the hot tub provided. Their foreplay was hotter than the water. They made love right there then left a trail of wet footsteps through the living room as they entered the master suite and made love again.

  Her negativity fell neatly into its own compartment for the time being. Tomorrow, her eyes might be wide open again, and the doubts could possibly return. Tonight was too damn sweet to let anything interfere with the passion and lust they shared. She wondered, though, if Mario’s lust for her could possibly turn into real love.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Mia dog-eared the mystery she was reading, set it down, and examined her cuticles as she called Vic. With the Bluetooth firmly wrapped around her left ear, she was able to file her nails, too. Might as well get everything done at once. “Hey, sister, have you talked to Karen? I haven’t spoken to her at all, that traitor.”

  “Actually, I haven’t talked to her since I told her not to discuss their sexcapades with me. Shit, that means they’re probably doing it nonstop. Eww… wouldn’t she call me otherwise? Who would have thought Karen could turn out to be such a trollop, and with my own brother, no less.”

  “Wow, time warp here. I haven’t heard that word in at least ten years. Anyway, what are you and hunka-hunka burning love doing today?”

  “Other than the usual three rounds of awesome sex?”

  “Yeah, other than that… trollop.” Mia laughed.

  “Who knows? Got something in mind?”

  “Well, Aaron is planning to watch basketball today. Boring! So why don’t you two come over? I’ll invite everyone, and the guys can watch TV while we gossip about Karen and Mario. But seriously, Sasha and I have to get the guest list organized and invitations mailed. Everyone is welcome to throw out guest suggestions. I’m hoping to keep the invitees between both weddings down to about one hundred people.”

  “Do you know any of Josh’s friends other than the people living in Tarrytown? And what about Sasha, poor thing? Do you actually think any of the models she knew were close to her?”

  “Doubt it,” Mia said. “I mean, we’ve never met anyone from her past. Maybe her parents have friends they want to invite. Josh may have college buds from back in the day. We’ll probably need the guys’ input, too. Anyway, come over at noon. I’ll call Tina and Ms. Destiny, too. We aren’t having anything special, just burgers and dogs on the grill.”

  “Sounds perfect. See you in a few hours.”

  Mia went back to the living room after calling Sasha and Tina. She snuggled up with Aaron on the recliner. “I’ll watch one quarter with you, then I have to start lunch. The tribe is coming over so we can get the guest list figured out.”

  “Good plan, honey. I’ll record the rest of the game—no big deal. I can get Reggie’s walk out of the way and start the grill. Do you realize, Ms. James, in a few months you’ll be my wife? Damn. It took you long enough, for God’s sake. I’m almost middle-aged.”

  Mia punched Aaron in the shoulder. “You’re walking a fine line, mister. Don’t forget, you aren’t much older than me.” She kissed him and burrowed deeper on his lap.

  By eleven forty-five, Reggie had been walked, the grill was fired up, and Mia had a legal pad waiting on the kitchen table. She filled the cut-glass pitcher halfway with grape juice and the rest with club soda. Ice cubes and lemon slices bobbed on top. A space was cleared in the refrigerator for the grape-juice cocktail to chill.

  Sasha offered to bring pumpkin bread and three jars of apple butter along, one for each of them.

  It was Candy’s weekend to have her son. Josh set up an appointment with Stuart Moore to arrange alternate days and weekends for him and Candy. He wanted it legally written on paper and filed with the court documents. They argued too often about who had the boy and when. Josh didn’t want Candy disturbing Sasha at home or sending the wrong message to J. J. about staying at the Victorian. The meeting would come soon enough when he told Candy about the wedding and the pregnancy. He dreaded the drama that would follow, but Candy needed to get on with her own life. Other than shared custody of J. J., she had no business butting into their affairs.

  The knocker banged against the door. Mia welcomed everyone in, and Aaron paused the TV. Aaron, Max, and Josh gravitated toward the living room after Aaron grabbed three cold beers from the kitchen. The women headed for the kitchen table. Mia poured three glasses of Merlot
and one grape-juice cocktail. They had about thirty minutes to kill before they would eat.

  “Let’s do the guest list after lunch when the guys can add their contacts. Right now, anyone that has talked to Karen, raise your hand,” Mia said.

  “What is this, second grade?” Tina asked, laughing.

  “Yeah, that sounded stupid. Okay… who talked to Karen, and when?” All eyeballs zoomed in on Sasha.

  “What did I do?” she asked, gulping her cocktail with a loud swallow. “I only talked to her that one time when she told me…”

  “Yeah, we remember. So, nobody has spoken to her at all since then? What the hell is that about?” Vic was curious and a little put off that Karen wouldn’t tell her something about the trip with her own brother.

  “They’ve only been in Telluride for a couple of days. Maybe they have to adjust to the altitude or something.”

  “Did you really just say that, Sasha? That comment was absurd. And how would you even know they’ve arrived? She called you from Burlington, Colorado. They still had to drive all day before they got to Telluride. Maybe they got hijacked along the way or something.” Tina rubbed her hands together, waiting for the others to register the horror of her comment.

  “And why would that be a good thing? You’re such a dork.” Mia topped off the glasses.

  “I’m just saying… she should have called one of us by now, that’s all.”

  “This is bullshit. Doesn’t she know the rules?” Vic was getting angry. It wasn’t often she felt out of the loop.

  “Oh no… there’s rules we have to follow? Nobody told me,” Sasha said nervously.

  “Sasha, get a grip. I’m calling her right now. If she doesn’t answer, I’ll call Mario. I’m his sister, and I have a right to know what he’s doing. He’s the baby of the family, for crap’s sake. Somebody has to monitor him.”