Payback and a Bottle of Merlot: Like Sisters Series Book One

by Bria Marche

  Mia grabbed the plates, wine glasses and utensils while Tina and Karen put chips and potato salad in bowls. The party was in full swing with 80’s classic rock playing in the background. Reggie lay on his over-sized dog bed on the edge of the patio, totally unimpressed except when a piece of meat was tossed his way. The Sangria pitcher was emptied and refilled twice and a bottle of wine was polished off by the time dinner was over.

  “Damn, we’re good cooks,” Tina said. “Everything was delicious.”

  “Tina, the only thing we cooked were the steaks. Everything else was compliments of the deli section at the grocery store,” Mia said, laughing.

  “Well… true, but we sure put it together nicely, don’t we?”

  “That’s right,” they all agreed.

  “We have to decide what day to send the courier to Sasha’s apartment. I can call the service anytime, and the letter will be ready to go,” Karen said.

  “Since I’m going to do the photo shoot, I have to be steady on my foot. Have the invitation delivered on Monday since she has three days to respond to the free makeover. We’ll set the shoot at Hair Brained for the following Tuesday when the salon is closed. I’ll be in good shape by then.”

  With half-drunk grins they clinked their wine glasses together and toasted Jack’s demise. The plan would be in motion next week.

  “Shit, I almost forgot.” Mia limped into the house and returned a few minutes later with a stack of photos. “Check these out. I want to use ten of the best prints showing Jack’s face.”

  “Holy crap, Mia, these are great. You guys nailed it… or should I say… nailed him,” Tina smirked.

  “Everyone, pick the ones you like best, and then we’ll narrow it down to ten. After that, I’ll tell you my plan.” Mia leaned in with wide eyes and a devilish smile. “You’re gonna love it.”

  Chapter Twenty Six

  The sound of the buzzer startled Sasha at ten o’clock Monday morning. She dashed to the intercom near her front door to check the live camera feed before deciding if she wanted to answer or not. An official looking uniformed delivery man stood on the stoop. Sasha answered out of nothing more than curiosity. “Hello, may I help you?”

  “Yes ma’am. I have a certified letter for Ms. Sasha Renaud. I need a signature.”

  “I’ll be right down. Give me a minute please.”

  “I’ll need to see your identification ma’am.”

  “Okay, hold on. I’ll be down in a few.” Sasha scurried to get dressed, grabbing whatever was handy. She pulled a tee shirt over her head and wiggled into some gray sweats. Her flip-flops at the front door were easy to slip on. She took the elevator down and met the waiting delivery man with her I.D. in hand.

  “Hello, I’m Sasha Renaud. Here’s my identification.”

  “Okay ma’am, just sign for the documents here. Thanks, have a nice day.”

  Sasha tore open the envelope as she went back up to her apartment. She was chosen as one of four finalists to participate in the cover photo shoot for the upcoming magazine, Today’s Glamour. She reached her living room and sat on the couch to read it again, slowly and thoroughly. There was a three day window to respond and set up the appointment for her free makeover. The famous photographer Jasmine from South America would be her photographer for the day. Those shots would be included with the other three finalists and the cover winner would be chosen. The winner wouldn’t be shown until the inaugural issue was released.

  “How exciting. I should do it. It would be great publicity for me to win the cover photo for this new magazine. I can add it to my portfolio.”

  Sasha wondered who would have recommended her as one of the models to choose from. I know so many people in the business, it could have been anyone. She remembered Bradley at Sylvie’s telling her about a magazine cover contest he read about. It was the latest buzz on all the glamour blogs. I bet it was Bradley and his peeps that threw my name in the hat. I’ll have to thank him the next time I see him. Sasha was more than excited to get in on this contest. If I’m one of only four finalists, there’s no way I’ll lose. This will be a piece of cake. She grabbed her cell and called the number included with the literature.

  Karen’s pre-paid cell phone began ringing. She had to think for a minute before it clicked in her head. It was Sasha. Nobody else had that number. Bingo. She took the bait. Now Karen had to put on an academy award winning performance over the phone. Time to change my persona into a snobby magazine editor. She cleared her throat and answered. “Hello, Today’s Glamour. How may I direct your call?” Karen wanted to burst out laughing.

  “This is Sasha Renaud calling. I’m a New York model and I just received a certified letter saying I was among the finalists to be on the cover of your inaugural magazine. I want to go forward in the contest. I’m calling to set up the appointment for my free makeover and photo shoot.”

  “One moment please.” Karen put the call on hold and busied herself in the kitchen for five minutes making a cup of tea. Damn, am I evil or what? She laughed out loud at the idea of playing a snooty magazine editor when she meets Sasha in person. She sat at the table with tea in hand, visualizing Sasha pacing with sweaty palms for someone to return to the phone. “Hello again Ms. Renod.”

  “It’s Renaud… R-E-N-A-U-D.” Sasha spelled her name out nervously.

  “Of course. The only slot left is next Tuesday at ten o’clock. You need to come to Tarrytown, New York, to the famous Hair Brained salon. You know the place, right? I mean, all the top models go there.”

  “Of course I know the place, who doesn’t?”

  “Wonderful. You’re down for ten a.m. next Tuesday. If you’re late, you’ll be eliminated from the competition. We don’t tolerate nonsense. I know how you models are.”

  “I’ll be prompt. I’ll even be ten minutes early, just in case. Thank you so much, good bye.”

  “Of course, dear. Ta ta.”

  Karen couldn’t hang up fast enough. She burst out laughing, pleased at how well she pulled off the facade. I have to call Mia. This is so awesome.

  Mia dried her hands on the dish towel and reached for the phone sitting on the kitchen table. She grabbed her Diet Coke, sat down and answered. “Hey, Karen, what’s up?”

  “You aren’t going to believe who I just got off the phone with,” Karen said, triumphantly.

  “No way… don’t even tell me it was Sasha. Are you serious, she responded already?”

  “Yep, and she is so hooked. She was on it like a pig in mud,” Karen said, laughing.

  “OMG… this is going to work. I can’t believe things are moving along this fast. We need to get our shit together for next week. We’ve got to plan exactly how it’s going to go down. Let’s meet again tomorrow when the salon is closed. I’ll call Vic and get back to you in a few. Thanks, Karen, this is way too cool.” Mia hung up and called Vic.

  “Can you talk?”

  “Yep, I have a few minutes. Mrs. Anderson’s new bluish-pink color is processing. I wonder if we should call that mauve.”

  “Okay, I don’t give a shit about Mrs. Anderson. Vic, Sasha called Karen already. Can you believe it?”

  “No friggin way!”

  “Way.”

  “Hold on. Tina, Sasha called Karen already,” Vic yelled, across the salon.

  “No friggin way!”

  “Way.”

  “Vic, get back on the phone.”

  “Oh, sorry, Chica. So now what?”

  “Tomorrow we’re going to do a trial run again, but this time it will be like the real deal. I’m going to call Karen back and tell her to be at the salon at ten. Will that work for you guys?”

  “Hell yeah, call her back. I’ll talk to you later, sister. Out.”

  “Thank God everyone is on speed dial,” Mia chuckled. She called Karen back within minutes. “Karen, it’s all set for tomorrow. Meet us at the salon at ten a.m. okay?”

  “You bet. I’ll see you then.”

  Mia hung up the phone, looked at the clock a
nd called Reggie over. “C’mon boy, time to go outside for a while.” With her cell jammed in her pocket and another Diet Coke in hand, she clipped Reggie’s leash to the lead outside and curled up on the chaise in the warm sunshine. Within minutes Mia was fast asleep. Her dreams were a jumble of occurrences, both good and bad. All of Mia’s friends showed up in cameo roles. Max smiled at her, ready to pick up where they left off. Aaron watched them together with sadness written across his face. Jack mocked Mia, while arm in arm with Sasha, drooling at her very existence. Karen, Vic and Tina were there too, calling Jack every name in the book. Mia jumped so hard she almost fell off the chaise. She was covered in sweat when she woke, shaken by the dream. “Damn, that dream was too close to reality… ugh.”

  ***

  Mia couldn’t wait for Jack to leave for work. It was Tuesday morning after all, and an action packed day lay ahead of her. This is going to be a blast, she thought, while crossing things off her “to do” list. She was relieved every morning when Jack left, even if she had nothing planned. Just watching him drive away made her spirits improve. It was what she looked forward to these days. “Slime ball,” she muttered. Mia had a lot of descriptive names for Jack that seemed to roll off her tongue effortlessly. She showered and dressed. Today would be a ponytail day since she didn’t have time to mess with her hair. Reggie was fed and outside on the lead for now. Mia packed up Aaron’s camera equipment to return to the shop today. It would be easier than planning a time to stop by his house. A quick thanks, and she would be out of there in no time. There was still something off between them. A pint-sized elephant sat dead center in the room whenever they were together. Mia didn’t have a handle on it now, but she intended to address the situation later. Today was all about organizing their plan for next week when Sasha comes in for her makeover and photo shoot.

  “Okay, everything is checked off. Aaron’s camera and lens—yes. Reggie is in the house, fed and business completed—yes. My camera equipment is in the backpack—yes. I’m dressed,” Mia looked herself up and down. “Yes—I’m out of here.”

  With her backpack slung across her shoulder and Aaron’s camera equipment in her arms, Mia loaded everything into the car and climbed in. She started her prized Camaro and carefully pushed the clutch pedal in, shifted the car in reverse and pulled out of her driveway. Her foot hurt when she drove, but not enough to keep her from the mission at hand.

  “Crap, I’m early. Nobody’s here yet,” she said, as she pulled up to Hair Brained. She looked at her watch: 9:42. “Might as well drop off Aaron’s camera and get it over with. That’s one less thing to do later.” Mia drove the four blocks and pulled into a diagonal parking space two doors down from Daniels Camera Shop. She limped to his building and up the steps, steadying herself with the handrail. Aaron was behind the counter organizing cameras in one of the glass cases. He looked up wearing a different expression than usual. He wasn’t the same Aaron with sparkling eyes and a giant smile.

  “Mia, it’s been a few weeks since you’ve stopped by. What the heck, you’re limping.” Aaron came around the counter and took Mia by the arm. “Sit down, what happened?”

  “I brought your camera back, Aaron. I got the shots I was hoping to. Thanks.”

  “So what’s wrong with your foot?” Aaron wasn’t going to let the question go unanswered, even though Mia wanted to dodge the topic.

  “I fell down and sprained it, Wednesday before last. It’s no big deal.”

  “How do you manage driving since your car has a clutch? Isn’t it hard?” Aaron thought back to the Thursday before last when he saw a strange man and Mia in her car together. That must have been why she wasn’t driving, but who the heck was he?

  “I just started driving a few days ago. It’s getting better all the time. Anyway, I need to meet Vic at the salon at ten. I better get going. Thanks again. I’ll see you later.”

  Dodging the question. What’s going on with you, Mia? “Can I help you out to your car?”

  “Thanks, Aaron, but I’ve got to get used to putting weight on my foot. It needs to get stronger, but I appreciate the offer. I’ll be back in a few days, and thanks again for loaning me the camera and lens.”

  “Sure, any time. Take care, beautiful.” He smiled, hoping she would look back and throw him a kiss, but she didn’t. His heart broke as the door closed behind her and she turned down the sidewalk, limping to her car.

  ***

  Mia arrived at Hair Brained just as the girls were unlocking the salon door. They piled in together with Karen carrying Mia’s camera equipment for her. Vic and Tina spent the morning picking out hair color, styles and makeup for Sasha. Mia chose the area of the salon that would work best for the photo shoots. They needed to agree on what restaurant would deliver lunch and plenty of wine that day. Everything had to look well organized and professional. The windows had to be covered so nobody could see what they were up to from the sidewalk. Karen would call Sasha and tell her to bring five clothing changes for the photo shoot.

  “We’ll keep her too busy to notice if we goof anything up,” Vic laughed.

  “Yeah, and we’re going to keep the wine flowing too,” Tina reminded everyone. “We also have to decide what background music to play. It has to be current, loud and fun. I’ll go over to Bottoms Up this week and see what’s on their play-list. Their kind of music would be perfect.”

  “Great idea, Tina. I need to decide how many head shots, full length shots, clothing and hairstyle shots I’ll take. Actually, we should just run with it and see how it goes. As long as we keep her distracted, drinking, and talking about herself, we’ll be fine. If she’s going to be here before ten, we should arrive by eight-thirty to get everything set up. You guys need to change my appearance with the wig and makeup before she gets here anyway.”

  “Has anyone thought about the chances of her saying something to Jack? I mean, wouldn’t she be bragging about being a finalist in this contest to him? Jack does know the name of this salon doesn’t he? He knows who owns it… right?” Karen had a multitude of questions as the Three Stooges stared at her with their mouths gaping open. “Seriously, hasn’t anyone thought of this?”

  “I did think about it, Karen. Jack has no interest in me or my friends. I’m sure he’s heard of the salon in passing, but trust me, he is way too absorbed in himself to remember something that doesn’t relate to him, or enhance his life. Plus, what can he say? Sasha thinks he lives in New Rochelle. He can’t mention knowing too much about Tarrytown.”

  “That’s true, but what if something goes wrong? What is our actual plan next Tuesday anyway? We have to come clean and tell her who Jack really is, don’t we? She has to be told he’s a two-timing jerk. I mean, the only reason we’re putting on this charade is to get her here so we can tell her everything. Isn’t that right?”

  The room fell silent as each one thought about the comments Karen just made.

  “This isn’t just fun and games. We aren’t trying to punk Sasha. She needs to know what’s going on. Mia, we have to tell her who the hell we are, and why we brought her here. Oh my God, this was such a stupid idea. Why are we even doing this?”

  “Well, shit, Karen, I don’t know. Now I feel like an idiot. She’ll probably sue us for false advertising if we tell her the truth.” Now Mia began to worry. “It sounded like fun, but what was our real intention anyway? Were we just going to do her friggin hair and makeup and send her on her way? What good would that have done? Damn it all.”

  “Is there any wine in this place?” Karen asked, becoming exasperated.

  “Yeah, hang on. We have a small fridge in the back.” Vic returned with a four pack of Chardonnay mini bottles.

  “Good enough?” she asked.

  “Good enough for now, thanks. I hope you have more. We might be here a while. Now we have to rethink this whole damn idea. Of course, we’re getting her here under false pretenses, but we don’t want to piss her off. Maybe it would be better if you weren’t disguised, Mia. She may recognize y
ou and wonder why you’re here, so we’ll say you’re a real photographer and use the name Jasmine when you’re doing professional photo shoots. We’re going to fess up and tell her she’s at the salon for two reasons. We’ll admit that the contest is a farce, but we had to talk to her. We can also offer her all the head shots for the salon’s advertising for the next year. That would include newspaper ads and the full sized window posters. It isn’t as exciting as the contest for the magazine cover, but it’s still publicity for her, and we won’t look like such liars. We’ve got to offer her something for her time, no matter what. I’ll still do all the posters, and I’ll be happy to split the cost of ads with all of you. That is, if the salon does ads at all. If you don’t, Mia and I will cover the expense. What do you say, Mia, would you split the cost with me for the salon ads if we need to?”

  “Of course I would.”

  “We have a budget for advertising already guys, don’t worry about it,” Tina said.

  “Then we’re good, right? We’ll change the plan so we aren’t wasting everyone’s time.” Karen looked to each one for a positive nod.

  “Yep, we’re good,” Mia agreed. “Next Tuesday Sasha will find out who Jack really is.”

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  Mia’s ankle was almost healed. She still favored her right foot slightly, but nobody even noticed anymore. The week sped by and Tuesday was almost upon them. One more day to go before the truth came out. It would likely be Sasha’s worst salon visit ever. Mia wasn’t going to let that bother her though. Jack had to pay. She couldn’t help it if Sasha got hurt in the process. Mia and Karen were both burned by Jack already. Sasha was a big girl and unavoidable collateral damage, but she could figure that one out on her own.

  Nervousness hit Mia. They were all on edge to a certain degree. They didn’t know Sasha at all. She could be a loose cannon. Would she go off the deep end and attack them? Would she go nuts and tear up the salon? They hoped she would be furious at Jack and seek revenge, agreeing to join forces with them. They wanted Sasha all in. She needed to become a member of the “Jack Goes Down” gang.