Interview with Love

by Lisa Y. Watson

  Vivian and Sasha rendezvoused at Sienna’s house bright and early the next morning. After ringing the doorbell several times Vivian turned to Sasha. “I don’t think she’s going to answer,” she replied with dismay.

  “Not to worry,” Sasha replied opening her purse. She retrieved a key chain and shook it. “We got it covered.”

  Sasha unlocked the door with her key and let them in. The first level was quiet. “Let’s try upstairs.”

  Vivian went up to check it out. “She’s not up here,” she called from the landing.

  “Has the bed been slept in?”

  “Looks like it.”

  Sasha walked over and opened the door leading to the garage. She flicked the light on and peered in. “Her car’s still here.”

  “Then she hasn’t gone far. We should wait.” Vivian sat down on the couch. She extended a bag toward Sasha. “Want a muffin?”

  “No thank you.”

  Five minutes later, Sasha was holding her hand out for the bag.

  They conversed lightly while eating.

  “About last night,” Sasha began.

  Vivian glanced up at her. “Is this where you tell me I should’ve minded my own business?”

  “No. It’s where I say thank you—for butting in.” Sasha sighed. “You were right.”

  Vivian nodded, but refrained from comment.

  A few minutes later, Sasha’s cell phone rang. She yanked it out of her shoulder bag and stared at the number. “Sorry, I have to get this,” she said, excusing herself and going into the kitchen.

  “What’s up?” she asked in a subdued voice.

  “How are things going?”

  “Not so good at the moment.”

  “Have you been able to find out any exciting tidbits for your story?” her agent inquired.

  “The story is going fine, but my…Sienna is going through a bad patch at the moment.”

  “Really? Do tell. Is it something we can use for the book?”

  Sasha frowned. “No, we can’t. She may have broken up with her boyfriend. She’s pretty distraught.”

  “That’s good. Not for her mind you, but we can use that. Did he cheat on her? Was it a love triangle gone bad? Oh wait, don’t tell me he’s married, and she just now found out,” her agent pressed. “Sasha, this could work. Does he have any kids? Granted, it’s not a new theme, but we can put a spin—”

  “No,” Sasha ground out. “He’s not married, nor does he have any kids. Look, I’ve got to go. My sister will be here any minute.”

  “Oh, okay. Just remember to take plenty of notes and e-mail me later.”

  Sasha hung up before she had even said goodbye. She slid the phone into her back pocket. She raked her front teeth over her lower lip in concentration. A few moments later, she took a deep breath and headed back to the living room.

  “So, how do you want to handle this?” she asked Vivian upon entering the room. “Good cop, bad cop?”

  “I’m not sure.” Vivian folded her arms across her middle. “I suppose we should figure it out before she gets here.”

  By the time each had eaten a second muffin the front door opened and Sienna strolled in.

  She stopped short, her hand going to her heart. “Good grief,” she shrieked. “What are you two doing here?”

  “Eating,” Vivian swallowed. “Want a muffin?”

  Sienna closed the door behind her. She turned an accusatory glance toward her sister. “I thought I asked for my key back last time?”

  “You did,” Sasha replied, casually.

  Vivian slid over and patted the seat next to her. “Where were you? We’ve been here a while.”

  “I went walking.”

  “Have you spoken with—”

  “Sasha, why in the world would she call Vaughn?”

  “Maybe he called her?”

  “To say what? What he did was inexcusable and I wouldn’t even entertain the idea of forgiving him,” Vivian argued.

  “It’s not your decision to make,” Sasha observed.

  “Will the two of you quit speaking like I’m not even here?”

  “We’re sorry, girl. Well look at it this way, most of your relationships don’t last past two months. Your relationship with Vaughn lasted five. I’d say that’s something to be proud of,” Vivian reasoned.

  “Yeah, rule number twenty-two: once it’s over it’s over. Clean break. No going back.”

  “Good idea.”

  “Bad idea,” Sasha retorted. “Sienna, you’ve just had a seriously big argument with your boyfriend. Breaking up with him seems a bit precipitous don’t you think? I mean you haven’t even heard his side of the story.”

  “What’s to hear? He dumped her for some surgery-enhanced cougar. Why add insult to injury and allow him to tell her why?”

  Sasha stared at Vivian. “It’s no wonder you’re alone with backwards logic like that. We don’t have a clue what prompted Vaughn to leave with that woman—or why he was there in the first place.”

  “Will you two stop bickering? Sienna complained. “Enough is enough. I’m done. Vaughn and I are over so let’s drop it, okay?”

  Vivian went over to Sienna. “Fine. Would you like to go out tonight? We can paint the town red. Finish up where we left off in New York?” When she saw the shadow that crossed her best friend’s face she frowned. “I’m sorry, sweety. I shouldn’t have mentioned it.”

  “It’s no big deal. I have to start dealing with it anyway. Might as well start now, right?”

  “Sienna, I hate to be the voice of dissention—”

  Vivian rolled her eyes. “Then don’t.”

  Sasha ignored her. “I have to. I’m your sister. Granted, we’ve had a tenuous relationship for a long, long time, and I know you doubt my sincerity, but Vaughn made you happy. What you two have is real. You can’t just discount that.”

  Sienna shrugged. “I don’t want be appear rude, but I’ve got a business trip in two days and there’s work I need to prepare. Would you two mind?”

  Her sister stood up and motioned to Vivian. “Sure. You want me to tell mom and dad so you don’t have to?”

  “No thanks. I’ll deal with it when I get back.” Sienna walked them to the door.

  Sasha awkwardly hugged her sister. “I’ll phone you later. Be prepared. Dad might call you. You know how he swears he can sense when there’s trouble with either of us.”

  Sienna managed a smile. “I know.”

  Vivian stepped forward. She enveloped Sienna in a hug so tight they both tilted off balance. “Call me. Anytime. I mean it, Crazy. Whenever you want to talk I’m here.”

  “I will,” Sienna assured her. “Thanks Viv.”

  When they left she shut the door behind them. She leaned against it for a minute listening to the loud sound of silence. Her phone rang. Somehow, Sienna instinctively knew who it was. She didn’t answer it. Rule number twenty-three: Pain, like disappointment, wears off. With a determined stride she went upstairs.

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  A Two Way Street

  Vaughn took a moment to stare at the ceiling in his office. In three short weeks his life had become completely unrecognizable. Natalia Simone had forewarned him that she was difficult to work with. That minute detail had been a complete underestimation of her talent to throw every nuance of his life off-kilter.

  His days and the majority of his nights were spent fine-tuning the campaign for Inner Beauty. Which he noted wryly, changed daily.

  He’d been correct in his assumption that a partnership was riding on the Simone account. His boss had intimated that if all went well, and Natalia continued to be enthralled by Chase & Burroughs, he’d make partner. Everything had gone according to plan. Everything except Sienna.

  Vaughn ran a hand over his overworked eyes. That was the one piece of this intricate puzzle that he’d been unable to make fit. He’d tried countless times to contact her. She wasn’t returning his calls and she didn’t answer when he knocked on her door.

&nbs
p; His pride had been hurt at the realization that she’d written him off. That she had moved on. Hurt turned to anger that she didn’t care enough about him to allow him to explain the circumstances surrounding their encounter in New York. Her inability to trust him had caused him to cease trying to make amends.

  Life doesn’t always go according to plan. He told himself. Neither did his expectations. He’d expected to get it out of his system. He’d expected to allow himself some time and be done with missing her. He’d expected to not go by every single phone he came across and feel the urge to stop and call her. Most of all he’d expected not to still be as in love with her now as he was when she had her ATV accident. That incident alone caused him to admit the extent of his feelings.

  Dammit, Doc. Why didn’t you hang in there?

  His telephone rang. He leaned forward and picked it up. “Deveraux.”

  “Hi Uncle Vaughn.”

  He smiled. “How’s my Angel?”

  “Terrible.”

  He sat up. Worry lines creased his forehead. “Why? What’s the matter?”

  “I miss you. It’s been ages since you’ve spent any time with me,” his goddaughter complained.

  He relaxed now that he knew it wasn’t something physically wrong. “I’m sorry I’ve been so tied up with work. I promise I’ll make it up to you soon, okay?”

  “When?”

  “Soon.”

  “How soon?”

  Vaughn smiled. “Is Friday night soon enough for you?”

  “Ooh, that’s perfect,” she exclaimed, excitedly. I have a recital after school and—”

  “Whoa, wait a minute. Did you say a recital?”

  “Yes, Uncle Vaughn, it’s a dance recital.”

  “You’re dancing now?” he was dumbfounded. “When in the world did that happen?”

  “I’ve been going to the studio for ages now. This is our first recital. I’d really like if you could make it.”

  He quickly scanned over his date book. “Okay Angel, I’m there. What time?”

  She filled him in on the details before letting her dad on the phone.

  “Why didn’t you tell me Angella’s a ballerina now?”

  “She’s not really a ballerina. It’s more like a musical. She wanted to tell you herself. Don’t feel bad, it was a surprise to me as well. Still, she seems to be having fun and she’s really good.”

  Vaughn flicked his pen between his fingers. His not being there for Angella weighed on him. “I’m sorry I haven’t been available lately. Work has been incredibly hectic. Actually hectic would be manageable.”

  “No word from Sienna?”

  Vaughn’s pen hit the desk. “None. I guess I should resign myself to the fact that she’s ended it.”

  “Since when do you resign yourself to anything?”

  “I can’t make her take my calls, or listen to what I have to say. She thinks I had an affair with Natalia. If she wants to assume the worse so be it. It’s obvious we weren’t that solid to begin with.”

  “Sorry man, but you’ll never convince me of that. She was crazy about you.”

  “Pivotal word being was.”

  Vaughn’s second line rang. “I’ll have to talk to you later.”

  “Sure thing, but remember what I said and we’ll see you Friday.”

  “Will do,” Vaughn agreed before disconnecting the line.

  Friday arrived sooner than anticipated, but luckily Vaughn was able to clear his schedule for Angella’s event. Now if he could just have a Natalia-free afternoon all would be perfect. Carlton gave him the address with plans to meet up at the studio.

  As he walked through to door with the other guests, he admitted to feeling enthusiasm at seeing Angella perform for the first time.

  He saw his friend from across the room. He waved and headed in his direction.

  “You made it.”

  “I said I would. When does she start?”

  “In a few minutes. I got here early and saved two seats up front.”

  Vaughn followed Carlton down the hall and into a large room. There were rows of seating and a large curtained stage. The drapes were closed for the show, but he could see and hear slight movement behind them. Shortly thereafter, the spacious room was filled to capacity with parents, grandparents, friends and kids. Digital camera flashes were going off in rapid succession around the room while people waited for the show to begin.

  Seconds later, a woman walked elegantly across the stage. She was wearing black leggings, ballerina slippers and a long-sleeved top in a fusion of colors. Vaughn’s chair screeched in protest when he reared back in surprise. A mother turned around and shushed him.

  “Good afternoon everyone and welcome to our recital. For those of you that may not know me, my name is Cassandra Lambert.”

  “What the hell is going on?” Vaughn whispered loudly.

  “How so?” Carlton replied.

  “That is Sienna’s stepmother.”

  “Yes, I know. Angella’s taking dance lessons from her.”

  “Don’t you think I should’ve known that tidbit of information before now?”

  “Why? What difference would that have made? You wouldn’t have come if you knew Angella’s teacher was your girlfriend’s mother?”

  “Ex-girlfriend,” Vaughn snapped. “And you know better than to ask me that.”

  “Okay, so what’s the big deal?”

  “It still would’ve been nice to get advance warning, Carl.”

  “Point taken. Now be quiet. That grandmother over there is giving us the evil eye.”

  While Cassandra was talking, Vaughn slowly perused the audience. When he didn’t see Sienna anywhere he visibly relaxed.

  “You’re pitiful,” Carlton whispered.

  “Shhh,” Vaughn warned.

  Several people turned to stare at Carlton. His expression when he looked at Vaughn was telling. He mouthed the words, “Payback.”

  “Bring it,” Vaughn mouthed back.

  All concern at running into Sienna was forgotten the moment Angella stepped out on the stage. She was dressed in a Nineteen Fifties pink Poodle Skirt with an embroidered black poodle. Her short-sleeved polo shirt was black with a pink poodle. At her neck was a pink chiffon scarf. White cotton socks, saddle shoes and pink cat eye glasses completed her outfit. Her hair was pulled back in the signature ponytail tied with a scarf. She danced with a young man also dressed in period attire. They danced to the song At The Hop and then they broke out into the Twist.

  When they were done, the crowd cheered and clapped. Carlton beamed proudly. “That’s my little girl.”

  “She was incredible,” Vaughn enthused over the tremendous applause. He was cheering along with the majority of the audience.

  There were another three performances by the students followed by a grand finale of Cassandra’s teenage ballet class to Deux Arabesque by Claude Debussy. What made it difficult to sit through was that Sienna was the pianist. Throughout the entire routine Vaughn’s eyes would stray to the piano off to the side of the large stage. Sienna’s profile was relaxed as her fingers moved effortlessly over the keys. Her back was straight and at times her head would move in time to the music. It was clear she was caught up in the classical composition. It was all he could do to stay in his seat. Several times he shifted uncomfortably. He was in purgatory. A serene and well-choreographed hell set to beautiful music. It was almost more than he could bear.

  At the conclusion of the piece, the troupe received a standing ovation. Much to Vaughn’s dismay there was a reception afterwards. The whole procession filed out into another room where tables placed along the walls were laden with refreshments. He stood around trying to look at ease, but it was an act. He realized that at any moment he might see Sienna. Vaughn’s calm outward demeanor was in stark contrast to the emotions warring within him.

  “We’re not at a tax audit,” his friend chided. “Quit scowling.”

  “I’m not,” Vaughn smiled in reaction. “Here’s my Angel no
w,” he said as Angella walked up. “These are for you, lovely lady.” He handed her a bouquet of red roses. “You were sensational.”

  “Thanks, Uncle Vaughn. Oh my gosh, did you guys see me trip when we were doing the Lindy Hop?” she cried. “I was so nervous I’d mess up again.”

  “We didn’t notice a thing, baby,” her father assured her.

  Vaughn gave her a hug. “No way did you look anything but incredible out there. I had no idea you were interested in the arts.”

  “I couldn’t help it. Miss Sienna and Ms. Cassie made it sound so awesome I had to try it. Don’t worry Uncle Vaughn, I still love my sports.”

  Crouching down so that he was eye level, Vaughn tweaked her nose. “Angel, you can do whatever you want. You know your dad and I will always support you.”

  “That’s right,” Carlton piped up. He glanced over Angella’s shoulder. “Sweetheart I think we should go and thank Ms. Cassie for a job well done.”

  “Sure daddy.”

  As she turned around she spotted Sienna. “Hi Miss Sienna. The show was great wasn’t it?”

  “You know it. I’m so proud of all of you.” Smiling, she hugged Angella. “How does it feel to be a star?”

  “The butterflies didn’t leave until after our second performance.”

  “Well by then you were an old pro,” Vaughn joked.

  “Come on Angella we don’t want to miss speaking to your teacher.”

  The pair said their goodbyes leaving Sienna and Vaughn alone. Here it was. Vaughn lamented. That dreaded first meeting after the relationship post mortem. He looked her over. “Hi, Doc.”

  A strained expression crossed her face.

  “Sienna,” he corrected, annoyed at her reaction. “Or would you prefer Dr. Lambert?”

  She bristled. “How are you?”

  Was that a trick question? He wondered. “Just fine and you?”

  “Good.”

  Time slowed to an agonizing crawl. The two stood there staring awkwardly at each other.