by Calista Fox
“Rogen.” She tsked. “That’s pushing a very explosive button.”
“What choice did I have?” he contended. “My father’s playing hardball. I’m going to deflect. Find a way to get what we want.”
Jewel smiled. Kissed him again. Softly. Sweetly. Against his lips, she said, “I love sheer determination. Turns me on.”
He groaned sexily. “Too bad you started the lasagna already.”
“Such bad timing on my part.”
He kissed her, then asked, “So you’ll stop obsessing over Holly and let us three be the only ones who give a rip over what goes on amongst us?”
“Of course not,” she said. “I always obsess over drama. You know this about me. Runs in the family. Yours, too.”
He smacked her on the butt and then went for the plates to set the table.
Turning to Vin, she asked, “Is it really wise to flaunt our relationship in public?”
“I don’t consider it flaunting. There are very few people who don’t already know, or who haven’t just recently learned—thanks to Holly—of our pasts and how close we all were growing up. So it isn’t exactly a new world order to see us together now. After all, it’s not like we’re going to be making out in a corner booth somewhere.”
“No more fucking me in a public bathroom,” she ordered.
“That I cannot guarantee.” He winked.
Jewel’s insides ignited. “You just love being wicked.”
“You didn’t exactly say no to two orgasms that day.”
“So if you’re going to break the rules, you’d better make it three of ’em next time.”
He chuckled, low and deep. Keeping the heat rushing through her veins.
“We should uncork another bottle,” she suggested. “I think we all need it.”
* * *
Later, over dinner, Jewel still pondered her parents’ reaction to the news of her, Rogen, and Vin. She said, “You know, my father didn’t go into a fit of rage that an Angelini was on one of his planes, like I sort of thought he would. For that matter, he was really more contemplative than angry about what he’d heard of the three of us. I won’t say he was the least bit understanding. He literally lost his appetite and walked away as well. I’m sure he’s got some steel-caged mental block to keep out the intimate details. But there was something about the interaction that took me by surprise. I just don’t know what it was.”
With a nod, Vin said, “I had a kernel just dying to pop in my head, too, when I spoke privately with Gian. Almost as though … there’s something about the feud we don’t really know.”
“For that matter,” Jewel continued, “it was my mother who fumed this morning, more so than my father. Shouldn’t that be the other way around? I mean, putting aside the hit to her reputation, my mother is a pretty frisky woman with her husband. She’s not exactly a prude—I’d half-expect her to want juicy tidbits. Conversely, my father should have threatened to throttle both of you for defiling his daughter.”
“Defiling?” Rogen scoffed with a pointed stare. “Who begs on a nightly basis?”
Her cheeks flushed. The corner of her mouth lifted. “Well, it’s just that you’re both so irresistible. I can’t help myself.”
“Yes,” Vin chimed in, “and our willpower is so indestructible.”
“No complaints there,” she muttered playfully into her wineglass before taking a sip.
Rogen was quiet a few moments, then added, “You know, Jewel, I got the sense my mother was worried something might be wrong at your estate when you showed up unexpectedly at the party. Which struck me as odd, because my parents were clearly disturbed by your unwelcome presence. But somehow, I feel that might have changed if you’d actually been there to deliver bad news.”
“Well, they were all best friends,” Vin stated. “For most of their lives. As the three of us have discovered, that doesn’t just go away because of time and distance.”
“I think the answer is staring us in the face,” Jewel said as she offered her glass to Rogen for him to pour more of the merlot. “It’s just a little disconcerting we haven’t been able to see it vividly.”
“Something to do with the mothers?” Vin ventured.
“Yes,” Jewel agreed. “They were like sisters. Since they were kids. Tragedy can alter the course of your life, certainly. But they’re two very steady, strong-willed women who allowed their husbands to declare they could no longer be friends. That seems to go against the grain for them. Understandably, Gian could be furious with my father for circumventing him during a time when he was distracted, but what did that have to do with the wives? My mother doesn’t have much say in the family business—her choice. And she usually gets a far-off look in her eyes when Daddy goes on and on about one investment or another. Like she’s mentally contemplating her next charitable cause to conquer and finds that much more exciting.”
“Can’t say that my mother has ever taken much interest in distillery operations, either,” Rogen said. “They both prefer to leave business to the men.”
“So why do I feel as if we’re not seeing the big picture?” Jewel asked.
“Because we haven’t yet gone directly to the source?” Rogen speculated.
“The mothers,” Vin repeated.
“Yes.” Jewel lifted her glass in toast for the breakthrough. “The mothers.”
And a plan began to form in her head.…
* * *
The next afternoon, Jewel pulled into the parking lot of Bristol’s ten minutes ahead of her scheduled meet-up with Rogen and Vin.
She sat in her convertible and stared at the stylish brick building before her.
Why had she agreed to this particular restaurant?
There were dozens in River Cross. Many of them much more low-key.
The problem with this particular establishment was that it was one of the most popular eateries and bars in town. Jewel couldn’t make it through the lounge, the dining room, or the patio without running into a handful of people she knew.
And she was going to have lunch here with Rogen and Vin, amidst rumors the trio were scorching the sheets?
A few beads of perspiration popped along her hairline, and against the bare nape of her neck, since her blond hair was pulled into a high ponytail. She wore a daffodil-colored sheath and strappy sandals. Not exactly confining clothes. And it was a balmy spring day. Definitely not one that called for an extra layer of deodorant. Yet she was currently wishing she’d brought along the clear gel to freshen up.
Her throat felt dry and tight. Her palms were clammy. Her pulse beat a bit too fast.
Okay, so, facing the music was no easy feat. Knowing people would stare—and not for the usual reasons. She was accustomed to garnering attention, which mostly came from her family name and abundant stock portfolio. The envious gazes of women sometimes followed her. Flirtatious stares from men.
But this would be different.
She considered what one might speculate over when they heard the term ménage à trois.
Words such as taboo and insatiable and slut came to mind.
Whoa.
Where had that last one come from?
And oh, my God. Was that what people were saying about her?
Chances were very good few would even bat an eye at Rogen and Vin’s participation in a threesome. They were quite devilish by nature … and men. But hers?
Was there a double standard that would leave the connotation of loose and easy in her wake?
Jewel choked on a humorless laugh. Until that night of the gala, she hadn’t had sex in seven years! She’d rarely dated in the city. And, for God’s sake, the only two men she’d ever slept with were Rogen and Vin.
Come on, Jewel. She goaded herself.
Chin up. Shoulders squared.
Turn off the car and get out.
She pulled in a deep breath. Exhaled slowly.
Okay. Now turn off the car and get out.
She didn’t. Instead, she gave up her primo parki
ng spot and drove away.
* * *
“Jewel’s not meeting us,” Rogen announced as he plopped into a chair on the patio and set his phone on the table.
Vin glanced up from the menu.
“Says she needs more time,” Rogen told him.
Vin’s brow quirked. “To have her nails done, or to be seen in public with us?”
Rogen smirked.
“Ah. The latter.”
A cute brunette swooped in to take their orders, all perky and flirty, batting long lashes. Vin considered doing her the huge favor of telling her to save it for her other male customers. Neither he nor Rogen would nibble on the lure.
They each selected a burger and iced tea. Then Rogen said, “I get that it’s probably different for a woman in this particular scenario. Especially in a town where you know so many people.”
“She’ll come around,” Vin assured him. “Jewel’s never been one for letting others’ opinions derail her. This is just a unique situation and one that came about quickly. Unexpectedly. You and I are still working through it, right?”
“I don’t know what’s to work through anymore,” Rogen admitted. “Even slugging you on a regular basis wouldn’t change the fact that I’d give her whatever she wanted, including a relationship that involves you.”
“I’m not sure whether to be flattered or offended,” Vin deadpanned.
“Come on. This is what you and I want. There’s no reason to beat around the bush. Sure, it irritated you when you thought she’d gone back to me years ago. It pissed me off to learn the two of you had been an item while I was gone. But the bottom line is and always will be that we want one woman who’s ours. Yours and mine. And that woman is Jewel.”
All the more reason Vin was unsettled that she’d bailed on lunch. He could understand it. But he worried over her being off somewhere convincing herself to call off the ménage.
Or being with someone—like her mother—who would do the convincing for her.
Yet he clung to his previous belief that Jewel might suffer self-doubt, but she didn’t let anyone else tell her what to do and how to do it. So he had lunch with Rogen, who then headed back to the office.
Vin stuck around. He caught up on e-mails and texts on his phone. Made a couple of calls. Was just about ready to pay the check and leave when Holly strolled over.
“All alone?” she asked in her husky southern drawl. “I can’t imagine why Jewel Catalano would let you out of her sight.”
Vin sat back in his chair. His temper simmered. “I didn’t have lunch with Jewel today. I’m surprised you don’t already know that.”
“Now, Vin,” she said as she slid into the seat across from him that Rogen had vacated. “I didn’t mean to spill the beans on your new love life.”
“Really?” He gave her a don’t bullshit me look to go along with the one that no doubt warned: I protect my own. “Because that’s exactly what you did.”
“I was having cocktails with Francine Hillman, who’d seen the three of you together, right on this very patio. I had too much to drink and one thing led to another.”
“Let me give you a piece of advice.” He leaned forward, folding his forearms on the table. “The people of River Cross know Jewel and her reputation much better than yours. She might be feeling the digs at the moment, but I promise you, she’ll bounce back twice as strong. You said of her grudge toward me, Hell hath no fury?” His gaze narrowed. “When it comes to Jewel, you’re right. So I’d watch my back, if I were you.”
She gaped.
Granted, Vin knew perfectly well Jewel would never stoop to slandering Holly to even the score. But Holly didn’t know that.
For good measure, Vin added, “You don’t have a clean slate yourself, Holly. You wouldn’t want your own reputation dragged through the mud, now, would you? Since you seem to be playing the high-and-mighty card. Rogen and I can attest to how you like it in the bedroom.”
He pushed back his chair and left her stunned into silence. He caught the server on the way out and handed over cash. Then Vin returned to work at the mansion.
* * *
Jewel was in the San Francisco office the next morning when the very unexpected happened. The very horrific.
“Rose-Marie Angelini is on the line for you,” Cameron announced.
Jewel’s heart nearly stopped.
What the hell did Rogen’s mother want with her?
Like you don’t know.
She stared at the phone. For how long she had no idea.
Cameron actually came into the office. “You gonna pick up?”
“I … don’t know.”
“She’s waiting. And you are not a rude person, Jewel.”
She swallowed hard. “No, I am not. But this is … complicated.”
“Would you like me to tell her you went to a meeting?”
“No. I’ve been spineless enough lately.” She still kicked herself for not being able to get out of her car at Bristol’s. So she snatched the receiver and infused a shitload of confidence she didn’t really feel at the moment into her voice. “Mrs. Angelini. What a pleasant surprise.”
“I’m in the city,” Rose-Marie said. “I wondered if you would meet me for lunch.”
Jewel sucked in a breath. How much more awkward could this get? She’d already had to explain the threesome to her parents. Now to Rogen’s mother?
Damn it.
Why hadn’t she taken Cameron up on her offer to say she was in a meeting?
Because that wouldn’t make this confrontation go away.
So Jewel bucked up. “Tell me when and where.”
“Bayview in the Financial District. Not far from your office. It’s by the Hyatt.”
“I’ve been there many times. Excellent location.”
“One o’clock?”
“I’ll see you then.”
“Thank you.” Rose-Marie disconnected the call.
Jewel replaced the receiver in its cradle and tried to focus on work for the next couple of hours. But her mind whirled. She debated whether she should phone Rogen and fill him in. But decided she might as well find out what his mother wanted, what she had to say, before making anyone panic. Other than herself, that was.
Lunch rolled around a little too quickly. Jewel arrived at Bayview precisely at one; Rose-Marie was already seated.
Had Rogen’s mother arrived early so that she had time to settle herself, relax, think through this face-to-face meeting?
A tactic Jewel realized she should have employed. Might have helped her to get a grip on her cyclonic thoughts and emotions.
She followed the maître d’ through the lively restaurant. It was an elegant, upscale dining room with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Bay Bridge from the top of the high-rise building. It happened to be a sunny day and the rays sparkled on the capped waves.
Despite the warm ambience of candles on tables that were topped with formal full-length white-linen cloths, delicate china, and polished flatware, Jewel’s pulse slowed to a paltry crawl. Her strides shortened as she dragged her feet to reach Rose-Marie, seated at the floor-to-ceiling windows, perusing a menu.
She apparently caught Jewel in her peripheral vision, because she rested the menu on the table and stood. Dressed all in white, she looked pristine and angelic. Was that on purpose? Because Jewel wore flashy red and it suddenly made her feel … risqué.
They did the polite double-cheek air-kiss thing—more for public effect than anything else—and then Jewel took the chair across from Rose-Marie. The maître d’ placed a linen napkin in Jewel’s lap and handed over a menu. She set it aside. She already knew what she was ordering. Not that she expected to be able to eat with her stomach twisted so tight and nervous energy coursing through her.
A server swooped in. With a subtle wave of Rose-Marie’s manicured hand, she indicated for Jewel to order first.
“Iced tea with a mint leaf and the chicken Caesar salad,” she said.
“Very good,�
� the server confirmed with a nod. She turned her attention to Jewel’s dining companion. “And for you, Mrs. Angelini?”
“Iced tea with lime and the grilled tuna Niçoise salad.”
“Wonderful selections, ladies. I’ll be right back with your tea and bread.”
Jewel wondered if she should have requested a cocktail instead. Perhaps an extra-dirty martini to go with her scarlet letter? Not that she’d committed adultery. But the way Rogen’s mother eyed her with a hint of wariness in her golden eyes suggested Jewel had done something equally immoral and offensive.
“Thank you for joining me,” Rose-Marie said in her soft, cultured tone.
“It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Angelini.”
“Please, call me Rose-Marie. You used to call me Aunt Rosie.” Her head inclined slightly to the side. “Do you remember?”
“Yes, of course. That was a long time ago.”
Rose-Marie’s smile was a forlorn one. “An entire lifetime ago.”
“Yes.”
They paused as the tea and bread basket arrived. Jewel reached for her glass and took a big sip, hoping to wash down the emotion and anxiety bubbling in her throat.
Rose-Marie said, “You’ve grown into a very lovely woman.”
Jewel stared at her over the rim of her glass. What was that inflection she heard in Rose-Marie’s tone? Sadness? Remorse? Nostalgia? All three? Something entirely different?
Returning her tea to the table, Jewel cautiously said, “You’re as beautiful as you’ve always been. In fact, you look almost the same as you did when I was twelve and you were teaching me how to wear mascara and lip gloss. A hint of blush on my cheeks to give me some color.”
Tears burned the backs of Jewel’s eyes, but she fought them. Her life had been intertwined with the Angelinis way back when. It’d literally been a culture shock to have the ties instantly severed. To be cut off from all of them. So suddenly. So harshly. Even Gian.
Which made her think once more of Rose-Marie’s lifelong friendship with Jewel’s mother. How must that have felt for the two of them to have been ripped from each other?
Precisely how it felt for it to happen with you and Rogen. And Vin.
Jewel’s heart wrenched. The feud honestly could not have been strictly over land. But before she could begin to gently probe for answers, Rose-Marie got down to business.