I gasp. “You think I did this?”
“You’re the only one with the card.”
“But there must be another explanation! I promise I never bought those things! I don’t even know where Darla’s Beauty Salon is!”
“It’s just down the road from your house.”
“What? You mean Brad’s house?”
“Yes, of course. You were living there when the charge was made.”
“I barely know that area! Wait, we need to look at this logically. I went hiking at Yosemite with Brad the other Sunday, and Corey kept trying to call me. I was so angry that I threw my phone off a cliff. It wasn’t until afterwards that I realized how stupid it was, and how I almost wrecked your chance at an audition. But I…wait a second…who told you about the phone in the first place?”
For the first time since we sat down, she looks uncertain.
“Billy told me,” she says softly.
“Will?” I yell. “Will told you about the phone? How did he even know?”
“Apparently he overheard some guy, I guess it was Brad, telling his friend about it.”
“And what? He just showed up on your doorstep with this information?”
She turns red. Apparently so.
“Did he by any chance suggest that you look for other signs of my incompetence?”
She stares at me and I know I’m right.
“How do you know Will didn’t make those charges? Actually, come to think of it, I didn’t even keep the card in my purse. I left it in my room at Brad’s for safekeeping. Will could have found it and used it at any time. Especially since I’ve been away.”
She looks stricken.
“Oh, Chrissie…”
“Look, it’s fine. Let’s just forget about it. We’ll sort out Will later. I actually have some really good news, and I hope it will make up for the whole stupid phone thing. The auditions are still on! I finally found Peter and we sorted everything out. You’ve still got a chance at landing that role!”
Gia looks like she’s going to be sick.
“That’s not exactly the reaction I was hoping for,” I say lightly.
She meets my gaze with tears in her eyes.
“I did something really dumb.”
My heart sinks.
“What?”
She breathes out shakily.
“I made the sex tape.”
“Oh my God, Gia! When?”
“Last night.”
“I tried calling you yesterday! Ugh…” I shake my head.
“Well, why didn’t you call me sooner?”
“I did! Your voicemail was full!”
“Oh.”
“What were you thinking? Don’t tell me Will was responsible for this too?”
Her silence is all the confirmation I need.
“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “It’s just that after you left, I started doubting everything. And then Billy came sniffing around, and I knew it was wrong, but after he made it look like you had betrayed me, I kind of gave up a little. He played on my fears by pointing out that you hadn’t been in touch when you were supposed to…”
“But you knew I was in the desert and I would call you as soon as I could! I can’t believe you thought I would steal from you! Throwing a phone in anger is one thing, but stealing is a different thing altogether!”
“Well, it seems that Billy may have changed the phone story to suit his motives. He said that he overheard Brad talking about me, and I was the reason you smashed your phone.”
“You should have checked! How could you trust him over me? You know he always just used you.”
She starts whimpering.
“I know. And now I’ve ruined my chance for the audition.”
“Okay, wait. Did he say what he was going to do with the tape?”
“He was going to leak the story to the media and then put it up on some paid subscription site at Halloween.”
“Why then?”
“I don’t know. Some weird plan he had.”
“Who did you do the tape with?”
“I don’t know. Just some random guy Billie hired.”
“Oh, that’s gross, Gia. Couldn’t you have at least done it with someone you already knew?”
“Hey, we’re not all freaking saints like you,” she snaps. “And remember, you still lied to me.” She stands up. “Forget it. I’ll figure this out on my own.”
“Wait, don’t go…”
She stalks off and I sit there, feeling guilty and sad.
This was supposed to be a happy reunion. But I think we might have both messed up too much to go back to how we were.
THIRTY-SEVEN
I lie on Penny’s couch, wondering if anything I’ve gone through over the last few months has been worth it. After Corey and I split up, I at least felt like I was making inroads with Gia’s career. It was really the only thing that gave me purpose.
But now? Her reputation is going to be trashed in a couple of weeks, which will probably affect baby food sales, and Peter Carson probably won’t want to cast her in his movie anymore. Actually, I’m not completely sure about that, but I don’t know many A-listers who have made sex tapes and increased their credibility.
I feel like a shell of my former self. There were so many moments recently when I thought maybe I was finally getting back on track, only to have my hopes crushed beyond recognition. I like to think I’ve learned a bit about myself in terms of relationships, but after this fall-out with Gia, it’s almost as if I’m back to square one.
I don’t feel like I have anyone to turn to apart from Penny and Michelle. Everyone else has let me down. I know I’m not completely blameless, and I know I’ve let people down too, but I’m not sure I deserve to be where I am – possibly unemployed, single, and ignored by all the men in my life.
God.
The doorbell rings.
I almost laugh. I have a sudden vision of the old woman with the braid from Earth & Fire somehow sensing I need a hug and magically appearing on my doorstep. Wouldn’t that be nice?
I warily open the door, because I’m not silly. I know it’s probably not going to be anyone bringing me good news.
Corey.
“What are you doing here?” I ask dully.
He looks miserable. “Can I come in?”
I have no fight left in me. I step aside, allowing him to enter.
He sits on a stool at the kitchen counter while I pour us each a glass of water. I need an excuse to keep some physical distance between us.
“Chrissie, I’ve been such a jackass. I’ve treated you so badly and you’ve been nothing but kind to me.”
I feel the tears well in my eyes. Damn it. I take a second to regain my composure.
“This is true. Well, mostly. You didn’t hear the names I called you after I found out you were engaged.”
“Well, I want to start by saying that I never intended to hurt you. I was telling the truth when I said I hadn’t hooked up with anyone while we were together. And I know I sounded vague when you asked if I’d been talking to people online, but it was only because I didn’t know how to explain. See, I was chatting to some people I met on a forum, but it wasn’t really flirting, it was more just connecting with others who were going through the same thing. I felt guilty because I knew it was leading me further away from you, but at the same time, I needed to do it.”
I look at him sadly. I appreciate his honesty, but it doesn’t make it any easier to hear. “So when did you meet Jasper?”
“Not until just after I’d moved back in to the apartment. It all happened very fast. I met him out at a club one night and he mentioned he needed a place to stay, so I offered, but then it all just snowballed from there. I didn’t plan it – and to be honest, I’ve been kind of freaked out by how quickly everything’s happening.”
“It’s natural to feel that way. You’ve only known the guy for a few months and you’re already engaged!”
“I know! And then he offered to buy th
e apartment…”
“Ah. So that’s why you turned down that other offer.” I’m not even surprised.
He looks sheepish. “Yeah, I well and truly fucked things up between you and me.”
“You could have gone about it a little differently,” I agree.
“And to not tell you about the wedding was inexcusable. Jasper was pressuring me to call you, but I was such a coward. I was kind of hoping I could convince him to wait a while before we had the ceremony.” He rubs the heel of his palm on his forehead. “How did you find out?”
“I got an email from the boutique about your wedding gift registry. There must have been a glitch in the system that sent the second email to me instead of Jasper.”
“Oh, shit. That’s terrible. What a horrible way to find out. I wasn’t even thinking when I used the same boutique. I actually don’t even want to do the whole gift thing again, but Jasper…”
“Look, I know I’m not exactly an impartial party here,” I say gently. “But he sounds like a lot of work. Are you happy?”
He sighs. “It’s complicated. I do love him, but I’m not really sure I’m ready to remarry yet. And then to buy an apartment together on top of that is a huge commitment.’
“You’re telling me!” I laugh. “I think you really need to consider whether you have to do all of these things right away.”
He smiles weakly. “Easier said than done. Jasper is like a freaking freight train, charging ahead with plans left, right and center. He’s even booked us on a two-week trip to the Caribbean for our honeymoon once the…” He lowers his voice. “…divorce is final.”
“Well I can’t exactly speed that up. But I’m assuming you’ve finally signed the papers?”
He sighs. “Yes. Not long before you called to ask about the wedding.”
“At least that will give you some breathing room.”
“Chrissie? Do you think we might be able to get those other buyers back to take our apartment? I’m thinking I could just tell Jasper they outbid him and we’ll have to rent for the time being.”
“You can call Barb and see. This is all up to you now. But do you really want to go hiding things from your future husband?”
He puffs out his cheeks. “You’re right. I can’t do that.”
“Have a talk with him. And whatever you decide, let me know.”
He starts to tear up.
“Oh God, Chrissie. Do you think you can forgive me?”
I smile. “We’ll work on it.”
“I’ve been meaning to say, feel free to come by and take whatever furniture you like. Obviously half of it is yours.”
“What about the New York painting?” I ask slyly.
He gulps. “Sure. You can have it.”
I punch him lightly on the arm. “I’m just messing with you. I know how much you love that thing. But I call dibs on the knife set in the kitchen and that plate we got in Connecticut.”
“Deal.”
I feel like I’m making some progress here. It’s a miracle.
“Chrissie, are you going to be okay?”
“I’m getting there.”
“Have you met anyone else? I mean, I know you had that er, thing with your roommate…”
I hold up a hand. “That really was just a one-off.” Matt’s face flashes across my vision. “But there’s no one else right now.”
“I have a feeling you’re going to find someone really soon,” he says resolutely.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I’m happy just to be alone for now.”
And when I think about it, I realize I’m not just saying it. I really mean it. I can’t be desperately searching for my soulmate. It doesn’t work that way. And besides…I think I still need a lot of time to get over all the men in my life before I can even begin the process of finding someone new.
“I do want you to be happy, Chrissie.” He gives me a hug. “I’ll let you know how I go with the realtor. And I promise to be totally honest with you from now on. I will answer my phone whenever you call, even if Jasper doesn’t like it, and I will tell you anything important in person.”
I smile gratefully. “Thanks for making the effort.”
“You really are an amazing person. And I will always love you.”
“Go on, get out of here before I turn into a puddle.”
He grins. “I mean it.”
***
I find it strange that it was Corey who managed to pull me back from the brink. I guess it goes to show, some things aren’t always what they seem, and sometimes you just need that little bit of extra information to see everything more clearly.
I just knew Corey was a good guy. A sometimes flaky and impressionable one, but still a good guy. I hope he has the strength to stand up to Jasper, but with his tendency to avoid confrontation, I wonder if he’ll just go along with everything so he doesn’t have to engage in any uncomfortable discussions.
Somehow Corey’s situation puts my own into perspective. I am actually doing all right. I am healthy, I am soon to be divorced – which means I am free to meet someone else when I’m emotionally ready – and I am not homeless, nor do I have to worry about pleasing anyone else or compromising my beliefs to make them happy.
Then I remember Gia. I can’t leave things like they are. I’m going to fix this.
And I think I have a plan.
THIRTY-EIGHT
“I need your help,” are the first words out of my mouth when Penny gets home.
She laughs. “Straight to the point. What’s up?”
“Gia’s ex-publicist took advantage of her while I was away and she ended up making a sex tape. I’m going to try and get it back.”
“Oh God. What was she thinking?”
“She wasn’t. But we all do silly things. Remember when you flashed your boobs at that Killers concert last year?”
She laughs. “Yeah, but I didn’t do it on camera.”
“You could have easily ended up on the big screen, which is almost the same. Anyway, this is what I propose…”
***
I knew I could rely on my sister and her powers of persuasion. Her organization skills are amazing thanks to her job, and her friends are very loyal.
Later that evening, I meet up with Penny, Michelle and the girls out the front of Will’s bar. I called Brad under the guise of booking in a catch-up soon, but I really wanted to find out if Will was working. I was assured that yes, he was.
Anna looks me up and down. “Wow, I barely recognize you!”
“Good. That’s what I was hoping for.” I’m kind of in disguise, with a peroxide blond wig that I had left over from a fancy dress party a few years back, and I’m wearing one of Penny’s most low key outfits – a long hippie skirt with a red lace top and combat boots. I’m not taking any chances that Will might spot one of my dresses or coats and make the connection. This plan requires me to be incognito.
I am so glad Rochelle agreed to help out. She’s gone above and beyond, wearing a tight leather mini-skirt, knee-high boots and a sheer top with a plunging neckline. Her eyes are smoky and her lips are painted a glossy blood red. She could quite possibly be the most seductive person I have ever met.
She winks at me. “Ready to do this?”
“Yep. After you.”
We all traipse in. I hang back so Rochelle can capture everyone’s attention.
“Jeez, this place makes my skin crawl,” Penny whispers in my ear.
“Tell me about it,” I whisper back.
The bar makes me fearful to be back on the singles market. If these are the kinds of guys I get to choose from, I’ll happily live alone for the rest of my life. The place is full of middle aged men, most of them overweight, and either drooling over Rochelle, or with their eyes glued to the game on the TV behind the bar.
Matt’s face flashes across my mind again, but I quickly push it away. There’s no use wasting any more time on some guy who obviously only wanted a one-night stand.
“Chrissie!�
� Rochelle whispers.
“Sorry.” I shake my head and focus on the task at hand.
“Which one’s Will? I’m betting him.” She correctly points to one of three bartenders behind the counter. Yuck. He looks even slimier here.
“Yep.”
“All right. Well, let’s do this for Gia. Have you told her yet?”
“No. I thought I’d wait and see if we could pull it off before I got her hopes up.”
“We are totally going to pull it off,” Rochelle says confidently. She approaches the bar and switches on the charm.
She’s right. Will doesn’t stand a chance, and practically trips over himself in his effort to serve her.
“Hi,” Rochelle purrs. “I’m after something that will go down easy.”
I position myself close by, but facing away so Will can’t recognize me. I want to hear everything.
His face lights up. “How about a Screaming Orgasm?”
“That sounds exactly up my alley.”
I really want to turn around, but I can’t blow my cover. The other girls are chatting together, trying to work out if they should order something to drink as well, or if we should leave the second Rochelle has Will on the hook.
“I need to be sober,” I tell Penny. “If I drink, I won’t be alert enough to manage my end of the plan.”
“I’ll grab a couple of beers,” Anna says. “That way we won’t look suspicious just hanging about. We’re already causing enough of a scene.” She indicates the dozen men gawking at our group.
Penny nudges me. I sneak a peek and watch as Will hands Rochelle her drink. She proceeds to lick the edge of the glass, all the while keeping her gaze fixed on Will. I cough into my shoulder to stifle a laugh.
“When do you get off?” she says suggestively.
Will looks like he can’t believe his luck. And I can’t believe how Rochelle can say something like that without cracking up.
“It’s pretty quiet. I can get the guys to cover for me.” He practically jumps over the counter. “Where do you want to go?”
“How about your place?” she murmurs.
“Sure thing, doll. Let’s go.”
“Hang on, let me just say goodbye to my friends first.”
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