Society Wives

by Renee Flagler

  Mike grabbed her arm. She tossed him a scathing glare.

  “I’m sorry.”

  Vonnie didn’t want Mike to witness her softening from his apology, so she tried to pull away, but Mike held on to her.

  “You’re right. I was desperate and didn’t think of how this would affect my family. All I could think of was how to maintain the lifestyle that I had gotten you and Noelle accustomed to living. With or without money, I need you and her in my life.” Vonnie sighed. “I’m going to fix this.” Vonnie raised her brows. “The right way,” Mike added and pulled her into his strong arms.

  “You went too far this time.”

  “I know. However, in order to fix this, we are going to have to make some serious changes. Noelle may have to come out of that school. We may have to find a new place to live. A lot will change.”

  “We could put this house on the market tomorrow for all I care. I miss Noelle anyway. The schools here are great. We’ll start by getting you a good lawyer and getting past this legal mess. Don’t do anything stupid like this again.”

  Mike smiled sheepishly. “Never again.”

  Vonnie drew in a long breath. “I’m exhausted and I need a shower. You coming?”

  Mike took Vonnie by the hand and led her to the bathroom. They showered, washing away the stress and anxiety of the day as much as possible. Together they crawled into the bed and lay in each other’s arms.

  “Let’s talk about our game plan in the morning,” Vonnie said.

  “Alright.”

  Mike was alive and safe, but sleep still didn’t come easy. She was serious when she said that the money and lifestyle they’d become accustomed to didn’t matter, but she knew she would miss it. What would they tell their friends about all of the changes they would have to make? What would she tell the wives?

  Chapter 42

  Ryan

  Ryan wanted to leap off the chaise and shout when Anderson told her that she needed to buy a dress to attend a benefit where he had been asked to speak. If she wasn’t pregnant, she would have jumped up and down. Instead, she squeezed her knees together and squealed, clapping her hands like a seal.

  “So find something beautiful and elegant. Cameras will be following us all night,” Anderson told her.

  “I can definitely do that.”

  “Maybe you can ask one of the wives to help you pick something out. Nadalia has great taste.”

  Ryan’s smile faded, remembering how Anderson had been caught eyeing Nadalia at their Christmas party. She didn’t need Nadalia. She had taste, too. “I can pick out something on my own.” Her tone was flat.

  “I didn’t mean anything by it. Anyway. Just go get something.”

  “Okay. When is the benefit?” Ryan’s toothy grin returned.

  “Tonight,” Anderson said, swiping at the New York Times on his iPad Air.

  “Tonight?” Ryan yelled. “And you’re just telling me now?”

  Anderson looked up at Ryan as if he wondered what the big deal was.

  “Yes. Why? What’s the problem?”

  Ryan threw her head back and grunted. “Anderson!” Ryan looked at the watch hanging from her thin wrist. “I need to go and get something right now. What about my hair? My nails look like crap. You couldn’t have told me before now?”

  “No.”

  Ryan waited for more of an explanation and when he went back to reading the news, she and walked out of the room. For a moment she thought about wearing something she already had, then thought that wouldn’t work. The few times she did accompany him to awards dinners and benefits, paparazzi was all over them and some of those pictures ended up on the internet and in the rags. Not that they cared about her, but she had been standing right by his side. Surely some big-eyed fashion critic would slam her for repeating an outfit when her husband was a celebrity. That wouldn’t look good for Anderson.

  Ryan jumped in the shower and headed out in search of a perfect dress for the evening. Then she asked her mom to call in a favor and get her squeezed in for a last minute appointment with her good friend who owned a hair salon over in Rockville Center.

  Ryan wasn’t much to make a big fuss over getting dressed, so within hours she had her act together, surprising Anderson when she strolled down the stairs with the grace of Elizabeth Taylor in her heyday.

  With his cell phone plastered to his ear, Anderson paused, training his eyes on Ryan with his mouth slightly ajar. Her green gown brought out the matching hue of her eyes. Her straight hair was swept into a chic bun with wisps of sweet tendrils gracing her neck and temples. She turned slightly as she descended so that he could see how the back dipped dangerously into her lower back, while still maintaining its elegance. The long strip of dangling diamonds cascaded down the sides of her jawline like crystal waters—a perfect complement to the diamond bracelet she wore. Silver stilettos completed her ensemble.

  “Let me call you back,” Anderson managed to say when he finally found words.

  Anderson’s gesture made Ryan feel beautiful. Even with a million dollar wardrobe, Ryan couldn’t remember the last time her husband actually made her feel pretty. A coy smile spread across her face and her cheeks grew warm.

  Anderson met her at the bottom of the staircase and held his hand out to her. Ryan took it, allowing him to guide her for the last few steps in old Hollywood style. A giggle escaped and she covered her mouth, trying to maintain her elegant stride.

  Anderson looked quite dapper himself. His long, lean body poured into that tuxedo like it was molded just for him. His eyes twinkled.

  “Let’s get your coat. The driver should be here momentarily,” he said still holding her hand.

  What he did next surprised her completely. Anderson leaned over and planted a sweet peck on her lips for no reason at all. Ryan swallowed hard before she could breathe again. Closing her eyes, relishing in the moment for as long as she could, secretly wishing this would last forever. He hadn’t been that randomly affectionate with her in years.

  “Um,” Ryan finally managed to croak out. She cleared her throat. “We’re not driving?”

  “No! They agreed to have a car pick me—I mean us—up and bring us home when they asked me to speak at the event.”

  “Oh. Very nice.”

  Ryan headed to the guest room that she had turned into a ballet studio to retrieve her fur coat. Normally she wouldn’t have worn it, but tonight was special.

  Anderson held her hand as they engaged in small talk while waiting for their driver. The perfect gentleman, Anderson draped her coat over her bare back, held the door and guided her into the car once it arrived.

  Already giddy from the attention Anderson showered on her, Ryan tried her best to remain graceful once they arrived at the event, which was held at another one of those ritzy venues in The Hamptons.

  Ryan took a deep breath and smiled before Anderson guided her out of the car. The moment they stepped out, blinding flashes of lights flooded her vision. She held Anderson’s hand tight. Even after being married to Anderson for more than five years, absorbing all of the attention that was being showered upon him was a bit much for her to adjust to.

  A woman on the sidelines, called out to Anderson, declaring her affection for him, despite Ryan being right by his side. Ryan kept her smile pinned to her face as they walked the red carpet waving to screaming fans. She twisted her small frame just right for the media’s volley of photos.

  Once inside, she sighed with relief. A young woman with a head full of curly red hair and hopeful eyes approached her and Anderson with an extended hand.

  “Thank you so much for coming on such late notice.” She nodded at Anderson and then Ryan, and then swept her arm in the direction of a scrawny young man to her right with thick black curls set atop a thin face. “This is Paul. Let him know if you need anything. He will take care of you tonight.”

  Paul nodded. Taking Anderson by the hand, he gushed. “I’m a huge fan, sir. It’s an honor.” He turned to Ryan and flashed a toothy g
rin and nodded politely. “My pleasure, ma’am. Just follow me.”

  The young man led them off to a draped area just outside the hall. Behind the curtain sat a few mod sofas, a couple of high top tables, and a private bar.

  “Can I get you something, sir?” He turned to Ryan. “Ma’am?”

  “Sure,” Anderson responded loosening the button on his tuxedo. “I’ll take your best scotch.”

  “We’ve got a fine selection. You will be pleased. And you, ma’am?”

  “Cranberry with a twist of lime will be fine for me.”

  “You got it. Just get comfortable and I’ll bring you to your table once it’s time to get started.”

  Anderson stepped away to greet a few of the other male celebrities in the room. Ryan looked around taking in the scenery, recognizing several entertainers, a few of Long Island’s richest and a handful of local politicians. This was obviously the VIP area.

  Her gaze swept across the room taking in the vibrant atmosphere and that’s when she noticed her——the same woman from the restaurant and the tabloids. Anderson’s co-star. Their eyes locked and it was evident that she had been watching Ryan from the second she entered the room.

  Never one to invite conflict, Ryan wanted to look away, but didn’t want to appear intimidated. The woman didn’t smile, she just kept Ryan fastened in her gaze. Ryan could have sworn she saw the woman’s upper lip curl up into a slight sneer.

  A touch on Ryan’s shoulder pulled her from her trance. The young man handed her the drink.

  “Thank you.” Ryan smiled politely and took her glass.

  “The pleasure is all mine,” he said and scurried away.

  When Ryan looked back in the woman’s direction, she was gone. She looked around and couldn’t find her anywhere. Then she scanned the room for Anderson and spotted him engaged in a conversation with a few other polished looking gents in tuxedos. Throwing his head back, he let out a hearty laugh, holding his belly.

  Shortly after, everyone was escorted to their respective tables. Unlike when they first came in, the room was now filled, buzzing with chatter and aglow with the elegant sparkle of sequence encrusted gowns and gleaming jewels. They were seated at a table near the stage so that Anderson could have easy access when it was time for him to speak. A few of the fellows that he was chatting with were also seated there with their wives or significant others. Everyone at their table greeted each other politely. All seats were filled except one on the other side of Anderson.

  Ryan discreetly searched the room again looking for the woman and snapped her head toward Anderson when he and the other men at the table stood. Being the perfect set of gentlemen, they all waited for her to sit before taking their seats again. Ryan craned her neck around Anderson to see her up close. One of the wives at the table scowled and turned away.

  “Hey! You made it,” Anderson said to the woman who had locked her eyes on Ryan in the other room. He wrapped his arms around her.

  She nodded to the men at the table and offered up a weak, but cordial smile to the woman. The women who scowled before rolled her eyes and looked away.

  “You never met my wife Ryan before, have you?” The woman looked around Anderson, uninterested and sat back. Anderson seemed to be oblivious to her sneer. “Ryan, this is Carmen Childs. My recent co-star and an unbelievable up and coming actress,” he said proudly. “Carmen, this is my lovely wife, Ryan!”

  Carmen flashed a fake smile that ended flat, but offered no words. The woman across the table sniffed and peered at Ryan and then shook her head. She put her glass down and tossed Ryan a quick warning glance before getting up from the table.

  Ryan leaned into Anderson and pushed her hand into his. He held her in his grip.

  The lights dimmed, the music stopped, and the redhead took to the podium to welcome all of the guests. After she thanked everyone for coming she called Anderson to the podium to deliver his speech. Ryan knew her husband well, but hadn’t seen his charismatic side in years. He seduced the crowd. They gave him a standing ovation, partly because of his speech and partly because he pledged a half million dollars to the organization for their diligent help with displaced families recovering from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

  Ryan’s eyes glassed over as she stood with the rest of the guests clapping as he descended from the stage. Her admiration for him had been restored. The consummate actor, and perfect gentleman when he chose to be, Anderson pulled Ryan into his arms and kissed her forehead before taking his seat. From her peripheral, she caught the way Carmen’s mouth twisted at Anderson’s display of affection. Ryan wondered what her problem was.

  The redhead ordered everyone to continue eating, drinking and being merry before taking her leave from the podium. The band played a familiar, lively song that brought many couples to the floor. Others took to the open bars and silent auctions taking place in the back of the room. Anderson had a line of people waiting to chat with him, and shake his hands, until he was whisked away for more red carpet photos with some of the other VIPs in the room.

  Ryan gave him his space and headed to the bar for a Shirley Temple. Enjoying the vibe, she swayed to the music until a voice close to the back of her head arrested her attention. Turning slowly, Ryan already knew who it was.

  Ryan no longer felt pretty when she was finally face to face with Carmen. She assessed how Carmen’s flawless almond skin glowed. Her pink sweetheart shaped lips parted slightly, her tall, lean frame held small curves. However, the envy that flickered in Carmen’s hazel eyes dulled the perfection of her beauty.

  “So you’re the wife. Didn’t know he was into white girls. He keeps you well hidden,” Carmen said, leaning up against the bar.

  Ryan tilted her head to the side to finish taking her in. She was used to bold women when it came to her husband and usually didn’t pay them much attention. “And?”

  “My suggestion would be that you hold on tight. There are a lot of predators out there,” Carmen said slyly, pushing her full lips into a pouty smirk.

  “Yes, Andy loves this white girl. Don’t you worry about the predators because I sure don’t. Like you said, I’m the wife!” Ryan took her drink, gave the bartender a polite smile and a hefty tip before turning back to Carmen. “Enjoy your evening,” she added and sauntered off with one hand on her belly.

  Walking straight up to Anderson, Ryan smiled at him and lifted up on her toes with her lips puckered. Anderson leaned in to meet her, planting a series of pecks on her lips. Ryan glanced back at Carmen who was taking the whole scene in and winked. Carmen returned a hard scowl.

  “This was great, honey. I’m coming to all of your events from now on,” Ryan said and smiled, watching Carmen from the corner of her eye.

  For Carmen’s sake, Ryan stayed glued to Anderson’s side until she had to go to the bathroom. Inside the restroom, she relieved herself and took to the mirror to freshen up her lipstick. Carmen appeared in the mirror beside her.

  Ryan swallowed hard, cleared her throat, and then snapped her purse closed. She didn’t want Carmen to know how much her presence affected her.

  Before she could walk away, Carmen closed the space between them. Her eyes bore into Ryan. She braced herself for whatever was to come. This wouldn’t be the first time some bold groupie or green actress tried her. Things were finally better between her and Anderson so Ryan was ready to let her know that she didn’t stand a chance.

  With her hand on her hips, Ryan turned to Carmen. “What do you want?”

  “For you to leave already.”

  “Excuse me.” Ryan’s race wrinkled in confusion.

  “I’m tired of waiting on the sidelines so if he doesn’t have the nerve to tell you then it would be my pleasure.”

  Ryan felt her hands tremble, but she couldn’t let it show. “Tell me what?” Ryan’s hands were on her hips. She dared Carmen with her stance.

  “That he wants a divorce. He loves me now. When the baby comes,” Carmen leered and delicately placed one hand on h
er flat stomach and in her other, she held up a sonogram picture before she continued, “he’s going to put you out, but why should I have to wait?” She smirked and lifted her shoulders in a confident shrug.

  This time, Ryan couldn’t hide the trembling in her hands. She held her back rigid to keep from doubling over. Carmen’s verbal blow felt like a punch in the gut and rendered her immobile. Seconds later, Ryan’s hand connected with Carmen’s face. She hadn’t even realized that she’d slapped her until the she heard her scream and saw Carmen holding her cheek.

  Before Carmen could respond in any other way, Ryan hastened out of the bathroom in search of Anderson.

  “You bitch!” Carmen’s words hit Ryan’s back.

  Ryan dismissed Carmen’s cursing. Her only focus was getting to Anderson. Her skin grew warm as she scanned the crowd. She finally spotted him near the center of the room. Ryan sailed toward him.

  “Anderson!” She blew out his name in a rush of air. Her chest heaved. Tears stung her eyes. “You bastard.” Once again, she’d struck before she realized it.

  Anderson stood looking dazed. He held his cheek in the same fashion that Carmen had moments before. “What the—”

  “Anderson!” Carmen came yelling behind them.

  Ryan turned and shot Carmen a look so scathing, she halted mid run. Then she glared at Anderson. “Congratulations on the new baby, jackass!”

  Anderson’s mouth hung ajar. With that Ryan turned and walked out.

  Chapter 43

  Pearson

  Pearson looked up, ready to scold the person who just burst through her office door and found Candice standing in the entrance. Her assistant peered around Candice as if she had just lost a battle. As annoyed as she was, she hoped to look up and see Niles standing there. She hadn’t seen or heard from him since he walked out on her the other day and he wouldn’t answer any of her calls. She tried her best not to drink herself into an incoherent stupor, but loneliness wrapped its painful hands around her neck. A drink here and there was the only thing that helped her breathe. She had at least made a conscious effort to monitor her intake.