by Donna Hill
He led them to an even more secluded place along the beach, protected by what looked like a small cave and beautiful foliage. He set the basket down, opened the top and pulled out a blue-and-white blanket that he spread over the sand, followed by a bottle of wine, and dish after dish of island delicacies. To top it off he took out a small radio and tuned it to the local station that was playing sensual island beats.
Mia was awed. “I can’t believe you did all this,” she said as Steven handed her a glass of wine.
“It wasn’t easy sneaking phone calls and making arrangements when we were together just about every minute. Why do you think I was taking so many showers?” he joked. “The hotel must have thought I was nuts. Every time I called there was the sound of rushing water in the background and I was always whispering.”
Mia tossed her head back and laughed. “I can only imagine.”
“To us,” he said, raising his glass to hers.
She touched his glass with her own. “To us. And many more exquisite nights under the stars,” she said on a breath, gazing heavenward.
They sampled each of the dishes that the hotel kitchen had specially prepared, talked of inconsequential things, childhood faux pas, the state of the world and when they planned to take another trip together.
After they finished eating, they decided to walk off their meal with a stroll along the beach. Leaving their shoes behind, they waded in and out of the water, darting among the waves as the sand slid from beneath their feet, threatening to take them along for a ride.
“When I was kid,” Steven began, “I guess I was about eight, the closest I’d ever come to water outside of the bathtub was the community pool in Philadelphia, where I grew up. I remember one hot-ass summer day my dad took my brother and me to the pool. I couldn’t swim, but my father was determined to make me learn.” His expression grew pensive in the moonlight as the memories came rushing back.
“I just couldn’t seem to get it right and my dad was getting more and more frustrated. I started crying because he was so angry. Then, out of the blue, he smacked me. Smacked me so hard he knocked me down.”
Mia gasped and gripped his hand tighter.
“Everyone was staring. A woman tried to intercede, and I remember my dad dared her to try and she backed off, shaking her head and muttering under her breath. Then he turned on me. Told me what a weakling I was, a crybaby. How could I be his son? Real men don’t whine and cry.”
Mia felt his pain and humiliation as if it were her own.
“We finally left the pool and all I could think about was that I wanted to disappear. But when we got in the car, my dad wiped my nose, patted me on the head and told me he was sorry. I was so shocked and confused I didn’t know what to say. He went on to tell me that he had to do what he did because I had to be tough, I had to be strong. Especially as a black man. You can’t show emotion or become attached to anything or anyone—especially a woman.”
He drew in a breath and slowly exhaled, as if trying to physically exorcise the ugly memories.
“He didn’t elaborate on it that day, but he did as I got older. Never let a woman know that you care. Never show her emotion. They’ll trap you, and once they trap your heart, you’re done. And ain’t no hurt like the kind of hurt a woman can put on a man.”
“My God, how cynical. How could he try to put those kinds of thoughts in your head?”
Steven chuckled sadly. “The really sad part is I believed it. I lived it. But being around Blake and Savannah began to change me. I saw how they were with each other, how they truly cared for each other. I wanted that. I wanted more than just physical intimacy. I wanted to be touched inside.” He swallowed back the sudden knot in his throat. “Damn, I sound like just the guy my father never wanted me to be.”
Mia stopped walking. She turned him to face her. “But that’s the man I want. I never realized just how much until the night you told me ‘something almost happened,’ and I thought I was losing you. We all have our baggage—I know I do—but we can get through anything if we work at it. I never thought I could be this happy. And, yes, there have been times when I’ve had my doubts, but you’ve never given me a reason to doubt the kind of man you are or doubt that your truly care for me and about me.” She stroked his cheek then cupped it in her palm. “You’re a good man. A hardworking, honest, intelligent, fine, sexy, black man.” Her eyes darkened. “I’m getting turned on just talking about you,” she said in a throaty whisper.
He leaned down and kissed her slow and deep, the water lapping at their ankles, the moon silhouetting them against the night. “We can do something about that.” He brushed his thumb across her nipples, which rose to hard peaks, making her shiver in delight.
“Here?” she asked against his probing mouth.
He looked around. “Nothing watching us but the stars.”
Mia giggled. “Race you back to the blanket.” She pulled her dress over her head and took off toward the blanket with Steven hot on her heels.
Chapter 25
The week leading up to the event in the Poconos was a constant flurry of activity—meetings and more meetings, phone calls, checks and double-checks. It was essential for all the players to be coordinated and in place. In addition to which, Mia was entrenched in the planning details from catering to décor and entertainment. But what made it all go down easy was that she was still floating on cloud nine from her long getaway weekend with Steven.
Since they’d been back, something was different between them. They seemed to have bonded on an entirely new level. And, oh, it was so very sweet. At times, instead of working, she found herself daydreaming about Steven and longing for the life she knew they could have together—and seemed to be working toward.
Finally, the night arrived. Michael had given Traci a set of keys so that she and Mia could drive up early to do a walk-through. This gave them the perfect opportunity to plant several listening devices throughout the house, as well as hiding two minicameras in the oversize vase of flowers that sat on a glass table facing the door.
Ashley, equipped with a telephoto lens, was stationed in a parked car just outside the property on the main road, with perfect access to the comings and goings of Michael’s house. She’d already wired the ten suites at the resort, saying to Leon that she was doing a last-minute check on the accommodations. They weren’t taking any chances that they would miss an incriminating conversation.
Savannah arrived under the pretext of being an additional member of Mia’s team—which, of course, she really was.
Michael arrived just before six.
Mia’s heart thundered in her chest. Tonight was the last opportunity she might have to bring this awful episode to a conclusion, and there was no room for error, sweet talk or tainted memories.
“Michael,” she greeted him warmly. “We were just going over last-minute details. The caterer is here and the band is setting up in the back.”
He took a look around, nodding his head. “Everything looks great.”
“I’m sure your guests will be pleased. Oh, I wanted to introduce you to Savannah Fields.” She turned to Savannah. “Savannah, this is our host, Michael Burke.”
“Great to meet you,” she said, shaking his hand. “I’ve read wonderful things about you.”
“You look familiar.”
Savannah smiled. “I was at the red-carpet event for Raven.”
“Ahh, yes. I never forget a face.”
“Savannah often helps out when I put together events. She’s a whiz with details.”
“Glad to have you here. I hope that you’ll have some time to enjoy yourself tonight.”
“I’m sure I will.” She turned to Mia. “I’m going to check on the caterers and make sure they’re ready as soon as the first guest walks in.”
“Which should be soon,” Michael said.
“Then I’d better get on it. Excuse me.” She headed toward the kitchen, leaving Mia and Michael alone.
“I’m hoping that when al
l the dust settles with this shindig we can get together without business on the table between us. I made a promise to you and I intend to keep it.”
She couldn’t risk alienating him now. Not with so much at stake. “Fine. We’ll talk.”
He smiled, that old familiar smile, but it also held something more than familiarity. It seemed to radiate relief.
The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the first guest.
“Showtime,” Mia said, thankful for a reason to get away.
One by one the guests arrived. Mia recognized a number of the women from the red-carpet event several weeks earlier. Danielle came in with Michelle and they quickly began to mingle with the guests.
Nick had convinced Danielle to let him help out, and when she proposed the idea to Mia, Mia decided that he would be perfect to act as valet. In that capacity he was to put tracking devices on all the women’s cars.
The evening wore on and the crowd grew livelier, filled with food and plenty of good liquor. The party atmosphere was in full swing. As they grew more relaxed, the couples began pairing off. Some went upstairs, while others headed for the suites at the resort.
Danielle, realizing that the clock was ticking, knew that she had to get out of there before she got squired away by one of the male guests. Fortunately, as in most cases, there were at least two women for every man. When she excused herself from a mind-numbing conversation with a Wall Street exec who was bending her ear about stocks and bonds, she slipped outside and made a beeline for her car, waving to Ashley as she steered out onto the road. She pulled the minimic loose from the clip on her dress and tucked it inside her purse.
It was nearly 2:00 a.m. by the time the last guest left the house. The caterers were packing up and Mia, Savannah and Traci subtly removed the cameras and recording devices as they went from room to room, putting everything back in order.
Michael was reclining on the couch, nursing the last of his drink with a very self-satisfied look on his face. “Fabulous event.”
“Thank you,” Mia said. “I had good help.”
He pushed up from his chair, took a white envelope from the breast pocket of his suit and handed it to Mia. “The balance for tonight.”
She lifted her chin and wondered how many other women were being paid off tonight for their services. “Thanks.” She tucked it in her purse. “Well,” she breathed, “we need to get back.” She turned for the door.
“I’ll call you next week…to talk about what I mentioned.”
“Sure.” All she wanted to do right then was run as fast as she could into Steven’s arms and put this night and all that had led up to it away for good.
The following morning, Mia contacted each of the team members to give them instructions on when and how to transfer all their information. The audio and videotapes were damning. There was no way that anyone involved would walk away scot-free. But until all the information was compiled and reviewed, it was still anyone’s guess.
All the surveillance information was uploaded to Jasmine’s computer at the brownstone, where she would sort and organize it before presenting it to Jean.
Their job was done, Mia thought as she sent her final transmission. Now the waiting began. But until then she could sure use the company of her girlfriends.
Everyone seemed to be talking at once. The drinks flowed and fingers were sticky with hot sauce from their favorite appetizer—buffalo wings.
Unexpected snow had begun to fall so Mia, Ashley, Danielle, Savannah and Traci enjoyed being able to huddle together.
“We did it, y’all,” Danielle said, raising a wing to her lips. “I thought for sure I was gonna have to get physical with that guy who kept telling me he had someplace ‘really nice’ he wanted to take me.”
“Oh, you mean, Congressman Stanley?” Traci asked with a smile.
“Yeah, him.” She shivered, remembering.
“I got an early report from Jasmine on some of the women,” Mia said.
Everyone leaned forward.
“Y’all will never guess in a zillion years who they are.”
“Who?” they all asked at once, causing a few heads to turn.
Mia lowered her voice. “Housewives from Long Island. And the ringleader is the PTA president.”
They all erupted in fits of laughter.
“Well, if it’s not Wisteria Lane!” Ashley said.
“Yeah, some truly desperate housewives,” Savannah added.
Danielle suddenly tapped her water glass with her fork. She made a big deal about clearing her throat. “I have an announcement to make.”
All eyes were on her.
“Nick and I finally set the date!” Her face lit up and a big old Kool-Aid smile widened her lush mouth.
“Oh, my goodness.”
“Hallelujah!”
“’Bout time that man finally made an honest woman out of you.”
Danielle shook with laughter. “I’m trying to tell ya.”
“So when is the big day?” ever-practical Mia asked.
“Second week in January.”
Mia’s eyes widened. “Hey, how about a double wedding? Claudia and Bernard were talking about December, but what if I did both of them in January?” She looked from one face to the other. Before anyone could react, Savannah had her mother on the phone, telling her the plan.
“She loves it!” Savannah said after disconnecting the call.
“Well, I will definitely have my work cut out for me,” Mia said. “But this is the kind of work I’m going to love doing.” She leaned over and hugged Danielle tight. “I’m so happy for you, girl.”
Uncharacteristic tears filled Danielle’s eyes. “I’m really happy, y’all. I’m really getting married.”
“Now that deserves a toast,” Ashley said.
They all raised their glasses.
“To Danielle and Nick.”
“To finding true love.”
“To great sex.”
“To girlfriends.”
They all touched glasses.
“Well, ladies, we done good,” Savannah said as they prepared to leave.
“I wonder what the next assignment will be,” Danielle asked, slipping into her coat.
Ashley stood and stretched. “Knowing Jean, I’m sure she’ll find something to put us to the test.”
They raised their empty glasses and toasted to that.
Chapter 26
Mia, always looking for a novel way to throw a party, had planned a dual bachelor and bachelorette party for Claudia and Bernard and Danielle and Nick. She didn’t spare any expense when it came to food and decorations and had worked all day with the help of Ashley and Traci to ensure that everything was absolutely perfect when the guests arrived. She’d even hired a bartender and a waitress so that she and Steven could enjoy the festivities.
The party was to officially start at seven and by seven-fifteen their two-bedroom condo was packed like a nightclub. Savannah and Blake came first and brought Mikayla, to everyone’s delight. Bernard had invited the ladies from the health spa along with each one’s significant other—Ann Marie and Sterling, Stephanie and Tony, and Elizabeth and Ron—all of whom felt like part of the family from the moment they came through the door, loaded down with gifts.
Champagne flowed, laughter filled the air and the feeling of love and affection was contagious.
Over the sound of music and animated conversation, Mia darted into the kitchen to answer the phone.
“Turn on your television.”
“Jean?”
“I think you’ll like what you see.”
She hung up the phone and returned to the living room. While everyone else was occupied, she turned on the television to CNN. Breaking News was the banner across the screen.
A reporter was standing in front of a house in Hempstead, Long Island. Police were bringing out a woman in handcuffs. Mia gasped. It was one of the women from the party.
Savannah sidled up beside her and her mouth dropped open as the
reporter went on to explain that a major escort ring has just been broken, with many of the alleged escorts being wives and mothers in this small suburban community.
By this time everyone in the room was focused on the television screen.
“Turn up the volume,” Claudia said.
The picture switched to a house that Mia immediately recognized as Michael’s home on Sag Harbor. Her stomach seesawed.
“Initial reports indicate that many of the customers hold political office. Warrants have been issued, although the names of the accused have not been released to the media. According to the attorney general, this is the biggest sting operation in New York City history. We will keep you posted as more information becomes available.”
Mia hid the tide of emotions that rolled in her stomach. This was the man she’d once loved, and had tossed aside all her convictions of right and wrong to be with him. But he was not the man that she thought she once loved. Michael was a man who lived for the next deal, the money, and didn’t care who he used to get what he wanted. It had taken this case and finding out who he really was for her to once and for all put a period at the end of their relationship. She may never know what it was he wanted to tell her and it didn’t matter. It was over and she was glad she’d been the one to bring it to an end.
A ripple of “wow” undulated through the room before they each shook off the effects of what they’d just seen and returned to party mode.
The girls, including Claudia, slipped into the kitchen unnoticed.
“To success, ladies,” Mia said, looking from one to the other. “I couldn’t have done it without each one of you.” She raised an empty glass in mock salute.
“What are you ladies celebrating?”
“Just girl stuff,” Mia said, sliding her arm around her man’s waist.
“Well, I have something to celebrate, too.”
“What?”
He took Mia by the hand. “Come on and I’ll show you.” He ushered her back into the living room, with all her friends trailing behind.