Uncorked

by Rebecca Rohman

  The day of the party, Chella and Mitch went out to lunch at a rooftop restaurant. They enjoyed drinks and conversation then went over to La Jolla Cove for a walk on the beach.

  “Today was perfect. Thank you,” Mitch said as he enclosed Chella in his arms. They took in the ocean views.

  “It was my pleasure. But it’s not over yet. I cooked us dinner so we can eat when we get home.”

  “That’s great, but right now all I can think of is taking you home and getting you out of those clothes.”

  She glanced at her watch, she still had another forty-five minutes before they’d be expected home. All Mitch had on his mind at this point was sex, so she’d have to do everything in her power to preoccupy him for the next forty minutes.

  “Let’s go home, it’s time to get you into bed,” he said, attempting to walk away. Pulling him toward her she replied, “Let’s stay a little longer. Let’s watch the sunset.”

  “Trust me when I tell you a sunset is the last thing on my mind. Let’s go...” He held her hand and yanked her toward the car. She had to stop him or the surprise would be completely ruined. She got into the passenger side of the car. Before he could start the ignition, she climbed to his side, spanned him, and kissed him over and over again. She took his hand, directing it under the long, white peasant skirt she wore. “Someone’s horny,” he said, laughing. She let his hands roam over her ass. The G-string she wore was so tiny she almost seemed completely bare. He responded to her hot, urgent kisses ripping away the thin piece of fabric that got in the way. He found her deep crevasses, and moved his fingers over her as she sighed in sounds of sheer gratification, she was about to unbuckle his belt when there was a knock on the driver’s-side door.

  “Take it home people!” the police officer shouted. “Go home.”

  “Sorry,” they both chorused in embarrassment.

  Laughing, they drove away. The only problem was that they’d be twenty minutes early to the condo. Her ringing phone interrupted her thoughts. She glanced at the screen and was happy to see Jade’s name appear.

  “Hi Jade, what’s wrong? Please tell me you were able to get the ads off in time?”

  “Wanted to let you know that everyone’s here.”

  “Great! I’m so thankful you handled this for me. It was great having the day off to spend with my sweetheart for his birthday. We’re on our way home now after a great afternoon.”

  “Good. We’ll be on the lookout. Tell him happy birthday.”

  “I will. I owe you one.”

  Chella was relieved that they were ready. “Jade said ‘Happy birthday.’ If it weren’t for her, I’d be at the office right now.”

  “Thanks, Sweetheart. As soon as we get in, we should take a nice long bath and finish what we started before we were interrupted,” he replied laughing.

  Chella was excited and nervous on the ride up the elevator. As they stepped into her penthouse and turned on the lights, their friends shouted, “Surprise!”

  Mitch was stunned speechless. “What are you all doing here?” he asked, looking around the room.

  As Chella looked across the room, she saw a few faces of women she didn’t recognize—beautiful women—at least six of them and all gorgeous. As a matter-of–fact, they all looked like models. Her attention was refocused on Mitch when he spoke to her, “You’re good. I had no idea,” he said, kissing her lightly on the lips and pulling her in a warm embrace.

  Six more people than she had asked the caterers to plan for. She started to panic. Dinner was to be served in less than half an hour, and she hoped and prayed she wouldn’t run out of food.

  Chella pulled Jade aside, “Who are these six women on the patio?”

  “I don’t know. They came with Liz. She said you told her she could bring guests.”

  “I told her she could bring a guest, not six guests.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “It’s not your fault. I hope the caterer has enough food.”

  Chella ran into the kitchen. Jade followed quickly behind her.

  The French chef was putting the crème brûlée into the oven when she walked in.

  “Mademoiselle Noon, it is so nice to finally see you in person,” he said in a heavy French accent.

  “Chef Didier, how are you?”

  “I’m wonderful. All ready to go. I’ll be ready to serve dinner when you are.”

  “Chef, I apologize, and I hate to do this to you, but I have a major problem. Someone showed up here with six additional people. I only asked you to cater for twelve. Now I have eighteen people to feed.”

  “Oh, merde! Ms. Noon, this is a formal dinner. Everything is plated and ready to go. You have place cards on le tables. I have two extras of everything but not six.”

  “How can we fix this?”

  “I will need more ingredients, Mademoiselle. We must go to le supermarché, but I cannot leave. I am finishing the desserts, and I have two servers covering the floor.”

  “I’ll be happy to go,” Jade injected from behind Chella. “Tell me what you need.”

  “Oh thank you, Jade. I don’t know how to repay you for this. Didier, put everything on the bill. I’m so sorry about this.”

  “Mademoiselle Noon, I will still need extra time to prepare the food.”

  “The supermarket is across the street. Jade can be back here in twenty minutes. The guests will have to wait in the meantime. I’ll take care of everything else. The other six will have to go on the patio.”

  Chella hurriedly got the extra table ready. Her eyes caught a glimpse of Liz laughing with Mitch, Craig and Maggie, and she was reminded that this woman was the cause of all her problems. She knew very well that this was a formal dinner. She had responded back to Chella with her menu options.

  Mitch was now freshly showered and smartly dressed, and Chella stood on her patio, hustling in a peasant skirt, severed panties and tank top. She could not believe the stunt this woman pulled. She was either trying to embarrass her or distract her so she wouldn’t get to spend time at the party with Mitch and their guests. Or both. At this point, Chella didn’t have time to get angry.

  As she set the table, Kacy came up to her and said, “What are you doing? I thought that was the point of brining in caterers to handle all this. You shouldn’t be doing any work.”

  “That was the plan before Mitch’s mother decided to invite the six fashionistas you see over there.”

  “They came with her? I thought they were with Mitch’s friend, Rusty.”

  “Maybe he’s trying to hit on them, but they certainly didn’t come with him. I can’t believe she put me in this position. She knew I planned this to the T.”

  “Why would she do that?”

  “Oh God, Kacy,” Chella said, rubbing her forehead. “There’s so much I have to tell you guys, but we’ll have to reserve that for a special day. Short story is, she hates me.”

  “Are you sure it’s not a misunderstanding?”

  “I’m sure. She said to me, ‘I DON’T LIKE YOU.’”

  “Wow.”

  “Tell me about it. Look, I can’t talk about it now. I need to finish setting this table then help the chef in the kitchen. Jade went across to the supermarket to pick up some extra stuff.”

  “This is why you have friends. I’ll get Vicky to help me out here. You go help in the kitchen.”

  “Goodness, you’re a lifesaver. Thank you,” Chella replied, kissing Kacy on her cheek then quickly heading into the kitchen. By the time she got there, Jade had returned.

  “That was fast.”

  “I ran through the aisles,” Jade replied, laughing.

  “I don’t know how to thank either of you for this…”

  “Mademoiselle, we have everything under control. You go slip into a beautiful dress and by the time you return everything will be ready.”

  “Are you sure? Does everyone have enough to drink? Are there enough hors d’oeuvres?”

  “Mademoiselle, not to worry. We have i
t under control.”

  Chella took a quick shower, brushed her teeth, and quickly applied a little make up. She pinned her hair up elegantly behind her head. Initially, she had planned to wear a simple black cocktail dress but realized she’d have to up the ante with the stunt Liz had pulled. If Mitch was going to be distracted by beautiful women that night, she intended to enter the mix. She slipped into a sexy Herve Leger silver bandage dress, threw on pair of stiletto slippers and minutes later she was out the door.

  The first person she saw when she walked out the door was Liz, laughing heartily with Rusty and one of the models. Rusty turned and smiled at Chella and Liz followed his gaze. Chella took absolute pleasure as she saw the smirk completely disappear off Liz’s face.

  Even better, Mitch came over to her and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her softly on the lips. Chella did not intend to turn this into a competition, but she had to find a way to subtly put Liz in her place.

  After making her rounds to check on everyone, she went to see Liz who was occupying herself in the kitchen.

  “Hey you,” Chella said, sarcastically. “What are you doing in here? The caterers can handle all this.”

  “I know. I was testing the goods. Making sure everything is perfect before they go out to your guests,” she replied.

  “Really, Liz. I think you’ve done enough already, thank you. The Chef and his staff can handle it all from here.”

  “One day, Mitch will open his eyes and see your true colors.”

  “This may surprise you, but Mitch knows me better than anyone else on this planet.”

  “Well, not well enough.”

  “Liz, all I wanted was for us to get together and celebrate a happy occasion. Can we please do that for the next couple hours?”

  Liz glared at her with some measure of disgust on her face.

  “Perhaps you might want to consider doing it because it would make your son happy.”

  “I don’t think so,” she replied curtly then walked off, leaving Chella alone in the kitchen.

  Chella followed and was about to ask everyone to be seated for dinner when Mitch came up to her and held her hand. “Come on. There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

  “Who is it?” she asked, as he led the way to the bevy of beautiful women that graced her sofa.

  “Chella, I’d like you to meet Francesca. Francesca this is my girlfriend, Chella.”

  “Francesca, it’s a great pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “You, too. I love your dress.”

  “Yours, too. You all look fabulous,” Chella said to the beauties.

  “These are my friends, Tanya, Chelsea, Yola, Denise, Rachel and Sandy.”

  “Hi,” they all chorused.

  “Thanks for having us over. You have an awesome place,” Sandy said.

  “It’s a pleasure to have you. We’re about to have dinner shortly. The chef has set you up at the table on the patio. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to accommodate everyone inside.”

  “Before we go to our respective tables, though, I’d like to say something,” Mitch said, clinking his champagne glass with a spoon. “Can I have everyone’s attention please? I want to thank you all for coming here to celebrate with me. Especially you, Mom, and Alec and Jeannie for flying out here to spend this time with me. To the rest of you, thank you for taking the time out of your day to spend with me. It means so much to me that you are all here. And a special thanks to you, Chell. I’m so happy that you brought the people who mean the most to me to celebrate today. I love you, Sweetheart. Now, I have it on good authority that the food is fantastic, so let’s eat.” He pulled her into a warm embrace and kissed her. Everyone settled into their tables.

  “You neglected to tell me that Francesca was striking,” Chella whispered in Mitch’s ear.

  “Really? I didn’t notice.”

  Chella giggled. “Smart answer.”

  “Wait, how did she get here? You’ve never met her.”

  “We’ll save that conversation for another time. I want you to enjoy the night with your friends.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  “Most definitely. Now sit. Chef Didier has fixed you something special.”

  A continuous stream of conversation, jokes and laughter filled the room. The table was exquisitely set, Chef Didier had done an excellent job, the food was delicious and everyone complemented him as the night went by.

  She smiled to herself as she thought about how pleasantly the night had turned out, despite Liz’s efforts. Jade had really stepped up and helped her when she needed it the most. She’d have to find some way to repay her.

  After the caterers had cleaned up and most of their guests departed, Mitch and Chella sat on the couch in front of the fireplace near his mom, Alec and Jeannie. They were catching up on the latest news in Santa Monica. The warm afternoon had turned into a slightly chilly night.

  “I’m going to get a refill. Anyone want more coffee?” Chella asked.

  “I’ll have some,” Mitch replied. “As a matter of fact, I’ll come with you.”

  He followed her into the kitchen, pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

  “Thank you for tonight. It was a fantastic surprise. You did a wonderful job.”

  If only you knew.

  “I wanted you to be happy and to be around friends who love you. I wanted to make today special.”

  “You succeeded in doing that. Come home. Stay the night with me.”

  “As much as I want to, I’m not sure that would be a good idea.”

  “Why?”

  “You know why.”

  “She told me she was very impressed with how you handled tonight.”

  Did she? She’s surprised that it didn’t turn into a complete disaster…

  “Is that so?” Chella replied sarcastically and chuckled at his words.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Let’s enjoy the rest of the night,” she replied, taking his mug and pouring him another cup of coffee.

  Standing behind her, kissing her neck, and caressing her hips he said, “How can I convince you to spend the night with me? I’d love to pick up where we left off earlier before that cop so rudely disturbed us.”

  Chella giggled at his words. “I’ll think about it. I promise.”

  “I’m going to the bathroom, I’ll be right back.”

  “Sure,” she replied. “Do you want anything else? More dessert?”

  “No thanks, the coffee is enough.”

  As he disappeared from view, Chella heard someone walk up behind her. By the scent of the cloying perfume, she knew instantly who it was.

  “What can I help you with, Liz?”

  “You know Mitch and Francesca will eventually end up together. Have your fun while it lasts.”

  “Really? Is that why he kissed me and told me he loves me in front of her and everyone else?”

  “He loves her… he doesn’t realize it yet.”

  “You’re delusional.”

  “I’ll get you out of his life if it’s the last thing I do.”

  “Are you threatening me? Because I don’t take too kindly to threats.”

  “It’s not a threat, it’s a promise.”

  “Mom, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Mitch asked, walking in behind his mother.

  “Oh Mitch, we were kidding around.”

  “I heard what you said to her.”

  “Sweetie, you misunderstood,” Liz said, walking toward him and rubbing his shoulders.

  “I don’t think I misunderstood anything at all,” he replied, moving away from her and standing next to Chella. “The driver is arriving soon to take Alec and Jeannie to their hotel. I think it would be best if you left. I’ll have him drop you off at the penthouse.”

  “You’re not coming?”

  “Right now, I really don’t want to be around you. You tell me you’re going to make an effort with Chella, and this is how you speak to her after she
invited you into her home?”

  “She’s no good for you. Why can’t you see that? Francesca is the one I always envisioned you with.”

  “You never had any intention of trying with Chella, did you? You told me what you thought I wanted to hear. This is the last time this will ever happen. Is that why Francesca was here tonight? Because you invited her?”

  Chella watched the argument unfolded right in front her, with Mitch asking his mother all the right questions.

  “So what? Chella told me I could bring guests.”

  “Liz, I told you that you could bring a guest. You knew very well what you were doing when you told her she could bring six friends.”

  “You did what?” Mitch said looking at his mother.

  “I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.”

  “I called you on Thursday to reconfirm your menu options for you and your plus one, and you’re trying to tell me that you didn’t think inviting six other people would be a big deal? You tried to embarrass me and ruin a night that was solely for celebrating your son’s birthday. It’s a good thing I have some supportive friends and a fabulous chef. I guess you didn’t see that one coming. You know what? I don’t want to do this with you anymore. I’ve tried with you Liz. It’s too bad you’re putting your relationship with your son in jeopardy because you want to advance your own agenda. I have other guests. Have a good night.”

  With that, Chella turned on her heels and headed to the patio to visit with Alec and Jeannie.

  “Mom, why are you so intent on making things difficult for Chella and me? All I want is for you to respect Chella so I can maintain a relationship with both of you, but you seem hell-bent on pushing me away.”

  “I know what’s best for you, and it’s not her.”

  “I’m thirty-five. I’m quite capable of deciding what’s best for me. I’m tired of you pulling these kinds of tricks, and I know Chella’s tried with you. I don’t appreciate you trying to manipulate me into thinking otherwise.”