The Ultimate Betrayal

by Annette Mori

  “Where exactly have you been the past couple of weeks?” Lara asked.

  “Not that it’s any of your damn business, but we stayed in Victoria. I got the time off and I wasn’t about to squander my vacation brooding about our failed marriage,” Sophia snapped.

  “Who exactly is we?” Lara controlled the irritation in her voice, as she suspected she already knew the answer was Joy, Rachel, and Sophia.

  “Rachel was kind enough to join us. Apparently, she was due a ton of vacation and decided she could use a break, as well. I know you think that we spent the whole time grousing about you, but to be honest, your name rarely came up. So relax, we did not spend the whole time lamenting our poor decisions.”

  “I don’t give two shits about what is going on with you two right now because our concentration has to be on Dad. Lara, you seriously need some therapy if you thought you would get away with bigamy. Sophia, you need your own brand of counseling for hanging out with the other woman. Don’t let your lesbian drama get in the way of focusing on Dad. I expect you to play the loving couple until Dad is well again and then by all means Sophia, scratch her fucking eyes out.” Marie pushed out her chair and the wood scratching against the floor made a loud noise as she stomped out of the cafeteria.

  Lara pinched the bridge of her nose. Nothing was going the way she wanted it to. “God, Sophia, I’m sorry. I have no right to question you and act like the jealous spouse. I sincerely hope you’ve been having a good time. You deserve it. Please don’t make any decisions just yet. I’ve been trying to figure my shit out and I do want a chance to redeem myself—to make us work again. I’ll sell the Seattle office. Hell, I’ll sell the New York office and spend all my time doting on you if it means you’ll give me another chance. I never stopped loving you. I’ll do anything to repair what I’ve torn apart with my selfishness.” Lara grabbed Sophia’s hand and looked into her eyes. She was relieved when Sophia did not pull away.

  “Lara, I never expected you to give up your life or spend one hundred percent of your time with me, but it would have been nice not to be apart so much. I don’t know. I can’t make any decisions right now. I need time and I need to focus on Dad.” Sophia pushed away the tray of food. “I don’t really know why we came down to get food because I’m not hungry.”

  “I suspect it was more a ploy for Marie to find out what was going on. I’m glad she’s focused on your dad right now, because your sister scares the hell out of me.”

  Sophia laughed. “I know, right? She is scary. I’d like to go back to Dad’s room now.”

  “Of course. Look, I know things are awkward right now, but I think that both of us can be adult enough to stay at the penthouse at least until your dad recovers and then we can decide where to go from there.”

  “I don’t know if that is such a great idea. We can talk about it later,” Sophia answered.

  †

  Joy and Rachel managed to catch a red eye back to New York that would arrive mid-morning.

  Rachel was bouncing her knee up and down and squirming in her seat like a five year old needing to go to the bathroom. After multiple cups of coffee, she was jittery and nervous. She began to second-guess her decision to essentially crash Sophia’s family emergency. Unsure of the exact nature of her relationship to Sophia, an outsider might question her sanity. Although Rachel tended to act impulsively on occasion, this went far beyond her impetuous nature. Something far more primal was motivating her to stand beside Sophia.

  She knew that Lara would be right by her side and the thought that they might get back together was making her physically ill. There was no pretense anymore, Rachel was in love with Sophia and after the emergency with her father was resolved, she planned on declaring her feelings to see where she stood.

  “Would you stop wriggling around? You’re like a worm on a hook and it isn’t at all attractive.” Joy opened one eye. “You aren’t going to be much help to Sophia if you crash and burn the minute we land in New York. I’ll bet you haven’t gotten one bit of sleep, which coincidentally, I usually wouldn’t give two shits about, but you’ve kept me awake and that just pisses me off.”

  “I’m sorry, Joy. I’m worried that Lara will sink her meaty hooks back into Sophia using this tragedy as a springboard.”

  “Oh shit, I get it now. You’ve fallen in love with her, haven’t you?” Joy asked.

  “The timing sucks to confess that to her, huh?”

  “You think.”

  Rachel made the sign of the cross over her heart. “I promise not to say a thing until this whole emergency situation is settled. I’m not even going to deny it. Yes, I love her. God, this whole situation is so fucked up. Her father and sister are probably going to hate me on sight. After all, I am the other woman.”

  “Oh you got that right. Marie is a real ball buster and her father is full-blooded Italian. He has a special bond with Lara that might save her ass, but you’re toast. He will see you as the homewrecker.”

  “Not helping.” Rachel groaned.

  “If it’s any consolation, I approve. I know this is a bit unconventional, but I think you two are good together. I also think that while Sophia may be confused, she cares for you. She may even think she’s in love with you. Hard to say.”

  “Has she said anything to you?” Rachel asked.

  “Even if she had, I wouldn’t be breaking her confidence, but I can tell. It’s all in the way she looks at you. I knew she was attracted to you from the very first moment she laid eyes on you. Can’t say I blame her. As the vacation wore on, I could see something deeper develop between you two. I love Sophia like a sister and if you are the one for her, I won’t throw any resistance your way. I might even try to smooth the waters with Papa Dominick. Marie’s all hot air. More bark than bite. If she sees what I see—piece of cake. She loves her little sister and is very astute so she’ll jump on board if it makes Sophia happy to be with you,” Joy explained.

  “Thanks, Joy. At least I’ll be able to jump those hurdles with your support. I haven’t quite figured out the distance issue yet. There are so many obstacles I must be crazy even contemplating a relationship with Sophia. Love definitely makes a person stupid.”

  “Maybe, but I would give my left tit for that feeling just once in my life.”

  “What about Tanya?” Rachel asked.

  “A lot of fun, but definitely not move worthy. I would never consider moving across the country for her like I suspect you are considering right this minute.”

  “Guilty. They have hospitals in New York and now that I have a tidy sum from Lara I could take my time finding a position that suits me,” Rachel acknowledged.

  “You’re a refreshing open book, Rachel. No matter the danger, you wear that heart of yours right on your sleeve. I admire that about you. I’m far too guarded for my own good. How about a speck of advice, if you don’t mind?”

  “Yes, please, I’ll take any advice you want to share.”

  “Give Sophia time to realize her feelings. Don’t rush things. She’s likely to be confused and if you rush, you’ll scare her away,” Joy offered.

  “You know that will be hard for me because honesty is fundamental to my nature, but that’s good advice. Thanks for being in my corner.”

  †

  Sophia felt grungy. It was coming up on nearly twenty-four hours since she’d had a shower. She swore she could feel the grease congealing in her hair. She pulled her hair back in a ponytail and laid her head back in the chair. She could feel Lara’s eyes on her. To Lara’s credit, she hadn’t left her side since picking her up at the airport. Sophia wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. Her emotions were all over the map. Her father seemed pleased to have all three of them by his side as he went in and out of consciousness.

  The doctor came by with the rest of the interdisciplinary team and explained the treatment plan in detail. The next twenty-four hours were critical to determine if another devastating heart attack might occur. He had explained all the options, inclu
ding surgery. As with anything in life, there were risks attached to each option. Ultimately, it was her father’s choice, but he wanted to know what they thought of each of his options.

  “So, Pops, what do you think you’ll decide?” Sophia asked.

  Dominick smiled. “You haven’t called me that in years. I think maybe I’ll opt for the angioplasty. That seems to be a more conservative choice with less risk than surgery. I got the impression that it might take care of my issue for now. Quicker recovery time, too.”

  Sophia nodded. “I think that’s a good choice. You need to stop clogging those arteries with all that rich food you eat. Maybe you should move in with me so I can monitor your food intake.”

  “No, thank you. All I have left is food. Haven’t had sex in a while so don’t take away my one pleasure in life. I’d rather die happy than deprived of my only vice.”

  Sophia frowned. “I’m not going to argue with you right now, but just think about it.”

  “It’s not that I don’t appreciate you girls visiting and all, but can you stop hovering. Go home and take a shower. I don’t want you stinking up the room,” Dominick joked.

  Lara laughed. “You’re an ungrateful old bastard, but you’re right. I should take Sophia home to get a few hours rest because I’m sure she hasn’t slept in more than twenty-four hours. She can get mean when she’s cranky from lack of sleep.”

  “I can stay with Dad while you get some sleep,” Marie offered. “You can take the evening shift tonight.”

  “Deal,” Sophia responded. “Call me if anything changes and I can be back in a flash.”

  “Go, I got this,” Marie answered.

  “Come on, honey, I’ll take you home and draw up a nice bath for you.” Lara draped her arm over Sophia’s shoulder and led her out of the room.

  †

  Rachel shifted the backpack to her other shoulder as she retrieved money from her jeans pocket to give to the limo driver.

  Joy grabbed her rolling suitcase and walked quickly to the front of New York Presbyterian.

  “Did you find out what room Sophia’s father is in?” Rachel asked.

  Joy walked up to the information desk. “No, but I bet this beautiful woman can tell us.” Joy winked at the tiny woman sitting behind the huge desk. Her wrinkled skin stretched as a wide grin overtook her face.

  “Can you tell us what room Dominick…?” Rachel looked over at Joy.

  “Torre. Dominick Torre. He’s probably in the cardiac care unit,” Joy finished.

  “Let me see. Ah yes, he’s in room two fifteen. Let me give you a map of the hospital so you don’t get lost.” The old woman, who Rachel assumed was a volunteer, pointed to the map. “See, we’re right here and you need to go to here. The elevator is right here.”

  “It’s just like a supermall where they show you on the map how far away you are from where you need to go.”

  The volunteer smiled and Rachel thought she looked like one of those dried apples they made into dolls. She never did understand the appeal for those kinds of crafts. Whenever she went to the farmer’s market, she would shake her head at the number of arts and crafts booths with items that would inevitably make it to some hoarder’s home and turn into a big dust magnet. She had a hard enough time finding her keys and wallet—she didn’t need more clutter to serve as a hidey-hole for her keys. Lara always used to grouse at her when she failed to use the key hook. That was a habit she would never learn and now it didn’t really matter. She could take as much time as she wanted looking for her keys.

  When Joy and Rachel reached the room, Joy strode confidently inside, but Rachel hovered just outside when she noticed that there was only one visitor in the room and it wasn’t Sophia. The woman sitting next to the bed, holding the distinguished older man’s hand was a carbon copy of Sophia—only older. Rachel guessed this was Sophia’s older sister, Marie. She looked worried, but smiled when Joy entered.

  Rachel stayed just outside the room, not wanting to interject herself into what appeared to be a fond reunion.

  “Hey there, trouble. I hear you’ve been gallivanting around with Sophia,” Marie whispered. “I haven’t had time to rip Lara a new asshole yet. I assume you’ve already done that.”

  Rachel guessed that she didn’t want to disturb her father who seemed to be sound asleep in his bed.

  Joy turned around and waved her hand. Rachel shook her head and Joy waved again more vigorously.

  Rachel timidly entered the room.

  “We’ve been keeping Sophia company in Victoria. This is Rachel, who has become a good friend of Sophia’s. Both of us took care of Sophia and sent Lara packing. Rachel arranged for all the legal crap and I was my usual entertaining self. Before you sharpen that acerbic wit of yours and take poor Rachel apart, let me share a few facts. One, she did not know Lara was married and is as much a victim as Sophia. Two, she didn’t hesitate to jump on a plane to be with Sophia, and three, Sophia and Rachel have gotten close in the past two weeks and they care for one another.”

  Marie’s eyes got wide. “Please don’t tell me you’re sleeping with my sister. Geez, you lesbians have more drama than those desperate housewives,” she hissed.

  “No, we are not sleeping together,” Rachel responded.

  “Not that you don’t want to,” Joy whispered.

  “Shit, I heard that, Joy. I’m going to reserve my judgement, because at this particular moment—anyone but Lara is my mantra.”

  “Where are Lara and Sophia? I thought for sure Lara would take this opportunity to sweep in and play knight in shining armor,” Joy asked.

  “Oh, that she did. She took Sophia home to clean up and get some rest. I told them I would hold down the fort,” Marie answered.

  Rachel looked up when she heard a weak cough. The same chocolate brown eyes that melted Rachel’s heart stared at her from the bed. The terminology, bedroom eyes, danced across her head. She was sure this man was a charmer.

  “Well, well, well. What do we have here? Two more beautiful women have come to visit. I know one of you, but I’m afraid I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting you, my dear.” He crooked his finger in a beckoning gesture.

  Rachel stepped up to the bedside. “Hello Mr. Torre, I’m Rachel, a good friend of Sophia’s.” Rachel held out her hand.

  Mr. Torre held her hand and kissed it. “Dominick, please call me Dominick. Mr. Torre is far too formal for my future wife.”

  Rachel laughed. “Sorry, Dominick.” Rachel pointed to herself. “One hundred percent lesbian. I don’t have an ounce of bi-sexual in me.”

  “Damn, just my luck. All the good ones are either taken or are lesbians. Hello, Joy. How are you, my dear? Is this your new girlfriend? I have to applaud your taste.”

  “No, Dominick, she’s just a friend.” Joy turned and murmured to Marie. “Sophia has a much better shot at the girlfriend status than I do.”

  “What was that you said?” Dominick inquired.

  “Oh, nothing, I’m just being a bitch as always,” Joy answered.

  “Do you mind if we hang out here for a while before we grab some lunch and then maybe we can come back and wait for Sophia to return?” Rachel asked.

  “Of course not, you brighten up this dreary room.” Dominick smiled and showed off his perfect white teeth. “Pull up a chair and we can begin a game of strip poker. Marie, you can sit this one out.”

  “Dad, cut it out. You’ll scare Rachel away.”

  Rachel laughed. “Sophia told me you were quite a character. You rival my grandmother. Too bad she’s too old for you because you would make a great couple.”

  “How much older and is she a looker like you? Maybe she can teach me a few things. I always did like older women. To be honest, I like women of all ages. I’m probably older than I look and as long as your lovely grandmother is older than she looks, we might just make the perfect pair.” He winked.

  “Don’t listen to him. He’s more bluster than action.” Marie waved her hand in the air.

&
nbsp; “Don’t be so sure of that, young lady. I still got it with the ladies—I just haven’t acted on it since your mom died.”

  “So, poker anyone? I could use a new pair of shoes cause I plan on taking y’all to the cleaners.” Rachel tossed out.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Sophia rested her head on the foam pillow connected to the soaking tub as the bubbles of air circulated throughout the water gently massaging her aching muscles. After the three hours of kayaking yesterday and the long flight back to New York, she was exhausted.

  Lara had taken control and drew up the bath just the way Sophia liked it. The lavender oil seeped into her pores and began its magical healing. It was her favorite scent and Lara knew that.

  Sophia knew it was probably a bad idea to let Lara take care of her, but the mental energy it would take to right the situation was just too much to bear at the moment.

  Sophia heard the light rap on the door and hesitated before inviting Lara inside. “Come in.”

  Lara had seen her naked thousands of times before, but for some reason this felt different.

  “I ordered some take out from the bistro. I hope you don’t mind, but I suspect you haven’t eaten since yesterday when you got the call,” Lara suggested.

  “No, I don’t mind. That was very thoughtful of you. God, the days are all merging together, I don’t even know what the date is.”

  “It’s May twenty first,” Lara answered.

  Sophia smacked her head against the pillow. “Shit, I forgot. I’m sorry, Lara. Happy Birthday. I’m sure you’ve got better things to do on your birthday than babysit your ex-wife on your fortieth birthday.”

  Lara sat on the ledge of the tub. “Sophia, there is nowhere else I would rather be. You are still my wife,” Lara whispered. She extended her hand and Sophia felt sure that she was about to caress her in their old familiar way before she abruptly pulled back.