Insecurity and a Bottle of Merlot (7 page)

Vic entered her bedroom and opened the closet door. The back side of the door held a full length mirror. She stripped off her clothes and stared at herself, the way a man would look at a woman naked. She studied her body closely.
My figure is okay, curvy, but not too curvy. My ass is big, but I am Puerto Rican for God’s sake. Anyone would understand that. My boobs are nice, no kids so they don’t droop yet. I have a tiny waist, that’s a plus.
She studied her face and teeth in the mirror, up close and critical. She smiled, open mouthed and closed, to see which way looked better.
I have great teeth, so I should show them when I smile. Shit! When I smile with my mouth closed, my eyes squint. I wonder how long I’ve been doing that! My eyes are gorgeous, I must admit.
She opened her eyes wide and studied the gold colored flecks sprinkled throughout her stunning green irises. Her eyelashes were thick and long.
I should practice batting my eyes
, she thought. She moved on to her hair.
Well… there isn’t much I can do with these kinky curls. I guess I need to accept them. On a positive note, my hair is long and full. No split ends. The curls are healthy and shiny. Okay, my hair gets an A+, at least when it isn’t humid outside and the entire mop turns into frizz. Would I think I was hot if I were a guy?
An idea popped into her head as she put her clothes back on. She called Mia to talk about the party, but to also get her opinion of what Aaron might think.

“Hi, Vic, what’s up?”

“Chica, I gotta talk to you about a few things. Is Aaron with you?”

“Yeah, I’m at his place. We’re making dinner, why?”

“Ask him if he thinks I’m hot.” Vic put Mia on speaker phone and began plucking her eyebrows in the bathroom mirror.

“What?”

“No, seriously, Mia, please ask him.” Vic plucked while she waited.

“Just a minute. By the way, Vic, you’re a total head case. Aaron?”

“Yep, what is it babe?”

“Vic wants to know if you think she’s hot.” Mia began giggling as Aaron looked at her in shock.

“Um… what am I supposed to say? Is this a trick question, with a right and wrong answer? I’m sure this is against the man code.”

“Oh for God’s sake, Mia. Just tell him to answer you honestly. Nobody is going to give a shit, and you aren’t going to get mad at his answer anyway.”

“So you’re assuming he’s going to say yes?” Mia teased.

“Damn it already, put his ass on the phone.”

“Aaron, Vic wants to talk to you.” Mia could barely contain herself, she was laughing so hard. Her eyes began tearing up when she saw the horrified expression on Aaron’s face.

“Hello, Vic,” he said, apprehensively.

“Aaron, grow a set already. I’ve known you since we were in grade school, for crap’s sake. Am I hot, or not? I want a guy’s opinion, and I think you’re a guy, aren’t you?”

“Yeah… I mean, of course I am. Jeez, Vic, nothing like putting me on the spot, thanks. So you want me to answer right in front of Mia?”

“Duh! Just answer my friggin question already.”

“Okay, yes you’re hot. Are you happy now?”

“Yep, thanks. Put Mia back on the phone.”

Mia was still laughing as she took the phone from Aaron. “Hey, thanks for freaking him out.”

“Well, what the hell? Seriously? Anyway I want to plan a coming out party.”

“Is there something more you’re trying to tell me?” Mia squealed with laughter as new tears squirted from her eyes.

“I mean for you guys, as a couple, you dork. That kind of coming out party. So I have to start planning it. How about Saturday August 23rd? I mean, by now people have seen you around town together, and our friends know you’re a couple. What do you say? We’ll have the party at my house. I haven’t thrown a party in years. Ask Aaron if his dad can cover the shop that day and get back to me. I don’t have much time to put this together. Call me tomorrow and let me know. Out.”

“You know she’s certifiable, right?” Aaron said, as he set the table.

Mia went back to tossing the salad as she wiped her eyes with her sleeve. “Oh, she definitely is, but I love her anyway.”

Chapter Ten

Mia stared out the car window Wednesday as Aaron drove the I-278 East to White Plains. The courthouse wasn’t far enough for her to become deep in thought, being only a fifteen minute ride door to door. She wasn’t the chipper Mia Aaron was accustomed to seeing.

“Are you nervous, honey?” he asked, as he reached for her hand.

“I guess I am, aren’t you?”

Aaron glanced at Mia, trying to read her thoughts. “It’s uncomfortable, but it’s something we need to do. Jack has to be held accountable. He wanted to terrorize you and he succeeded. I’m just glad it was cut short before anything dangerous happened.”

“Do you think Jack is dangerous?” Mia shuddered, giving the image too much thought.

“I don’t know, honey, but he certainly didn’t have the right to do what he did. All we need to say is that he violated your rights as a home owner, and trespassed on your private property. His offense is like breaking and entering, except he stole the key, so he didn’t actually have to break in. If you’re afraid to talk, I can say everything that needs to be said. It’s alright, I can take care of it.”

“I’ve got to say something. If I don’t, Jack wins. He’ll know he scared me off. I can’t let him victimize me like that. I have to say my peace. I’ll be okay.”

“That’s my girl. Put on a brave face, he’ll never know you’re nervous.”

They reached the courthouse at twelve forty-five. The beautiful brass, retro style elevator took them to the seventh floor. They found courtroom 7B and peeked in through the heavy, double, oak doors. The previous case was just finishing up. They quietly slipped in and sat on the last bench by the door. For a few minutes Mia’s mind wandered away from the task ahead of her. She had never been to the courthouse before, and was surprised to see how beautiful this courtroom actually was. Carved golden oak woodwork adorned every bench. The ornate hanging lamps looked like late 19th century converted gaslights. An enormous oil painted mural on the wall behind the judge’s bench appeared to be White Plains, probably in the late 1800’s. Mia took it all in, being one to spot beauty wherever she was, and relaxed for a few minutes. Aaron nudged her when Jack was led into the room. The anxiety returned.

“Take a deep breath. I’ll go first, if that helps,” he said, quietly.

“Thanks, but I can do this.”

The judge read the charges against Jack and asked for his plea. His attorney cupped his hand and whispered in Jack’s ear.

Jack reluctantly rose and responded, “No contest.” He sat again.

The judge pushed the bridge of his glasses up higher on his nose and looked over the paperwork. “Is there anyone here who would like to make a victim’s statement?” he asked, looking at the people seated in the gallery.

“Yes, your honor,” Mia said, as she stood. She trembled at the thought of walking to the podium, which in this moment seemed to be miles away, with Jack’s eyes laser beamed on her. Yet she did, with confidence. Mia appeared well polished and professional. Today was a serious day, and she needed to look the part. Her hair was pulled back in a chignon, and she wore a navy pencil skirt, white blouse and low, navy pumps. She stood at the podium and gave her statement without wavering, or looking at Jack. She wouldn’t give him the time of day, or the satisfaction of seeing fear in her eyes. Aaron rose next, and described how Jack watched the house like a stalker, then came in when Mia left. Who knows what may have happened if Aaron hadn’t been there.

With a crack of the gavel, the ruling was over and Jack received six months of probation and two hundred hours of community service. He was also fined and the order of protection was put into place. He had to stay away from the house and Mia for a year. There could be no emails, phone calls, texts, stalking, or any means of contact. Jack would be back in court with serious charges filed against him if he violated the order. Their divorce would proceed, but any correspondence from Jack would have to go through Mia’s divorce attorney.

“Are you happy with the outcome, honey?” Aaron asked, as they drove back to Tarrytown.

“Yes I am, and I’m glad it’s over. We can go on with our life now, hopefully stress free.”

“I like that idea. How about a late lunch? We can go anywhere you want.”

“That sounds good. My stomach isn’t in knots anymore and I’m actually hungry. Let’s go to Amelia’s.”

“You got it, babe.”

***

The lively Mexican music coming from Vic’s purse irritated her to no end. She forgot to remove the phone from her purse before throwing it on the floor behind her seat. She swatted at the floor, but couldn’t reach the purse. “Crap! Why do I always forget to grab my phone when I drive?” She pulled over to avoid swerving into the wrong lane as she twisted her body around the driver’s seat feeling for her purse on the floor. “Hello, Vic speaking,” she said, just before the person on the other end hung up.

“Vic? Glad I caught you. It’s Max. What’s up?”

“Max, hi.”
Damn it Vic. Take it down a few octaves so you don’t sound desperate.
“I’m good, how are you?”

“I’m good too. Hey, I realize it’s last minute, but it’s such a warm evening. I’d love to pick you up on the bike and take you out to dinner. You haven’t eaten yet, have you?”

“No, I’m on my way home from work right now.”

“So how about it? I can be at your place in forty-five minutes. It’s the perfect night for a motorcycle ride. We can buzz around town, then find a nice spot for dinner.”

“That sounds like fun. Okay, you have a deal, but I get to pick the restaurant.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. See you in a few, bye.”

“Bye, Max.”
I’m really beginning to enjoy this dating thing
, Vic thought, as she tried to hit every green light on Main Street. She got home, switched into something sexy, but not too obvious, and freshened up her hair and makeup.
Keep it low key,
she reminded herself. She pulled her hair back into a ponytail and swapped out her pendant earrings for some simple gold studs. She checked herself in the bedroom mirror, making sure she looked wholesome, but a little sexy, in her denim shorts and hot pink tank top. “Okay, this is perfect. He’ll like this look.” She brushed her teeth, gargled with mouthwash, and applied lip gloss as the sound of the Harley pulled into her driveway.

“Yay, he’s here.” Staying cool and collected was difficult for Vic when just seeing Max increased her heartbeat to an alarming rate.
It’s gotta be those damn hormones.
She took her time getting to the front door when he knocked.
Can’t appear overly anxious
. She casually opened the door and smiled at the delectable piece of eye candy standing on her porch.
Oh my God, you are the sexiest hunk of manflesh I have ever seen.

He stood there, smiling. He wore nothing more than a thin white V-neck tee and faded jeans that were extra tight in all the right spots. His deep brown, wavy hair was wind whipped, making him look deliciously rebellious.

“Hi, Max, c’mon in. What a fun surprise, a mid-week visit from you.”

“Wow, you’re beautiful, Vic. I’ve thought about you a lot since Saturday. That was a great day. I hope we can have a lot more like that.”

“Really?” she asked, as she threw her purse over her shoulder, and jammed the house keys in her pocket.

“Of course, really. Are you having doubts?”

“No, not at all.”

“Then come here.” Max gave her that gorgeous, “come hither” dimpled smile that made her knees weak.

Holy shit, he makes my whole body shake. Oh yeah, smile back with my teeth showing. No squinty eyed smiles.
“Is there something I can do for you, Max?” she asked, trying to be coy.

“Sure, you can give me a hello kiss.”

Vic kissed Max softly, then pulled back teasingly. She leaned in again, separating his lips with her tongue. She licked his bottom lip and tugged on it gently with her teeth. Max kissed Vic and let out a deep groan. He grabbed her butt and pulled her closer, as he squeezed each cheek.

Vic was way over her head in lust with Max.
Should I go slow, or just let him throw me down and have me right here on the friggin floor?
Every inch of Vic’s body was throbbing, and by the looks of Max, his was too. “Okay… I’m going to go crazy here in about three seconds. Shouldn’t we leave?” Vic asked, in a breathless, raspy voice.

Max exhaled loudly. “You’re a wicked woman, Victoria Maria Alonso. We can do this dance for a while. It’s kind of hot.” He kissed her again, and gave her a smack on the ass. “Let’s go, babe,” he said, as he led her out the door.

Vic locked her fingers around Max’s tight six-pack as he drove his Harley through town. Even the vibration of the bike beneath her made her imagine sex with him. Her mind wandered off to the party she was planning. She made a mental note to mention it to him at dinner.
I should be ashamed for wanting to test him. But how else can I be sure I’m the only woman he’s thinking of. This isn’t just a casual thing for me. He could be the real deal. I have to know before I become too invested in him.

Max pulled up and parked the bike in a diagonal spot near the front door of Morey’s. They walked in, arm in arm, and grabbed a booth in the back. It wasn’t as loud there, no TV’s blasting sports on the screens to distract them. Max sat close, and put his arm around Vic as they paged through the menu.

“Do you know what you want?” Vic asked, casually.

“What kind of question is that?”

“I was talking about dinner, you goof. I’m having the cod sandwich with waffle fries. The food is really good here, so I’d recommend anything on the menu. You can’t go wrong at Morey’s.”

“You sound like an advertisement. Does Morey pay you to promote the restaurant?” The expression on Max’s face and twinkle in his eyes showed he enjoyed the banter they were exchanging.

“You’re nuts.”
Okay, it’s time to nonchalantly bring up the party.
“Oh, by the way, I want to invite you to a party I’m having at my house on August 23rd. I haven’t hosted a party in years so I’m way overdue. Besides, I’d like you to meet more of my friends.” Vic talked nonstop, more out of nervousness than anything else. She dipped her waffle fries in the puddle of ketchup that covered a quarter of her plate, as she described the menu she’d serve on that day. She swirled each fry in the red pool, trying to pick up as much ketchup as possible before jamming it into her mouth.