I’d also decided to lighten my workload by not buying a construction company in dire straits.
I knew Margo and Priscilla were going to be a bigger part of my life, and I wanted to be a part of theirs, which was why I called Sheila and bought a table at her fundraiser. I told her to donate all the seats to teachers, but to save me a seat next to Margo.
Of course, she snickered, then oohed and aahed over the phone, promising not to tell Margo a thing. Those two had become close friends ever since I’d first come to know of Sheila the Great at the Paula.
I had plenty of money, so I wasn’t worried about passing on one business opportunity. In fact, I was concentrating more on making more passive income.
Today was going to be the last text I sent to Margo. The event was tonight, and I’d reached my limit for waiting.
She’d had time to think and realize that my not telling her about what Tommy had said was nothing more than a bad judgment call on my part. The first of what would probably be many ... it was how I’d reacted that mattered. That’s what she needed to know.
I kept my text light today, because later I was going to lay on the heavy.
Tito found a glove of Priscilla’s and sleeps with it. He misses her.
I wasn’t expecting the crying emoji I got back. It twisted in my gut as I put on my tuxedo. Time to get Mar back where she belonged.
Margaret
Decorated for the holiday gala, the ballroom was a kaleidoscope of colors.
The tablecloths were various jewel tones, and the walls were draped in purple fabric with twinkling lights twisted along the molding. The chandeliers sparkled, lighting up the dance floor, and an oversized Christmas tree had a place of honor in the center. It was exactly the vision Sheila had talked about at our second meeting.
Only last week, I’d discovered the forthrightness I’d originally made fun of was what I most admired about Sheila now. Her passion and vision of what she wanted was something I needed healthy doses of, so I no longer poo-pooed those character traits.
Except now I was missing Mick and didn’t know how to get him back. How to say I was sorry for being unforgiving.
Drowning in my melancholy, I took in the stage area, candelabras representing Hanukkah and Kwanzaa lined up in front of where the band played. I especially loved the electric violin, and how its sound reverberated in my chest. Glittery confetti in the shapes of symbols from all three winter holidays littered every surface, making everything sparkle and bringing out the brightness of the season.
I wished I felt brighter as I watched couples mingle through the room, air kissing others and toasting to a wonderful holiday season. This would be my first holiday season alone. Well, not alone, with Priscilla, which was typically how we celebrated. Tommy had often escaped to the office to do some paperwork.
Although after Mick’s story, who knew what Tommy was up to when he took off. I didn’t really care anymore. He and I had been done for a long time in affairs of the heart, even if on paper we were still married.
The auction table was a flurry of activity with bidders. And then there was me, trying to reconcile my relationship status.
I stood next to the bar, leaning my elbow against it as I held a glass of wine, watching life pass me by, drowning in my mistakes. For a second, I considered pretending to be sick so I could leave early, but I knew Sheila would come and sniff me out. No way would she let me miss this event, even if I were really under the weather.
My heart pounded, wanting Mick by my side, but my brain argued against it.
“Can I buy you a drink?”
The words radiated to my core as they rang in my ears.
My gaze dropped to the floor, catching a pair of Gucci loafers, striped socks, and flat-front black dress pants. Not lingering there for very long, my gaze worked its way up to a pair of fuck-me eyes and messy black hair. Like that night so long ago at the Oak, Mick wore his tux, but tonight the tie was properly affixed.
Although this time, the tux was for me—presumably—and not for a clandestine affair.
“I have one,” I said, my words hoarse and throaty, my emotions clogging my veins.
“How about one I bought you? You know I’m big on that.”
I smiled. It was a reference only I could get, and while the memory itself was bittersweet, it had been the start of something new for me.
“What if I buy you one?” I asked, and he smirked.
Mick came close, leaned in, and ran his hand up the side of my dress. “I don’t see the likes of a wallet on you, but nice try. Are you taking lessons in negotiation from anyone I know?”
I opened my mouth to answer, but he interrupted.
