Tasha stared at the scene before her; Mickie engulfing Katy in her apparently unwelcome embrace.
“Michaela.” Was Katy’s only response.
“I should be getting back.” Tasha felt more uncomfortable with every passing second.
“Not on my account,” sneered Mickie.
“I don’t do anything on your account,” Tasha spat back and suddenly became aware of Katy taking it all in.
Mickie shrugged then grinned at Tasha before asking, “When should I expect to receive my wedding invitation?”
“When hell freezes over.” That was the final straw for Tasha who wondered whether she’d just given Katy a bit too much of an exclusive.
“We’ll see what Jim has to say about it,” Mickie called loud enough for Tasha to hear as she left, thinking that whatever Jim had to say would not change her own feelings.
She was about halfway back when Katy caught up with her and grabbed her arm. “Tasha, I will get my people to call your agent.”
“Great,” replied Tasha as she prepared to continue to make her way back to Jim.
“And Tasha,” called Katy, causing Tasha to turn back to face her. “Don’t trust Mickie an inch,” she warned.
Tasha stared at her and smiled back at Katy who appeared to be smiling sympathetically.
“Thank you.” Tasha continued her journey back to Jim knowing her suspicions about Mickie weren’t without good reason; first Abby, then Amanda and now Katy was issuing a warning.
Tasha had barely taken another six steps when she felt someone grab her arm to pull her into a quiet corner and it was no surprise when she found herself looking up into Mickie’s cold, hard expression.
“What’s it going to take to make you go away?” Mickie almost sounded as though she was speaking to herself.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Tasha replied defiantly, although she also knew that Mickie was completely deranged if she thought the path would be clear for her with Jim if she could get rid of Tasha.
“How much? Name your price.”
Tasha laughed, then seeing the cold, murderous expression on the other woman’s face she felt suddenly fearful that Mickie may well be deranged, properly deranged as in insane. She felt cold as a shudder of wariness went through her, form her head to her toes.
“No price. I love Jim.” Tasha hoped to appeal to Mickie’s better nature. “I’m sorry you’ve been hurt by your relationship with Jim and I’m sorry if my arrival has made things worse for you, but I love Jim and he loves me. We’re getting married, so no amount of cash could ever make me walk away.”
Mickie studied Tasha’s face for a few seconds more and then moved closer, holding her face still in touching distance of Tasha’s.
“You are a cheap whore. You do not deserve Jim. I have waited patiently, but no more, so you either name your price or I will have no choice but to be more inventive.”
Tasha swallowed while still staring at the other woman and knew she had definitely been threatened but had no idea with what.
“I’m not listening to your bullshit,” Tasha snapped, sounding far braver than she felt. “I have been insulted and threatened by far worse than you, so give it your best shot.” Tasha turned and shakily returned towards the table.
The fourth lot was just being announced as Tasha took her seat next to Jim.
“Are you okay?” he asked seriously.
“Yes, fine. I have just been invited onto Katy Myers’ show,” she told him.
“Well done,” he replied, smiling.
Mickie sat back down and looked across at Tasha. “I didn’t realise that you knew Katy.”
“There’s lots you don’t realise about me,” she replied and made no attempt to disguise the contempt in her voice as the bidding got under way for the luxury Vegas trip.
Jim took her hand under the table and leaned across to kiss her on the cheek, but used the opportunity to whisper to her, “That’s enough now, baby. I make entertainment, I’m not the entertainment.”
