A wave of heat came over Sienna, and she felt a little nauseous. “Yeah, well, she’s new and shiny and ten years younger than me. She also connects with him as a musician, which I can never do.”
“Good lord, if a supermodel is jealous, there’s no hope for the rest of us, is there?”
Sienna rolled her eyes. “I was never a supermodel.”
“Oh, sorry,runwaymodel.”
“The thing is, I’m not a model anymore. I’m just a mom and a wife. That’s got to be boring for a man like Zane.”
Kitty put both hands on Sienna’s shoulders. “You’restunning. And you’re a hard worker. You don’t lay around all day being waited on. Instead, you use your free time for all sorts of good causes. Plus, you’re an amazing cook and a perfect mother. It’s actually a little hard not to hate you.”
Sienna chuckled and rolled her eyes.
“Most importantly, though, you know how to keep Zane happy. You’re feeling a little out of sorts, which is completely normal for some who’s growing a new human.”
Sighing, Sienna said, “I hope that’s it. I really do.”
“I’m sure it is,” Kitty said, letting go of her shoulders. “But just in case, I’ll make an extra effort to talk to Claudia tonight so I can get a sense of her. And I’ll keep an eye out for any funny business.”
“Thank you. I need your keen sense of people.” Sienna’s eyebrows knit together as she imagined her husband with this mystery woman. “I feel guilty even thinking these things. I’m sure it’s nothing. Just a stupid feeling I can’t shake.”
A weird, twisted part of Sienna was disappointed when a very average-looking Claudia finally arrived shortly before ten o’clock. Well, she assumed the woman was Claudia because she was the only person Sienna didn’t know. As soon as she saw her, Sienna felt silly about all her worrying. She had built her up in her mind to be this formidable foe—a siren, a great beauty and muse Sienna would have to vanquish with cunning and sheer determination—when in reality, she was just a plain woman with over-processed hair and dark roots showing. She was wearing a red plaid dress with a full skirt that cut off above her knees, and a matching bolero jacket that did nothing for her frame. Her short legswere covered in black lace tights that Sienna knew must be itchy as hell.
Sienna scanned the room for Zane to catch his reaction to Claudia’s arrival. He was deep in conversation with one of the band’s lawyers, and when he saw her, he offered her a nod, a quick smile, and raised his beer bottle. Not exactly signs of a man in love. Claudia gave him a shy little wave, then glanced around the room, looking lost.
Excusing herself from the conversation she was having, Sienna hurried over to her with open arms. “Are you Claudia?”
Her face lit up at someone addressing her. “Yes.”
“Sienna,” she said, giving her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Zane has the nicest things to say about you.”
Claudia blushed. “Oh, that’s very kind. He’s … incredible. The entire band is. It’s a dream come true to get to work with them.”
Nodding, Sienna said, “Yes, they’re really something, aren’t they? I’m so proud of Zane. He’s the most talented person I’ve ever met.” Putting her hand up to the side of her mouth, she murmured, “He’s no slouch in bed either.”
Claudia rewarded her with a laugh. “I’m glad to hear it.” She stared at Sienna for a second, then said, “God, you are impossibly beautiful. Like, I feel as if I could break you just by making eye contact.”
Looping her arm through Claudia’s, Sienna led her to the bar. “Aren’t you sweet? Let’s get you a drink so you can relax.”
“That sounds absolutely necessary.”
Sienna chuckled. “Love your outfit, by the way. It’s very Debbie Gibson.”
“To be honest, I never know what to wear. I got talkedinto this at Macy’s, and when I put it on, my roommate said I look like ifGone with the Windwas set in Scotland.”
Inside, Sienna was laughing, but on the outside, she made a motherlytsking sound. “Tell your roommate a fashion expert said you look gorgeous.”
When they reached the bar, Claudia ordered a white wine while Sienna made eye contact with Kitty, who hurried over. Introductions were made. Next a toast to the women of The Vows. Then an invitation from Kitty to Claudia for a little girl talk and Mary Jane on the patio out back. Sienna stood back while the other two were smoking.
Claudia told them about how amazing it was working with the guys at the studio over the last few months and how she still woke up every day in awe of what was happening. She seemed pleasant and kind, wide-eyed and naive. She asked each of them an appropriate number of questions about themselves and gave thoughtful responses. Somehow, this was a little unsettling to Sienna. If she were some airhead who couldn’t see past the nose on her face, Zane would never be interested in her. But this woman had depth.
“So, Claudia?” Kitty asked, passing the joint back to her. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
She shook her head. “No, but there is someone I’m interested in, even though I shouldn’t be.”
Sienna tightened her hands into fists. “Really?”
“Yes, honestly, I know it’s a terrible risk, but he’s so sweet and he’s taken me under his wing,” she answered. Lowering her voice, she said, “Mike.”
