CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Present Day
Having spent most of August frustrated by her torn feelings for David and her inability to feel anything more than friendship for Franco despite his best efforts, Vivi welcomed the surge of optimism prompted by her first teacher in-service day. She loved the Catholic elementary school where she’d worked for the past four years. Soon the students’ laughter and boundless wonder would fill her days.
For nine months of each year, Vivi soaked up their love and admiration like a dry sponge pitched into a lake. The accumulated hugs and approval always sustained her through the dry spell of summer.
Between grade-level team meetings, she’d stocked her art room with brushes, markers, crayons, paints, papers, clay, and glue. She’d revised and updated her curriculum for each grade, and decorated her classroom with a few personal touches. While she was checking her class rosters against the name tags she’d created, her phone rang.
“Hi, Cat,” Vivi said.
“What are you doing right now?”
“Getting my classroom ready.”
“Oh, well, don’t forget about tonight. I’ve got birthday plans for you.”
Vivi had seen Cat only once since Block Island, partly because Cat had been traveling frequently for work, and partly because Vivi had feared Cat discovering the secrets she’d been struggling to keep. Time apart had enabled her to sort out her feelings about everything that happened during that trip. Today she felt reasonably certain she could act indifferent if David or his dad came up in conversation.
“How could I forget?” she replied. “What have you planned?”
“Something fun and frivolous . . . so dress up.”
“Will we be meeting up with Justin and his friends at some point?” Vivi’s nose wrinkled at the thought. Cat had reunited with Justin soon after she’d returned from Block Island. Having learned more about Justin’s private behavior had sickened Vivi. Then again, she’d never particularly liked him.
In fact, he reminded her of the typical asshole jock in every high school movie she’d ever seen. The arrogant, controlling jerk who dated the head cheerleader and laughed at her mean-girl antics. Vivi snickered at the analogy, considering he and Cat were sometimes only as mature as a high school couple.
Then again, Justin had never liked Vivi any better than she’d liked him. He’d so obviously considered her, with her average appearance and unglamorous job, far beneath him.
“No, I won’t be seeing him tonight or any other night,” Cat said.
Uh-oh. Trouble in paradise. Vivi should feel sad for her friend, but this news made her happy on too many levels.
“I’m sorry if you’re unhappy.” She tried to disguise the glee in her voice. “I guess we can talk about the gory details tonight.”
“I’m sick of talking about Justin. I just want to have fun with my best friend on her birthday, okay?” Cat’s overly bright voice was less than convincing, but Vivi didn’t argue.
Besides, Vivi had earned a girls’ night out on the town. Cat’s plans would be fun. Of course, she didn’t delude herself, either. The girls-only part would end abruptly after dinner.
Undoubtedly Cat would drag her all over Manhattan, where Vivi would end up playing the sidekick. Whenever Cat and Justin broke up, Cat needed to remind herself of the other fish in the sea by going out and being flirted with by every man within a mile of her presence.
Cat’s insecurities boggled Vivi’s mind, but she wouldn’t deny her friend this indulgence. Everyone had their own way of handling loss. Who was she to refute Cat’s right to party right through it?
“Sounds great, Cat. And I promise to do at least one thing to make you laugh, even though I know it will probably be at my own expense.”
“That’s why I love you!” Cat laughed. “Can you come by at seven?”
“See you then.”
Vivi organized her name tags, cleared her desk, and put her phone in her purse before leaving the art room.
She strolled home, passing various cafés in her neighborhood and smiling at the patrons who sat at crowded café tables clustered on the sidewalks. Even the typical late-summer air—muggy, hot, and a little stinky—didn’t faze her. Her hair, on the other hand, reacted with its usual flair, growing more unruly with each tenth-mile of her journey.
Vivi unlocked the front door of her apartment building. On the terrazzo tile floor of her small entry sat a bouquet of vibrantly colored Gerbera daisies and a small box. The cheerful flowers stood out against the vestibule’s dull grays and browns.
She noticed her name scrawled across the small white envelope fastened in the plastic cardholder. David had sent the bracelet he’d bought her and two other floral arrangements during the past three weeks, so she guessed these and the gift were also from him.
She picked up the flowers and climbed the stairs to her apartment, thinking about the plans he’d wanted to make for her birthday. No doubt she would’ve enjoyed running around SoHo with him. These gifts made it hard to block him out, to not worry about how he was handling the upcoming wedding. But she’d needed to push him away in order to protect her heart, so she’d been refusing to speak with him ever since he left her apartment weeks ago.
Once inside, she set the vase on her table and sat down to read the card.
Happy birthday, Vivi. These remind me of the colorful, playful girl I miss. In lieu of my other birthday plans, I picked a gift for you. Let me know if you’d like to return it in favor of something else. P.S. Please forgive me.
Two months ago, she would’ve rocketed to the moon on unbridled happiness from this gesture. She would’ve danced around her apartment in victory, convincing herself he wanted more than friendship.
Today, the fuchsia and lemon-yellow blooms served merely as a reminder of her reckless behavior on Block Island. She’d fallen into bed with David the instant he touched her, without first demanding something in return.
No promise, no commitment—nothing.
And that’s exactly what she got, too. No promise, no commitment. Nothing. In fact, she got less than nothing, because now they weren’t even friends.
At first, she’d heaped all the blame on him. He’d wielded all the power, all the control. He’d taken advantage of her.
In hindsight, however, she could admit he’d warned her off, begged her to stop him before it went too far. She could also acknowledge the tremendous distress he’d been suffering, which clearly usurped his judgment that night. Unfortunately, her private admissions didn’t mean she could easily resume the friendship they’d developed over the years.
She just didn’t know how to face him in the wake of their lovemaking.
Not when the intense passion of their night together still affected her. When the imprint of his hands lingered on her skin. When the rapt look in his eyes haunted her every time she closed her own.
Thank God she’d agreed to keep their one-night stand a secret. David’s discretion had spared her further humiliation. Now she needed time to put those memories and broken dreams behind her once and for all. Time to meet him on equal footing without wanting more from him than he did from her. That day seemed a long way off because, despite seeing David’s flaws for the first time, she still loved him. Her irrational heart couldn’t untangle itself from those bonds. She doubted he’d break down and attend his dad’s wedding, but if he did, that still gave her a couple of weeks to prepare to see him again. Of course, each of David’s attempts to soften her resolve distracted her for hours.
She fingered the firm, velvety petals of the daisies. Had David picked this arrangement himself, or had his secretary called in the order? She viewed the card again, confirming his handwriting. She doubted a Manhattan florist would deliver flowers to Astoria.
Had he come here hoping she’d answer the door? Her heart rate spiked. Tracing the neatly written words with her forefinger, she sighed and unwrapped the box to find a Lensbaby Pro Effects camera lens kit.
Oh my God. He’d easily dropped seven hundred dollars on this box of goodies. She wanted to be furious with him for thinking he could buy his way to forgiveness, but she knew that hadn’t been his intention.
Naturally he’d remembered her drooling over these lenses in the past. She’d never been able to justify the purchase for herself. Damn him. She should send the gift back.
Times like this summoned her inner Scarlett O’Hara—she’d just worry about what to do with the gift tomorrow. Setting the card aside, she went to shower. Afterward, she stood at the far right side of her closet studying the extravagant clothing Cat had bought her over the years. Designer clothes she had worn once, or less often. Her generous friend’s high-fashion outfits didn’t quite fit with Vivi’s low-maintenance lifestyle.
Knowing Cat’s constant efforts to share her good fortune and love for couture were well intended, Vivi graciously accepted the gifts and hung them in her closet for a rainy day. Tonight would be a perfect occasion to break out something new. Perhaps she’d wear the jade bracelet, too. She was due for a little good luck. Wearing the bracelet had nothing to do with wanting David to be with her today. Nothing.
Since Cat was planning their evening, they’d probably eat at an exclusive restaurant, then end up at a hip, new nightclub surrounded by poseurs. Cat ran with the beautiful crowd even though, in truth, she had more substance than most of her superficial friends.
Although Vivi would be content to pop open a bottle of wine, eat spaghetti, and watch one of her all-time favorite movies, like The Princess Bride, a little adventure across the Queensboro Bridge might be just the change of pace she needed to cure her doldrums.
Cat’s posh Upper East Side neighborhood, on 79th near Central Park, was another world compared to Vivi’s artsy middle-class community. Stepping out of the cab, Vivi felt like an actress dressed in a costume. The high-heeled black leather boots with red soles she was wearing might as well have been stilts. Her green dress, with its thin black belt, revealed a hint of cleavage.
The humidity inspired her to style her hair into a diagonal French braid. For the final touch, she’d selected gold hoop earrings. She wasn’t a model like her friend, but she looked pretty good.
“Whoa, look at you!” Cat eyed Vivi from head to toe when she opened her apartment door. “Nice boots!” Cat winked.
“These old things?” Vivi teased. “Someone tried to buy my affection with them.”
“No. She knew she already had your affection.” Cat smirked and crooked her finger, gesturing for Vivi to follow her into the living room.
Vivi’s red soles tapped across the hardwood floors as she trailed behind Cat. Large windows with skyline views lined one side of the sleek apartment, which was appointed with a blend of glossy wood finishes and beige suede and silk upholstery.
Sleek and elegant lines, with a hint of femininity. Just like Cat.
Cat pushed a full glass of wine into Vivi’s hands before sitting on the sofa. “I thought we’d have a drink here before we go out.”
“Okay.” Vivi wasn’t a wine connoisseur. She merely guessed, from the rich color and bouquet of her drink, that Cat had broken out an expensive bottle. She swirled it around in her glass, inhaled its aroma, and then sampled it. “Ooh, this tastes good. Thanks.”
“Brunellos are good for every occasion.” Cat raised her glass in silent toast.
Vivi didn’t know a Brunello from a Zinfandel, but she nodded just the same. Sometimes she preferred not to highlight the differences between her friend and her.
If viewed on paper, no one would believe the model living the good life in New York would be the soul sister of an eccentric art teacher from a dysfunctional home. Whatever. It worked for them. Vivi often suspected she might be Cat’s only true friend—someone who loved her for who she was rather than how she looked.
Before Vivi could ask about the plans for the night, Cat presented her with a gift-wrapped box. “Happy birthday.”
“Oh, you really shouldn’t have, Cat.” Vivi untied the ribbons on the tiny box. Inside, she found a cool-looking silver John Hardy ring.
Before she could try it on, Cat blurted, “I know you don’t love rings because you want ‘unencumbered fingers’ when you’re working, but this is so flat and cute. And you’re not working all the time.”
“I actually love it. It’s kind of funky, right?” Vivi smiled at Cat and slipped the ring on her finger. “It fits! Thank you.” She hugged her friend.
“Jackson went in on that with me, so you can thank him later. He’s decided to crash our little party later.” The gift discussion was cut short when Cat’s phone vibrated on top of the coffee table. She checked the screen, rolled her eyes, and placed the phone back on the table.
“Justin?” Vivi asked.
“No. David.” Cat waved at the phone. “He’s been calling a lot, but I promised Jackson I’d hold firm.”
Vivi cocked her head. “Hold firm?”
“David is refusing to attend Dad’s wedding. Jackson thinks we can force him to apologize to Dad if we just shut him out for a while.” She straightened her shoulders and drank some of her wine. “If it works, we’ll all be better off.”
Vivi’s stomach dropped. Despite her own issues with David, this treatment seemed cruel. Cat and Jackson would be ashamed of their behavior if they knew the truth about Mr. St. James and Janet.
“That sounds like bullying.” Vivi eyed her wine, avoiding Cat’s gaze. She uttered, “Don’t go along.”
“Gee, I’m so surprised you’re taking David’s side.” Cat sat deeper into the sofa and curled her legs under her bottom.
Vivi ignored Cat’s mockery. Poor David. Vivi now knew exactly how heavy a burden he’d been shouldering. If she could barely keep quiet, how the heck had he managed to do so while suffering their scorn?
“I’m not taking anyone’s side.” Your dad is a lying jerk. Oh, crap. Had she said those last words aloud? Relief washed over her when Cat didn’t react. “All I’m saying is that no one knows what happened. It’s possible your dad is at fault, you know.”
“I doubt it.” Cat tapped her fingernails against her glass. “If that were true, why wouldn’t David just tell us whatever Dad did to piss him off?”
“Well, your dad’s been just as tight-lipped.” Vivi leaned forward and set her glass down. She was treading dangerous territory and totally unsure whether she could reach her goal without exposing the truth. “If I were you, I’d spend my energy trying to convince them to work it out rather than taking sides.”
Contrition nipped at Vivi’s conscience because of her failure to deliver her message about family and pride to David, especially because Graciela had given so much and asked so little.
Would hearing his mother’s words help him finally begin to heal? The pull to run to him, to comfort him, tugged at her heart. Soon.
“Maybe you have a point. I’m uncomfortable with Jackson’s plan anyway.” Cat fingered her pendant necklace. “I feel awful about David, especially since he and Laney broke up. He works so much. I don’t think he’s reconnected with old friends yet.”
Vivi felt a stab of disappointment. Perhaps he hadn’t been sending her flowers and gifts because he missed her.
“Bullying won’t make David attend the wedding.” She gazed into her deep purple wine. “Let David and your dad work this out on their own.”
Vivi wanted to give Mr. St. James a piece of her mind. Graciela had protected him in order to keep her family together. She would hate how her plan backfired by alienating David while Mr. St. James merrily built a new life for himself.
“Honestly, I’m not really looking forward to the wedding.” Cat toyed with her long, silken hair.
“I remember when you first told me your dad had started dating, you seemed skeptical.”
“I’d seen Janet around the club for years. I remember her first husband being sort of a pompous jerk. When she and Dad got together, it freaked me out to think she’s almost twenty years younger than him.”
“I met her only once, briefly. I didn’t realize she is that much younger.” Vivi leaned forward. “Do you like her better now that you’ve gotten to know her?”
“Mm, I don’t dislike her. Dad’s gaga over her. She kind of reminds me of Laney, actually.” Cat grimaced and then laughed.
Like Laney? David’s father had betrayed a vivacious, loving woman for a cool, distant one. Vivi shivered. David’s words echoed in her mind. God forbid we’d end up like them. Maybe he’d been right.
After all, Vivi would probably embarrass him in front of his colleagues and Ivy League friends. She’d be out of place in his world. An unbidden image of her own parents crossed her mind. Maybe she didn’t deserve a happy ending anyway, she thought.
Cat’s phone vibrated again. This time her face blanched when she noted the caller.
“Oh, hell no.”
“Who now?” Vivi finished her wine. “Jackson?”
“Justin.” Cat’s nervous laugh didn’t fool Vivi. “He’s becoming annoying.”
“How so?” Vivi shed her boots and massaged her cramped toes. High fashion be damned, she preferred sensible footwear.
“We broke up on Wednesday—don’t say it!” Cat stuck her hand out to silence Vivi. “Anyway, he keeps calling.”
“Well, that’s your pattern, isn’t it? Break up to make up. Are you serious about ending it this time?”
“I think so. He’s exhausting. I love his good points, but I can’t take any more of his mood swings.” Cat’s expression reflected indecision mixed with regret. “Now he’s convinced I’m already seeing someone else. He does this every time I go on location for work.”
“Well, you do work with beautiful men.” Vivi’s brows went up. “I can see how that might be intimidating.”
“Half of them are gay, Vivi. Damn shame, too.” She blushed. “But I’m not a cheater. Either he trusts me, or not.”
“True.” Vivi’s stomach growled, causing Cat to laugh. “Um, so where and when are we going to eat? Obviously I’m getting hungry!”
The resounding click of the front door’s lock caught their attention before Cat answered. Stunned, they stared at each other and then at the entry, as if watching a movie. Seconds later, the front door swung open and Justin stepped inside.
“What the hell, Justin?” Cat leaped off the sofa and strode toward him, pointing her finger toward the door. “Get out!”
Justin scanned the living room, probably seeking evidence of the suspected boyfriend. Visible relief settled in his features when he saw Vivi sitting alone on the couch and only two glasses of wine on the coffee table.
Vivi studied him from her catbird seat. She might not like Justin, but he was a head turner. His ruggedly handsome face had a boyish quality, like Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
“I can’t believe you barged in here.” Cat held out her palm. “Give me back my key. Obviously I can’t trust you.”
Vivi’s brows shot up. If Cat hadn’t already taken her key back, then she wasn’t really done with Justin.
He slid the keychain into his front pocket, crossing his arms like a petulant child. “Not taking my calls now?”
“I’m not at your beck and call.” Cat’s eyes bulged. “We are over! Give me my key, then go. Vivi and I have plans tonight.”
He studied Vivi’s outfit, then looked Cat up and down, taking note of her sexy sandals and low-cut dress. “You ladies look fine.” He fingered a skein of Cat’s hair and whistled. “You’re not dolled up to stay in and watch a movie. So, who are you meeting?”
Cat brushed his hand away and turned to reach for her phone. “Justin, get out or I’m calling security to come remove you.”
“Put the phone down, Cat.” His authoritative command startled both women.
Every muscle in Vivi’s body went rigid and the hair follicles on the back of her neck tingled. Justin’s face grew ruddy; his hands fisted by his side. Thinking back to Cat’s reluctant confession on Block Island, it seemed quite possible they could all find themselves on tonight’s eleven o’clock news.
Suddenly Justin changed tactics, softening his expression. “Just be honest with me. If you met someone else, then tell me.” His shoulders slumped. He dipped his chin and lowered his voice. “Don’t make me hear it from someone else, Cat. You owe me at least that much respect.”
“Why bother? You never believe me.” She stared at him for a minute. “There is no other man, not yet, anyway. You’re the reason this never works. I can’t take your accusations and crazy behavior anymore.”
“I love you.” He clasped her wrist. “How am I supposed to feel when I see the way every man leers at you? I know those photographers prey on women. Don’t hate me because I care.”
“I don’t hate you, Justin. You suffocate me.” She tried to pry his fingers off her wrist. “Please let go. Vivi and I are leaving for dinner.”
He glanced back at Vivi. “Where are you going?”
“I don’t know. It’s a surprise.” Vivi tried to appear sympathetic in order to defuse the situation. She didn’t want to repeat old mistakes by doing something to make a bad situation worse. “I think you ought to work this out another time, after you calm down.”
He ignored Vivi’s request and turned back to Cat. “Are you meeting others tonight?”
“None of your business.” Cat puffed out her chest.
Oh, frick! Vivi’s stomach dropped. This wasn’t the best time for her friend’s defiant streak to join the party. Justin’s and Cat’s temperaments were too combustible. The air in the apartment felt positively explosive.
“I’ll leave once you tell me the truth.” Justin tightened his grip on Cat’s arm. “Are you meeting others for dinner?”
“Let go.” Cat winced in pain. “You’re hurting me.”
Rather than release her, he rammed her against the dining chair. “Just answer my damn question, Cat. I’m not an idiot. Clearly you’re dressed to impress, or maybe you plan to whore around with your friend and pick up strangers.”
“Okay, Justin, this is getting out of control.” Vivi stood, but her miniature frame was less than threatening. She took a step toward them. “Please let go of Cat.”
“Quiet, Vivi. This is between her and me.” He shoved Cat up against the wall, with his one hand firmly pressed on her breastbone and the other holding on to her hair.
The veins in his neck bulged, sending a tide of crimson rushing to his cheeks. “Are you planning to fuck someone tonight just to show me how much you don’t care?”
Vivi recoiled at his ugly tone and language. Seized with panic, she couldn’t think straight. On instinct, she bounded toward Justin and pounded on his back. He barely noticed, so she tugged at his arm, using her full body weight to try to pry him off Cat. Her heart kicked in her chest as she realized how little effect she had against his strength and size.
“Get off me, Vivi!” he spat. He turned and flung her away like a dishrag.
Her feet left the ground. In disbelief, she flew through the air, feeling as if she were moving in slow motion. A thunderous crack split the air, followed by a sharp burst of pain.
Then everything cut to black.