Destiny and a Bottle of Merlot by Bria Marche Read Free Book Online Page A

She was happy company stopped by for no reason whatsoever.
    “Hi, babe. Tina gave me the 411 on the Jack bullshit. Step back in the light, I need to check your hair.”
    Sasha backed up under the foyer chandelier and stood at attention like a dutiful soldier while Vic examined her head.
    Tina burst out laughing.
    “What?” they both asked.
    “Vic, you idiot. You’re acting like a monkey picking fleas off another monkey.”
    “Do I look like a monkey?” Sasha was worried.
    “No, hon, it’s a joke at our expense. Tina thinks she’s funny. Anyway, good job, sister. Okay, stand back, Sasha so I can get the whole picture of the new you. Take that stupid robe off so I can actually see you.”
    “It’s cold in here.” Sasha snuggled even deeper in her chenille robe.
    “You can put it back on in a minute. Let me look at you. Turn slowly so I can put together the image I want you to portray. I’m picturing a long floral skirt with a spaghetti strap, shelf bra, top. You’ve got the girls, you might as well show them off.”
    “What girls?”
    “Never mind. You’ll wear distressed, brown moto boots and a matching bomber jacket. That’s it! You’re going to be the innocent, pixie, hippy, hipster girl in our clan.”
    “Mario is the hippy, hipster. I don’t want to be a copycat,” Sasha pouted.
    “Trust me, babe. If it isn’t right, I’ll come up with another idea. Anyway, be ready when I get off work tomorrow. We’re going shopping. Have that trust fund money ready to roll.”
    “Yay!” Sasha grabbed Vic and hugged her tight. “I’m going shopping with one of my besties. Can everyone come?”
    “Sure, why not?”
    “Yippee! Grab a bottle of wine off the card table, Tina. I want to show you guys what I did on the balcony,” Sasha said, as she slipped on her robe.
    They held the ornate, carved handrail and climbed the staircase, consisting of twenty-two steps.
    “Damn, if I lived here I’d lose my hootchie mama butt in no time,” Vic groaned, as she huffed up the stairs. “What a friggin workout. I’ll need a shower by the time I get to the top.”
    “You’ll get used to it,” Sasha said. “I already have.”
    She led them into the master suite and out to the balcony. Sasha flipped on the outdoor light so they could appreciate what she had done. She smiled proudly as Tina and Vic stood in disbelief.
    “You did all this in a couple of days? The balcony was empty on Sunday.”
    They were amazed at the transformation. Not only was the darling, peach colored table and chair set on the balcony, there were flower boxes hanging on the railing and potted evergreens scattered about too. It was a private sanctuary, but with the clear, perfect view facing east. Sasha would never miss the sunrise she wanted to witness every morning.
    “How did you do this?” Tina asked, still awestruck.
    “Well,” Sasha giggled, “Mia helped me carry the furniture upstairs, but the trees? I had the nursery guys take them up. They weren’t happy about it either. I picked evergreens because they’ll stay pretty throughout the winter. I can even put Christmas decorations on them.” Sasha’s mind was like a gerbil on steroids running nonstop on his wheel.
    They enjoyed the bottle of Merlot on the balcony as they looked out at the lights twinkling throughout town. They listened to the quiet. Other than an occasional dog barking somewhere in the neighborhood, it was sheer bliss.
    “You really are in your element, aren’t you?” Vic asked, as she squeezed Sasha’s hand.
    Sasha began to cry.
    “What’s wrong?” Tina and Vic set their glasses down and comforted Sasha.
    “Nothing really. It’s just been a hectic few days. I had to change my whole look just because of Jack. Do I need to watch over my shoulder every day, too? I’m afraid to come into the salon now, he might be watching. This house makes me so happy and I want to feel at peace here. I’ll change my name, and hope it’s enough.”
    Vic got up and went