Payback and a Bottle of Merlot: Like Sisters Series Book One by Bria Marche Read Free Book Online

about, day or night, just call me. I’ll always listen.”
    “Thanks, Aaron. I know I can count on you for anything. It’s hard to talk about my marriage with you though. You know why.”
    “I do, but I don’t care about Jack’s feelings or issues. It isn’t about me either. I only want to be there for you. If talking helps, I’ll listen, no matter how weird it is for me. Do you want me to close up the shop? We can go somewhere quiet and talk.”
    “Not yet, but soon. I’ve got some thinking and soul searching to do first. You know how much I love and appreciate you, don’t you?”
    “Of course I do. I’ve never doubted that.”
    “I should go,” she said. They got up and Mia gave Aaron a hug and kissed his cheek. Her eyes welled up as he hugged her even longer. He buried his head in her hair. The scent of honeysuckle shampoo filled his nostrils. He inhaled it deeply. His love for her had no end. They looked into each other’s eyes and soul for a moment before Mia turned and walked out the door.

Chapter Six
    Mia decided to go home. She would talk to her friends about everything tomorrow. Right now, she needed to think.
    In the kitchen, mindlessly preparing dinner, she heard the sound of a car door slam. Reggie ran to the front door, barking and wagging his tail with excitement. She looked out the window above the sink, and was surprised to see Jack coming up the sidewalk. Hmmm… you’re home at dinner time. That’s not like you.
    He entered the house, walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. Reggie wagged his tail, begging for attention, but Jack ignored him. Mia didn’t acknowledge Jack’s presence. She took a sip of wine and put the pot roast with carrots and potatoes in the oven. The atmosphere in the house was cold. Of course he didn’t know why, but Jack wondered where this air of indifference was coming from. Something about her changed. She didn’t seem to notice him, or care about anything he did anymore. She wasn’t catering to his needs, or trying to cozy up to him at all. It was irritating Jack because he expected it from her.
    “What’s going on with you anyway?” he asked, while she continued making dinner. “You’re aloof and standoffish.”
    “You mean like you’ve been since the day you moved in here?”
    “Yes, that’s what I mean. Or… no… don’t turn this around to be about me. What I’m saying is, this isn’t like you, that’s all.”
    “Does it bother you that I’m not kissing your butt and trying to please you? I guess I’m feeling a little different these days. Why try so hard when I don’t get any positive feedback or attention from you anyway?”
    “You get plenty of attention,” Jack said, now becoming angry. “I’m the one bringing in the big bucks and working my ass off to support us.”
    “Jack, just stop talking. I’m not listening to you anyway. Dinner’s in the oven. It still has an hour to go.” Mia opened the coat closet and grabbed the dog leash. “I’m walking Reggie. I’ll be back when I’m back.” She took Reggie and left, slamming the front door on her way out. Mia walked down the driveway and turned to the left. She saw Jack staring at her through the kitchen window from the corner of her eye. She had no intention of turning to acknowledge him, but she did like keeping him off balance and wondering. You need to wonder what I’m up to, jerk! You’ll find out as soon as I figure it out.
    ***
    Mia called the girls early the next morning. It was time to have another lunch date so she could tell them how the meeting with Karen went. There were ideas to formulate and plans to go over. With her best friends in the world ready to help, she knew they would come up with the perfect blindside. First, they had to figure out how Sasha would play a part in their scheme to unravel and humiliate Jack. Mia already had Karen on board.
    The three met at Bottoms Up at twelve-thirty. Mia told them how there wasn’t a Claire in the picture.