Interview with Love (24 page)

He stared at her. “Another woman?”

Sienna nodded. “I didn't believe it at first either, but I have proof.”

He perused her from head to toe. “You…have proof?”

“Yes.”

Vaughn ran a hand over his face. “Why are you just now telling me? I assume you've known about this for some time?”

“No, I haven't. I just found out two days ago…in New York. I was at a musical, Hair to be exact and—”

“So it was a spur of the moment thing?” Vaughn stood up and began pacing. “You're telling me you met a woman at a musical in New York days ago, you two hit it off immediately, and now you're…gay?”

“What?” Sienna shook her head in confusion. “No, Vaughn. I'm not gay.”

His patience was thinning. “If you're not pregnant, and you're not attracted to women. Then what the hell are you saying?”

Sienna looked at him in bewilderment. “I'm not talking about me. I said you're girlfriend, not your ex-girlfriend.”

“Dammit Sienna, they are one and the same. Now quit playing games with me and tell me what the heck you're talking about.”

Her anger rose to the surface in reaction to his. “I'm talking about your redhead, Vaughn. I overheard these two women at the theater in New York. They said that she's dating some European model. Can't you see? She's playing you for a fool. Actually I find it ironic. You cheated on me, and now she's cheating on you except she's not into men it seems—at least maybe not one hundred percent.”

His expression was incredulous. “Sienna, for the last time, I am not cheating on you. Not with Natalia—or anyone else.”

“You expect me to believe you—”

“Yes,” he roared from across the room. “That's exactly what I expect you to do. You know for some bizarre reason I thought you'd give the man you were in a relationship with, the actual benefit of the doubt. Instead you latch on to the first stranger you find and believe her like she's the patron Saint of Miracles.”

“It's Saint Anthony,” she said, automatically.

“What?”

“The patron Saint of miracles is Saint Anthony.”

Vaughn threw up his hands. I can't believe you. Here I am telling you that I'm not cheating on you. I am open and honest, not that you deserve it in the least, and all you can do is correct me about some Saint. You aren't even Catholic.”

“Well what do you want me to do?”

“To believe in what we had together. What we still have.”

“It's over, Vaughn,” she said, tearfully. “Once it's gone you can't get it back.”

She turned to leave. Before her hand had touched the knob Vaughn had crossed the room. He hauled her up against him. Leaning down Vaughn kissed Sienna passionately. He stopped a few seconds later. “Tell me it's gone.”

“Vaughn, I—”

He kissed her again. He trailed kisses down her neck while running his hand up and down her back. This time when their lips met Sienna's mouth opened. His tongue played with hers before he moved to nibble her ear. “Tell me, Sienna,” he whispered. “Tell me there's nothing here.”

When she remained silent his hands unbuttoned her blouse. His fingers slid inside the silk top and flicked over her bra to tease her mercilessly. His name escaped her lips as a half-moan, half-plea.

Vaughn reached down on either side of her skirt. He raised it to her waist. He picked her up, slammed his office door shut with his foot and leaned her against it in one fluid motion. Her legs immediately anchored themselves around his waist. Her eyes drifted shut. Their breath mingled together. “Sienna look at me.”

Reluctantly she did as he asked. When she did, the intensity of his gaze held her far more securely than his arms. “Doc, if you don't want this, tell me it's over and I'll stop. I swear to you I will.”

She stared at him so long her eyes teared up.

Vaughn waited. “Say it.”

Her voice came out in a shuddered whoosh. “I…I can't,” she confessed.

Vaughn kissed her. It was slow, solemn and held a touch of sadness. Gently, he released her. His hands swiftly returned her clothes to their original position. His thumb tilted her face up to meet his. “I'm sorry, Sienna, but it still bothers me that you don't know that I would never, ever hurt you. As much as I want you, and believe me, Doc, I want you in the worst way—it can't be like this. Not with any doubts or hesitations.”

Sienna smoothed her hands over her skirt. She looked up at him. “I'm sorry, Vaughn.”

His expression was grim. “Me too.” He leaned around and opened the door. She turned and slowly walked out.

Sienna was driving home trying her best to focus on the road in front of her and not the grief she felt at her and Vaughn's final farewell.
It doesn't have to be.
She told herself. “Yes it does. It's too late.” Just then her cell phone rang. The Bluetooth in her car picked up the call. “Hello?”

“Okay, what's so important that I had to interrupt a pivotal scene with Genevieve on holiday in Monte Carlo?”

“Who's Genevieve?”

The heroine in my book. I'm working on a scene. Genevieve just got finished sleeping with this hotelier's son, Miguel. The father's security detail is in the middle of doing a sweep of the house. He's got to get her out before the father's henchmen see her.”

“Why?” Sienna inquired. “What's the big deal if she's caught?”

“It's the day before Miguel's wedding. The bride's family would call off the ceremony, and Miguel's father would lose the inside track on her father's exclusive line of spa products for his hotels.” Sasha explained.

“Of course.”

“Do you like her name?”

Though nobody could see her, Sienna hunched her shoulders. “I guess.”

“Pierce said it sounds like a nanny's name, but I think it's sexy.”

“Pierce? What you two are friends now?” Sienna inquired.

“Sort of. You could say we have similar points of interest. So what's up?”

“Vaughn and I broke up.”

“Again?”

“This is final, Sasha.” Sienna said, tearfully.

“Sis, I'm not getting this whole break up thing. It seems like a big misunderstanding that could be cleared up with a heart-to-heart talk. Why aren't you willing to try?”

“I don't know,” Sienna sniffed. “Look this is painful enough without analyzing it to death.”

“You're right, I'm sorry. Why don't you come over? Mom and Dad are out tonight. I think they're on a date,” Sasha chuckled. “Hey, maybe I should come over there?”

“Would you mind? I hate pulling you from your book, but I'm trying not to wallow.”

“No problem. I can bring my laptop in case inspiration strikes. Besides, I don't want them coming home trying to get all amorous while I'm here,” she joked. “That's creepy.”

Sienna's thoughts drifted back to her encounter with Vaughn at his office. Her skin tingled everywhere he'd touched her. “Stop it,” she admonished herself.

“Stop what?”

“Sorry, not you. I was talking about…never mind. I'll see you soon?”

“Yep. Want me to bring anything? Ice cream? Pizza? Gummi Bears?”

“No thanks. I couldn't eat anything right now.”

“Suit yourself, but if you change your mind call me.”

“Sasha?”

“Yes?” her sister answered.

“Um, thanks. I…appreciate it.”

“You're welcome.”

Sienna said goodbye and ended the call. As she was driving, Vaughn's words replayed in her head.
“Sienna, for the last time I am not cheating on you. Not with Natalia or anyone else.”
She then recalled the woman at the restaurant staking her claim to Vaughn and him letting her. The pain she felt at his abandonment had been real. Her world was turned upside down that night. Vaughn made his choice, and he hadn't picked her.

 

Later that evening, Sasha and Sienna were on the couch in her living room painting their nails and listening to jazz on Satellite radio. “I'm glad you came over.” Sienna admitted.

“Me too. Do you know how long it's been since we painted each other's nails?”

“It was twelfth grade. You were about to go on a date with…what's his name?”

“Quimby Carson, the third,” Sasha retorted. “His name may have been dull but he sure as heck wasn't.”

“Really?”

“He was such a great kisser.”

“I just couldn't see it. He was such a nerd.”

“Yes, but he had a car and his parents were loaded.”

“Then why did you break up with him?”

“He wanted more and I wasn't ready to give it. I don't know, I guess I panicked, kind of like you're doing now.”

Sienna looked up. “It's not the same and you know it. You didn't run in to Quimby several states away with a woman in his lap.”

Sasha was thoughtful. “True, but I may have listened to the explanation had he offered one.”

“Let's change the subject. I'm thinking of taking a rock climbing class.”

“Uh, why?”

“Because it's something to do, plus it looks like it would be challenging and fun.”

“How about scary and dangerous?”

“It's in a controlled environment. It's perfectly safe.”

“Make up with Vaughn and get him to take you. That craziness is right up his alley.”

“Well that's not happening so that only leaves you and Vivian to be daring with me.”

“I'm thinking no, not just a normal no, but an emphatic no-way-on-the-planet kind of no.”

“Come on, Sasha.”

“Uh-uh. If I want an adrenaline rush I'll go skiing in the French Alps with my boyfriend's wife.”

Before Sienna could reply, her telephone rang. She eased herself off the couch and duck waddled to the kitchen to answer it.

“You really should invest in a cordless phone for in here,” Sasha said, loudly.

“Hello?”

“Hi Miss Sienna.”

“Angella? Hi sweetie, how are you?”

“Just fine. Well, maybe not completely fine.”

Sienna's forehead creased with concern. “What's the matter?”

“I'm in an awful bind, Miss Sienna. You see I've got a dance coming up and Daddy took me to go pick out my dress, but he's completely helpless when it comes to…you know…the getting ready part. I could really use a woman's help. Can you come over?”

“Um…yeah, sure. When is it?”

“It's Friday night. I'm really nervous,” Angella lamented. “I have some friends meeting me here and I don't want Daddy hovering,” she whispered into the phone.

“Say no more. I'll be out of town most of the week on business, but I will be back by then. I promise.”

“Oh thank you, Miss Sienna. I feel better already.”

“Glad I could help. I'll see you then.”

She hung up and made her way back to the living room.

“Who was that?”

“Angella. She has a dance this weekend and wants me to help her get ready. She doesn't want her dad getting freaked out.”

Sasha got a far off look on her face. “Remember how dad acted whenever we had a dance or a date?”

“Do I? He would sit there doing everything but cleaning his guns.”

Sasha regarded her sister. “It wasn't all bad, was it? I mean you and me.”

“No, it wasn't. Funny how we remember the bad things with such clarity and the good times we just gloss right over.”

Sasha nodded. “I'm glad we're getting re-acquainted, Sienna. I know it will be a bumpy road, and that nothing will get fixed overnight, bur regardless of what we've said to each other, we both know how we were before….”

“Before the beauty pageant,” Sienna supplied.

“And what happened after it,” Sasha's voice filled with remorse. “I'm so sorry.”

“You're right, Sasha. I think it's about time we tried to heal the wounds.”

They were quiet for some time before awkwardly hugging each other.

“Agreed, but I still want my crown back,” Sasha said, in a serious tone.

Sienna sat back on the couch. “You'll get it back when I get my house key.”

Sienna was the first to shake with mirth. Eventually, Sasha joined in and before too long they were laughing so hard they were crying.

A loud melody interrupted the sister's revelry.

“I just got a message.” Sasha leaned over the side of the couch to grab her bag. Gently, she eased her cell phone out of her bag while trying not to smudge her recently painted fingernails. She hit a button on her phone to pull up her text message.

“Hi Honey, it's Dad. This Friday is a go. Angella spoke with Vaughn and he'll be at Carlton's house at five fifteen. He thinks he's driving Angella and her friends to the dance. I just tried to call the house. Where are you?”

“At Sienna's house.”

“Are you two okay?”

“Relax. We aren't at each other's throats, dad.”

“Did she take the bait?”

Sasha typed out,
“We've got her hooked. We're a go.”

“Roger that. Dad, over and out.”

She couldn't help but chuckle reading her father's message.
You can take the man out of the military…
she mused.

“Who was that?”

“Just my agent. She wanted to check on my progress.”

“So we've painted our nails now what?”

“Now,” Sasha replied heading for the kitchen, “comes the popcorn and old movie on the Classic channel.”

While her sister was microwaving the popcorn, Sienna walked over to her purse. She retrieved her cell phone from inside. There were no messages.
Rule number twenty-three: Pain, like disappointment, wears off,
she reminded herself. With a wistful look, Sienna returned the phone back to her bag.

 

The rest of the week was a fast-paced blur. Monday Sienna flew to Detroit for a meeting with a potential client. She was home on Tuesday, but left on Wednesday to conduct a focus group in Chicago for a company specializing in outdoor adventures. Her focus group consisted of six men and women. Their ages ranged from twenty to fifty-five. The youngest was an entry level computer programmer. The oldest was a retired grandmother of three that traveled doing bodybuilding competitions and promoting senior fitness. A high school Science teacher, a park ranger, a convenience store clerk, and a stay-at-home mother rounded out the group.

Ordering a Mediterranean pizza from room service, Sienna scanned over her questions for her respondents. Her stomach twitched with nervous energy. “Hello, old friend,” she said, looking down at her abdomen. “Don't worry about a thing,” she started singing her favorite Bob Marley tune. “Tomorrow will be fine,” she said, taking a deep breath. “Relax, relate, release.”

 

The next morning, Sienna made it to the facility with time to spare. This allowed her to slowly unwind and get prepared for her group. By the time the hostess ushered in the six respondents she was more than ready. Once she'd welcomed them and introduced herself she allowed everyone to do the same.

“Now that we've had a chance to meet the people we're going to be up close and personal with for the next few hours, I'd like to get started. My first question is; where are my adrenaline junkies?”

Several people raised their hand. “Fabulous. Now tell me how many of you have ever rode on, or driven a motorcycle? Don't worry folks; even if it was on that cute little sidecar, I still want to know about it.”

Laugher sounded around the room. “You all are doing wonderfully. Let's keep that energy going, okay? Now, tell me about the most exciting outdoor adventure you've had. Keep in mind; I'm referring strictly to recreational pastimes. I don't need to know about any extracurricular activities that don't include clothing.”

“I went jet skiing in Wisconsin,” the programmer replied.

“Great, who else?”

“I went white water rafting,” the stay at home mom added. “It was the longest I was ever without the kids.”

“Who watched them?”

“My husband's parents. They treated us to an all expenses paid trip for our anniversary. It was incredible.”

“It sounds like it. Now from a recreation standpoint let me see by a show of hands; how many of you would consider doing something out of the norm if someone else covered the cost?”

Everyone raised their hands. Sienna made a few notes. “Looks like you all really let your hair down when you don't have to worry about who's going to foot the bill, right? I know I'd be the first one out there hitting the slopes if the price was right.”

“Now I'd like to know the longest recreational trip you've ever taken. Was it five days, four nights? A week? Two weeks?”

“I went on a five-day ATV adventure in Baja. We rode in the desert. It was so much fun.”

“I'll bet. I went ATVing in Arizona once. It was a blast,” Sienna confessed. As others chimed in with their comments, she found herself thinking about her weekend in Sedona with Vaughn. Quickly, she pushed the painful memories aside.

 

Time flew by quickly for Sienna. She had really enjoyed her latest group. They were lively and had some great responses for her. Her client only had an additional question or two that they had asked her to incorporate into the discussion. By the time the session had concluded, she was looking forward to returning to her hotel to go over all the audio tapes of their session. She went back into the observation room to say goodbye to her client. By the time she returned to the session room it was empty.
Great. No guys loitering around trying to ask me out.
It was a perfect end to a very productive meeting.

She sat back down at the table to organize her notes and pack up. She was scribbling some additional comments in her notebook when she heard a man clear his throat. Slowly, Sienna lowered her pen to the table.
Fantastic. Another living Adonis here to sweep me off my feet,
she grumbled to herself. Taking a deep breath, Sienna plastered a relaxed smile on her face and looked up. The smile immediately disintegrated into a look of utter disbelief. Her eyes were riveted to the man standing before her. When she spoke, her voice was barely recognizable. “Vaughn?”