“I’m not scared of Tasha. She hurt and humiliated me, but this accident was a series of bad luck. She tripped me to make me look like a fool. There’s no way she knew it would tweak my ankle or heel.”
“No one thinks you fear her. And no matter her intent to embarrass you, it was the next chain of events that led to your knee.”
“Scared of her? Hell no, I hope the woman is still in town,” Annie pitches in.
“If she is not here right now, she’ll be back.”
“How can you be sure?” Jill asks.
“Because she wants something from me. I have no idea how her lies spread to someone like Rina, but the stint with Tony Sanchez was a direct message.”
“Well, she didn’t do her research into Evin very well. Tony Sanchez is an idiot,” Annie quips. “I’m glad Evin fired him.”
“A professional temptress played him. Tasha has been perfecting the art since high school.”
“Well, a man in his position should be able to spot a shark.”
We will never know exactly how Natasha scouted Tony, but Evin and I suspect it was basic research. Evin’s client list is private, but his reputation is widely known. His profile on the bank website has several testimonials, one of them Tony’s.
“Since we’re on the subject, I have gossip.” Ashlyn’s eyes brighten.
“Well, spill child. We need some juicy news to turn this grave mood around.” Jill settles in her chair.
“I met with Jackson Wednesday and Tony is not going away quietly. He’s petitioned everyone in an executive position to convince Evin to reconsider. Tony is—and I quote—‘eating a shitload of humble pie to get back in good graces’. Jackson belongs to the same country club, and word spread that Tony Sanchez has a newfound commitment to abstinence after being hustled. Hasn’t slept with a woman since Tasha disappeared, which is a big deal. He’s also on the lookout for her.” Her mouth splits into a satisfied smile.
Jill was right. The mood lifts at the little tidbit. A sense of righteousness shoots through me, and I swallow the rest of my wine in one gulp.
“I’m ready for her. Since we were fourteen, she’s had the upper hand and I’ve been complacent. But not now. She’s fucked with me for the last time.”
“Let me make one little suggestion.” Ashlyn pinches her thumb and forefinger together. “Whatever happens, don’t try to serve justice alone. If Evin is anything like Miller, it won’t bode well for you. Take it from experience.”
“She won’t be alone! She has me,” Annie exclaims.
“She has all of us,” Darby agrees, straight-faced. “We’ve served up a dose of medicine.”
My gaze falls to where Darby’s hands rests on her bowling ball belly and then over to Ashlyn, who’s stomach is just as round on her small frame. I press my lips together, which only makes my giggle sound strangled. Annie and Jill outright snicker.
The girls share a look and both burst into giggles as well.
A caravan of trucks pulls into the driveway. My heart flips when Evin climbs out, his eyes locked on me. During the day, he changed out of his suit and is now in jeans and a t-shirt that molds over his chest and arms, a red ball cap turned backward on his head. He doesn’t wear hats often, but when he does, I have to remind myself not to drool.
He yanks open the back cab door of Pierce’s truck, his intent obvious.
“Oh, shit,” I whisper.
“What?”
“I’m going to fold. He knows my weaknesses—the outfit, the hat—now he’s walking up holding Devin. He knows what that does to me. I basically shot-gunned that glass of wine, which is buzzing pleasantly through me. My silent treatment and evil glares may be impossible.”
“Hmmm, he’s pulling out the big guns. Try to stay strong to make your point, but remember how much he loves you. I’m right here.” Annie pats my hand.
Runner sits, his tail whooshing and thumping against the back of the swing excitedly as the men crowd onto the porch. Like always, Miller and Peirce go to their wives, and Evin comes to stand in front of me.
Devin is quiet, his head on Evin’s shoulder as he fights to keep his eyes open.
I want to offer to rock him to sleep, but stay quiet.
“Baby, Marco called.”
I shrug.
“We’ll try to trace your grandparents' things.”
“Thank you.”
“And Marco is stepping up efforts to find Tasha.”
“We’ve taken care of Charleston and the general vicinity. He can save his money here,” Annie informs him snidely.
“Mom, what did you do?”
“Took steps to make things happen, which should have been done weeks ago. One of these days, you boys will wisen up.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry.”
My eyes snap to his, and a lump forms in my throat at the sincerity and regret staring back. His attitude is a one-eighty from last night when he was in defense mode.