A/N: Thank you to the lovely guest review trashing my writing and this story. This is very loosely based off of P&P and not meant to replicate it closely. I felt the characters worked well together so I am using it as a semi-outline. I also specifically stated that this was AU and so the Plum characters/backgrounds don't quite follow the books although I do try to keep their personalities the same. All this being said- if you don't like it-don't read it! I am all for constructive criticism but not unnecessarily rude comments that are not helpful in any way.
My apologies in the delay in posting... I've had a small case of writer's block. Like my other stories, I will eventually finish this one. Thank you to everyone who's reviewed to tell me they are enjoying it. Those types of reviews do make my day. Now, I hope you enjoy this newest chapter. :)
Disclaimer: I own none of JE's characters nor do I make any profit on them.
Plum & Prejudice
Chapter 12:
"The distance is nothing when one has a motive."
I get up quickly as I glance down at my ringing phone. Val's face is flashing on my screen in the middle of a workday. I figure something must be up. I haven't had much time to talk to her since New Year's Day. I slip away down the hall towards the restroom. The IRS has been at E.E. Martin since January fourth, and it's now the end of the week. They've shown no signs of leaving any time soon.
As soon as I have a bit of privacy, I answer the phone.
"Hey Val," I greet, "Is everything okay?" I hear a shaky breath across the line.
"Steph, I think I've been so incredibly foolish," Val starts with a quiver in her voice. I can feel my stomach tighten with dread. I hope she's okay.
"What do you mean? What's going on?" I question as I glance up as one of my coworkers exits the bathroom and heads back into her office.
"Well, I hadn't heard much from Steve since New Year. Steve finally called me this morning," she says, and I can tell some tears have fallen, "he's going to Miami for the company and doesn't know when he'll be back. He said it had been nice catching up but that maybe he'd see me whenever he returns." I can feel the anger rising in my chest.
"Oh Val," I reply, "I'm so sorry! What a dick." I hear Val sob. I hope she's not at work with the kids to listen to this. She sniffles.
"I should have known," she sighs quietly, "I've never meant as much to him as he meant to me." My heart breaks for my sister. I have a sinking suspicion of who is behind this whole thing because I believe Steve cares deeply about my sister.
"No, Val, you couldn't have known," I reply, upset, "you love him. I mean, he could come back within a month or two, but maybe you should try moving on." She sobs a bit harder at my words.
"Steph, you were right. I never got over him, and this makes everything worse," Val states bitterly, "I'm sure Caroline had some say in this. She's never liked me." I snort in response.
"Caroline doesn't like any woman," I reply quickly, "and Steve's an idiot if he doesn't realize how great you are. Are you at work right now?"
"Thanks, Steph," she says, "no, thankfully, it's a teacher workday. I'm not planning to go in until a bit later."
"Okay, good. Let's try and get dinner Sunday, okay?" I request as I see my boss look down the hall and motion for me.
"Sounds like a plan. Sorry, I interrupted your workday, sis," Val sighs, only sounding marginally better than when we started the call.
"It's okay. I'm sorry Steve's acting like a total butt," I respond, "cheer up, and I'll see you Sunday for dinner."
"Pino's okay with you?" she questions with barely a sniffle. My stomach begins rumbling at the mention.
"Of course, you know I love Pino's," I reply easily, "Love you."
"Love you too, bye Steph," she says before I hear static. I close my phone and feel the anger surge in my chest. I'm reminded of what Lester told me about Ranger telling Steve it wasn't a good match. I have a Spidey Sense that Steve is, in fact, being an idiot and listening to Ranger about my sister.
I spend the rest of the Friday busy with paperwork with intermittent bouts of anger directed at Ranger. I'm drained when I arrive at my apartment. I quickly change into some cozy sweatpants and sweater before pouring myself a glass of wine and relaxing on the couch. I flick something on TV as I think about Val and Steve. My phone ringing pulls me out of my thoughts. I quickly mute the TV and answer the call.
"Steph!" Lucille squeals in my ear as I answer the phone.
"Hi Lucille," I respond with a smile, "what's the occasion for the call?" Lucille and I are relatively close as far as cousins-in-law go, but she doesn't usually call me out of the blue. It's definitely a welcome distraction tonight.
"Joe Juniak is having dinner tomorrow night at his house," she informs me excitedly, "Vinnie and I are going. Joe told me to invite you as well. He said something about other people being invited," she babbles, "I'm not too sure, but it seems like a fancy affair." Hmm… I'm surprised Uncle Joe didn't just call me himself.
"Interesting! Did he say what the occasion is?" I question as I take a sip of my wine.
"Not exactly...but I have a feeling he will be announcing his run for Congress soon," she says giddily, "it sounds like some other Trenton business associates will be there as well."
"Wow! I definitely want to be there," I reply, "what time is the dinner?" Lucille rattles off the details before telling me she has to go. We say our goodbyes, and I'm left with my thoughts again.
I'm barely left to think about Uncle Joe's news when my phone is ringing again. I smile when I see Aunt Jen's name in the caller ID, and I answer quickly. She's not truly my aunt, but she is Joe's wife. I've known her as long as him. They are family in every way that matters.
"Hi Stephanie," she greets, and I can hear the smile in her voice. She's one of the few people who call me by my full name. I don't mind it coming from her.
"Hi Aunt Jen," I respond, knowing the reason for this call, "how are you?"
"I'm doing well! The new year is starting off with a bang," she informs me heartily, "Joe is officially throwing his hat into the ring to run for Congress."
"Congratulations! That's exciting news. When is he going public with it?" I ask, happy to hear it's not just Lucille's best guess.
"Well, he wants to announce on Monday officially. We're having a small dinner party tomorrow night with some influential business partners," she explains, "we've always been close to you, Stephanie. You know I think of you as a daughter. We want you to come to dinner tomorrow." My heart swells, and I feel tears fill my eyes. I've always loved Aunt Jen and Uncle Joe. As godparents, they were necessary supports in my childhood. I love my mother, but she was hard on me. Thankfully, I had Grandma Mazur as well as Jen and Joe.
"Aw, Aunt Jen. You know how much you and Uncle Joe mean to me. I wouldn't be who I am today without you," I reply sincerely, "of course, I'll be happy to come tomorrow evening."
"Wonderful! He will be so thrilled to have you there," she says, "do you mind coming over a bit early? Maybe around 4:30 pm? I'd love to catch up with you, and you can help me with the place settings. It'll be like old times." I smile at her words. I used to be at their house frequently when I was younger. Aunt Jen was one of my biggest confidants, and I never minded cooking or doing domestic things at her home. It felt more enjoyable rather than a chore.
"Of course, I'd be happy to come early," I reply quickly, excited to spend some quality time with her. As I've gotten older, Val and I grew closer, which also led to me and Aunt Jen not speaking as often. It will be nice to catch up like we used to.
"Perfect!" she replies giddily, "I can't wait. See you tomorrow." I smile and say goodbye. I hang up the phone and put the volume back on the TV.
As I'm getting ready to head out to Aunt Jen and Uncle Joe's, I can't help but feel excited. I'm excited for Uncle Joe and to see Aunt Jen to catch up. I don't like to admit it, but I always wished Aunt Jen was my mom when I was growing up. As an adult, I can't help but wish my mom was more like Aunt Jen. She never expected me to be someone I wasn't, and she never cared what the neighbors thought of her.
I decide on a simple black scoop neck shirt in a buttery soft fabric, and I pair it with some flowy business red high waisted pants with a cute little tie at the hip. I put on a light black blazer over top and slide on a pair of classic Louboutin's. I look damn good if I say so myself. I top my look off with a matching bright red lip color. My curls actually cooperated and are falling softly down my back. I grab a chunky silver bracelet and matching necklace that ties the look together.
I grab my purse and lock up before heading out. I'm driving thirty minutes out to their house. They live in the suburbs of Trenton that doesn't quite qualify as the 'Burg. It's a nicer area.
My phone starts ringing, and I answer without looking as I'm focused on the cars in front of me.
"Cupcake," the familiar voice of Joe Morelli drawls, "how are you doing?" I'm a little surprised to hear from him. Rumor has it that he was with Terry Gilman on New Year's Eve and the day after. It would explain why I never saw him. I'm not particularly upset, but I'm not really looking to play games.
"Hi Joe," I respond politely, "I'm fine. How are you?" He had texted me a couple of times, but I was busy with work and forgot to respond.
"Okay, I started at the precinct. I hadn't heard from you," Joe says, "I miss you." I swallow the snort that wants to burst forth.
"I've been busy with work," I reply, "to be honest, Joe, I'm not sure if I see this going anywhere serious." I just rip the bandaid off. No need to prolong something that I don't think will work. I hear silence over the line.
"Joe?" I question hesitantly, "you still there." I hear him clear his throat.
"Oh, yeah yeah, but Cupcake, I thought we had a nice time at dinner," Joe replies, "Is this because of New Years? Honest, I tried to contact you, but my phone died."
"It's that and you being with Terry Gilman," I reply, "I just don't think we'll work out. You seem like a great guy, and any woman would be lucky to date you."
"But...Steph...come on," he replies, spluttering a bit, "Terry and I are old friends. You can't just cut me out like this." I can tell he's getting a little angry towards the end.
"I'm sure you are, and that's completely fine," I say, "even without Terry, I just don't think this will work." Unfortunately, as slick as Joe is and as much as he charmed me, his no-show on New Years really made me realize that it wouldn't work out.
"Please let me change your mind," he pleads even with the edge in his voice.
"This conversation is over, Joe," I say, "I hope we can remain friends." I hear the static signaling he hung up on me. If his reaction is any indication, it just further shows that we would not have worked out. Sometimes you just know.
I push the conversation from my mind as Aunt Jen, and Uncle Joe's subdivision is in my line of vision. I wind around before finally ending at their driveway. I go ahead and park close. I'll probably be one of the last to leave as well as the first to arrive.
Aunt Jen is waiting with the front door half open as I step out of my vehicle. She looks gorgeous in a Lilly Pulitzer navy floral dress. She's tanned highly from her time in the sun when she was younger. Her dark hair is highlighted with honey blonde and in a lovely half updo. Aunt Jen grins and waves at me. As I get close, she wraps me in a hug.
"I'm so glad you could come," she says quietly, "come on in! You look gorgeous." I grin back.
"So do you! I missed you," I respond as I follow her into the familiar house. I set my bag on the table in the foyer and follow her into the kitchen.
"Joe is in his study," she informs me, "we'll have plenty of time for confidential girl talk." I smirk and shake my head.
"First, tell me who all is coming tonight," I request as she checks whatever is in the oven. It smells delicious.
"You, Vinny, Lucille, Harry the Hammer, Chief of Police Archie Krasinsky, Father Dennis from Sacred Heart and then owner and one of the co-owners of RangeMan," she lists off by memory. Interesting crowd, and then I realize the last two she said.
"Wait, the owners of RangeMan?" I question, feeling my mouth go dry. She turns to look at me.
"Yes, Carlos Manoso and Lester Santos," Jen replies, "is there a problem?" I swallow thickly and shake my head no. Lester is great. It's his pompous cousin I have an issue with, especially after the distraught phone call I received from Valerie yesterday. This dinner is going to be interesting.