I don't own these characters/historical figures. I don't even know how that would work.
2: Turned Red
Maria was up off of the couch the second she heard Angelica's key in the door. The second Angelica stepped in, she greeted her with a kiss. Angelica smiled against her lips as the door slammed behind them. Angelica purred and it sent the perfect chills through Maria. No one ever made Maria feel such shivers, only Angelica. She was not sure what it meant, but she never wanted it to end.
"I guess it was a good day despite Peggy kidnapping you?" Angelica asked, wrapping her arms around Maria's waist and holding her close.
Maria sighed against Angelica's chest. She was always safe and secure in these slender arms. She did not know a person could feel this way, especially with another person. "Or maybe because Peggy kidnapped me."
With a giggle, Angelica kissed the top of her head. "So, you got Stockholm Syndrome in one afternoon?"
Maria smiled. "Why not? It's not like you paid my ransom."
Angelica kissed the top of her head again and Maria inhaled her scent. It was soothing, even if she just got off of the subway. This was the perfect end to a really good day.
"You think that, but she released you back to me, didn't she?" Angelica asked.
Maria could not help laughing. "So, how much was I worth?"
Angelica pulled back just enough to look her in the eye. "Everything. I'd give up everything for you." Angelica kissed her and Maria could feel that she meant.
Maria melted into Angelica while trying not to let thoughts of "everything" flood her mind. Angelica had done so much for her in four months, way more than her husband had done in four years. Well, positive anyway. James had left tons of negative things for her to wade through. Angelica pulled away and eyed her with concern. She tried to keep it together, but Angelica caressed her cheek and her chin wobbled.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Angelica asked. Her voice was soft, gentle. Maria had never heard this sort of tone from a lover. It hit deep, somewhere beyond her stomach and made her vibrate in a good way.
"How did you get to be so perfect?" Maria could not believe tears stung her eyes as she asked that question. She was ready to overflow with emotion and it would pour right out of her in the form of tears.
Angelica offered her a soft smile. "I thought that night with my sisters proved I'm far from perfect. I just want to be good for you."
"You are and that's what I was just thinking about. You've done so much for me in such a short period of time." There might never be a way for Maria to pay Angelica back or return the feeling, even as she gushed with affection for Angelica.
Angelica placed a gentle kiss to her lips. "Think of it as thanks for opening my eyes."
Maria scoffed. "You opened my eyes, too." It went beyond her sexuality, but to the possibilities of life. Her eyes had been opened to life in general and how much she had missed out on, had allowed to pass her by, and was now laid out in front of her. Thanks to Angelica, she could live her life in the manner she desired, whatever that might be. I have to figure something out, too.
Angelica kissed her cheek. "Let's talk more after I go take a shower and change."
"Let me at least put your coat away."
"You don't have to."
"I want to, so please."
Angelica smiled at her. "You're so bossy."
Maria nodded. "I know I am. Now, coat."
With a chuckle, Angelica shed her coat and placed it in Maria's waiting arms. Maria went to hang up the coat and Angelica disappeared upstairs. Maria went back to the sofa and picked up the book she was reading. It was from the bookshelf, which went from floor to ceiling, taking up almost half the wall. She had never stopped and noticed how many books Angelica owned. Has she read them all? Knowing Angelica, yes, she read them and could quote them. Angelica was one smart cookie.
Maria had grabbed a novel, When Things Fall Apart. She had never heard of it, but she suddenly felt the urge to read everything she could. Angelica was an intellectual, and liked intellectuals. Maria was the opposite of an intellectual. She hoped to change that.
"Are you reading that? It's such a good book," Angelica's voice broke her thoughts.
Maria blinked and looked at the book in her lap before looking at Angelica. How long had she been zoned out on the couch? Angelica was dressed in a comfy peach-colored sweater and white yoga pants. She sat down next to Maria, tucking her feet to the side.
"How far are you?" Angelica asked.
"Hmm?" Maria leaned in, wanting to get a good whiff of a freshly showered Angelica. Her body wash smelled like wild berries, but it mixed with her natural scent and did wonders for Maria. A simple whiff made her feel so safe and relaxed. It sent all the right tingles through her body.
"How much of the book have you read?" Angelica asked with a small smile, as if she knew what she was doing. Knowing her, she did and they both enjoyed it, so it did not matter.
Maria blinked. "Not much. Just a few pages." Her stomach flipped, as if she had been caught doing something wrong. She put the book down on the coffee table. I hope she doesn't quiz me or something. Not that she saw why Angelica would do such a thing. Suddenly, she felt like she was in school and woefully unprepared for a test.
Angelica brushed some of Maria's hair back. "It's a good one. What made you pick it up?"
Maria glanced away. Lying was an option or downplaying her thinking was also an option. But, she did not want to do that. She was safe with Angelica. Angelica proved that time and time again.
"You're really smart," Maria said.
"Thank you," Angelica replied.
Maria's shoulders dropped. "I'm not. I didn't even finish high school."
"Oh, sweetheart." Angelica gathered Maria in her arms and held her close, nuzzling her hair. "A piece of paper doesn't make you smart. You're quite intelligent."
Maria scoffed. She had never felt intelligent in her life and her lack of intelligence showed in many big decisions in her life. "I didn't even know I had grounds to divorce my husband."
Angelica shrugged. "And I don't know how you made chicken cutlets the way you do."
Maria's brow furrowed and she pulled away just enough to look at Angelica's face. "I could teach you."
Angelica smiled. "Yup, and just like I can learn, you can learn. That's life. None of us know everything."
"That's true."
Angelica gave her a squeeze and it made her feel so good. "What brought this on? I hope not the divorce talk because that was meant to confuse you and keep you from thinking you could escape."
Maria shook her head. "No, not the divorce stuff, even though I do feel a little silly about it. But, it's getting done and that's the important thing."
"Okay, then what brought this on?"
"Talking with Peggy."
Angelica sucked her teeth. "Of course. At least she fed you while messing with your mind. What did she say to you?" Angelica's fingers stroking Maria's bare arm. There was a small frown on Angelica's lovely face, outrage on Maria's behalf. It was endearing, but she did not want or need for Angelica to be upset with her sister.
"So, let me start with this, she was paying me a compliment. Her setup just left a little to be desired. She pointed out you like being around people with big brains. I don't have a big brain." Maria was pouting, but she could not help it. It felt like eventually Angelica would stop liking her, which part of her knew was ridiculous, but there was still the fear.
Angelica shook her head. "Sweetheart, I like you. And I like you for you. I don't want you to be anything like the people I hang around if that's not who you are. And intelligence is relative. I think you're quite intelligent."
"Not like you." Not in general as far as she was concerned, but definitely not smart like Angelica or the people she surrounded herself with.
"And I'm not intelligent like you in many aspects. That helps us complement each other."
Maria tilted her head slightly. "That's what Peggy said."
Angelica pursed her lips. "What?"
"She said I complement you and you need that."
Angelica leaned in close to her ear. "Do not tell Peggy this, but she's right." She pulled away just enough for Maria to see her smile. "I've never felt as right with someone as I do with you. I hope this lasts always and forever. I want this to last always and forever." Angelica nuzzled her, making a purring sound as she did so.
Maria smiled as her insides melted. "I've never felt like this before." She was not used to compliments from her partner. They were quiet for a moment, enjoying the closeness. Then, Maria pulled away to look Angelica in the eye. "I had fun with your sister."
"I'm not surprised."
"Do you want to have them over? Peggy was saying she really wants to see the place and both she and Eliza seemed eager to spend time here." Maria did not want to stand in the way of the obviously close relationship of the sisters and she would not mind getting to know them better. She would not mind getting to know Alexander either, especially since he kindly accompanied her during a big step in her life. They seemed like a good group.
Angelica shrugged, as if it was not a big deal, but it was. Her sisters were clearly her best friends. It would be cruel and insensitive to keep them apart. "That's fine if you're okay with it."
"Yes. I'm getting an idea of how close you are with your sisters. Seems like a special relationship."
There was a twinkle in Angelica's eyes that Maria only saw when in the company of her sisters. "We like to think it is."
Maria nodded. "Yes, so we should have them over, as soon as possible."
"No problem. As long as you're all right with it."
Maria wanted to do it and learn more about Angelica. She was also curious about Angelica's sisters. She wanted their approval. She wanted them to see she could take care of Angelica. She wanted them to see they could trust her with Angelica. Maybe if they see it, I'll be able to trust myself and trust I won't mess this up.
"I'm fine with it, so we're doing this," Maria said.
Angelica chuckled and held up her hands in surrender. "If you say so, boss."
"I do." Maria kissed her and they laughed together. She loved that she could laugh with Angelica, especially in intimate moments.
She then settled against Angelica with a sigh. Angelica held her closely. There was a brief moment of silence before Angelica asked what had to be on her mind all day.
"So, anything to share about your divorce since you didn't want me to go with you?" Angelica asked.
Maria tittered. "It's killing you."
"Of course it is! I want to know how everything went. I want to support you," Angelica replied.
Maria smiled. "You're so sweet, my angel. I know it hurt you that I asked you not come."
Angelica sighed. "It still hurts. I feel like you don't trust me."
Maria turned to face Angelica, cupping her cheek with one hand. "Of course I trust you. I just… I don't want your opinion of me to drop if you hear stuff about my marriage." She did not want Angelica to hear all the mistakes she made with James and all of the dirt he dragged her into. She did not want Angelica to know the extent of her gullibility, even if she had only been a teenager when she met him.
"I'm not going to judge you."
"I know. Believe me, I know." She could probably tell Angelica any and all of her secrets and it would be fine. "You're my safe space. It's just a sore spot for me. It's nothing against you."
Angelica exhaled to the point that her body deflated somewhat, but then she squared her shoulders and smiled. "It's okay. It's probably going to sting for a little while, but I know there are things you want to do on your own and for yourself. I respect that."
"I know you do. One of the many things I like about you."
That earned another, brighter smile from Angelica. "How about we order some food and watch a bunch of movies while cuddling on the couch?"
"Sounds like the perfect evening."
"You are easy to please."
"No, you just make it seem so. And, can we change the cuddling to actually making out?"
Angelica laughed. "You won't have to twist my arm, I promise."
Angelica ordered Persian food while Maria found a movie for them to watch. Maria had never had Persian food until dating Angelica. For some reason, it felt decadent, even if it was the same price as any other ethnic food in the city. They watched a movie, fed each other, and then the movie watched them as they made out like two lovesick teenagers. It was a perfect night, as they often were with Angelica. We have so many more perfect nights ahead of us.
-8-8-8-8-
"Angelica, are you sure that wine will go with dinner?" Maria asked as she checked her pots on the stove. They were having Angelica's sisters and Alexander over. Maria cooked. Something inside of her wanted to show she could take care of Angelica in this little domestic manner. She was not sure if they would be impressed, but it seemed like a thing to boost their opinion of her. Not that she thought they disliked her or anything.
"If you made what you told me you were making, then yes, it'll be fine. Of course, anything you made would be fine and we'd find another wine to pair with it. Don't stress, sweetheart." Angelica moved close to her, dressed in a pink cocktail dress. She pulled it off, but it was strange to see her in pink. She had her hair down and dark red lipstick that made Maria just want to kiss her until it was all gone. But, that would be something for later.
Maria looked at her own dress. A deep red, which she had lipstick to match, and still felt underdressed. The dress was not cheap or revealing, but still seemed lacking next to Angelica's strong elegance. Why is it that everything I wear suddenly makes me feel like a whore? The divorce and getting to know new people made her self-conscious in a way she had never been. She took a deep breath. Suck it up. You can do this.
"And you're sure they're fine with the Tuscan chicken?" Maria asked, which did not quell the butterflies in her chest.
Angelica laughed and motioned to the stove. "If they aren't, it's too late."
That did not make Maria feel any better. In fact, it made her stomach flip. Angelica came to her and kissed her. Angelica embraced her and held her closely.
"It'll be fine, Maria. You'll see. They'll enjoy it and they'll enjoy you. We'll enjoy them. You'll see." Angelica kissed her again.
"You know I've never thrown a dinner party."
"I've been to many dinner parties. This one will be nothing like those. We're going to have fun and enjoy each other's company. Please, don't worry yourself. It'll be fine. You've made a wonderful setup. It's perfect."
Maria wanted to take Angelica's word. Angelica would not lie to her or steer her wrong, but she still felt like she might throw up. She only had one chance to make a first impression, and even though everyone coming had already met her, she needed them to see she could take care of Angelica. She could not let them leave this apartment thinking Angelica was with her just because she was good at sex.
"They're late. Should I keep the food on just in case?" Maria asked.
Angelica gathered her in her arms. "Sweetheart, I need you to calm down. I told you they'd be late. We almost always are. You already took that into account."
"Oh, yeah." She forgot. Angelica warned her several times Peggy and Eliza were always late. It was something that drove Alexander up the wall because he liked to be early to make sure he never missed anything. In that respect, Angelica joked, Alexander married the wrong Schuyler sister. She swore Eliza would be late to her own funeral. Maria would have to see it to believe it because Eliza seemed so responsible and put together.
Maria tried to calm down and focus on the food, but her stomach refused to settle. It would look bad if the chef could not eat the meal, but that might be the case if she could not settle down. This makes no sense. I've never been this nervous before and I used to seduce men to blackmail them on my scheming husband's orders. Her thoughts did not have time to go down that dark, winding road as the buzzer chimed. They were downstairs! They were doing this.
"Relax, it'll be fine," Angelica said. She kissed Maria on the cheek, as if to fortify her and then she went to let their guests in.
Maria had never hyperventilated in her life, but she felt like she might right now. Her insides trembled, her palms sweated, and she wanted to disappear. There's no way this will be okay. Why would they like me? I feel like a whore because I am a whore. I'm pathetic. And then, Angelica took her hand, somehow knowing what Maria was going through. There was that brilliant, comforting smile that somehow set Maria's world right. Maria smiled at her and Angelica pulled her close as they waited for their guests to make it to their front door.
It seemed to take forever and no time for the bell to ring. Angelica moved toward the door, taking her along for the ride. There was laughter and hugs as soon as the door opened. And, Angelica and her sisters did that cute thing where they sang each other's names in greeting. Alexander stood off to the side and chuckled.
"Alexander," Angelica sort of sang his name as well.
"Hi." He gave a funny little wave. It was almost awkward and it was then Maria realized Alexander was a little out of place with them as well. It was not in a bad way. It was just, he was an addition to the Schuyler sisters, like she could be if she did not mess anything up.
"Come in." Angelica waved everyone deeper into the condo.
"Maria!" Eliza and Peggy said her name with such joy. They both hugged her, as if they had known her for years.
"Welcome," Maria managed to say as she returned the embrace and hoped it did come across as awkward as it felt. She heard the door shut as she stepped away from the sisters.
"Okay, now give us the tour," Peggy said, facing Angelica.
Angelica laughed. "There's not much to see. It's only two bedrooms. There's two patios. A private one for the main bedroom and one just beyond the living room, which we've started a little garden on." Angelica walked off and her sisters followed, huddled close, as if conspiring together. That was probably a scene that played out hundreds of times in their lives. She and Alexander stayed behind.
Alexander looked at her and smiled. "They're always like this when they're together."
She smiled back. "It's cute."
"Definitely. Seeing them makes me wish I had a sibling, but I suspect the relationship still wouldn't quite reach what they have."
"You're probably right."
"They're a joy to watch, though."
She nodded. "Want anything to eat? We've got a few platters." She moved away from the door, going to the kitchen. There were crackers, different types of cheese cubes, olives, cold cuts set out. Angelica had set that up along with a bottle of wine and glasses.
Alexander grabbed a handful of grapes and glanced over at the sisters chatting a few feet away in the living room. "Don't tell them I'm eating these like a heathen." He shoved the handful in his mouth.
Maria chuckled. "I feel like they won't judge you."
He grinned and swallowed. "Oh, it's not about the judgment. It's about the teasing and scolding. All three of them. It's not pretty, not even for a great orator like me."
"And so humble, too."
He scoffed. "Humble is overrated. Neither of us would be here if we were humble."
She arched an eyebrow. "How do you figure?"
"You have to be very self-assured to dare chase Angelica and it doesn't get any easier when you're married to her sister."
She gawked at him as his words registered. "Wait, you chased Angelica?" For some reason, she thought Angelica pursued him. For him to go after her, it was like he chased the sun. That was quite a bit of confidence. It fit him.
He held his hands up in surrender. "It was only for a minute and then she introduced me to Eliza. We used to flirt a little, but it was more banter than anything else, which we really still do. Never wondered why since I'm happily married to her sister, but now I know the answer."
"She didn't know that at the time."
"That's true. Well, maybe not consciously, but it was there, influencing her actions."
That was probably true. Maria did not have anything to add and turned her attention to the Schuyler sisters. They had not made it past the living room. They were talking about a weird poster Angelica had on the wall, flanking the television. Peggy had a lot of hand movements going on and Angelica had unleashed several expressions. It did not seem like they were arguing, but it was an intense discussion.
"I still can't believe you got this Basquiat. Do you know I would've beat you to death with my paddle at that auction for this," Peggy said.
"We bought you a Basquiat for your birthday a few years back," Eliza replied.
"And I nearly did have to beat someone to death for it," Angelica said. That was probably true.
"She did. She was almost arrested. Could you imagine Daddy's reaction?" Eliza laughed a little.
"Daddy probably has an arrest bingo card for Angelica," Peggy said.
Angelica had been arrested before? More than once from the sound of things. Maria could hardly believe it. What could Angelica possibly be arrested for? She was a civil rights attorney for crying out loud! I have to ask her about this. She just had to figure out how to ask without it seeming like she was prying or trying to find flaws in Angelica.
Maria did not have a chance to dwell on that as the sisters moved on and she watched them step over to the bookshelf. The conversation was quieter and further away now, but there were still gestures and expressions. Maria looked at Alexander, who was still eating. He did not seem bothered in the slightest.
"Give them a minute. They'll remember we're here soon enough," he said.
It turned out he was right. The tour never finished. The sisters drifted back to them, begging their pardons and also making sure Alexander did not eat the whole platter. Eliza grabbed a napkin and then had some crackers with some cheese. Peggy poured herself some wine.
"Oh, is this bottle I bought you?" Peggy asked after she had a sip of wine.
Angelica nodded as she poured her own glass. "I couldn't think of a better group to enjoy it with." She tipped her glass toward Peggy, who did the same.
"So, did you hear James Reynolds got arrested?" Alexander said, maybe as a conversation starter. Maria's face went hot at the mention of her estranged husband while the Schuyler sisters all suffered from the same incredulous mouth drop.
"Alexander!" Eliza's voice was definitely reprimanding. "I swear I can't take you anywhere sometimes." She put her crackers down on the counter to shake her finger in his face.
Alexander grinned, even though he stepped back from his wife. "I was going to wait until we sat down to dinner, but I couldn't contain myself."
Angelica frowned and shook her head. "Your impulse control is awful."
"That is not appropriate dinner party conversation," Peggy said.
Alexander scoffed. "Despite the fancy cheese, this is not a dinner party and you know it. There's not enough of us."
"Four people make a dinner party," Angelica replied and motioned to them all with a circle of her middle finger. They had gone over the mark if that was the case.
Alexander blew right by that fact. "Anyway, I wanted to make sure Angelica and Maria were aware."
Before anyone could admonish him again, Maria had a question. "Are you sure?" It might not be appropriate conversation, but now she wanted to know. She wanted to be free of James Reynolds in as many ways as possible.
Alexander gave a strong nod. "Positive. I'm representing several people he defrauded and my phone was ringing off the hook. He was arrested today. He might try to contact you."
"He can't. I changed my number and only a select few have it," Maria replied. She wanted to make sure she stayed out of his reach, so along with a new phone, she avoided all of their mutual acquaintances. She was doing her best to make a real fresh start.
Alexander went into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out his phone. "I'm going to need that number."
Maria did not mean to, but she pulled a face. "Why?" She did not know him well enough to share her number with him, even if he had helped her.
"Because it will slowly kill him that Aaron Burr has something he didn't grant him," Peggy said.
"Not true!" Alexander did not put his phone away, though.
"Ignore him," Eliza said as she plucked the phone from Alexander's hand, put it in her dress pocket, and in the same motion grabbed his hand to hold. It was smooth and he almost did not seem to notice what happened. "And this is a real dinner party. It's just intimate and comfortable."
"Making it the best type of dinner party," Peggy said
"It's an excuse for you three to hang out," Alexander replied.
"Doesn't make it any less of a dinner party. You're diminishing the effort that went into this. Now, behave."
Alexander held up his hands in surrender, complete with holding up Eliza's hand. "Okay, okay."
Maria held in a smile at their antics. Small talk was made for a while and then dinner was served. Eliza, Alexander, and Peggy sat at the table. Peggy took the head of the table, as if she knew Maria would want to sit next to Angelica for this. Angelica helped Maria put the dishes on the table. Everyone quietly made their plates.
"This all looks delicious," Eliza said.
"You can thank Maria. She refused to let me help. I couldn't even make the mac and cheese," Angelica said as they all began to dig in. She nodded toward the pan of almost gone mac and cheese.
"Wow, Maria. That's bold. Angelica makes damn good mac and cheese," Peggy said.
"I don't think she believes I can cook," Angelica said with a smile.
"It's not that," Maria said, not wanting anyone to get the wrong idea. She valued everything about Angelica, but she had to bring something to the household. "I'm sure you can cook. You do a lot, though. You work all day and pay all the major bills, so I have to do something."
"You don't have to prove yourself," Angelica said.
"We're all friends here," Peggy said.
"Practically family," Eliza added with a smile.
There were agreements, which settled Maria a little. And then everyone dug into their food. Maria relaxed for a moment and was able to take a few bites of her meal, but that did not last. There was a pause and Maria's heart pounded in her chest like it wanted to escape and it felt like she was covered in sweat. She had to check and make sure there were no damp spots on her dress. It seemed like it was all in her mind, but that did not make her feel any better. Damn, why did I make this? I should've gone more traditional. And who the hell eats asparagus as a side when there's already spinach in the main thing?
"This is amazing," Eliza said.
"You get to eat like this everyday?" Peggy said to Angelica, who nodded. Peggy snorted. "Lucky ass."
Angelica grinned and locked eyes with Maria. "I know I am."
And things were good from that point. Smiles and happy words over the food, the wine, and the condo. So good in fact Peggy suggested Angelica and Maria host a game night.
"That sounds fun," Maria said as Angelica opened her mouth and then closed it. Maybe Maria jumped the gun, but Angelica did not correct her, so it was probably fine. Her stomach quivered a little, but she managed to hold it together. Come on, you made it through the night and they like you. Don't fall apart now.
"Then it's settled. Party at the condo!" Peggy snapped her fingers.
"Funny how there's never a party at your loft. Almost like you don't want to risk your stuff to a drunk Hercules Mulligan," Angelica said.
"I've been in a car with a drunk Hercules Mulligan, so yes," Peggy replied.
Those words meant nothing to Maria, but she wanted them to. She wanted to learn more about Angelica and learn to fit into Angelica's life, especially if James was going to be out of her life, not just through divorce, but him in prison. She was free and there was a big world out there. Time to see what was out there.
-8-8-8-8-
Next time: as Peggy said, party at the condo.