And to think, I wasted money by paying for our room at the Bel Age! Jessica said to herself, still steaming over what happened on Monday.
It was late Friday, and she was watching Hollywood Tonight, her favorite evening show. For the whole week, she'd been miserable. Jake was with Todd at his parents' home, and Jessica hadn't even bothered to come up with a decent lie about why she didn't join them.
He probably lied about having his wallet stolen, just like he made me believe he was a big time talent agent!
How was she going to get even? Maybe she should call him back and arrange to meet him. She imagined herself, in his bed, smiling sexily, pursing her lips for a kiss while hiding a meat cleaver behind her back. That'll show him! Or she could slash his tires and key his car. No, she'd use the meat cleaver on the car.
That's after I remove it from his back! Or…she could go to his apartment and cook for him, and then "accidentally" burn the place down, with him in it!…..
How dare you send me to that sleaze, to that pervert,! Jessica had screamed into the phone at Brian. It was the Tuesday morning after her disastrous and demeaning Monday afternoon, and Todd had just left for a conference in Los Angeles. Jessica was so distraught, she couldn't even get herself up to go to work.
That geek Stuart was probably sitting by the clock, counting the minutes that she was late. She hoped that he wouldn't tattle on her about her slacking off at work. She'd just have to smooth it over with Grace, just like she always did. As soon as Todd drove off, Jessica pounced on the phone and dialed Brian's number.
I went there and have never felt more sick in my life,! she yelled.
A mumble came over the line. Hmmmm, who's this?
It's Jessica dammit!
Look Babe, Brian's sleepy voice yawned over the receiver. I gave you a great opportunity. What's your problem?
Great? You call that great?
Come on Jess. You can't be that naive. Everyone knows what the San Fernando valley is famous for. Marcus could have done wonders for your career.
Oh yeah, like being on a video jacket in the smut section of Hollywood Cassette is furthering my career!
Brian yawned again. I'm sure he'll be willing to give you another chance. You're certainly what he likes. Look Jess, if it's about being nervous, why don't you come over and we'll have a practice session? Or we can meet in LA. The usual place.
I never want to see you again,! you... you…...
Whatever Jessie. You know what they say. Easy come easy go. But it's your loss. I could have taken you places.
Jessica blazed at his suggestion. The only place I want you to go to is the hottest pit in hell!
Jessica had furiously slammed the phone down on the table next to her bed...
Much as she would have liked to, she couldn't do a damn thing except suck it up and move on. There was no way she'd be able to get away with it, not even something as harmless as removing the air from his tires. Brian would know it was her, and Todd would find out and…...
Todd… He was like an albatross around her neck. But she couldn't divorce him. Leaving him would mean she'd have to leave this house. Or would she? She didn't know too much about divorce law, but there were so many cases of women who got to keep their house after a divorce. But she didn't want to talk to her father, or even Steven about it. She remembered her father, two years ago, walking her down the aisle, turning towards her, his face full of doubt.
Are you sure that this is really what you want Jessica? Ned had whispered.
Yes Daddy, Jessica had told him, her smile brilliant, her whole essence determined to become Mrs Todd Wilkins.
That was so long ago, Jessica mused. A lifetime ago when she looked beautiful in her white form fitting dress with all the promise of a wonderful life. Jessica sighed. She couldn't go to her father. It would be too embarrassing to admit she'd made a mistake. That she sacrificed her sister for this!
If we divorce, Todd will probably want to sell the house.
He always had a snide comment to make every time the mortgage bill came in the mail. In fact, he had a snide comment to make whenever any bill came in the mail. And whenever it was time to pay Pilar and Marta. Jessica shrugged. That wasn't her problem. So what if she liked nice things? So what if she wanted to give her son the best. Didn't Jake deserve everything good in life?
I can't believe I was ever crazy enough to think I was in love with that loser,! she huffed. Jessica pulled a lock of hair and studied it. She looked at the bed next to her and looked at a sleeveless, A-line grape colored gown, personally designed by Grace Fowler. Lila's wedding was tomorrow. She was going to be a bridesmaid, although, she wasn't a maiden. Neither were Cara and Amy. But it didn't matter. They weren't sticking strictly to tradition.
The fact that she wasn't matron of honor didn't bother her in the least. As much as she loved weddings, she was in no mood to see her best friend beginning a new, exciting chapter in her life while she was stuck with her stale, boring history book of a husband. All her plans had gone up in smoke. And she couldn't tell anyone about it. It was too humiliating.
Except…Elizabeth. Elizabeth would understand. She would have held Jessica's hand through the whole ordeal. In fact, Elizabeth would have probably warned her in the first place. She would have seen right through Brian. She might have said "I told you so" with all her annoying self righteousness, but she'd also find a way to make it all better. But she wasn't here.
Lila was too busy with her wedding, Cara was too busy with her children and her new job, and Amy was too busy eating curly fries and buying baby clothes to listen to her troubles. Her mother would have been horrified to know her daughter was not only cheating on her husband, but had almost gotten trapped in a vile underworld, so far removed from sleepy Sweet Valley and the way she was raised.
She didn't know who to be most mad at…. Lila for having Brian at her New Year's party and introducing her to him in the first place, or Elizabeth, who was not on hand to caution her and cater to her bruised ego.
I don't need either of them!
Elizabeth was obviously still in love with Todd. That's why she was being so stubborn!
I have what she wants, Jessica decided. Well, I'll show her for treating me this way. As long as I stay married to Todd, I'll be sticking it to Elizabeth! I tried to be nice, and she's rejected me every time.
She pulled out her head shots from her bedside table and went through them one by one. She looked as good as any of the supermodels on the billboards and on television.
I will be famous someday, she vowed. Jessica Wakefield does not give up!
Almost twenty hours later, Jessica stood near the English garden of a most delightful estate, that featured impressive fountains, a mansion of beautiful rooms, magnificent exterior decor, and all the glamour and riches one could ever dream of. Lila's wedding and reception were being held at Greystone mansion in Beverly Hills and everyone was captivated, their hearts warm at the sight of the bride and groom, dancing in the middle of the Cypress walk.
There must have been five hundred well wishers from all around Southern California. The Patmans and the Fowlers seemed to have been in competition with each other, trying to see who could invite the most guests. There were toasts from George Fowler, a few from Henry Patman, and even one from Bruce. George Fowler gritted his teeth while shaking Henry Patman's hand, smiled happily while dancing with his daughter, and was frequently seen chasing after his two year old son, who was dressed in a tuxedo stained with cake icing.
Marie Patman had more tears than smiles, obviously upset about the fact that the boy she once thought not good enough to sit at her dining table was leaving their family home. Although she hadn't quite warmed up to Lila, Babette Patman thought the whole affair was wonderful, there were plenty of celebrities there to capture her attention.
Jessica sneered as she saw Enid Rollins, her daughter and boyfriend. She soured more when she spotted Heather Malone, her slender body clad in a tight, pale yellow mini dress. She saw Caroline Chambers, and wondered how she and her husband had managed to get an invitation to the grand affair.
A gnat buzzed around her ear, and she swiped her hand in irritation, wondering if her perfume was attracting it. The insect was indeed a pest, but the person who was annoying her the most, was her own husband. He was determined to rain on the parade, and to not enjoy himself. Todd was standing around moping, looking as miserable as a rain cloud, and as they did at home, Jessica was doing the most to avoid him.
Jessica had to admit that Lila looked beautiful. Her Italian lace dress fit her five foot seven frame to perfection. And Roger…..Jessica had never seen him look so handsome. Among the throngs of people, two in particular stood out, and there was no doubt of the uncanny resemblance between them and the lovely bride.
After the nuptials, Lila pulled her mother aside in an obvious panic. You invited him? she screeched when she saw Gerald Baker out on the lawn, making the most of the never ending champagne. And who's that with him? Is that his daughter? My sister? Today is not the day to be making one big happy family!
He saw the announcement in the Valley News, Grace replied. He called just this morning and asked if they could come. I didn't even know he was back in town. I couldn't exactly say no.
Jessica cringed as Gerald got in line and started doing the electric slide. She was trying her hardest not to laugh at his clumsy, obviously booze tinged dance moves. He was wearing an ill fitting electric blue suit, faux snake skin cowboy boots, and had pulled his greasy grey streaked hair into a ponytail. She watched as he lit a cigarette and tossed the match on the lawn.
Oh God, doesn't he see the no smoking sign? Lila moaned.
I'll go talk to him, Grace said.
Jessica couldn't help but be amused. Lila had always been her biggest rival. So she didn't mind seeing her brought down a peg or two. And what better way to spice up the entertainment aspect than for her long lost daddy to create a spectacle? Babette, who was standing next to her, had no misgivings about relishing in the humor of Lila's predicament, and laughed out loud at Gerald's antics.
Caroline had already given her an earful about the situation with Lila's biological father. The two of them started talking, and Jessica found that she was fun to converse with, despite the fact that she didn't have the best command of the English language. She had told Jessica about how she was bored with spending full days with Marie Patman, so Jessica took pity on her and invited her to the beach the next day...…
Elizabeth put down her text book, satisfied that she had a full grasp of the material, yet questioned her decision to go back to school. She'd been taking things slowly, and only had time for one course, Media Strategy Formulation, a class that met twice a week during the semester. Her latest class would bring her up to twenty seven credits, and she had thirty three more to go. Sometimes, she wondered if she'd ever finish. But she trudged on, and made a considerable effort to excel, knowing that she'd get there eventually.
Her plan was to take two courses over the summer that would last for six weeks, and that would give her and Nicholas a chance to take that sailing trip he was so excited about. She smiled, thinking about how thrilled he would get every time he mentioned it.
A memory of another time, years ago, wiped the smile off her lovely face.
It was right after Todd had moved away from Sweet Valley. Nicholas had invited her to watch him race his yacht, and she had agreed, since she was going to cover the tournament for her school's newspaper. Despite her hesitancy, Elizabeth had gotten caught up in the thrill of the regatta, and thoroughly enjoyed the festivities. After beating Bruce Patman, Nicholas was granted the blue ribbon in the race.
He had come over and hugged her, beaming with happiness, insisting that he won because she was there watching and cheering him on. He had then invited her to an after party at the Morrow estate. The look on his face was so hopeful, so full of longing, and she almost declined, because she wanted to stay home, in her room, writing a letter to Todd, and waiting by the phone in case he called from Vermont.
If I could go back and slap sense into myself I would, she said, as she went into the kitchen, removed a pan of seared mahi mahi from the stove, and placed it on the counter next to her. Nicholas loved the way she prepared the fish with tomatoes and lemon butter sauce, and always managed to wheedle her into giving him a portion of her share. There was mushroom and spinach lasagna baking in the oven, and she set the timer for fifteen more minutes when she was alerted to a rattle of the lock and an opening of the door.
E-liz-a-beth…. Nicholas' voice called out slowly to her, indicating he was home. She smiled softly on hearing his voice. After long hours of work, the best part of her day was sitting and unwinding with him, and they usually started by eating dinner, or cuddling on the living room couch, watching the lights of the sky scrapers in front of them. Whoever was home first would start cooking, or sometimes, she and Nicholas would go out on the town to enjoy one of the city's numerous restaurants. Much as they would have liked to order takeout from a reputable establishment, there weren't too many options in their still developing neighborhood.
And….Elizabeth thought as she looked out to the south and left of her… development was certainly happening. As the realtor Mr Avery predicted, more capitalists and financiers were discovering the western Queens area, and there were already three new buildings under construction, all of which promised to be as tall as the one Elizabeth lived in.
Except for the park that was gradually making a presence along the east river in front of her, there was no land available in front of her for building, and no threat of obstruction of her magnificent views. She often looked down from her living room windows and observed several landscapers busily planting trees, creating walkways and grassy playing fields, restoring the wood planked piers and boardwalk, and transforming the former gritty dock facility into a waterfront promenade that was sure to attract more investors and potential residents.
She lowered the heat on the stove where she was preparing brocolli rabe with caramelized onions, and walked out to greet Nicholas. He was standing in the living room holding a large wrapped box, and to Elizabeth, looked very alluring, dressed in a charcoal suit, his shirt buttons opened and his tie loosened .
I have a present for you, Nicholas grinned widely, his eyes crinkling as he put the box on the center table. Elizabeth looked at him with curiosity as the box started shaking, and her heart beat with excitement as she at once guessed what it was.
It has to be a pet,! she exclaimed, as she lifted the lid then gasped at the sight. In the box sat an adorable golden retriever puppy, this one more than a few shades lighter than gold. There was a red satin ribbon tied around it's neck and it's floppy soft ears were covered with almost white fur. Elizabeth knew it was an indication that the dog probably wouldn't get much darker than it already was, and it's color would probably develop into somewhere between cream and white. The puppy wagged it's tail and opened it's mouth to yawn and Elizabeth's heart melted.
Ohhhhhh, he's so precious! He's the cutest little thing! She looked up at Nicholas, her eyes shining with awe. Where did you get him?
Him? Nicholas said mischievously. Look again.
Elizabeth flipped the dog over and examined it. It's a girl! Nicholas!…. Awwwww, I love her! And I love you for bringing her to me! She placed the puppy on the floor and threw her arms around Nicholas as they watched the furry creature sniffing her way around the hardwood floor. When did you get her?
Nicholas ran his hands through her hair, enjoying the radiance on her face. I left work a little early and drove up to Westchester before I came here. One of my clients had puppies and asked me if I wanted one.
Nicholas, she's beautiful, Elizabeth laughed with delight as the puppy ran sniffing towards the kitchen, obviously tempted by the smell of food. How old is she?
About six weeks old.
I love her, Elizabeth continued, but…she looked up at him.
But what? Nicholas' eyes darkened with concern.
She won't stay like this forever. This building has a fifty pound maximum for dogs. What are we going to do when she's fully grown? Prince Albert was way over fifty pounds. And they grow really fast too.
You can hide her in your purse,? he teased. The one that looks like a suitcase.
Very funny, Elizabeth laughed along. She then put her hands on her hips and looked at him sternly. My purse isn't that big.
The puppy made her way into the bedroom and Elizabeth looked thoughtfully at her. On Monday, I'm not going to want to leave this place with her here all alone.
Nicholas stretched, tired from sitting in his car and driving back to the city. We'll figure that out when the time comes.
Do we have any supplies?
Nicholas raised his dark brow. Supplies?
You know….. food, lots of old newspaper, a bowl, shampoo, a brush, toys, a crate for training, although…I hate the thought of leaving her in there. We'll need a bed too, but we should probably wait until she gets older.
I have some food in the car, Nicholas replied. I'll have to go back down and get it.
And? Elizabeth looked at him pointedly.
Nicholas shrugged sheepishly. Not much else. I admit, I didn't think too far ahead. I just couldn't wait to bring her to you. How about we wait till tomorrow to get the rest of the stuff? She has plenty to eat.
Elizabeth folded her arms and shook her head. Wait? Absolutely not! She'll make puddles all over the floor if we don't start training her right away. We have to have newspaper, she stressed. You'd better march to the pet store and get everything we need. Or else. No dinner,! she teased.
And…. her aqua eyes glowed impishly as she moved closer to him. No dessert either!
No dessert? Nicholas asked, catching her meaning as she put her hands on her hips and slowly shook her head again. He picked up his keys from the table and couldn't help but be tickled at the serious expression on her face. Yes Mam, he said humbly. I'll be right back. He pulled off his tie and kissed her on the lips.
Thank you, Elizabeth whispered in his ear and watched as he exited out the door.
She went to the kitchen and picked up the puppy, who stared at her with big brown eyes while she cuddled it's soft body to her chest. Memories of Jessica flooded her mind, and she thought of the time when her sister first brought Prince Albert to their home and the two of them conspired to hide him from their parents. Although they were supposed to share duties, Elizabeth was the one who catered more to his needs, while Jessica seldom did anything except play with him. She loved him as much as Elizabeth did, but always had something too urgent to do that prevented her from walking him, or giving him a bath in the yard, or washing his bowls with the hose outside.
What will we call you cutie? Elizabeth laughed as the dog started gnawing at the fabric on her collar. She shifted her finger from side to side and stared at the puppy following her movements. I can only think of boy names. She put her down and went to the kitchen. Elizabeth washed her hands and moved to the stove where her broccoli rabe had almost turned into a soggy mess. Nicholas won't mind, she shrugged. The puppy suddenly appeared, with Nicholas' leather belt in it's mouth.
Uh oh, Elizabeth said aloud. He will mind that though. Bad girl! Put that down! Elizabeth gently pulled the belt away and examined the tough brown material. Aside from wetness, it appeared untouched, the puppy's little teeth were no match for the thickness of the belt. Elizabeth smiled at the dog's innocent expression.
We just won't tell him then. But I see you have a naughty streak! At her words, the puppy rolled over, exposing her silky belly, just calling out to be petted.
And sly too…. charming when you want to be. Like a fox. Or….. Elizabeth's eyes widened. A vixen! Hmmmmm. How about…. we call you….. Vixen. The dog yipped in response. Vixen it is,! she smiled and she reached out for another hug…..
