Read Online Happily Ever After? by Debra Kent - Free Book Online Page A

He can’t even get himself hired to teach because
     of Alyssa’s sexual harassment charges. Diana thinks he’ll probably move back in with his parents. “What a loser,” she said,
     spearing a tortellini with her fork and popping it into her mouth. “Wait! I almost forgot.”
    She topped off my glass and then her own, then raised it toward me. “A toast to Valerie Ryan. The sweetest, sexiest, and
wealthiest
woman I know. You deserve everything you want and more, baby. Here’s to you.” She clinked her glass against mine and took
     a sip.I gulped down my cider, wishing it was wine. “So tell me,” she asked, “what are you worth these days?”
    I took another sip, stalling. “Oh, a few million bucks, I guess.”
    “How many is a few, pray tell?”
    “Sixty-three million dollars. Give or take.”
    “Wooo-eeee!” Diana slapped the table. “So what are you going to do with all that money?” Diana asked. I told her I had no
     definite plans, but would probably buy a winter house somewhere warm and quiet. She offered to serve as a financial consultant.
     I told her I’d pass.
    “I understand completely,” she said, wiping her mouth. “It’s not like I’ve got a sterling reputation. If you need help, the
     offer stands. And when you buy that house, promise you’ll invite me.”
    I looked at Diana. Her dark hair framed a heart-shaped face and tumbled down around her shoulders. She wore stretch khaki
     pants that accentuated her flat belly and long, lithe thighs. Her black ribbed turtleneck clung to her slim arms and jutting
     breasts. She was pushing forty but had the wild beauty of a teenage boy. I fleetingly imagined what it might be like, being
     with her. I thought of Lynette and the Rosens. I squeezed my eyes shut and willed the images away.
    “You know,” she began, and I had the eerie feeling that she was reading my mind. “It’s not so bad on the other side. You ought
     to try it.”
    “Huh?”
    “Haven’t you had enough of men by now?”
    I tried to explain to Diana that I didn’t think sexual orientation was a choice, that I have always been interested in men,
     that even after Roger I am willing to try my luck with men again. “In fact, there’s someone I’ve got my eye on right now,”
     I said. “He’s tall and strong and nice and cute—and single.” Thinking of Michael made me feel happy and giddy. I wanted to
     talk about him.
    “Is that right?” Diana asked, restraining a frown. “And who is this Prince Charming that has you so captivated?”
    “His name is Michael and he’s a cop.”
    “Michael Avila?” Diana asked, her eyes popping wide.
    “You know him?”
    “Not exactly. But I know
of
him.” She looked away. “Ready for dessert?” She stood up and started clearing the plates.
    I grabbed her by the elbow. “Get back here,” I demanded. “What do you know about Michael Avila?”
    Diana threw up her hands. “Nothing. Nothing. I mean, I know he’s a bachelor. I know he’s a detective. I’ve seen him around
     and I know he’s mighty handsome.”
    “You know a lot. What else do you know?”
    “That’s all.”
    “Come on, Diana. Don’t bullshit me. Is he a psycho?”
    “No.”
    “Is he a philanderer?”
    “No.” “Is he a liar? A serial killer? A rapist?” “No, no, no!” Diana spun around. “Look. I really don’t know him. I’m sure
     he’s a great guy.” She grabbed her glass and tilted it toward me. “I’m sure you’ll make a lovely couple. But I’m still hoping
     you’ll change your mind about men. I would never hurt you, Valerie. And I give the best back rubs.”
    “You don’t give up, do you?”
    “Never say die.” She grinned. “That’s my motto.”
    After Diana left, I realized she’d succeeded in distracting me from our conversation about Michael Avila. I wondered what
     she knew about him. It makes me sick to think it might be something bad. In the meantime, I await his call.
    ’Til next time,
    V
June 18
    Will wonders