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care about the painting’s authenticity. The police have better things to worry about,” Ariel said.
    “That’s pretty foolproof,” Trudy said.
    “Thank you,” Ariel said with a little curtsy.
    “You’re hilarious,” Trudy said. “But you know, you’ve still got to tell Jake what you’ve done.”
    “I’m well aware of that,” Ariel said.
    “Are you looking forward to it?”
    “A little, I have to admit,” Ariel said, “but there’s also a big part of me that’s dreading it. Jake can be a pretty dangerous guy. He’s also got a lot of friends from his internet forum who could make quite an unpleasant scene if he wanted them to.”
    “It would be pretty priceless to see Jake’s face when you tell him.”
    Ariel nodded. She’d imagined the moment a number of times already.
    “You know,” Trudy said, “I might be able to help you with the confrontation.”
    “How?”
    “Well, there is a group of frat boys at UCLA that I’ve been spending a little time with lately.”
    Ariel burst out laughing. “A group of frat boys, Trudy? Really? Are you kidding me?”
    “I’m serious,” Trudy said.
    Ariel shook her head. “I can’t believe you.”
    “Believe it. I’ve had these boys in my bedroom. It was exquisite!”
    “How many of them?” Ariel said.
    “So far, just two, but I’m trying to get them to bring another friend next time.”
    Ariel shook her head. “Well you sure do know how to have a good time.”
    “Anyway, I can ask them to come. A little bit of muscle couldn’t hurt. It would be good to show Jake that you’ve got backup.”
    “You’re right,” Ariel said. It was true. It would be better for Zola too if Jake saw the amount of support that she had. It would make him think twice about screwing with her later. “Bring your muscle then,” Ariel said.
    “Perfect,” Trudy said.

XII
    Z OLA WAS EXCITED TO BE seeing Veronica. They were meeting for coffee at a small place close to Veronica’s new restaurant. Zola hadn’t even been to the restaurant yet and she was excited to see that too. It seemed like everyone was beginning a new adventure in their life or getting a new start in some way.
    She hugged Veronica when she came into the cafe. “Oh my God,” she said, “I hear you’ve got some pretty big news.”
    “Who told you that?” Veronica said, laughing.
    Zola could see that Veronica could hardly contain her happiness. She was practically bursting with it. “Ariel told me yesterday,” she said.
    “I’m getting together with Matt.”
    “That’s wonderful.”
    “It is,” Veronica said. “It’s an amazing feeling, Zola. To finally realize that you are allowed to spend the rest of your life with the man you love.”
    “That’s so great,” Zola said. “And how’s Hank taking it?”
    “Very well,” Veronica said. “I’m actually amazed at how understanding he’s been. He’s not angry at me at all.”
    “He knows you were in love with Matt.”
    “Yes, and what’s more, he understands, and he forgives me for it.”
    “You’re a lucky woman to have two such great men in your life,” Zola said.
    Veronica felt bad for Zola then. She knew how difficult this period had been for her. Zola had been crying more than ever and was so scared of what Ariel was planning that she was finding it difficult to sleep at night. Looking closely at her, Veronica could see the signs of the stress on Zola’s face.
    “What about your life?” Veronica said.
    “Oh, I don’t know,” Zola said. “I’ll just be happy when this is all over.”
    “Ariel’s going to confront Jake soon, isn’t she?”
    “Yes, that’s what she says. I’m just so scared.”
    “What is she going to tell him?”
    “Well, it’s about the painting. To be honest I’m not even sure about all the details. All I know is she thinks she’s got him by the balls now.”
    “I heard he’d transferred over three million dollars to her and Gabe.”
    “Yes,” Zola said.
    “So she’s going to use