Destiny and a Bottle of Merlot: Like Sisters, #3

Chapter One

Vic couldn’t keep her eyes closed any longer. It was just seven o’clock, but she was wide-awake and as giddy as a schoolgirl. Excitement flowed through her veins like the vital blood that nourished her body.

She pinched her forearm to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Ouch… damn it.

He stirred at her voice.

She was absofrigginlutely lying there with Max. No questions, no insecurities, no doubts. They were a couple and moving forward. Yay, we’re together, she thought as she turned over to see that hunk of gorgeousness lying right next to her. Max was sleeping like a baby. After all that hot, steamy sex the night before, she should have been sound asleep, too. Girls aren’t wired that way. We get excited and totally jacked up. Guys… they just sleep. Vic giggled to herself quietly as she studied Max’s features. Physically, he was almost godlike. His proper English nose and long black eyelashes, that dark, wavy wild-child hair, those full lips whose only purpose was for kissing her, and that body? There was no excuse for a body like his. After all, Max had gone through a horrible accident just seven weeks earlier, but those tight, strong muscles just inches from Vic made her want to jump his bones that very second. She flinched when she looked at his scars. But as many as there were on his face, it didn’t change how handsome he was. He’ll carry those for life, but he doesn’t blame me. We’re good. He’s as gorgeous as they come, and he’s all mine.

She touched Max’s face, running her fingertip down his nose, stopping at those wonderful lips that were just slightly parted. She was mesmerized. The sides of his mouth curved up in a smile as he grabbed her finger with his teeth.

Gotcha! he said as Vic jumped and squealed. She pulled her finger back like a child who was caught with one hand in the cookie jar. And Max had the best cookies ever.

Why are you awake so early, babe? he asked with a glance at the Big Ben windup clock on the nightstand.

I couldn’t sleep anymore. I’m too happy.

His eyes lit up, and that gorgeous, dimpled grin spread from sideburn to sideburn. Yeah? That makes two of us. I know what could make you even happier.

Really… pray tell, Mr. Cole. Vic rolled over and straddled Max. She leaned down in order to be face-to-face with him.

God, you’re beautiful. He kissed her softly on the cheek, his lips brushing across her own as he moved toward her neck. He nibbled her earlobe and whispered his needs in her ear. I want to make love to you, Vic, for the rest of my life.

Okay, but could you please start now? she asked coquettishly.

With pleasure, babe.

Just the heated foreplay was enough to send Vic over the edge. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this loved, or this sexual, before Max. She was way overdue and hungry for it. She couldn’t get enough of him. Vic grabbed the rungs of the headboard, her knuckles white, as she lowered her body down on Max. With his legs still healing, he wasn’t able to put pressure on his knees, and Vic didn’t mind taking the lead anyway. Max entered her slowly, before giving her everything he had. They moaned together in a fit of ecstasy. Vic rocked back and forth as Max whispered his love for her. They exploded together, again and again, until they were both exhausted. They would never grow tired of each other—their love was too strong.

I’m glad Mario’s room is down the hall, Vic whispered. How are we going to contain ourselves while he’s staying here?

Mario is really happy we’re together, hon. I’m sure that was in his five-year business plan. You can stay at my house on weekends, and Monday nights, too. We’ll work it out—no worries. Want some breakfast?

Coffee sounds good, but I’m the cook in this house, just so we’re clear.

Yes, ma’am, I’ll be right back with the coffee. Stay put, beautiful.

Vic threw a pillow at him on his way out the door. I love you, Max Cole… just saying.

He turned and smiled. I love you, too, Victoria Maria Alonso.

***

Mario woke to the sound of voices in the kitchen. He stretched, yawned, and checked his watch. It was eight fifteen in the morning. Like all the other times he stayed at his sister’s house, Spanish music played quietly in the background. The delicious scent of bacon lingering in the air and slipping under his door made his stomach growl. A deeper voice caught his attention. Mario tiptoed to the bedroom door and cracked it open just a bit. Vic was talking, and somebody was answering. Mario listened more intensely and realized it was Max. Way to go, you two. He dressed quickly, opting for carpenter jeans and a white muscle tee. He followed the scent to the kitchen. Um, hello… not here to interrupt anything, but I’m coming around the corner. I’m starving.

Mario, you dork. Get in here and eat. We’ve already started. Vic poured her brother a cup of black coffee.

Well, it’s nice to see you’ve both come to your senses… cool. Now, I’ll get my cocky sister back, and an ambitious, focused business partner. Put it there, man. Mario shook Max’s hand and gave him a strong man hug. Sis, gotta love ya. He kissed her hard on the cheek and grabbed a piece of bacon from her plate.

Mario, you’re such an ass, but I love you, too.

I’m going to check on the store today even though we aren’t supposed to work on Sunday. Until those kids learn the ropes one hundred percent, it’s a good idea to watch over their shoulders.

I agree, Max said. I’ll be heading out pretty soon, too. Living five minutes from the store, it will be easy for me to pop in on weekends.

That’s what I’m counting on, dude. By the time ski season comes and we get super busy in Hunter, the kids in this store will be pros. That’s when I’m going to need your help at the Hunter store.

No problem. So, when do we get to check out your digs in Hunter anyway?

Let’s get the store running like clockwork, then we’ll all go up there for a few days. Wanna see my place, Sis?

Sure, Mario, that sounds like fun. Can Karen come along? Since she works for you, you might need her once in a while in Hunter, too.

Yeah, good idea.

What the f— Max jumped at the loud Spanish music interrupting their breakfast just a foot away. He dropped the fork of scrambled eggs that was almost in his mouth.

It’s my ringtone. Sorry. I’ll turn it to vibrate from now on. Vic walked outside to sit on the deck and talk on her phone.

Your sister is crazy. Max laughed. That scared the shit out of me.

Yeah, but wait till you live with her. Holy mother of God, dude—don’t say I didn’t warn you. Mario chuckled as he grabbed Vic’s plate and scarfed down the remaining piece of toast.

***

Hey, chicky mama. What’s up?

You sound exuberant and content. Did you get laid last night, Vic? Sasha was giggling already.

As a matter of fact, I did. This morning, too, so thanks for asking. How the hell do you know what exuberant means?

I’m a quick study, thanks to Karen. She’s been teaching me big words. I’m excited for you, and Max, too. Congrats, sister. Anyway, what are you doing today?

Depends on what you want, Vic kidded.

Well… Mia, Tina, and Karen are helping me move a few things into the Victorian. I have the master bedroom painted, and the upstairs bathroom is good enough for now. Tina offered to let me take the twin bed and dresser that I’ve been using in her spare room. I want to furnish the Victorian in all period pieces, which I’ll probably get little by little. But for now, I’m going to live on borrowed things.

So, you’re moving today? Vic examined her flawless nails as she talked.

Yep. As long as the water, electricity, and master bedroom are good enough, I plan to get out of Tina’s hair once and for all. The outside is done, so all I need to do now is finish the inside.

Hon, Tina doesn’t think of you as an imposition. She loves your company. Anyway, I’ll meet you at Tina’s as soon as the guys leave for the store. Should be in an hour or so. See you then. Out.

Thanks, sister. Out.

Vic said good-bye to the guys. Mario would be back for dinner, and she intended to stay at Max’s house the next night. Today, the sky seemed brighter, the air fresher than it had in ages. Vic was on a high that nobody in their right mind would try to interfere with. She was a woman in love, and her confidence level soared through the roof. No more insecurities, no more secrets. Max and I have everything out in the open now. We’re solid. She examined her larger-than-average butt in the mirror while she dressed. I love my butt no matter how big it is. Max loves it, too. Vic smiled at her reflection in the mirror for the first time in weeks.

***

Sasha’s Tundra was backed up against the garage in Tina’s driveway. The tailgate was open and the girls were already loading boxes when Vic arrived. They stopped what they were doing and began clapping as she walked up the driveway. The Cheshire cat grins on their faces explained everything.

Really, Sasha, you can’t keep your friggin’ mouth closed for an hour? Jeez, Louise! Okay… Max and I are back on track and together. There, are you guys happy?

You didn’t tell them everything. You didn’t say you guys did it twice since last night. Sasha giggled.

Holy mother of shit, Sasha—shut the hell up!

What? You told Sasha something before us? What gives with that? Traitor, Mia said, but Vic could tell she was only pretending to be hurt. Now, spill. Wait, let’s sit on the deck and take a break. We can have a glass of wine while she tells us the juicy details.

I’m not giving you guys the juice. You get the PG version—nothing more. By the way Mia, it’s ten thirty, and you want wine already?

You suck, Vic. We want you to tell us every detail. Plus we have to drink wine when there’s something exciting to hear. The time of day is not an issue. Sasha rubbed her hands together in anticipation. Her ruby-red nails with Swarovski-crystal tips glistened with every flash of sunlight.

One by one, they went through the service door and gathered on the deck, each waiting like drooling dogs for Vic to share her news. Tina and Sasha ran into the house and came back with a bottle of Merlot, a corkscrew, and five glasses. Vic had to promise to keep her mouth shut until they were all sitting at the picnic table with a glass of wine in hand.

Okay, are you vultures ready now? Vic acted coy, but in reality, she was as excited to spill her guts as the rest were to hear every sordid detail. So, after the party ended Friday night, Max asked me if I would have dinner with him Saturday night. I agreed—reluctantly.

Yeah, right, Karen said, laughing.

Vic whipped out the shit eye and zeroed in on Karen. Zip it.

Sorry.

Anyway, we met at Morey’s last night, but it was too noisy to talk in there.

Yeah, they’re crazy busy on the weekends. Mia went on to begin her own version of a weekend dinner incident at Morey’s until she saw Vic eyeing her. Oops, sorry.

Okay, the next person that interrupts me is going to get bitch slapped right across the face. Am I clear? Vic wanted to tell her story in one sitting, and by the look of things, that was going to be difficult.

With the fear of God in their eyes, the four girls shut up and drank wine as they listened.

Okay… like I was saying—Vic shot each of them a threatening glare—we met at Morey’s, but it was too loud, so we went to Amelia’s and talked. I just wanted some reassurance because Max is so gorgeous. I had no idea how much he really liked me. I felt guilty about his accident, too, since it happened after he left my party. We walked over to the town square after that and kissed. It turns out Max is totally in love with me, and we’re moving forward with a real relationship. Okay… we had sex for the first time, too… twice. Vic huffed, slapped her hands together, and waited.

That’s it? Where’s the beef? Tina asked. C’mon. There has to be more than just a sweet Cinderella story. No juice?

No juice. It is what it is, my dearies, and I’m absofrigginlutely on cloud nine. Max and I are the newest couple in this crazy clan. So, who’s next? She looked from Tina to Karen to Sasha. I’m predicting Sasha. Vic desperately wanted to get the conversation off herself and onto someone else. Sasha would be the patsy for today.

Why the hell me? Sasha squeaked. What did I do?

We’ve all seen you eyeing up Josh Redmond.

Sasha turned a shade of red that almost matched her nails. I don’t have time for the likes of him. She instinctively began chewing on her manicure.

Leave your friggin’ nails alone, they yelled out together.

Enough of our BS. We need to get busy and move this stuff, Vic said.

Mia pulled Vic aside while everyone else was preoccupied. She gave her an enormous hug. Good job, sister. My lips are sealed—I swear. Nobody but us will ever know the backstory about you, Max, and me. I promise I’ll never bring it up unless there’s something you want to talk about. I love you, Vic, and I’m super happy for you guys. C’mon, let’s get this crap moved. Maybe we can have lunch somewhere when we’re done. Mia grabbed a box and loaded it into the truck.

Chapter Two

The truck bed overflowed with totes of clothing and accessories Sasha had taken to Tina’s house. Most of the furniture from her apartment in Manhattan had been sold months before. Furnishing the Victorian would be a task all its own but a fun one. Mia suggested browsing the antique stores in Beacon and Rhinebeck for period pieces.

Tina and Vic followed the red Tundra to the Victorian. Can you believe how far Sasha’s come since we met her? Tina laughed as she rode shotgun in Vic’s 2012 burgundy Ford Fusion. First off, she never owned a car in her life and had no idea how to drive one. Now, she’s behind the wheel of a friggin’ truck. Go figure. I give her a lot of credit. She’s been through hell and back between Jack and us. We didn’t make her life easy when we met her, but here we are, months later, all best friends.

Yeah, she really stepped up, poor thing. We’re still hard on her, Vic said. I guess I should speak for myself… and Mia. We’re the worst. Now that I’m not pissed off all the time, I should be nicer to her. Don’t you think so? Vic turned the music down.

You’re right. We should all be nicer to her. It’s just that she’s so ditzy, but in an innocent way. She doesn’t mean any harm.

They pulled up to the Victorian on Sunrise Avenue. They got out of the car and stood on the sidewalk, awestruck. Their mouths gaped, and their eyes bulged. The house had been transformed into a masterpiece with the new roof and exterior paint. Tina had helped Sasha pick the colors and watched the painters applying the primer coat, but that was last week. Nobody had been there since. The colors were already stunning in the picture of the Gingerbread Inn—Sasha's house-painting inspiration—but on the Victorian, they were overwhelming.

Sasha beamed like a new mother at their reaction. What do you guys think? Isn’t she grand?

Oh my God, Sasha, I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. Mia said. They all began to cry, including Sasha.

I knew you could do it—I really did—but this? This is more than I ever expected. Karen looked as proud as a peacock at the lovely Sasha she’d taken under her wing months ago.

The girls took turns hugging and praising Sasha for her accomplishments. Even the double lot was no longer overgrown. The hedges, neatly trimmed, formed a natural border all the way around the property line. Wild, thorny rose bushes were nipped in the bud. Repairs to the broken-down trellises were complete, and Sasha had restrung the grape ivy through the latticework. The Victorian had sprung back to life thanks to Sasha’s hard work and vision.

Let’s go inside and make a toast to the Victorian and all her glory, Sasha said, smiling with pride.

The interior still needed work, as large as the house was, but it was clear that little by little, room by room, the restorations would come about. The five of them sat at the card table in the dining room and clucked like chickens in a henhouse. Sasha lit a fire to create a warm glow to the room they’d all helped paint. The burnt-orange walls and ivory ceiling made a perfect color combination for this stately, formal room. The chandelier Sasha and Mia had bought together hung gracefully above them, crystals shimmering in the firelight.

They held out their plastic cups as Sasha poured Merlot into each one. Mia happily stood to make a toast. My dear, sweet Sasha, this toast is for you. Several months ago, you fell in love and fell hard. They all smiled at Sasha and giggled, knowing exactly what Mia meant. Nobody in their right mind was going to discourage or dissuade you from your dream. You were, and are, a woman on a mission. As we sit here today and see for ourselves what your heart is capable of, I want to tell you how proud we are of you. The Victorian is beautiful. Sasha, I toast you for your enduring stamina, and I toast the Victorian. She is gracefully and patiently allowing you to bring her back to the original glory she once had. Cheers! Mia held up her cup as they all toasted Sasha and the Victorian. There was not a dry eye in the room.

***

Fortunately, the bed the girls brought in was twin sized. Sasha didn’t care. It would be fine for the time being, and Tina didn’t need it anyway.

The sweeping staircase to the second floor was magnificent, but not for the five women heaving a mattress, box springs, a dresser, and various totes up to the master bedroom. They hoped they wouldn’t break any fingernails.

Remind me to hire movers when I start filling this house up, Sasha said, out of breath.

The hell with that, Karen said. We have hunky men who can carry furniture while we supervise with wine glasses in hand. Save your money for more stuff. This house is going to need a lot of furnishings.

Sasha wanted to surprise the girls with the balcony she had built in the master suite, facing the morning sun. She planned to keep a small coffeepot in her room so she could wake up to the morning bliss every day, on her balcony, while enjoying a delicious cup