Insecurity and a Bottle of Merlot Read Online Free PDF Page A

backs. Mia asked Aaron to join them for lunch. Mia told Vic about her relationship with Aaron already. Now it was time for the others to be told too. For now, Aaron was staying at Mia’s house anyway. They agreed to meet at Amelia’s at noon. Mia and Aaron were waiting when everyone showed up. Tina and Karen were surprised to see them together in public, even though it was just a matter of time. Vic snickered and grinned.
    “What’s this about?” Tina asked, laughing. “Can I say it’s about damn time, and I love you both?” She air kissed Mia and Aaron, as she sat down.
    Aaron blushed, stood up and introduced himself to Sasha, since she hadn’t formally met him yet. Vic hugged him, then gave him fair warning. “You mess with my girl, Mia, and you’ll have me to answer to, mister.”
    Sasha looked scared. The others broke out laughing and explained that Aaron had been one of them since elementary school.
    “We’re just goofing around, Sasha. Aaron loves Mia to death and always has.”
    “Oh good. I wasn’t sure what was going on. One freaky guy is enough for me.”
    “Speaking of freaks, we wanted to talk to all of you about Jack. There’s no proof yet, but I’m pretty sure he’s the one with my house key. I’m almost positive he came in Sunday when I was walking Reggie.”
    “Oh no, now what?” Karen asked.
    “Well, first off, Aaron and I went out Sunday afternoon and bought a spy cam. It’s already installed in the bushes right by the front door. We have to catch Jack doing something wrong before we can press charges. Karen, does he know where you live?”
    “No, thank God. He probably thinks I live in the city somewhere,” Karen said, sounding relieved.
    “Good. I doubt if he has any clue you’re in Tarrytown, Sasha. Not to sound mean, but Jack would naturally assume this town is beneath you and your standards.”
    “I guess that’s good for me, but I love my new town,” she said.
    “We know you do, hon. I want all of you to be careful. Luckily, Jack didn’t see Vic or Tina that Friday night, so I think you guys are fine. Until this is resolved, Aaron is staying at my house. The app for the camera video feed can go on five different devices. I have one, and Aaron does too. I want Sasha, Karen and either Tina or Vic to download the app on their phones. Since you guys are at the salon together most of the day, it doesn’t matter to me which phone it’s on. We can all keep our eyes peeled. As long as Jack doesn’t have a job, he can come and go as he pleases. He could be watching me any time, day or night.”
    “That’s so scary, it gives me chills,” Sasha said.
    “It will be okay. At the rate he’s going, we’ll probably catch him this week. Let’s order lunch and get on a happier topic, like the wedding. I’m sure Vic wants to tell us all about it,” Mia said, winking at her.
    “That’s right, Chica, and do I have a lot to tell.” It was apparent by the glow on Vic’s face, she was smitten with Max Cole. “He is so hot, and we had such a good time. We stayed until the reception was over. Oh yeah, get this. I caught the bouquet and Max caught the garter. That has to be a sign, doesn’t it? I mean, what are the odds? Next Saturday we’re going on a motorcycle ride to Rhinebeck. Cool huh?”
    “That’s awesome. Maybe soon you can introduce Max to Aaron. We can all hang out together on weekends and have parties. Good times, right?”
    “You bet, Mia. Max and Aaron would get along great.”
    “Well that sounds good to me. Plus I make killer bar-be-cue chicken on the grill,” Aaron reminded them.

Chapter Six
    Thursday morning arrived with much needed rain. Gray skies lingered overhead, and the sound of distant thunder rumbled. Mia and Aaron were burrowed deep under the blankets, sound asleep. She jumped from the noise at the foot of the bed.
    “Damn it, Reggie, you scared the crap out of me.” Reggie whined anxiously. He scratched at the blankets to get Mia up.