Free Payback and a Bottle of Merlot: Like Sisters Series Book One by Bria Marche

we’re all finished,” Tina said, as she helped her out of the chair.
    Mia rode her bike to the town square. She sat at a bench next to the fountain and called her parents in Florida. The phone rang five times before the familiar voice of Ann James answered.
    “Hello?”
    “Hi, Mom, how are you?”
    “Mia, it’s so good to hear your voice. I’m fine, honey, and how are you? Tom, Mia’s on the phone.”
    “I’m good, hi, Dad.” Mia heard the extension pick up as her dad joined in on the conversation.
    “Hi, honey, so what have you been doing?”
    “Oh, the usual, working on photo shoots.”
    “How’s Jack?”
    “He’s good, keeping busy, you know how it is. I was thinking about coming down there to visit you guys soon. I haven’t seen you since Christmas.” Mia was happy her parents couldn’t see her eyes tearing up.
    “Well, honey, we would enjoy that a lot. Will Jack be able to get off work?”
    “No, Mom, I’ll come alone, but I’ll let you know when. I’m thinking late summer.”
    “That sounds wonderful. We can’t wait to see you again,” her dad piped in.
    “Thanks, Dad, I can’t wait to see you guys too. Well, I’ve got errands to run. I’ll talk to you later, okay?” It was a white lie telling her parents she had things to do, but Mia knew if she kept talking they would soon realize something was wrong. It’s hard to keep things from them, they know me so well.
    “Okay, honey, bye.”
    Mia didn’t realize how much she missed her parents until she spoke to them. When this mess is behind me, I’ll visit them for a month or so. That would be nice for all of us.
    She put the cell phone in her backpack and walked to the creek to sit along the bank. She watched as frogs jumped and swallows caught bugs in mid-air. Mia thought about Aaron as she sat. I wonder if we could have a life together someday. Does he mean what he says about loving me, or is it idle talk because he doesn’t think I’ll ever be available? He might find out sooner than later. Life with Aaron would be as close to perfect as anything I could ever imagine.
    Her cell rang out, startling her out of the imaginary life she wanted.
    “Hey, Vic.”
    “Where the hell are you?”
    “I’m at the creek hanging out with my thoughts, why?”
    “Um… it’s after twelve. Did you forgot about us?”
    “Holy crap! I must have lost track of the time. So what do you want to do?”
    “Meet us at Barney’s. Tina and I are already there. We’ve got a cold one waiting for you.”
    “Okay, I’ll be there in five.”
    The girls waited at a bar table, waving Mia over as she walked through the door.
    “Sorry, I didn’t realize how fast the morning went by. I needed that fresh air. It gave me clarity. So what do you think of Karen’s idea?”
    “We’re on board, for sure. Tina can even practice makeup and hair styles on me since I’m the only dark haired, olive skinned beauty in our mix,” Vic said, chuckling.
    “That’s a great idea. So when you’re ready to work on Sasha, you’ll know exactly what to do. This will be a blast. You’re going to have to make me up too so I look like a different person.”
    Mia was excited, but she was also feeling strange about the whole plan. After all, they were going to be acting sweet and friendly to her husband’s lover.

Chapter Ten
    “Mia, it’s Karen. I forgot to ask you the name of the salon,” she said, as she laughed at her own oversight. “I’m on my way and I should be there in a half hour.”
    “That’s awesome. The salon is called Hair Brained and it’s on Center Street. Vic and Tina are already there getting everything ready. I hope you’re staying for lunch. We have several cool bars and grills to choose from right downtown.”
    “No problem, it sounds like fun. I’ll see you soon.”
    Mia thought about the strange turn of events over the last month. For ages she thought Karen was the bitchy ex-wife that consumed all Jack’s free time. Now several years later,