She looked up to find Monique leaning against the otherwise empty table. Where the other guests were, Miquela had no idea, but she wouldn’t say no to her beloved’s boss joining.
“Lovely wedding, isn’t it?”
Monique smiled. “I like to take some credit for it, yes.”
I don’t recall implying that…“If you’re wondering where June is, she said she had something to tend to. I don’t expect her to be back for at least a few minutes.”
“That’s fine. I wanted to speak with you separately, anyway.”
Miquela braced herself for trouble. “Go on.”
To the tune of a live jazz band playing mood music, Monique said, “I have some good news for you, Ms. Bolivar. After extensive consideration between June and me, you have won the silent auction. Congratulations.”
It’s about fucking time!Miquela retained her composure. “Thank you for the information.” The smile she had practiced for years to maintain some degree of civility, even though she was exploding inside, paid off. “I am happy to hear it. You know I care for June and have every intention of being a doting patron for as long as possible.” She had thought about what wouldhappen if her family called her back from America, or sent her to another part of the world. The casino project she was overseeing should last a few years, from groundbreaking to making sure it turned a sizable profit, but anything could happen. If it did? She intended to still see June as often as possible. That’s what love did to a woman.I bent over backwards to see Rosa all over the Western hemisphere, didn’t I?At least she didn’t have to keep her relationship with June a secret. The whole world already knew, much to her sister’s chagrin.
“I do not doubt it.” Monique folded her hands on the table, careful to keep her stomach from scraping against the edge. “Moving forward, I will draw up the business contract for you and her to sign. However, I don’t plan to present it to you until after she returns from New York in July. I hope you understand.”
“Sure.”
“I’m glad. After that, you will be her patron, and your first monthly payment will be expected. I trust that won’t be an issue?”
“Not at all.”
“Excellent. June and I are excited to have you on board as her patron. We’re sure you two will be happy with the arrangement.”
“What about the other woman?”
Monique looked back at her with a start. “What do you mean?”
“The other person I was bidding against. Sette Christie, isn’t it?”
“Why, yes… well, I’m sure they will still be seeing each other, especially if the gallery showing goes well. Your patronage does not make her other clients invalid. It simply means you have many more benefits than they do.”
“I understand that.” Miquela poured herself a glass of Champagne from the complimentary bottle left on the table. “I was asking how she’s taking it.”
“I’m sure it’s not an issue.”
“Mrs. Warner, sometimes you severely underestimate us.” When Monique double-downed in distress, Miquela added, “We don’t take defeat well, particularly if a beautiful woman is involved. I know I would’ve done anything to procure this patronage. I have a feelingsheshares similar sentiments.”
“Do you know something that I don’t, Ms. Bolivar?”
“Hardly. Just a glimpse into the psyche of a dominant bitch who wants what she wants. June seems rather fond of her, so I thought I would ask. Don’t want trouble, you know.”
“Of course not. If there is an issue, you can trust that I will make sure it’s handled.”
“I do not doubt it.”
Monique squared her shoulders and heaved herself up stomach first. “Enjoy the wedding, Ms. Bolivar. I’ll call you later this week to go over the details of the contract.”
“I look forward to it.”
She hoped that would be the last of such references after she left. Alas, the moment Monique freed up the chair next to her, someone else took her place.
“Hey, Ms. Monaco,” Zara said, sliding easily into the chair. Her body language said,“It’s cool, we’re friends,”but her face said,“I could make your life difficult.”Miquela wasn’t sure which one bothered her more. “Surprised to see you sitting by yourself and not schmoozing half the world here.”
“I’m minding the fort, or so I believe ‘you all’ say.” Did she do that right?
“Holding down the fort.”
