“Vivienne.”
“Yeah.”
“I want to help you, but I can’t give you any promises. Riley might not give a shit about a lawyer’s warning. She has been sued multiple times.” Henry nodded once.
“Thank you, Henry.”
“Pay my bill.”
“I always do.”
“So I hear Caleb Ward has everything on Jayson, but can’t release it?” Vivienne asked.
“He is scared shitless that Jayson will kill him like the others, so you are safe…for now,” Henry replied.
She stood. He stood. They shook hands across the table. “One more thing,” Henry said as he grabbed a large manila folder.
“What now, you are full of surprises tonight.”
“Donna Ashton.” He handed the folder over to her.
“What about that crazy bitch?”
“Piper deserves to know the truth. I know he is going through a lot, but what’s one more thing.” Henry gave a half smile.
“I will review and brief him when I am back in L.A.,” Vivienne said as she walked out of the restaurant.
***
New York was covered in the bright tackiness of Christmas. Vivienne stood at the corner with her Birkin on her shoulder, and took out her phone.
She scrolled to Carmen Vale but didn’t call. She didn’t know how to tell her what she was about to tell her.
She walked south on Park Avenue for three blocks, through the cold air, Christmas decorations and tourists from Ohio littered the city in a grotesque fashion she never could get used to this time of year.
She thought about her Piper, the boy she had signed when he was twenty-three, two years after he had signed with Jayson. The up and coming first draft pick quarterback, under contract with one of the most powerful men in the world. She thought it was a real get at the time.
In front of Bergdorf Goodman’s elaborate holiday window displays, she knew she should have saved him sooner.
She caved and dialed Carmen Vale.
She picked up on the second ring.
“Bitch. It’s Viv. We need to talk.”
Carmen said, “I’m in New York meeting with that bitch tennis player I represent. She is threatening to fire me if I don’t land her that Nike deal,” Carmen said.
“Did you meet up with that hedge fund fuck buddy? I already let you know he had herpes right? I happen to also be in New York as well. Tell me where we can meet. We have a code red,” Vivienne said.
“Minetta,” Carmen answered.
***
Minetta Tavern in Greenwich Village was humming, every table full.
Carmen was already there when Vivienne arrived. She had taken the corner booth with her fur coat folded on the banquette beside her, martini in hand.
“Bitch,” Carmen said.
