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“Lovely,” said her friend. Mia thought they both sounded out of Downton Abbey. Minus the fact that she could see their bare asses through their cover-ups.
The redhead got to the point. “Who are you, dear? Watching the house until Blaine arrives?”
Mia blushed. Of course a woman like this would think anyone who looked Latina was the housekeeper. She took a deep breath. Blaine had brought her here, and she was just as worthy of being in this house as these women seemed to think they were.
“No. My name is Mia. I’m Blaine’s girlfriend.”
Both women’s eyebrows lifted. “Really?” asked the blonde.
Mia refused to cringe. “Yes. I’m staying with him this month.”
“Well, I’m Vanessa,” said the redhead. “And this is Camille.” She pointed at her blonde friend.
“Nice to meet you,” said Mia.
“We’re friends of Candice, Blaine’s ex-wife.”
Mia’s stomach fell further toward her feet. “Okay. I know Candice.”
“I didn’t realize Blaine had a girlfriend,” said Camille.
“Yes. He does.” Mia didn’t elaborate. She raised her chin. Let them skewer me. I can take it.
Vanessa clapped. “Wonderful!” Mia’s eyes widened as Vanessa trotted across the room toward her. She embraced Mia. “Welcome, welcome!”
Mia stiffened, and then hugged her back. Camille repeated her friend’s embrace.
“So tell, tell,” said Camille. “How did you two meet, all that?”
Mia giggled nervously. She told Camille and Vanessa the story. They watched with round, excited eyes. “How sweet!” said Vanessa. “That’s so like Blaine. To take care of you when you were sick!”
Mia laughed again, and this time it felt genuine. “It was so embarrassing.”
Camille waved a hand. “We’ve all been there, darling. I fell down the stairs on my second date with Brian.”
“Who’s Brian?” Mia asked.
“My husband,” said Camille. “He went to Cambridge with Blaine. So did Vanessa’s husband, Nigel.”
“Oh!” said Mia. “So you know Blaine very well.”
Vanessa smiled. “For years! Dear, do you have a glass of wine? I can only have one small glass because I’m nursing—”
“You have a baby?”
Vanessa smiled. “Yes. She’s nine months old.” She poked Camille. “This one can’t have any!”
Camille sighed. “Damn, don’t remind me.” She rubbed her flat belly. “Pregnant with the first. Just found out!”
“How wonderful!” said Mia. “Congratulations!”
She poured a glass of wine for herself and Vanessa and listened to the two women chat about their husbands and Blaine and their many escapades over the years. Finally Camille put a hand on Vanessa’s arm. “I’m so tired, love. Nappy time.”
“Of course!” said Vanessa. Mia walked them to the car. Camille gave two cheek kisses and sat in the convertibles passenger seat. She closed her eyes, and Mia wondered if she was already asleep.
Vanessa hugged Mia. “We’re so glad you’re here. It’s time for Blaine to move on. Find a nice girl. We all loved Candice, but they weren’t right for each other.”
Mia smiled. “Thanks for the welcome.”
