Shane looked in the mirror putting the finishing touches on his tie. Why was he going? Because Melanie Cartwright would be there and he wanted her to see what she passed up. He was successful in every sense of the word except love. But he would make up some bullshit excuse about his wife being on a trip or something like that.
After the party…
Shane walked down the hall trying not to panic. This had not happened, not only was Melanie impressed but she was insistent on meeting his non-existent wife who he had said was away on business. No one had believed him and his friends had been just as eager to meet her as everyone else. He began to run through a list in his head of old girlfriends thinking of anyone. He needed a wife but whom could he call?
Julia sat fast asleep on the couch surround by their two mastiffs and rotweiller when the phone woke her up.
“ Hello?”
“ Julia Callaway it’s been to long.”
“ Dad’s not better we’ll call you when he gets cleared Shane.”
“ Actually I have a favor to ask you. How about you fly up to Greenwich and we’ll talk about it.”
“ How about you just ask me so I can say no and hang up.”
“ I need you to pretend to be my wife for a week. I’ll pay for everything, I just need this one thing, No sex just for you and I to act like we’re married.”
“ Have you totally lost your mind?”
“ Please Julia I’ll ever pay you.”
“ You’re that desperate?”
“ Yes.”
“ And this isn’t a plot to get me into bed with you?”
“ Absolutely not.”
“ Let me talk it over with dad, what’s your phone number?” He gave her his cell number before they hung up. Julia climbed over the top of the couch since the dogs wouldn’t move. She walked into her dad’s room giving him a sympathetic look.
“ Who called?”
“ Shane.”
“ I just had my hips worked on and they already want me back.”
“ Actually the call was for me.”
“ He wasn’t trying to start anything with you was he?”
“ No daddy, he made a business proposition.”
“ Really?”
“ Yeah he’s thinking of getting some race horses and he wants me to look at them. Things are slow down at the barn so I’m going to go.”
“ How long will you be gone?”
“ A week”
“ Who’s going to look after me?”
“ I’ll call grandma.”
“ Your grandmother won’t spoil me like you do.”
“ I know I’m going to go pack, call my boss, and Grandma.” She gave him a wink before walking out.
The next day she sat flying in the corporate jet heading towards Greenwich. Julia tried to remember everything from the Caitlin classes she had been forced to take as a young girl. The plane descended landing in Connecticut stopping by a stretch limo. She saw Shane get out to meet her. Julia stepped out of the plane dressed to the nines and walked to Shane.
“ Hey stranger.”
“ You owe me big for this.”
“ You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“ Yeah well as far as my father knows I’m helping you pick out race horses.” They got into the limo heading off. Shane pulled out three rings sliding one onto his finger and the other two onto her hand. She looked at the diamond ring fascinated by it.
“ You can keep it if you want.”
“ I can’t take this it’s too expensive.” He gave her a smile winking at her. “ Is there anything I need to know?”
“ We’ve been married for three years, on the 10th of June. We met at one of Dad’s parties.”
“ Do I have a job?”
“ Yeah but I’ll leave that to you.”
“ Where did we get married?”
“ We eloped.”
“ Ok” They pulled up to the family home Julia feeling a little nervous. They got out heading inside to meet Rosa the maid.
“ May I show you to your room?”
“ Sure I think it’d be a good idea to freshen up.” Julia went upstairs with Rosa while Linda came out to greet her son.
“ I’m glad you checked out of that hotel and came home. Julia here yet?”
“ Just got here.”
“ Well she’s going to met Melanie directly. She just invited herself for lunch.”
“ I was hoping to have sometime to practice with Julia.”
“ Marriage isn’t practiced honey.” Just then the doorbell rang and Melanie came in tossing her wrap to the maid as she headed for Shane and Linda.
“ Why don’t you go get us some drinks honey?” Shane nodded to his mother strolling off.
“ Mrs. McMahon so lovely to see you again.”
“ Melanie you look good.”
“ Thank you, so tell me is she here or is she away on another “trip”? I mean if none of us have ever even seen her then she must not be very spectacular.” Linda saw Julia descend the staircase.
“ Oh I think you’ll find her to be everything Shane said she was and then some.” Shane came back setting a tray of lemonade and some glasses down.” Melanie walked over to Shane lightly running her finger along his arm.
“ You look very cute doing that.”
“ Doesn’t he?” They all saw Julia striding across the foyer. “ There you are sweetie.” She walked up to him wrapping her arms around him lightly kissing him on the lips.
“ Yeah, thought you might be thirsty after your flight.”
“ That’s so sweet of you.” She turned to Melanie. “ I don’t believe I caught your name?”
“ Melanie Cartwright, judging from that accent of yours I take it you’re not from around here.”
“ No I was raised in Texas.”
“ I see.”
“ I just got finished talking to Rosa and she said that lunch was almost ready so why don’t we head out to the veranda it’s lovely this time of year.”
After lunch was over Julia and Melanie remained outside while Shane and Linda went to handle some business. In reality they stood just beyond the door listening.
“ You’re a very lucky woman Julia. I know women who would give their left arm for Shane. Which makes me wonder how a girl like you got Shane.”
“ A girl like me?”
“ Trailer park trash. He can clean you up and make you look nice but I can see that you’re nothing but a primped up whore.”
“ Look who’s calling the kettle black.”
“ Excuse me?”
“ Ms. Cartwright when I was growing up we didn’t have a lot of money so my father had to do the best he could on what he had. He has worked for seventeen years to achieve the success he now enjoys and I am certainly not ashamed of where I come from. I’m more ashamed of sitting here talking to you than of my upbringing. So if your going to walk around calling people trailer park trash than you better take a good look in the mirror first.” Julia gave her a smile. “ Now I think it’s time you took your leave, you’ve worn out your welcome.”
“ I was getting bored here anyways.” Melanie stood up storming out. Julia took a sip of her scotch.
“ Bitch.” Shane ran out giving her a big hug.
“ That was brilliant.”
“ Someone had to tell that snotty little slut off. Getting tired of her attitude anyway.”
Later that night Julia sat in her room contemplating a few things when she decided to make a phone call. Her Grandmother picked up the phone apparently in the middle of scolding her father.
“ Hi Grandma.”
“ Julia sweetheart how are you?”
“ I’m fine, you?”
“ Don’t ask.” Julia laughed.
“ Is dad there?”
“ Yes he is hold on.” She handed the phone off to Mark who quickly took it.
“ Get your ass home now girl.”
“ Daddy”
“ What’s wrong? You sound upset.”
“ Some people just saying some stuff is all.”
“ Don’t you listen to them. They’re a bunch of snotty ingrates. You should be proud of who you are, because you made yourself.”
“ It wasn’t me they were talking about.”
“ Shit sweetie I know I’m not the classiest guy in the world but at least I know who I am and I have on of the sweetest kids in the world to back me up.” Julia smiled. “ You just keep your wits about you and don’t let any of them intimidate you.”
“ I will, what was Grandma upset about?”
“ I can’t tell you.”
“ Why?”
“ Because she’s standing right here and has a cucumber.”
“ Oh for heavens sake.”
“ Honey I don’t want you to run up Vince’s dime so I’m going to let you go.”
“ Alright… Daddy?”
“ Yes sweetheart?”
“ I love you.” Mark smiled.
“ I love you too honey. Get home as soon as you can.” They hung up and Julia felt a little better.
The next morning all of them sat down to have breakfast Vince giving her a funny look.
“ Dad everything ok?”
“ Did Steph get plastic surgery or did we gain another child when I wasn’t looking?”
“ No Mr. McMahon, I’m Shane’s escort for the reunion.”
“ You called the Undertaker’s daughter to be your wife?”
“ Yeah, you should’ve heard her tell off Melanie Cartwright yesterday. Did her old man proud.”
“ I’m sure. Julia does your father know your doing this?”
“ Not exactly.”
“ What do you mean not exactly?”
“ He thinks I’m helping Shane buy some horses.” Vince simply shook his head.
“ Sometimes I truly think there’s more drama off camera than on.”
“ Well dad you did want more soap opera style angles.”
“ I wouldn’t mind having Taker back.”
“ When he’s better. Right now he can’t even walk.”
“ I heard he’s back to his ornery self.”
“ When is he not ornery, try living with him for twenty four years.” They laughed at her tone. Linda looked at her taking a more serious tone.
“ So what is it that you do?”
“ I train horses and am a part time vet for the stable. When I make enough money I want to open my own equine clinic.”
“ That sounds very noble, looking for investors?”
“ That’s very generous of you all but I couldn’t take your money not after everything you’ve done for my family.” Vince and Linda exchanged looks before turning to their son.
“ Shane what do you have lined up for today?”
“ The luncheon and then going to hit golf balls.”
“ What about me?”
“ I believe you have a society tea.”
“ Society Tea?”
“ Don’t worry Julia you’ll do fine.”
“ Shane I am a far cry from being a refined society lady.”
“ Just dazzle them with your wit and charm.”
“ Perhaps I should go with you Julia. Give you a little help?”
“ Linda I couldn’t ask that of you.”
“ Let me tell you something. These women are born to seek anyone that isn’t like them out and destroy them. If I can survive them so can you.”
“ Yeah but I imagine Melanie won’t be to happy about our exchange.”
“ Adds more mystery and intrigue to your story.”
“ Your right screw em.” Linda laughed at her response proud that these women were about to be given the ride of a lifetime.
Julia walked into room drawing a few looks and whispers. She found her name card seating herself at it and placing her napkin in her lap. Two women she didn’t know sat down next to her seemingly fascinated.
“ Are you Julia McMahon?”
“ Yes I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.”
“ I’m Marion and this is Cecil. We’ve been dying to meet you, everyone has.” Julia looked across the room to Melanie who was glaring at them.
“ I don’t think everyone is.”
“ Oh Melanie’s just a little jealous.”
“ Of who?”
“ You! Everyone still can’t believe that you caught the brass ring. Especially after he pined away for Melanie all those years ago.”
“ Yes well I’m sure she’s found someone.”
“ No, people were speculating that she was waiting on Shane. But it’s apparent he’s moved on.”
“ What do you do?”
“ I’m a Horse broker.”
“ Come again?”
“ I am hired by people to find the best possible horses for them.”
“ Do deal in race horses or more show horses?”
“ Both”
“ Must be quite exciting.”
“ Yes it is.” Julia took a sip of her water. “ I’m also an equine vet. Someday I’d like to start my own clinic but where Shane and I live I wouldn’t get much business.”
“ New York City isn’t the best place for a horse. Do you travel often?”
“ Not really, this last trip was an emergency.”
“ We understand you’re from the south. What part?”
“ Texas.”
“ What part?”
“ Houston.”
“ Your father must be thrilled that you married Shane.”
“ Yes.” The bell rang and the two women looked up.
“ There’s the lunch bell we better get to our seats.” They got up rushing back to the front of the room. Julia was seated with wives of the alumni while the actual alumni were on the other side of the room. She seemed surprised when a man sat down next to her. He made small talk with her revealing that he was the life partner of one of the alumni and the other ladies weren’t to pleased with it.
“ They think this should be all females. I keep telling them that I’m a woman in spirit.”
“ Some of them are true stuck up snobs. I think they look at you and I and see outsiders.”
“ You don’t know the half of it honey. The other night at the reception you wouldn’t believe the cold shoulder I got.”
“ Something tells me I would.”
“ By the way I’m Ike Longfield.”
“ Julia McMahon nice to meet you.”
“ So you’re Shane’s wife. My Keith was talking about how hot and bothered Melanie was getting over the fact that Shane had married.”
“ Well if she had come by four years ago she could’ve been his wife.”
“ Four years ago she was in a clinic to dry out.”
“ Really?”
“ Oh yes I don’t know what Shane ever saw in her.”
“ Neither do I.”
“ You’re not jealous that he chased after her for years are you?”
“ No I’m not that type of person. It’s in the past and there’s nothing I can do about it so why should I get upset about it?”
“ I think you and I are going to get along just fine.”
Julia returned to the McMahon’s house feeling physically drained. She went up to her room changing into her flannel pants and a baggy shirt. Without any grace or poise she flopped down onto the bed asleep before her head hit the pillow. An hour later she woke up to her stomach growling. Slipping on a robe she walked down the back stairs into the kitchen. Julia rummaged around fixing herself a leftover turkey sandwich. She sat at the kitchen table eating when Rosa came in letting out a gasp when she saw Julia.
“ Ms. Callaway what are you doing in here?”
“ Um… eating a snack, it’s ok isn’t it?”
“ Of course it’s just that a guest has never eaten in here.”
“ I didn’t feel comfortable sitting in the dinning room in my pajamas. You want a sandwich? I’ll make you one.”
“ I can’t.”
“ Well will you at least sit with me? Gets lonely after awhile.”
“ Well I suppose I could use a break.” She sat down across from Julia stiffly sitting in the chair.
“ By the way I never got the chance to tell you that you’re a fantastic cook. You’ll have to teach me your secrets.”
“ Teach you?”
“ If you’re not to busy. I’m always looking for things to try on my dad. Except nothing with cucumbers.” Julia stood up walking over to get some water she set a glass next to Rosa while she sat back in her seat. “ You ok?”
“ No one has ever asked me to teach them how to cook.”
“ Well how about I help you make dinner? I’ll make you one of my recipes and then you can teach me one of yours?”
“ Ok.”
“ Great.” She finished the last of her sandwich getting up and washing her plate in the sink before putting it away. “ I’m going to go get dressed and then I’ll come back down.”
“ Ok” Julia carried her water back up the back stairs to get changed. Rosa simply took a sip of water trying to get over her shock.
Julia put the finishing touches on the Chicken Parmesan as Rosa finished the salad. Shane sat at the table wondering where Julia was. His question was answered when she came out carrying dinner.
“ Where have you been?”
“ Cooking. Rosa is teaching me to be a better cook. We were exchanging recipes.” Vince gave her an appreciative look as she set the plate down.
“ Good thing to be married to a woman who knows how to cook.”
“ Dad we’re not married.”
“ I know just making a general comment.” Shane shot him a look. Julia took the salad from Rosa thanking her before setting it down in front of Shane.
“ Cooking?”
“ Yeah cooking is fun. Especially for family and dear friends.” Shane kept giving her skeptical look as he took the first bite.
“ Mmmm this is really good.”
“ Thank you.”
“ So Julia how was the tea.”
“ Loads of fun. Melanie spread continuous rumors about me. She’s such a bitch.”
“ Yes, yes she is.”
“ I’m not going to start. I’ll say something I’m not supposed to.”
“ Go ahead. I’ve had the network censors and the PTC breathing down my neck for years. Hasn’t stopped me.”
“ They’re a bunch snobs anyways.” They finished the meal and Julia brought out some chocolate cheesecake for dessert.
“ She can cook, and bake damn Shane we may have to keep her around.”
“ Where ever did you learn to cook like this?”
“ I studied abroad for a year. Went to school in Italy and France.” Vince gave his son a look. Rosa helped Julia carry the plates back after the meal leaving the McMahons alone.
“ Now I know why Taker’s at the healthy weight he’s at.”
“ I think they’re starting to get to her. She doesn’t have the same smile as when she got here.” Linda gave her son a look.
“ Everything else is for couples.”
“ I don’t think that’ll do it. She’s a tough cookie but not as tough as us. She didn’t grow up here and I’m sure Mark raised her differently than we raised you and your sister. She’s got different values, and a totally different mindset from the rest of these people.”
“ Take her to New York. Get her away from them for a day. I think both of you could use a day off.”
“ Is that a demand or a request?”
“ Whatever you want it to be. Now go help her.” Shane stood up walking towards the kitchen. He stood up walking towards the kitchen. He stood just inside the door watching her clean up. He walked over picking up a towel.
“ Need help?” She looked at him smiling.
“ Sure you want to dry?” She handed him a wet pot smiling he took it from her.
“ Reminds me of when mom used to cook.”
“ Reminds me of home.”
“ Your dad doesn’t help?”
“ Depends how full he is. He likes to pick at the leftovers later on in the night.”
“ When does he not eat?”
“ When he’s in the ring, that’s about it. Other than that I’m not to sure I really don’t see him much.”
“ I thought you were his personal assistant?”
“ In high school I was. All the traveling didn’t agree with me. Plus I got the offer to go to Europe so I went.”
“ So you’re more of a stay at home gal?”
“ Stay around gal. I like to work not live off of anyone.”
“ You live with your dad.”
“ I pay rent, and am his chef/ housekeeper.”
“ I see.”
“ You don’t live around here do you?”
“ I live in New York City, so no. Maybe I could take you up there to see it. There’s not too much going on tomorrow. Maybe we could fly up?”
“ Sure, be the first time I’d be there outside of wrestling.” She handed him the last of the dished before cleaning the sink. After a minute they just looked at each other. “ I think I’ll call my father. Check up on him.” She walked up the back stairs leaving him alone.
Mark sat on the couch taking sips of his beer keeping a watchful eye out for his mother. He turned his attention to the phone picking it up.
“ Hello?”
“ Hi daddy, how are you feeling?”
“ I’d be feeling a lot better if you were home.”
“ Only a few more days.”
“ Not short enough. He’s leaving you be isn’t he?”
“ Yes daddy.”
“ You sound upset. Everything alright?”
“ Just home sick. I’m going into New York tomorrow, you need anything?”
“ Nah just for you to have fun. After I fully retire you and I are going to go sight seeing around the country.”
“ I can’t wait for that.”
“ Maybe by then I’ll have convinced you to learn how to ride a motorcycle.”
“ I think you better drive, I’ll be to busy looking.” Shane stood in her doorway listening. He knew this was hard on Julia’s heart. She had a deep-rooted bond with her father that was seemingly unbreakable. He waited till she hung up before walking to her. She turned and he saw her wiping tears from her eyes.
“ I brought some cookies and milk for you. It always helped me when I got upset.”
“ Thanks” He sat down next to her wiping a tear off of her cheek. She wrapped a hand around his wrist. He looked at her shirt laughing. Julia was wearing a simple button down shirt with her legs sticking out of the bottom. Her medium length red hair hung in loose curls around her shoulders.
“ I wanted to thank you again for doing this. Not many woman would’ve agreed.”
“ What are friends for?” She let go of his wrist taking a drink of milk as she pulled away.
“ These people are killing you aren’t they?”
“ Oh yeah.”
“ I’m sorry. We’ll just have to spend less time with them.”
“ But they’re your friends.”
“ We’re not close.”
“ You need to get some sleep. I want to see everything New York has to offer.” She gave him a wink and a smile before pushing him off of the bed.
Julia had been right. She wanted to see and do everything. He was begging for mercy by the time they reached his apartment.
“ How can you be tired?”
“ I had very active dreams last night.”
“Really?”
“ Yeah.” She gave him a smile before she walked out onto the balcony.
“ Dare I ask?” Shane walked up behind her looking out onto the lights.
“ You should know. You were in them with me.”
“ It’s so beautiful.”
“ Yeah nothing else like it in the world.”
“ Paris is close, but it’s a stark difference to Texas.”
“ Still say it’s Green Acres.” She looked back at him giving him a smile. He turned her around, wrapping his arms around her waist. She placed her hands on his shoulders.
“ I’ve really enjoyed your company.”
“ It’s been really fun.” He leaned in lightly brushing his lips against hers. She kissed him back drawing him closer. Both turned when they heard a shrill female voice behind them.
“ Oh I’m sorry am I interrupting?” Shane turned to see Melanie standing in the doorway.
“ How did you get in?”
“ You left the door cracked.” She walked over to them smirking.
“ What do you want?”
“ We missed you two today, oh and Julia Linda sent me with this message from your father. Something about the horses at the stable you work at.” Shane snatched the message from her hand giving it to Julia.
“ There’s a phone in the bedroom. I’ll take care of this.” Julia walked out leaving them alone.
“ That’s pathetic Shane. Having a woman pretend to be your wife. Are you paying her to sleep with you too?”
“ No, she’s doing this because she’s a good friend.”
“ Looks like you two were more than good friends back there.” Melanie had a pleased smirk
“ Get out of my house.” Julia came back out heading for the door. “ Julia wait I meant Melanie not you. Where are you going?”
“ I know a virus is sweeping through the barn. I have to get back.” Shane left Melanie out on the balcony walking over to Julia taking her hand.
“ I’m sorry go ahead and go I’ll send the rest of your things back.”
“ Thank you so much Shane. I wish it didn’t have to end this way.”
“ Take the jet, say hello to your father for me, thank you again and be careful on your way home.” He leaned down again giving her another kiss before she left.
“ Well Shane it looks like you’re without a wife.”
“ Who have you told?”
“ No one yet.”
“ How did you find out?”
“ I wanted to know where you two eloped too. So I looked for your marriage license. Except there isn’t one so I did a little investigation on Miss Julia McMahon. Come to find out she’s Julia Callaway. I didn’t realize her mother worked in the best little whore house in Texas.”
“ Doesn’t matter she’s pulled herself above that.”
“ And her father is one of your employee’s.”
“ Her father is a good man. He raised on his own without compromising who he was.”
“ It shows. I’m surprised she didn’t show up covered in hay chewing on some dip.”
“ So you’re going to use this information to get what you want?”
“ Very good.”
“ So what is it that you want?”
“ You to be my escort for the rest of the reunion.”
“ And make everyone think that I’m cheating on my wife?”
“ Tell them she left you. I mean after all it’s true.”
“ And if I don’t you discredit us?”
“ No I’m going to spill the beans both the truths and the lies.” She put on a fake southern accent to irk Shane.
“ Fine I’ll meet you down in Greenwich.”
“ I’d rather stay here and pick up where you and Daisy May left off.”
“ I’d rather you left.” Melanie backed down when she saw the glare in his eyes.
“ I’ll meet you tomorrow night.” She walked out quietly shutting the door behind her. Shane walked into his bedroom seeing her fake wedding rings lying next to the phone.
Julia sat in the plane twirling her thumbs nervous about going home. She absently rubbed her now empty ring finger. She wasn’t sure which she was more upset about the barn, or leaving Shane. She liked him, always had but he was the unattainable at least she thought he was till this week. He had been sweet, caring, attentive, and damn near loving. There was one thing she was sure of Melanie Cartwright was probably moving in for the kill now. That was the point to make Shane’s high school crush jealous. Julia was able to convince herself that Shane had probably forgotten about her the minute she walked out the door and moved onto Melanie. When the plane landed she raced to the stable flying past her father’s house, reaching the barn in record time. Everyone gave her a solemn look when she ran in.
“ There’s nothing we can do.”
“ What?”
“ They’re all infected.” She braced herself against the doorframe. “ They want us to sterilize everything and get it out. Owner’s gotten permission to torch the place.”
“ Damn, how did they get infected?”
“ Airborne, been spreading from stable to stable. No way we could’ve prevented it or know it was coming.”
“ Are they going to rebuild?”
“ Definitely not. We’re all going to be looking for work.” Julia stepped out looking down the row of empty stalls.
“ What happened to the ones the haven’t died?”
“ Owner’s having them put down.” A gunshot pierced the quiet night making them all cringe. After the third one Julia’s heart couldn’t take it anymore. She ran out heading for home. Both Mark and his mother woke up when Julia came into the house. Mark sent his mother to bed wheeling himself down to Julia’s room. He found her curled up on her bed.
“ Sweetie everything ok?”
“ No.” He hobbled over to her sitting on the bed lightly rubbing her back.
“ Is this about the barn?”
“ Sort of.” Mark pulled her up wrapping his arms around her. “ It’s also about Shane.”
“ What did he do?”
“ Nothing like you’re thinking.”
“ Did he not like the horses you picked out?”
“ There never were any horses. I went up there to pretend to be Shane’s wife for a reunion of his.”
“ Why on earth would you do something like that?”
“ He was desperate.”
“ I see.”
“ Then some snobby bitch found out. That’s when I got your message.”
“ So you’re upset that the bitch found out?”
“ I’m upset because he wanted to make her jealous which he did. But I think I fell for him in the process. When I left they were in his apartment alone. I’m pretty sure they picked back up and forgot all about me. It hurts dad, I can’t explain why I fell for him but I did.”
“ Don’t worry honey I understand.”
“ Ok.”
“ Are you at all upset about the barn?”
“ Yeah, seeing as I lost my job.”
“ It’s not your fault they got sick.”
“ The owners aren’t going to keep the barn. There’s no need for any of us if there aren’t any horses.”
“ Very true. Why don’t you try to get some sleep? I’ll make you a big breakfast in the morning.”
“ Daddy you can’t cook.”
“ But I can drive we can head into town to get something.”
“ Ok”
“ That’s my girl.” He gave her an extra squeeze before hobbling to his chair. Mark wheeled back to his bed. They all sat in the restaurant eating, Julia looking severely down.
“ Bet it’s nice to be home.”
“ Yeah.”
“ How about we have a girls day out?”
“ I have to work later on. After that I’m going to do what I always do when I get depressed.”
“ And that is?”
“ Get really drunk and eat a whole cheesecake.”
“ Oh ok” They finished eating heading back to the house. Julia went to the barn to help shut it down. Mark laid on the couch thinking while his mother bustled around the house. He turned when the phone rang. Mark slowly picked it up.
“ Hello?” His mother stopped running around and started to listen.
“ Hey Taker.”
“ Shane how are things going?”
“ Uh fine. I was calling to see if Julia got home safe.”
“ Yeah got here fine.”
“ That’s good to hear. Listen is she there?”
“ No she had to run into work.”
“ Oh yeah how did that work out?”
“ Not to well. They had to shut it down. She’s pretty upset.”
“ I can understand that meant a lot to her. I need to go will you tell her I said hello?”
“ Sure no problem.” They hung up Marks mother gaping at him.
“ How could you not…”
“ Mom chill. I have a feeling he’s going to come looking for her.”
“ If he doesn’t?”
“ Then I get to take a chunk out of his ass.” He gave his mother a smile.
Shane stood in his tux waiting for Melanie to finish getting ready. Everything was telling him this was wrong. He knew she was upset, the flight crew had told him so. He wanted to fly to Texas and just comfort her. I n a way he felt like he was responsible for her losing her job. The only reason he wasn’t on his way there was because his mother had taken the company jet to California. He heard someone impatiently clearing their throat making him look up. What he saw made his blood boil. Melanie was wearing the dress Julia picked out.
“ It suits me much better don’t think?” Shane rolled his eyes walking to the door. “ You could at least compliment me.”
“ Look the woman I love…” He stopped speaking simply walking out of the door and driving off. The woman he loved was in Texas miserable beyond belief. Fuck Melanie, and fuck everyone she told. Julia deserved better than what had happened to her. He drove to the airport getting on the next flight to San Antonio.
Melanie arrived at the reunion fuming at Shane’s departure. Everyone was giving her strange looks. She headed straight for the podium ready to make her announcement to everyone there.
“ Excuse me I have something to say.” Everyone turned to look at her curious as what she had to say. “ This concern’s Shane and Julia and the fact that they’re not even married. He made it all up and paid her to be his wife. She’s a daughter of one of his father’s employees and a whore. She’s not a even a horse broker she…” Keith Longfield walked up pulling her away.
“ That’s quite enough from you.” He yanked her off the stage. Everyone else however was trying to digest the information wondering if it was true. Melanie stood by the punch bowl thoroughly pleased with herself.
“ Where is Shane? You would think he would be here.”
“ I wonder if it is true.” As everyone kept wondering Linda McMahon strode in to clean up the mess Melanie had undoubtedly started. All of Shane’s friends swarmed around her she simply pushed her way to the podium. By now she was aware that the proverbial beans had been spilled. Stepped up onto the stage to the podium.
“ By now I’m sure Melanie has told you her side of the story now I’m here to tell you ours.”
“ Julia was called away by an emergency at her place of employment. Shane was going to be here tonight with Miss Cartwright but choose to instead fly to Texas to do the right thing by Julia. She was not paid to be his wife or sleep with him. They were merely testing out a storyline for our shows to see if it could be done.”
“ What about her parents?”
“ That is all true, but she has pulled herself beyond her mother’s profession. She is getting ready to start her own veterinary firm in Texas.” Ike stepped forward.
“ What did you mean the right thing by Julia?”
“ I don’t know he didn’t tell me. He just said he was going to the woman he loved and wasn’t leaving till he got her back.”
