Chapter 61

CHAPTER 61

Skye

G etting the remainder of his paintings to the gallery, Finn leaves the house a little after two p.m. to supervise their installation. The reception begins at six.

I have a couple of hours to get myself ready. He's sending a car for me at four, allowing two hours to get to West Hollywood in the rush hour traffic.

Alone and on edge, I soak in his sunken bathtub, contemplating my plan. The hot bath does little to calm my nerves. Stepping out, I wrap myself in his fluffy terrycloth robe and proceed to put on my makeup. I'm going heavier than usual—smoky eyes, lots of mascara, and ruby red lips. And extra foundation to cover the faint scar by my eyebrow—a never-ending reminder of that near-fatal night. As I'm applying my lipstick, Maddie bops in. Minus Kangy, she gapes at me.

"Wow, Mommy! You look so different!"

I study myself in the mirror. She's right.

"What do you think?" I ask after blotting my lips with a tissue.

"Wow! You look like a movie star!"

Magic words. That's exactly the image I want to project. And it comes along with a well-rehearsed pitch for a show I want to write and star in. The story of my life.

I brush my long hair, which I washed in the morning while showering with Finn. It cascades over my shoulder. My daughter stares at me in awe.

"Sweetie, come. Help me get dressed." I need the company. My darling daughter will keep me grounded and collected. She's seen my scars and I told her I was in a car crash. "Like my first mommy," she said and I replied, " Just like your first mommy." When she asked me more about it, I said I didn't remember. But tonight, that's going to change. I'm going to find out how the bastard almost killed me and then put him away.

I take a fortifying breath and follow my little girl as she waltzes into Finn's adjacent bedroom. Our bedroom.

As I step inside, anxiety revisits me. My sexy red dress is laid out neatly on the bed. Beside it is a lacy black push-up bra and matching thong along with a brand new pair of shiny black stilettos and a small, dressy bag, which I had delivered from a trendy Country Mart boutique. The bag is just big enough to hold my cell phone, credit card, and lipstick.

Maddie studies the array. She focuses on the lace underwear.

"Mommy, you can get your tooshie into those teensy weensy panties?"

As on edge as I am, I can't help but laugh.

Keeping the robe on, I reach for them and slip my legs into the openings. I slide them up my thighs until they're sitting on my ass.

"Let's see, Mommy." The tone of my sassy daughter's voice is demanding.

"Wait till I put my bra on."

Before I can, she grabs it and holds it up against her chest. My inquisitive daughter glances down at the stiff, sculpted cups of the strapless undergarment.

"Mommy, am I going to have big boobies like you when I grow up?"

Despite my unease, I chuckle again. My B-size breasts are not exactly generous, but to a flat-chested little girl they must look enormous. For a moment, I reflect on this memorable mother- daughter moment and on my next breath, anger seeps into my bloodstream. How many did I miss? The answer: countless. I hate the monster more than ever for taking my precious child away from me for almost five long, unbearable years. I can feel my face darkening. My blood pressure rising. He's going to pay!

Maddie breaks into my thoughts, reining in my rage. "Mommy, you didn't answer my question."

"Maybe," I stammer, "but it's going to be a long time before you need a bra." A shudder runs through me. I better be around to buy her first bra. The monster isn't going to take away that special mother-daughter occasion. Or any other!

Shoving the robe off my shoulders and lowering it halfway, I take the front-hooking bra from her and put it on. I work my breasts into the padded cups.

Maddie watches as I unbelt the robe and shrug it off. Letting it fall to the floor, I reach for my dress and slip it over my head. Once my arms are in the apertures, I adjust it over my hips, the silky chiffon caressing my flesh. Knowing my taste, Finn's dress is perfect. Sexy yet demure. Understated elegance. Stopping mid-thigh just below my scar, the chic high-low gown fits me to a T. The length accentuates my long legs, and the sweetheart neckline shows off just the right amount of cleavage. Enough to whet a predator's appetite. I inwardly shudder again at the thought, then compose myself.

"I need your help, baby girl. Can you zip me up?"

"Okie dokie."

I sit down on the edge of the bed to make it easier for her. She hops onto the mattress beside me and slides up the zipper. The hiss sends a shiver up my spine. I hope only one man will be unzipping it later. Finn.

Collecting myself, I glance at the clock on the nightstand. 3:45. The Town Car will be here in fifteen minutes.

"Mommy, can't I come with you tonight to Daddy's show?" my little girl begs as I slip my feet into the high-heeled pumps. " Pleease! "

"Sweetie, it's a grown-up night. I'll take you to the gallery tomorrow."

Tomorrow. As Maddie pouts, the word sinks my stomach like a cannonball. As I've learned in my life, it's not promised to anyone. Suddenly, I'm fraught with emotion. What if things don't go right tonight? The possibility hits me like an ax. My heart splintering, I suck in a deep breath as if it's my last. I may never see my beloved husband or daughter again!

"My sweet baby girl, come here. Let me give you a hug." Tears threatening, I signal for Maddie to sit on my lap. Obliging, she crawls onto me, folding her arms around my shoulders. I hold her close to me and savor the warmth of her petite body against mine.

"Sweetie, I just want to tell you how much I love you and Daddy." I thread my fingers through her silky hair. "The two of you are my everything."

"I love you and Daddy too!" She spreads her arms wide. " Thiiis much!"

At the thought of never holding my little girl in my arms again, a tear escapes my eye.

Maddie tenderly brushes it away. "Mommy, why are you crying? You're going to ruin your makeup."

"Because I love you so much. Promise me you'll always remember that."

"I promise!"

"Thank you, my baby." I twitch a sad smile when another voice enters the room.

Rosita.

" Se?ora, el carro está aquí ."

It's time. The Town Car is here. Lifting Maddie off my lap, I inhale a steeling breath and stand up. Maddie's sparkling eyes stay on me.

"Rosita, doesn't my mommy look so pretty?"

The zoftig woman gazes at me, her kind, dark eyes smiling.

" Bellísima, mi cara ."

With a quick nervous smile, I thank her for the compliment. Grabbing my bag, I pad over to the dresser to give myself a final inspection. I stare into the mirror. My reflection startles me. I look stunning. Hot. But I'm missing two important things. I cast my eyes down at my lucky locket and a brand new watch. I quickly slip the necklace around my neck—it hangs perfectly between my clavicles, drawing attention to my cleavage. Then, I fasten the sleek watch, a last-minute gift from Finn, around my wrist. The watch that will be my lifeline tonight. I gaze again at my reflection. It grows confident. Determined. Fierce.

I'm Scarlet Callahan. Frustrated schoolteacher. Aspiring actress and screenwriter. And tonight, Sheldon Greenberg, I'm going to take you down!

I fidget with my lucky locket hoping that luck will be on my side.