The Maureen Persona

Chapter4

Chapter 4

“Thank you so much for coming with me,” Megan looked over at Jonathon sitting across from her in the car. “I didn’t really want to come alone.”

“Anytime,” Jonathon smiled. “I’m surprised you wanted to give Jackson and Amy their gift before the party.”

“I didn’t want everyone to see it,” Megan shrugged. “Besides it might tarnish my reputation as a recluse.”

“And we certainly don’t want that,” Jonathon smiled as the car stopped in front of the hotel and the car door slowly opened.

Megan stepped out of the car. Upon reaching the doorman with Jonathon by her side, she handed him her invitation and was admitted into the hotel ballroom.

Megan smiled as she removed her oversized sunglasses and scanned the area for the couple of the evening. She spotted Amy standing near the punch bowl speaking to an older woman. With a smile, Megan made her way over to them only to be stopped when someone recognized her as Maureen Withers.

“Yes,” Megan turned in the direction of the voice.

“Maureen,” Salvador reached and took Megan’s hand bringing it to his lips. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

"Amy and Jackson are my closest and dearest friends," Megan informed him. "Why wouldn't I come to their anniversary celebration?"

“I was unaware you were acquainted with them,” Salvador said as Megan pulled her hand out of his grasp.

“I’d call it more than an acquaintance,” Jackson appeared and gave Megan a light kiss on the cheek and shook Jonathon’s hand. “If it wasn’t for Maureen none of us would be celebrating this evening.”

"I'm a firm believer in fate, Jackson," Megan gave him a sideways glance. "I'm sure you and Amy would have found each other without me making the introductions."

“That may be,” Jackson gave her a smile. “But I like to think you gave fate a helping hand.”

“You’re too kind,” Megan shook her head. “Where are the girls?”

“They’re home taking care of our new addition,” Jackson gave her a wide smile.

“New addition?” Salvador asked. “I was unaware that you and Amy were parents again.”

“The new addition is of the canine variety,” Jackson clarified. “I got Amy a Yorkie just last week. The girls fell in love with it and are determined to spoil it rotten. I don’t think the dog’s feet have touched the ground since I brought it home. I can thank Johnathon here for suggesting the breed. The girls love it, and so does my Amy.”

“I’m glad I could help,” Jonathon smiled accepting Jackson’s praise.

“Well I’ll leave you gentlemen to reacquaint yourselves I think I’ll go in search of that wife of yours,” Megan gave Jackson’s upper arm a light squeeze before making her way to the punch bowl where Amy was standing.

“Amy,” Megan opened her arms to embrace her friend.

“I was wondering if you were going to make it,” Amy said as she returned Megan’s embrace. “This is Penelope Hunter.”

“Pleased to meet you,” Megan extended her hand which Penelope reluctantly took. “Your husband Salvador has commissioned me to do some artwork for his London Offices.”

“Has he?” Penelope questioned. “I was unaware.”

“I informed him that I wouldn’t be able to start until next month,” Megan began. “I’m going out of town for a wedding and once I start on a piece I don’t like to stop until it’s finished.” Penelope gave her a haughty look. “Are you familiar with my art?”

“I can’t say that I am,” Penelope said without meeting Megan’s eyes.

"Well, you should stop by The Maureen and see them yourself. Jackson and I take the girls there all the time. It's a wonderful gallery," Amy said with a smile.

“I’m sure it is,” Penelope said before excusing herself leaving the two women standing at the punch bowl.

“What was that all about?” Megan whispered.

"Penelope is under the impression that you and her husband are," Amy paused momentarily. "More than friends,” Amy gave Megan a lopsided smile.

“Salvador,” Megan shook her head. “I will say one thing, the man is determined.”

“Too bad it won’t get him anywhere,” Amy and Megan laughed together. “I wanted to thank you for the lovely piece you gifted us for our anniversary," Amy glowed. "Jackson hung it in the living room, and it is quite the conversation piece."

“I’m glad you like it,” Megan’s eyes brightened. “I wanted to give you something special and unlike anything anyone else would give you.”

“Well you certainly did that,” Amy said with a smile. "You're still keeping the girls next weekend aren't you?"

"Of course," Megan chuckled as she and Amy sat down at a secluded table at the back. "I know you and Jackson need time to yourselves, plus I do love keeping your girls. I'm planning on binge-watching whatever they want to watch."

“If I know my girls it will be Frozen or some other Disney classic,” Amy smiled.

“They might surprise you and insist on watching Trolls,” Megan offered.

“You can never tell with those two.”

The two friends continued talking until the announcement was made that the couple of the evening would lead the first dance.

“That’s my cue,” Amy stood and accepted her husband’s hand as he appeared by her side kissing her soundly on the lips before twirling her around the dance floor.

Megan was so captivated, by the look of love between her two friends that she didn’t notice Salvador’s approach until it was too late. Slipping into the booth beside her, Megan was cornered with no means of escape.

“I must say,” Salvador rested his hand on her shoulder and slowly lowered his hand until he gripped her upper arm. “I’m surprised it’s not often I find you alone like this.”

“We are not alone,” Megan smiled slightly. “We are surrounded by quite a few people, even your wife is here.”

“Penelope is here,” Salvador looked around before returning his attention to the woman before him. “Not that it matters to me.”

“Well it should,” Megan countered. “She is your wife.”

“Maureen,” Salvador shook his head as he leaned close enough that his breath fanned her cheek. “It’s only a matter of time.”

“Only a matter of time for what,” Megan leaned back as she pushed Salvador’s hand away.

“You will yield,” Salvador whispered. “One way or another.”

Megan's eyes met his and for the first time in a very long while she felt a fear she thought had long since been extinguished. She had thought Salvador was playing a game and that if she refused him enough he would move on to someone else, but judging by the look in his eyes that would not be the case.