-MIA-
Linda’s voice hit first, sweet as syrupy sweet, sharp as shattered glass.
Then came the extra sugar.
"Well, isn’t this a lovely surprise, Mia."
I wondered if she masked her acrid presence with that honeyed tone and a perfume even sweeter. She gave me a once-over, a smirk growing at the corner of her lips. I was in an oversized cream sweater with a rounded neckline, black leggings, and long boots. A puffy jacket was draped over my handbag. Simple. Effective. I didn’t think I looked bad.
Linda clearly disagreed. She was draped in a long caramel coat over a wrapped dress and matching stilettos. The whole ensemble probably cost more than a car and was laughably impractical for anyone walking through a winter city. But the queen bee never walked.
"Hi Linda. Hi Vance," I greeted her
