2 A.M. — November 22, 1996 #3
Sienna told the Dwyers to come by an hour before everyone else so they could get caught up.
The catering staff would still be busy in the kitchen instead of milling around eavesdropping.
Zane buzzed them through the iron gate at the front of the property, then left the door open.
The air in the house cooled as the sound of their footsteps crunching against the pea gravel driveway grew louder.
When Sienna saw them, she relaxed a little.
They were both closer to fifty than forty, but you’d never guess it to look at them.
Money keeps you young. Rusty was in pleated black jeans and a dark blue and black striped button-down shirt with the buttons done up all the way to his neck.
Kitty wore her usual boho-clash style (that Lisa Bonet had copied).
Tonight, she was in a flowy light gray dress with a skinny black belt and a dark purple velvet floor-length coat.
Her brown hair fell a few inches past her shoulders, and her long bangs were swept across her forehead to stay out of her eyes.
“There she is, the woman of the hour,” Rusty said, pulling Sienna in for a warm hug. “You look lovely, kiddo.”
“That’s debatable,” Sienna answered. “But thank you for trying.”
She and Kitty shared a hug while the men shook hands. Then they made their way to the main living room. There was some small talk about how Christmas had gone while Zane stood behind the bar, pouring three rum and Cokes, and a club soda with lots of lime for his wife.
They sipped their drinks, then Sienna said, “Oh, Kitty, I want to ask your advice about the nursery.”
Zane gave Rusty a wry smile. “Sienna hasn’t needed design advice in her entire life, so I’m guessing that’s code for they want to talk about us behind our backs.”
Sienna rolled her eyes. “As if you two are so interesting.”
As soon as they were alone in the nursery, Kitty asked what was wrong.
Sienna flicked on the light and closed the door. “What do you know about this Claudia person?”
Kitty gave her a knowing look. “Not much. Rusty says she’s extremely talented. And nice. Are you worried?”
Nodding, Sienna felt tears prick the backs of her eyes. “It’s probably just because I’m pregnant. I’m feeling a little insecure, you know?”
“Say no more. I get it.”
“Not that I think Zane’s a cheater. I wouldn’t be with him if he was.
” Sienna turned her gaze to the empty crib to avoid seeing any hint of trouble that may be in her friend’s eyes.
“But the way he talks about her has me a little … concerned.” She deepened her voice to imitate her husband.
“Claudia said the funniest thing today. Claudia played her version of ‘Time to Go to Town’ for us and it blew me away. Claudia has the exact same vocal range as Aretha Franklin. Can you believe it? Aretha. We got lucky this time.”
Kitty ran her hand over an alpaca wool blanket that was slung over the side of the crib. “I can see why that would irritate you.”
“It’s the whole reason for this stupid party. I needed to see her with my own eyes and watch them together.”
“I’m sure you don’t have any reason to worry. Zane’s madly in love with you.”
A wave of heat came over Sienna, and she felt a little nauseous. “Yeah, well, she’s new and shiny and ten years younger than me. She also connects with him as a musician, which I can never do.”
“Good lord, if a supermodel is jealous, there’s no hope for the rest of us, is there?”
Sienna rolled her eyes. “I was never a supermodel.”
“Oh, sorry, runway model.”
“The thing is, I’m not a model anymore. I’m just a mom and a wife. That’s got to be boring for a man like Zane.”
Kitty put both hands on Sienna’s shoulders. “You’re stunning. And you’re a hard worker. You don’t lay around all day being waited on. Instead, you use your free time for all sorts of good causes. Plus, you’re an amazing cook and a perfect mother. It’s actually a little hard not to hate you.”
Sienna chuckled and rolled her eyes.
“Most importantly, though, you know how to keep Zane happy. You’re feeling a little out of sorts, which is completely normal for some who’s growing a new human.”
Sighing, Sienna said, “I hope that’s it. I really do.”
“I’m sure it is,” Kitty said, letting go of her shoulders. “But just in case, I’ll make an extra effort to talk to Claudia tonight so I can get a sense of her. And I’ll keep an eye out for any funny business.”
“Thank you. I need your keen sense of people.” Sienna’s eyebrows knit together as she imagined her husband with this mystery woman. “I feel guilty even thinking these things. I’m sure it’s nothing. Just a stupid feeling I can’t shake.”
A weird, twisted part of Sienna was disappointed when a very average-looking Claudia finally arrived shortly before ten o’clock.
Well, she assumed the woman was Claudia because she was the only person Sienna didn’t know.
As soon as she saw her, Sienna felt silly about all her worrying.
She had built her up in her mind to be this formidable foe—a siren, a great beauty and muse Sienna would have to vanquish with cunning and sheer determination—when in reality, she was just a plain woman with over-processed hair and dark roots showing.
She was wearing a red plaid dress with a full skirt that cut off above her knees, and a matching bolero jacket that did nothing for her frame.
Her short legs were covered in black lace tights that Sienna knew must be itchy as hell.
Sienna scanned the room for Zane to catch his reaction to Claudia’s arrival.
He was deep in conversation with one of the band’s lawyers, and when he saw her, he offered her a nod, a quick smile, and raised his beer bottle.
Not exactly signs of a man in love. Claudia gave him a shy little wave, then glanced around the room, looking lost.
Excusing herself from the conversation she was having, Sienna hurried over to her with open arms. “Are you Claudia?”
Her face lit up at someone addressing her. “Yes.”
“Sienna,” she said, giving her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Zane has the nicest things to say about you.”
Claudia blushed. “Oh, that’s very kind. He’s … incredible. The entire band is. It’s a dream come true to get to work with them.”
Nodding, Sienna said, “Yes, they’re really something, aren’t they? I’m so proud of Zane. He’s the most talented person I’ve ever met.” Putting her hand up to the side of her mouth, she murmured, “He’s no slouch in bed either.”
Claudia rewarded her with a laugh. “I’m glad to hear it.” She stared at Sienna for a second, then said, “God, you are impossibly beautiful. Like, I feel as if I could break you just by making eye contact.”
Looping her arm through Claudia’s, Sienna led her to the bar. “Aren’t you sweet? Let’s get you a drink so you can relax.”
“That sounds absolutely necessary.”
Sienna chuckled. “Love your outfit, by the way. It’s very Debbie Gibson.”
“To be honest, I never know what to wear. I got talked into this at Macy’s, and when I put it on, my roommate said I look like if Gone with the Wind was set in Scotland.”
Inside, Sienna was laughing, but on the outside, she made a motherly tsking sound. “Tell your roommate a fashion expert said you look gorgeous.”
When they reached the bar, Claudia ordered a white wine while Sienna made eye contact with Kitty, who hurried over.
Introductions were made. Next a toast to the women of The Vows.
Then an invitation from Kitty to Claudia for a little girl talk and Mary Jane on the patio out back.
Sienna stood back while the other two were smoking.
Claudia told them about how amazing it was working with the guys at the studio over the last few months and how she still woke up every day in awe of what was happening.
She seemed pleasant and kind, wide-eyed and naive.
She asked each of them an appropriate number of questions about themselves and gave thoughtful responses.
Somehow, this was a little unsettling to Sienna.
If she were some airhead who couldn’t see past the nose on her face, Zane would never be interested in her. But this woman had depth.
“So, Claudia?” Kitty asked, passing the joint back to her. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
She shook her head. “No, but there is someone I’m interested in, even though I shouldn’t be.”
Sienna tightened her hands into fists. “Really?”
“Yes, honestly, I know it’s a terrible risk, but he’s so sweet and he’s taken me under his wing,” she answered. Lowering her voice, she said, “Mike.”
Sienna’s head snapped back while Kitty’s eyes popped open. “Mike?”
Claudia blushed. “Yeah, I know he’s probably too old for me, but there’s just something so exciting about him.”
“It’s called bad boy syndrome, and don’t you fall for it,” Kitty told her.
Quickly realizing that a relationship between Claudia and Mike would be the best thing possible, Sienna shrugged at her friend. “Oh, I don’t know. Mike’s a great guy in a lot of ways that count. He’s fun and hard-working and loyal.”
“Loyal to the guys maybe,” Kitty said. “But not to any girlfriend he’s ever had.”
Claudia’s face fell. “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right. I should … keep it professional.”
Kitty nodded. “That’s the smart play here. Definitely.”
Feeling the opportunity slipping away, Sienna said, “Kitty is a harsh judge of character who doesn’t believe people can change. But Mike would change for the right woman.”
Kitty narrowed her eyes at Sienna. “Would you say I’m a harsh judge of character? Because I’ve been told I have a rather keen sense of people.”
“That’s what I meant. But, you know…” Sienna trailed off, not having a way to finish that thought.
She smiled at Claudia, who looked a bit confused.
“Anyway, the heart wants what it wants. And if your heart wants Mike, then who knows? Maybe you two will live happily ever after, going on tour and making beautiful music together.”