Deadbeat Mother

Running Into An Old Friend

~Mia~

That was a weird conversation, but I would never question Neela. She has to be one of the nicest people I’ve ever worked for, and if she wants to talk about tampons, then we’ll talk about tampons. I’ve never been one to wear them; I can’t even get the applicator out (as dumb as that sounds). I know she knows this, but it doesn’t matter. I will go along with whatever.

The downstairs of the rented home is being used as a studio of sorts. We are taking many of the stills and other promotional photos here. I’m waiting for Neela because we need to get her ready and head over to another location. She’s supposed to be meeting a part of the team.

I hear heavy footsteps coming down the stairs. The two thugs come first, then Steven with Neela. That man makes my skin crawl, and I’m not sure why. I will never bring it up to Neela because that’s her husband. I don’t know who that came to be or what they have in common, but it isn’t my place to question it.

I plaster on my business smile when I see Neela enter the room. Steven’s eyes are on me, and I don’t like it. It seems like he’s either eye-f**king you or he’s looking at you to confess something. Either way, I have nothing for him, so I’d prefer to keep to myself and not engage.

Neela smiles at me and moves to embrace me, but Steven has a tight hold on her, which causes her to get pulled back. He pulls her in close and whispers in her ear. I have no idea what he’s saying, but I doubt it’s declarations of love. Neela doesn’t look love-struck, so it must be something else. Steven lets Neela go and turns to me. “I have a few meetings today. I trust that you will take good care of my wife.” I nod and give a nervous smile.

“Of course. Neela’s well being is my top priority.”

“That’s Mrs. Paxton.” S**t!

“My apologies, Mrs. Paxton.” Steven nods and turns to go before quickly turning back.

“Babe, didn’t you have something for Mia?” Damn, that was a phone conversation, seemingly confidential. I guess when it comes to Steven, nothing is confidential. Neela smiles and reaches into her bag. She pulls out a few tampons and walks toward me with her hand out.

“Oh, thank you so much! I can’t believe I forgot to bring some.” I look down and notice that one looks to be open. I fight the urge to look at Neela and take the stack as expected. I will have to be careful with that one, I’m sure. “I’m so sorry, but ever since you got me on these, I just can’t use another kind.” Neela smiles and laughs a bit. Steven watches the entire exchange, and it’s unnerving. I place the tampons in my purse and get my things ready. “Ready when you are Nee-, uh Mrs. Paxton.”

Steven kisses Neela on the cheek and walks out of the room. The thugs took their positions in the room's corners, and Neela sat in the seat I prepared for her. “You can just call me Neela…. You know that, right?” I smile and nod my head.

“Iyay oticednay oneyay ofyay ethay amponstay ereway openyay (I noticed one of the tampons were opened). Isyay erethay omethingsay iyay eednay otay eepkay anyay eyeyay onyay (Is there something I need to keep an eye on)?”

“It’syay ustjay omethingsay iyay eednay ouyay otay eepkay orfay emay, easeplay (It’s just something I need you to keep for me, please).” I nod and start the task of completing Neela’s makeup. I noticed the two men take an interest when we started speaking pig Latin. It’s something we do from time to time when we need to communicate, but others are around. Hopefully, they don’t know it or even know it was pig Latin. Time will tell, though.

~Neela~

I swear Mia is the absolute best. She doesn’t even wear tampons, but she played that like a champ. I have to remember to give her a huge bonus one of these days. I know she will keep my card safe and won’t let anyone get it.

I’ve often considered confiding in Mia. I thought I would tell her everything I go through, but I’ve never gotten the courage to do so. Steven once told me that if I were to tell anyone about what goes on between us, they would suffer a fate that would be worse than what he puts me through. I could never subject someone to that, but I did just trust Nokio. Honestly, I didn’t have much choice in the matter. Nokio somehow knew something was going on, and he wouldn’t let me get out of telling him.

The more I think about it, the more I believe Mia can be trusted, and I should let her in. I may need her down the line, and I should have all my ducks in a row. When I finally make a move, it’s going to have an impact on everyone and everything. Those pictures told me one thing: I can’t continue to live this life. It doesn’t work for anyone, but Steven, and it isn’t my job to live for him. It may be time to create a plan and put it into action.

Mia finishes my hair, and we get into the limo that will take us to the next location. This part of the job is tedious, and I always dread it, but it has to be done. We pull up to a beautiful view of the ocean and the Bay Bridge. I look at the sign, and it says Pier 7. There is no one walking around, so I figure they shut down the pier to the public.

I slowly get out of the limo, amazed at the sight before me. My memory kicks in, and I remember this place and the last time I was here. I brought Evan here to tell him that I was pregnant. We were young and scared, but Evan was so happy. Tears were in his eyes as he lifted me and spun me around.

I shake my head to expel those memories, not wanting the emotional flood that would soon follow. My husband’s friends will be watching me, and I don’t want to explain things to him. It would definitely make my home life very difficult. Mia touches my back, and I look at her and smile. “When this is done, we should get a meal together and……and talk.” Mia’s eyes light up, and she nods. We walk down the pier to the first setup. There are chairs and many tables. I’m swept up in a hug and see it’s Nokio.

“You look, uh, bea…beautiful.” I smile and hug him back quickly. Nokio pulls away and caresses my cheek. My husband’s henchmen step up quickly, causing him to chuckle. He shakes his head and leads me to a chair. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with a new buyer and designer. I want you to meet her.” He looks around, and his face lightens. He motions someone over, and my heart stops when she comes into view. I never thought I’d see her again, let alone on a job. We used to be so close: me, Evan, and Natalia.