Shattered Lives (The Shattered Series Book 1) Read online

  “Yeah...I know, Dan. I was held up by traffic,” he replied.

  “Who's your beautiful date?” asked Dan.

  Before Tim could respond, Ramona interjected, “I'm Ramona Vasquez, we met at your Halloween party. I was dressed in the all black cat costume.”

  “Oh yes, now I remember. It’s nice to see you again.”

  “Likewise,” said Ramona.

  Tami introduced them to everyone and pointed to the two empty chairs at the end of the table for them to sit. Ramona sat in one, but Tim rudely requested that he sit next to Dan. Tami so graciously obliged him by asking one of her guests to sit across from Ramona.

  While she nibbled on her chocolate mousse dessert, Ramona quietly observed Tami and Dan. She noticed as they spoke and laughed with one another, there was a closeness between the two which left their spouses as mere outsiders around them. She mentally took notes of the dynamics of everyone’s relationship with the other. All of this insight would be valuable as she moves forward. Everyone was engaged in their own small talk, except for one person. Out of the corner of her eye, Ramona occasionally caught the woman sitting across from her twisting her face in total disdain. She believed her name was Alexis but couldn’t be one-hundred percent sure. What is this chick’s problem? Ramona placed a fork full of chocolate mousse in her mouth and stared directly across the table, daring the woman to say something. But, like every other female that judged her based on her looks alone, she was speechless. Because there was a bigger goal for tonight, ignoring her would be the best strategy. No need to make a scene.

  Ramona pushed the plate of the uneaten portion of her dessert away from her when movement from further down the table caught her attention. It was an utterly attractive man who stepped away from the table. Her eyes were fixated on him as he walked across the hall into the bathroom. She couldn’t stop staring at him and didn’t care who saw. After he disappeared behind the closed door she tried hard to recall his name. Tami spat out everyone name so fast it was hard to keep up with who's who. No one paid her any mind as she politely excused herself from the table under the guise she had a phone call. As she rose from her chair, Tim shot her a stern look. Ignoring him she walked away and stood in the hall with her phone to her ear. All the while she was waiting for the guy, whoever he was, to exit. Yes, it was a little desperate and borderline stalkerish, but she had to get his attention. The sound of the doorknob turning was her cue. As soon as she saw a glimpse of his gray dress shirt, she lowered her eyes down towards her phone and intentionally bumped into him.

  “Excuse me, I didn't realize anyone was in there.” Close-up, she appreciated his good looks even more. He stood about six feet tall, black hair that was cut close on the side but left curly on top, a dimple on both cheeks when he smiled, and enough muscle that complimented his medium frame.

  “Not a problem, it's all yours,” he said grinning. Ramona stepped into the bathroom as she turned to close the door, he was still standing there watching her. “Hey, have we met? You look familiar,” he asked.

  “I don’t think so. You would’ve remembered me if you had,” she said before closing the bathroom door. Ramona smiled to herself as she admired her reflection in the mirror. As fine as he might be she didn’t have time for distractions. However, there’s nothing wrong with flirting as long as she remained focused on why she’s here, to destroy Tami Hamilton’s life.

  Ramona primped her hair and straighten out her dress as she gathered her thoughts. Since Tim was dragging his feet on giving her a job, she had another course of action to force his hand. She walked out of the bathroom, only to be greeted by an empty table. Chad and another person were clearing it off. He looked up and nodded at her, expressing a silent hello. She returned a friendly smile as her attention was quickly averted to the loud voices coming from down the hall. Ramona followed the chatter to a room that was dimly lit with jazz music playing softly in the background. Most of the guest sat on one of the two white sectionals in the center of the room. In the corner, was where she spotted Tami, Dan, and Tim standing next to a bar made entirely of glass. Ramona walked up to the trio. “Did Tim tell you the good news?” she asked. They all eyed each other simultaneously. Tim turned beet red. Ramona figured he was pissed but to her surprise, he played along.

  “I haven't. I thought you would do the honors,” he said.

  Tami and Dan both turned to Ramona. “Tim offered me a position as his new executive assistant and I accepted,” she said excitedly.

  “I thought Amy was your assistant?” asked Dan with a confused expression on his face.

  “He fired her,” blurted Ramona as she turned towards Tim.

  “Well, I haven't quite fired her yet. I plan to let her go soon, she’s no longer dependable.” He shrugged. “Amy has been out a lot lately.”

  “Oh, I see,” said Dan, unconvinced. “Young lady, I know your face from somewhere. Do you work in Collections?”

  Ramona could take offense. By some standards, Collections is considered the lowlife division because you sit on the phone and threaten people all day. “No, I’m in Fraud. Well, until I begin working with Tim.”

  Dan smiled. “I recognized your face but couldn't place it.”

  “That's possible. I'm always in and out someone's office.”

  “Maybe,” Dan said thoughtfully. “But, in no time you'll be part of our newest team.”

  “Tami, I hope this means we’ll get to know each other professionally and personally as well. Your philanthropy is well noted on the company’s website. It would be great to pick your brain and understand how you choose which organizations to support. I’m sorry if I’m rambling on and on,” said Ramona.

  “No need for any apologies. I didn’t realize anyone actually paid attention to those write-ups. I’m sure if you’re Tim’s assistant, I would only assume that we will interact with one another daily,” said Tami.

  Blah! Blah! Blah! was all Ramona heard out of Tami’s mouth. She was too busy locking eyes with the handsome man from the bathroom. She held her gaze until he turned away to speak with the woman that sat beside him. He then rose from his seat and glanced at Ramona once more before leaving the room. She wasted no time excusing herself. As she followed him, she told herself she was behaving like a schoolgirl crushing on the cutest guy in class. She saw him go out the patio door, but the blinds blocked her view outside. Ramona waited a few seconds before placing her hand on the doorknob. She mentally counted to three to gain her composure and walked out onto the patio. He was gone. But to her dismay, Alexis was there, sitting in a chair smoking a cigarette. Ramona quickly glanced her way and wondered if she should say something to her about all those nasty looks she gave her earlier. But, decided against it. Instead, she scanned the backyard once more for the guy but didn't see him. Perhaps, it was a good thing she didn’t catch up with him. Ramona re-entered the house and ran right into Tami.

  “Oh...hi. Did you go outside to get some fresh air? It’s a nice cool night, isn't it?” she asked.

  “Yeah, I was out there. Your friend was smoking so, I had to come in.”

  “My friend?” asked Tami confused.

  “You know, the one with the long blond hair.”

  “You mean Alexis.”

  “I guess, if you don't mind I have to get back to Tim. I wouldn't want him to leave without me.”

  “Sure, but before you go. I meant to compliment you on your dress. I have one just like it. My husband and I had taken a trip to Paris a years ago. I visited a small designer boutique where one-of-a-kind clothing is sold. I saw this dress in the same color and fell in love with it.”

  Ramona smiled but behind it was contempt. The audacity of this snobby bitch to flaunt her wealth disgusted her. But, her wealth didn’t impress her not one bit. She knew the truth behind her designer clothes, her fancy handbags, and the fifty thousand dollar car she drove. It was all a facade to hide the deep dark secret she’s kept from the world. It would only be a matter of time before everyone else knew
it too.

  “I'll tell you a secret, it's a designer knockoff,” Ramona whispered. Right then Alexis walked in filling the room with the smell of cigarette smoke. “I need to speak with you privately,” she said to Tami.

  “I’ll let y’all talk,” said Ramona. She abruptly walked back outside, she was relieved to be alone. Ramona replayed the accomplishments she’s made tonight in her mind. Now that she has taken over and forced Tim’s hand, it’s only a matter of time before she can destroy Tami. She had to take her time, not to rush and prematurely reveal her hand. Tami had to pay slowly for what she's done. She had to destroy her in the same way she had destroyed Ramona’s life. In the midst of fantasizing about her nemesis’ demise. Ramona heard someone approached her from behind. She turned around, and it was him. “Someone told me you've been looking for me,” he said. Ramona played it cool, she didn’t want to give away how glad she was to speak with him again. “I need to speak to whoever told you that. I don't know you, so why would I look for you?”

  He laughed. “I saw you staring at me from across the room.”

  “And I saw you staring back.”

  “What’s your name?” he asked, stepping closer to her.

  “I told everyone my name when I arrived. Were you not paying attention?” she asked, playfully.

  “I wasn't in the room when you arrived. I didn’t notice you until we ran into each other.”

  “And you thought I was someone else.”

  “No, not someone else. You looked familiar that’s all,” he said now stepping even closer to her. He was so close to Ramona that she could smell his cologne. It was subtle, not overpowering. Like the smell of sandalwood, only lighter.

  “I’m Ramona. Ramona Vasquez.”

  “Well, Miss Ramona Vasquez. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Nick Corley,” he said extending his hand out to her.

  Ramona shook his hand and took notice how soft they were. Right away she thought he was someone with a huge ego. The soft hands, along with the near perfect skin and teeth, told her he cared about his looks more than he should. She assumed he treated himself to manicures and facial regularly. Men like that usually believe they are God’s gift to women. With those thoughts running through her head, she didn't know what to say next. Eventually, he broke the silence.

  “Here, let me give you my business card. You can call me and maybe we can meet for drinks or something,” he said handing her his card. Ramona frowned slightly as she read it. “Who’s the woman you’re with?”

  “She’s just a friend,” he said.

  “Or do you mean wife?”

  “It’s complicated.”

  “Okay, first she’s just a friend and now it’s complicated. I’ll take your card. I might or I might not call you.”

  “You’ll call, I’m not worried,” he said. She watched as he walked into the house and slipped his card in her purse. There was something about him, he was unlike anyone she’s ever met. Maybe it was the combination of the confidence and arrogance he possessed that she’s drawn to. She hadn’t made up her mind if she would call him but one thing was for sure, he certainly intrigued her.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  The party was coming to an end and no one was more relieved than Tami. Alexis had left in a huff after stating her complaints about the evening. It upset her she was asked to give up her seat at the table to Tim. Tami had explained she found it odd he didn’t want to sit with his date, but he was a guest and someone she would work with soon. The person she thought would be the least offended by the seating arrangement was Alexis. Tami apologized to her friend, but she then had a word or two to say about Ramona. Alexis had expressed that she didn’t like her because she gave her bad vibes. Tami recalled she had said something similar about Tim and he’s pleasant to be around. Although, the conversations Tami had with Ramona were a little strange and the manner in which she announced her executive assistant position was weird. In the end, everyone has their own idiosyncrasies. The one standout from the night that caused her to think twice was when she saw Nick come in from outside and ten seconds later Ramona walked in after him. For a split second, she had wondered if they were out there together but put the thought out of her mind right away. She vowed she would no longer get into anyone business. If Nick wants to cheat on his wife, that's between them.

  The remaining guests were mingling in the living room. Nick, Lauren, and Josh were having a debate on who's the greatest basketball player of all time. No one appeared to notice Tim and Ramona in an intense conversation in the back corner of the room. It’s anyone’s guess what’s between those two. It was obvious it was more than just an employee and boss relationship.

  Tami stifled a yawn, she couldn't wait for her head to hit her pillow. The party was long, but it was a successful night. As she made her way towards Josh, the sound of glass shattering on the hardwood floor startled her causing her to stop dead in her tracks. Tami turned on her heels, finding her mother standing frozen, not moving a single muscle. Fear had encompassed her face as if something or someone had frightened her. Tami stepped towards her but then Carol slowly lifted her right arm into the air and pointed towards the back of the room. Tami glanced at Josh for a nonverbal clue of what to do. Before either of them could say or do anything. Carol yelled, “What is that evil doing in this house?” Everyone turned towards Ramona and Tim. Josh and Tami quickly ran to Carol's side. Tami placed her hand on her mother’s arm and gently brought it down to her side. She hoped this wasn’t another setback. “I apologize for my mother, she’s not feeling well,” said Tami before she helped her mother back upstairs. Josh stayed behind to say goodnight to the remaining guest.

  “Tami, I'm so sorry. I should’ve told you,” said Carol, frantically.

  “Mom, what is going on?” Tami helped her get settled in the bed.

  “Tami, you have to listen to me. That girl is trouble.”

  “Mom, calm down. You need to rest. We will talk about this later.”

  “I know I may sound crazy, but you need to stay away from her. She’s troubled.”

  Tami bit down on her lip and looked away from her mother’s fearful eyes. She didn’t want to become emotional in front of her. Although she’s worried, she had to remain strong in her presence. Tonight had reminded her of what it was like after her father died. It began with depression but later turned into paranoid delusions. It would dishearten her to bear witness to another breakdown. Tami dragged the wooden rocking chair from the corner of the room to her mother’s bedside. She quietly rocked back and forth until her mother fell asleep.

  “Is she all right?” Josh asked as Tami prepared for bed.

  “I’m not sure. I don't know what to make of her behavior tonight. She told me she felt off and had taken her anxiety medication. Maybe it’s a side effect.”

  “Was Carol really pointing at Tim and Ramona or was she imagining something?”

  “I wish I knew. She kept trying to tell me something before she fell asleep. She told me I had to stay from ‘her’.”

  “Ramona? How could she possibly know her?”

  Tami shrugged. “None of this makes any sense. I only hope she’s better in the morning.”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “What the hell was that about?!” Tim yelled at Ramona as she entered the passenger side of his car.

  “Why are you asking me? She was screaming at the both of us,” she said, slamming the car door.

  “Hey! Watch the door. This car cost more than you’ll ever earn in your lifetime.”

  Ramona wasn't in the mood for Tim tonight, all she wanted to do was be alone, in her bed. The last person she expected to see was Tami’s mom. When their paths crossed before it wasn’t pleasant and it’s possible she could throw a monkey wrench in her plan. But after seeing everyone’s faces in the room, it appeared they all believe she’s somewhat crazy. No one would believe her if she spilled what she knew.

  “I saw her eyes,” continued Tim, “they were fixated on you. Why is that?”
/>
  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she mumbled, staring out the moving car window.

  “Every time I turn around there’s a new twist or turn with you, it’s hard to keep up. You're always going rogue, doing things your way. Like what you pulled earlier telling them you‘re my executive assistant!”

  “There’s been a change of plans,” she said flatly, shrugging her shoulders.

  "That's all you have to say? You don't really expect me to hire you, right?”

  Ramona let out an exhausted sigh. “Look, Tim, it's been a long night. I don't feel like talking right now. Just take me home.”

  When she arrived home, she retrieved Nick's business card out of her purse. She contemplated if she should call him. After much thought, Ramona placed his card on the kitchen table, took off her clothes, and slipped into the shower. She closed her eyes under the steaming hot water and allowed her mind to wander to Nick. She thought about his smile, his voice, and what he would be like in bed. Her sudden reaction to this man was foreign. Normally, it would take several dates before she had butterflies in her stomach or her body tingle from a mere thought. However, it would be a misstep to allow him in and become close. He would be a distraction and she would have to make time for him she doesn't have. All her energy and focus should be on one person, Tami Hamilton. Tami had to make restitution for the lives she's destroyed and she would make damn sure she does just that.

  Ramona stepped out of the shower and put on her robe. She entered the kitchen, retrieved Nick’s card off of the table. Don’t need a complicated married man. She said to herself before throwing the card into the trash.

  ◆◆◆

  Tami woke the next morning eager to speak with her mother. As she got out of bed she could smell the aroma of bacon and coffee. She slipped on her pale pink silk robe and opened her bedroom door. She followed the scent downstairs into the kitchen. That’s where she found her mom wearing a yellow apron, turning over bacon in the pan with a smile on her face. “Mom, what are doing?”