Society Wives by Renee Flagler Page B

getaway or maybe even a whole week.”
    Annoyed, Nadalia stood, blocking the TV with her hands on her hips.
    â€œAre you cheating on me, Sage?”
    â€œWhat?” Sage grabbed the remote, hit mute and looked at Nadalia with his entire face scrunched into a curious knot. “What would make you say that?”
    Nadalia crossed her arms. “You love sex and you haven’t touched me. If you’re not screwing me, then who are you screwing?”
    â€œNow you’re just being ridiculous!” Sage shook his head and held Nadalia by the shoulders. “Babe. I’m not cheating on you!” Sage threw his hands up, exasperated.”
    Nadalia searched his eyes for any indication that he was lying. She surmised that her heart would cloud her judgment anyway and stomped off. If he was cheating, she’d need proof.
    â€œDali!” Sage called after her. “Jeez!” she heard him say behind her back. “Okay. Let’s go somewhere.”
    Nadalia almost ran back to the room. “Really!”
    â€œYes. Put something together right after the New Year. Something quick.”
    Nadalia yelped. “Okay. I have the perfect getaway lined up.” She kissed Sage. “It will be great.” Nadalia headed out to make the plans. “I hope I don’t have to wait until then to get some from my husband,” she teased.
    Nadalia took the stairs two at a time as she ran up to her bedroom to retrieve her iPad to book their getaway. She noticed she had missed a few calls on her cell phone and thumbed through her missed notifications. The one that surprised her was the missed call from Pearson. Curious to see what she had to say after her less than becoming behavior the night before, Nadalia dialed her back and stood with her hand on one hip as she waited for her to answer.
    â€œNadalia,” Pearson said when she answered.
    â€œWhat do you want?”
    â€œYou’re mad, of course. I just called to apologize for last night. I didn’t mean to raise a ruckus.”
    â€œPearson. You always mean to raise a ruckus. You ruined my party.”
    â€œNadalia, please…” She heard Pearson sigh. “I’ll make it up to you. In fact, I’ll make it up to all of you. Dinner. My treat—over at Monty’s by the pier. When would you like to go?”
    Nadalia didn’t answer right away. She thought about it for a minute. Did she really want to go to dinner with Pearson? “Fine, but not Monty’s. I’ll choose the place.”
    â€œWhatever.”
    â€œPearson!”
    Pearson laughed. “I’m kidding, geesh. Loosen your panty straps. Relax.”
    Nadalia found herself chuckling, too. When Pearson wasn’t getting on her nerves, she did manage to make her laugh. She was the only wife besides her who had the courage to speak her mind, although she didn’t doubt the Vonnie had it in her. Ryan didn’t. “How about this Friday, right after Christmas. I’ll let you know which restaurant I choose. Does seven o’clock work for you?”
    â€œWorks just fine. I’ll call the other girls to invite them.”
    Nadalia thought about it. In all the years that their husbands had been friends, this would be the first time that the wives would be hanging out without them. She wasn’t sure how she felt about having Ryan come after last night, but if the men were fine, then she’d be fine.
    â€œSee you then,” she told Pearson and ended the call without another thought.
    Nadalia planned to find the most expensive restaurant along the gold coast and enjoy every morsel on Pearson’s dime.

Chapter 18
    Ryan
    Christmas had finally come and this time, Ryan was particularly anxious as she prepared for the evening. Anderson told her that his parents had flown in to spend the holidays in New York this year and would be joining them for dinner. His mother especially enjoyed the lively vibe that electrified her home