Taunts and Insults

Caleb had been chatting with Jasmine and occasionally Mia while they ate dinner. He was enamored of Jasmine. What he wanted most was to have her to himself like he had for the last couple of nights. Before their temporary breakup they had been getting close to being intimate with each other. However, it wasn't until two days ago that their control had snapped, and they had become lovers.

Caleb quickly realized that being lovers wouldn't be enough for him with Jasmine. He wanted her to be his and his alone in a permanent way. Caleb realized that he needed to speak with Mayor Shelbert. He needed to make Jasmine his in a true and proper way.

Mia placed her utensils on her plate when she was about half finished. She couldn't eat anymore.

"Mia, you need to eat more. You haven't been eating enough." Timothy told her quietly.

"I can't eat anymore, Tim. I will be sick if I do." Mia said with a deep sigh.

Timothy looked at Mia and frowned. "We need to find you some different foods that you can tolerate better."

Mia looked around making sure no one was following their conversation. "This will pass and then I will eat everything." She chuckled, remembering how hungry she had been with the twins.

"I worry for you sweetheart. I know that so much stress isn't good for you right now." Tim told Mia quietly.

Mia placed her hand on her husband's arm. "Timothy, I am fine, really." Tim stared at her for another moment before turning his attention back to his dinner. Mia leaned back in her chair and picked up her wine glass taking small sips. She set it back down after a minute and grabbed her water.

"Do you not like the wine Mrs. Barrett? It is a good vintage." Chuck's tone was conspiratorial like he knew a secret.

"The wine is fine; I just don't drink much." Mia replied dismissively. Tim's hand had stilled holding his fork. He took the bite of food it held then placed the fork down on his plate. Tim sat back indicating to the server that he and Mia were finished. Caleb and Jasmine allowed their plates to be taken as well.

The server asked if the four of them would be having dessert and Timothy declined for all of them. Tim ordered him and Caleb glasses of bourbon and Jasmine's wine was refilled. Mia's water was topped up.

"Are you ill Mia," Sharon asked bluntly.

Mia looked at the woman without expression. "Not at all but I do find the food here to be subpar." Sharon and Shelly had just been praising their dinner. Sharon scoffed at Mia's assertion.

"Coming from an orphanage Mia can't be expected to have taste as refined as ours Aunt Sharon." Shelly snapped.

Timothy growled his displeasure. "Shelly Barrett, try to remember that I am not required to provide you with a marriage contract and until the day you are married, I may withdraw my support at any time. What do you say sweetheart? Do you think we should continue to support Shelly's future despite her rudeness?" Timothy turned to Mia placing Shelly's future in his wife's hands.

Nolan sat up quickly eyeing Mia. Shelly's hands stilled her wine glass half raised to her lips. Sharon's mouth hung open a little in surprise. Even Veronica looked interested in the answer. Mia didn't move except to pick up her water glass and take a drink.

Mia let the question hang for several long moments. "For now." She said simply. Mia was so tired of this ceaseless bickering.

Mia sighed and looked at Timothy. "Let us be done with this so we can move on with our lives already. Shelly will have her husband. Sharon will have Bern City and Veronica to keep her company. No more useless bickering."

Mia looked at Shelly. "Can you agree to that Shelly?" Mia's face remained impassive waiting for Shelly to answer.

Finally, Shelly nodded her head carefully. "All right, Mia. No more useless bickering."

Mia smiled and nodded at Tim. Timothy looked over at Shelly and Chuck. "We will see you at the wedding. I expect that these family squabbles won't make an appearance and ruin the festivities. Dinner is of course, my treat." Tim stood and pulled out Mia's chair as Caleb did the same for Jasmine.

"Wait, you're leaving?" Sharon questioned Timothy.

"Dinner is finished, and our business concluded. Why would we stay?" Timothy said as they turned and walked away.

Tim stopped in the lobby to speak to the concierge briefly. The car was called and the four of them headed outside to wait. The weather was warm with a soft breeze that Mia found enjoyable. Seeing only the four of them around, Tim wrapped his arms around Mia and pulled her into a quick kiss.

"Really Mia, you're not even trying to keep your reputation untainted now?" Dominic's voice came from behind Tim. Three of Dominic's colleagues were quickly approaching.

Tim released Mia except for a hand on her back that he used to guide her to stand slightly behind Caleb before he turned to face Dominic. Tim sized up the volatility of the man instantly realizing that Dominic was a powder keg ready to blow.

"Where is Eva and why won't she answer my texts?" Mia asked angrily.

"Eva understands that your behavior has been undignified of the Lane name and has chosen to keep her distance from you as an incentive for you to come back home and stop your foolishness." Dominic said imperiously.

Mia scoffed, "that doesn't sound like the Eva I know."

Dominic turned on Tim. "Barrett, you are leading my sister to ruin. You will pay for this."

Timothy laughed. "I thought she was leading me." Mia smirked.

Tim looked back to Dominic with a sigh. "Soon you will understand how foolish you have behaved. Try to accept what is with grace and I'm sure Mia will forgive you and welcome you back with open arms."

"What is that supposed to mean?" Dominic questioned.

The car pulled up and the driver opened the door. The four friends climbed in without looking back and the car pulled out into the night. Dominic stood there momentarily stuck. Why was Timothy speaking as if this issue was already decided. Mia needed to come home and stop running around with that lecherous bastard. He was just using his sister and Dominic could barely stand it. Mia would be harmed when he finally tossed her and the children aside.