The Difference

Chapter 32

It was difficult to see through the red haze tinting the heavy air. The monotone buzzing of the air conditioning and the whirring of the ceiling fan sliced the apparent vacuum of sound following her entrance. Lisa almost expected to hear the sound of their heart beats as three sets of lungs held their breaths captive.

Every so slowly, understanding seeped into Julia's dark eyes and she carefully moved her hands from Michael's. Very wise move.

I guess you could still lawyer without fingers, but gesturing might be difficult.

Michael's raised eye-brow broke the spell. What? Not the anticipated disapproval for not waiting for HIS cue, but...

Amusement?

Lisa was certainly glad someone though this was funny.

Julia cleared her throat.

"I see. A set up. Very classy, Michael. Nothing surprises me with you, Lisa-Marie."

The woman rose out of the chair, her back held perfectly straight, tension visible in every movement.

Nothing surprises you? Good, then you won't mind leaving here bald...

"Sit your ass back down. And don't give me that indignant tone, you bitch. You should be used to how a set-up works."

Julia sank back into her chair. What? No fight? Well, that was disappointing.

Guess, I gotta take it to the next level. This was not going to be pretty and civil all the way.

"Lisa, why don't you have a seat? Nice to see you- again- so soon."

Lisa almost had to crack up. Michael was too much. Like he did not know she had been in his bedroom? The glint in his eyes conveyed he was very much aware he was being silly. And the little scolding for her premature entry also didn't slip her attention.

He rose and pulled out a chair for her. She walked over to him, about to sit down to face Julia when she had a much better idea.

Turning, she pulled his head down and kissed him fully on the lips.

Sure, it might have been childish. But so what? He was hers- and the little skank better get a visual of what she was up against. Michael hesitated for a moment, then kissed her back lightly, his hand coming to rest on her back.

"So, what is this about? Obviously, not about forgiving, forgetting, and moving on."

No, it's more about ripping you a new one.

"Julia..." Michael started.

No, he had his say. It was her turn. Lisa put her hand on his sleeve and he instantly understood.

"I don't want you to think of this as an ambush, Julia. After all, it was your choice to come here. Which kinda blows my mind. Did you actually think Michael was going to get all fuzzy and warm with you? I thought you were so smart? I mean, by now it must have dawned on you that we compared notes. And that he caught on to what a lying, scheming slut you are."

"I guess it was my mistake. But you know- I did count on Michael being understanding and - human. I made a mistake. But I should have known that you'd have your claws back into him again, clouding his judgment. And since it takes one to know one, I won't even comment on you calling me a slut."