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  “Hi.” The woman peered into Rachel’s surprised face.

  “Hello,” Rachel answered. “Is there something I can do for you?” she curiously asked.

  “I saw you sitting here all alone so I thought you might like a little company. My name’s Jaylene.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Jaylene. I’m Rachel.”

  Jaylene rested her elbows on the table. Her short straight black hair seemed to fit her sharp pointed features. She was stocky, but not overweight and dressed in a pair of tight fitting blue jeans, tee shirt and black leather jacket, which matched the leather boots on her feet.

  “I haven’t seen you in here before, have I?” Jaylene asked with her dark piercing eyes focused on Rachel’s face.

  Rachel nodded. “I was in here the other night with a friend. I haven’t been in the city for long, though.”

  “I see,” Jaylene replied. “May I sit?”

  “Of course.” Rachel motioned to the seat across from her. “But I am expecting someone.”

  Jaylene smiled. “No problem. As soon as your friend arrives I’ll leave.” She sat down.

  Rachel wasn’t sure if she liked Jaylene or not. Her forward self-assured brazenness unnerved Rachel. Jaylene’s full lips wore no lipstick, but her natural coloring made it appear as though she did. Her olive skin showed no signs of imperfections. She was attractive.

  “May I get you another?” Jaylene motioned towards Rachel’s half full glass.

  “No thanks.” She was relieved when she spotted Angela by the door. She stood up. “My friend’s here,” she announced to Jaylene hoping the woman would go back to the bar.

  Jaylene looked to where Rachel was staring. “You’re meeting Angela Consanti?” she asked with a note of surprise in her voice.

  “You two know each other?” Rachel asked.

  “Small world, isn’t it?”

  Angela caught Rachel’s eye, smiled, and waved as she made her way over to the table.

  Rachel watched the expression on Angela’s face and saw how quickly Angela’s cheerful demeanor instantly changed when she saw Jaylene.

  “Hi, Angie, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. How’ve you been?” Jaylene asked with a touch of sarcasm in her voice.

  “I’ve been just fine, thank you. Now if you’ll excuse us,” she said brushing Jaylene off.

  Jaylene’s lips curled into a slight snarl. “Ah, I can take a hint. Nice meeting you, Rachel. I’m sure we’ll meet again.” She winked, and then sauntered back over to the bar.

  Angela removed her jacket and placed it over the back of a chair. “I’m sorry I’m late, Rachel. My last appointment took longer than I expected.”

  Rachel smiled. “I haven’t been here that long. I was running late myself.”

  “I hope Jaylene didn’t annoy you.”

  “Not at all. I did find her to be a bit strange, though.”

  Angela laughed. “That’s a polite way of putting it. She’s a royal pain in the ass.”

  “How well do you know her? “ Rachel asked.

  “All too well, but that’s another story for another time.”

  “Let me get you a drink,” Rachel offered. “What would you like?”

  “Whatever you’re having is fine.”

  Rachel noticed that Angela’s gaze followed Jaylene to where she resumed her seat on the barstool looking intently at them.

  “Stay away from her, Rachel. She’s bad news,” Angela warned.

  Chapter Six

  Rachel spent days debating whether to renew her lease at The Delcore for another month. Even with Mary’s generous discount and her salary, it was still more than she could reasonably afford. Added to that was what it was costing her for her meals. She was growing tired of eating out and couldn’t wait until she had a kitchen of her own cooking some of her favorite dishes.

  When the phone rang one cold gray morning, Angela’s bubbly voice on the other end of the line, barely gave her a chance for a greeting.

  “Good news! I think I’ve found you the perfect apartment. I’ll pick you up on your lunch hour and show it to you.”

  Rachel thought the morning would never end. This could be a dream come true. She’d been hoping to have a place of her own before the holidays. She’d saved every dime she could and most times Angela insisted on picking up the tab on their several times a week get togethers.

  At twelve-thirty, Angela arrived. “Would you like a quick bite to eat before I show you the apartment?” she asked.

  “I’m too excited to eat,” Rachel squealed. “Let’s see the apartment now.”

  Angela squeezed her arm. “Okay, we’ll grab something afterwards.”

  Rachel barely paid attention as neighborhood after neighborhood sped by. When Angela finally parked the car in front of an enormous brownstone, her breath caught in her throat. “It’s gorgeous! I never dreamed anything as beautiful as this existed so close to the city.”

  Angela laughed heartily. “There are many beautiful neighborhoods around the city. You just haven’t seen them yet.” She led Rachel through a gate and down a sidewalk to the rear of the building. She unlocked the door and they stepped into a bright entryway. Two large closets adorned the narrow hall, which led into a large kitchen. Rachel stood in awe as she looked at the almost new appliances and the numerous cupboards and counter space. The kitchen led into a spacious carpeted living room with a huge fireplace as its focal point. Off of the living room was a hallway leading to an updated bathroom and next to it an enormous bedroom. On the other side of the hall were two big linen closets and a smaller bedroom.

  “This room can be used as a guest bedroom, den or home office,” Angela said motioning toward the smaller room. “The previous tenant used it as an office.”

  “Why did he move? It’s such a beautiful and perfect apartment.”

  “Oh, he didn’t want to leave, but his company transferred him to the West Coast.”

  Rachel took her time walking through the rooms and marveling over every little detail.

  “So, what do you think?”

  “Oh, my, God! What would anyone think? I’m in love with this place!” she exclaimed. “But I could never afford something as beautiful as this in a million years,” she reasoned, her mood suddenly sinking. “I’m sure the rent is way out of my budget.”

  “What if I told you that you can? It’s practically a steal.”

  Rachel’s eyes narrowed. “Okay, what’s wrong with it? Why aren’t there hoards of tenants waiting in line to snap up this place? Is it haunted or something?”

  Angela laughed. “No, it’s not haunted. And yes, there are several who’d love to live here and would be willing to pay any price, but let’s just say that I have an in with the owner. She’s not interested in just the money…she’d like someone who will love and take care of the place. She’d rather have someone who truly thought of this place as his or her own because then it would be well taken care of. You’d be shocked at how some tenants live. It’s unbelievable!”

  Rachel’s eyes brightened. “If I only knew for certain that it could be mine I would be the happiest woman alive!”

  Angela gave her a hug. “If you want it, you’ve got it. I told you that I’ve got an in with the owner.” She handed her the keys. “I can help you with furnishings until you can afford some things of your own.”

  Rachel wasn’t sure she’d heard her correctly. “Are you serious?”

  She nodded.

  “I can’t believe how lucky I am to have met you, Angela. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

  Angela shrugged. “I like helping people, Rachel. That’s what life is all about to me.”

  “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you for everything you’ve done for me.”

  Angela blushed. “I don’t want anything in return. Friends help friends and I consider you my best friend.”

  “I care about you, too.”

  Angela cleared her throat. “Okay, so you’re sure you
want the apartment.”

  “Of course!” She swept her arms dramatically around the room. “Who wouldn’t? Are there more apartments besides this one? The house is huge!”

  “This is the only apartment. The owner lives in the rest of the house.”

  Rachel’s eyes clouded.

  “Don’t worry…you two will get along fine. I assure you that she’ll love you.”

  “I hope so. Okay, when can I sign the lease? I don’t want anyone else to snatch this apartment away from me.” She grinned.

  “Can you come back here to the main part of the house about seven o’clock tonight? I’d pick you up, but I’m showing a house and I don’t know how long it’ll take. I’ll meet you here and we can have dinner afterwards to celebrate.”

  ———

  At five minutes to seven, Rachel exited her taxi, took a deep breath and walked up the sidewalk to the front door of the brownstone. She smoothed her jacket, and then rang the bell. Seconds later the heavy door was opened.

  “Please come in, Rachel.”

  Rachel’s eyes widened in surprise. “I didn’t expect you to be answering the door, Angela, but I’m relieved you’re here.” She stepped into the tastefully decorated entry hall. “This is exquisite,” she murmured following Angela into the enormous living room, which contained two large sofas, several chairs, end tables, conversation tables, and a fireplace that was merrily crackling. “Wow!” Rachel exclaimed. “Now I know what the inside of a mansion looks like.” She looked around the room. “Isn’t the owner here?”

  Angela set some papers on the coffee table in front of one of the sofas. “Please sit down. I have the lease papers here waiting for your signature,” she cheerfully said.

  Rachel sat on the sofa and took the pen Angela handed her. She glanced over the contract, and then suddenly stopped. “I don’t believe it!” she exclaimed, as her eyes grew wide. “Angela, you’re my landlord!”

  Angela grinned sheepishly. “Not until you sign on the dotted line.”

  Rachel quickly signed the papers. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I like surprises.”

  Rachel smiled. “I think I should be paying you fair value for the apartment.”

  “You are. Besides, now that we’ve become friends we won’t have so far to go to visit one another.” She pointed a slender finger at Rachel. “And I’ll expect a home cooked meal once in a while.”

  “You’ve got it! You would have gotten it whether you were my landlord or not.” She quickly got up, ran over to Angela, and threw her arms around her neck. “You’re something else, do you know that?”

  Angela looked into her eyes and Rachel saw that it was a look different from the way Angela had ever looked at her. It momentarily unnerved her, but Rachel quickly gained her composure. “So, tell me how did you come to buy this place?”

  “The listing came through our office about ten years ago. I came out to tour it and simply fell in love with the place. I was ready to give up apartment living. I’d lived in apartments my entire life, and as much as I love Manhattan, I was ready to leave. It took some finagling, but I was fortunate to have made a couple of lucrative sales a few months before. Of course, for the time being, I share ownership with the bank, but in about another ten years it’ll be all mine lock, stock, and barrel.”

  “You’re an amazing woman Angela Consanti.” She cleared her throat. “Okay, I’m getting all emotional here, but I can’t seem to find the right words to express how happy you’ve made me.”

  “Just seeing the look on your face gives me great pleasure.” She clapped her hands together. “Let’s go out and celebrate. I’ll buy dinner and then we can go to The Barstel.”

  “No, Angela, you’ve all ready done so much for me. Tonight is my treat.”

  “You’ve got a deal!”

  Two hours later as they sat listening to the music and watching couples on the dance floor at The Barstel, Angela spotted Jaylene heading towards their table. She nudged Rachel. Rachel’s forehead furrowed as she watched Jaylene boldly coming closer a big smile pasted on her full lips as her eyes stayed focused on Rachel. Without being invited, Jaylene pulled up a chair and sat down.

  “Together again, I see,” she said with a slight smirk. “People are beginning to wonder if you two are a couple. It’s been a long time for you hasn’t it, Ang?”

  “I don’t recall either of us asking you to join us,” Angela retorted with blazing eyes.

  Jaylene peered at Rachel. “Do you want me to leave?”

  “I think it would be better if you did,” Rachel quietly replied.

  Jaylene nodded. “Catch you later.” She patted Rachel’s shoulder, then left.

  Rachel noticed Angela’s demeanor as her friend sat rigid with her lips tightly pursed in disgust. “Okay, level with me, Angela. What is it with you two?”

  Angela’s eyes flashed angrily. “She’s bad news. She enjoys chewing people up and spitting them out. She’s a user and she’s dangerous. No one’s feelings, but her own are of any importance to her,” she bitterly replied.

  Rachel’s eyes clouded. “Did she do something to hurt you?”

  Angela looked down at her folded hands and seemed to be concentrating on the simple ring she wore on the pinkie finger of her right hand. Finally, she raised her eyes to Rachel’s. “Yes. She almost destroyed my life.”

  “I’m sorry,” Rachel gently said. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Angela ran a hand through her hair. “I may as well tell you the whole ugly story.”

  Rachel watched as Angela’s eyes filled with pain. “No, Angela, I don’t want you to drudge up something that has caused you so much pain.”

  She took a deep breath. “No, it’ll be good for me to talk about it. I’ve held it inside for way too long. Besides, if I can’t trust my feelings with my best friend, then who can I trust?” Her bottom lip trembled.

  It tore Rachel apart to see her in such emotional pain. She didn’t deserve it. “You can always trust me, Angela.”

  “I know, and you’ll never know what that means to me.” She took another deep breath. “I’ve known Jaylene for almost twenty years. We ran with some of the same crowd in high school. She was always outspoken and not afraid to go after what she wanted no matter whom she trampled in the process. She definitely had different values than I did so after high school we drifted apart and only occasionally ran into one another.”

  Rachel sipped her drink thoughtfully watching Angela’s facial expression turn to contempt.

  “I knew that Jaylene slept with anyone she could get her hands on, but I started hearing rumors about how she’d practically bankrupt her conquests both emotionally and financially before abruptly leaving them.”

  “That’s terrible! Rachel exclaimed as her eyes drifted to the bar where Jaylene sat facing them. Jaylene caught Rachel’s eye and held her bottle of beer up as though in a toast. Rachel quickly looked away.

  “It is. I wanted to give Jaylene the benefit of the doubt so one night I ran into her, bought her a drink and told her about the rumors. She neither admitted nor denied the rumors. She just sat there with a smug look on her face. I wanted to scratch her eyes out.” She picked up her glass and took a drink, then set it back down. “Jaylene has always had one thing to her credit - she can put on the charm in the blink of an eye and make anyone believe that she’s the most gentle, sweet, caring woman one would ever hope to meet. And she does have the looks to back her up. What she doesn’t have is a conscience.”

  “Did you and Jaylene ever have an intimate relationship?” Rachel gently asked.

  She shook her head. “No. We never even came close. It was a mutual unspoken decision on both our parts. We had no physical attraction to one another and even if we had, our views were too different.”

  Rachel’s eyebrow puckered. “What happened?”

  “Do you remember my telling you about my breakup?”

  She nodded. “Jaylene caused it?”

  Tears
formed in Angel’s eyes. “I truly believed Karen and I had it all. I had no reason to mistrust her. She was my present and my future. We were on our way and very much in love and were financially secure.” She let her breath out slowly. “Karen and I ran into Jaylene often and at the time Jaylene was dating a very nice woman. Jaylene appeared to have cleaned up her act so she and I renewed our friendship. The four of us hit it off fabulously and began socializing together frequently.” She bit her bottom lip. “One day everything just blew up in my face. I’d forgotten my briefcase and had to come back home to retrieve it. Karen should have already left for work so I was surprised to see her car in the driveway. I immediately became alarmed thinking she’d become ill or worse. My hands were shaking so badly I could barely unlock the door. I tore through the house calling her name. As I neared our bedroom, I could hear the shower running. I called out to her again and she quickly replied that she’d be right out. Well, the romantic that I am, I thought I’d pop in and wash her back for her. When I opened the bathroom door, I realized that she wasn’t showering alone. My knees grew weak and I felt like someone had just squeezed the breath out of me.”

  “My God! That’s horrible!”

  “I don’t know how I found the strength, but I pulled the shower curtain aside and who should I find in the shower with Karen?”

  “Jaylene?” Rachel softly asked.

  “Yes. Jaylene looked at me like I was the one at fault for unexpectedly returning to my own home.”

  “What did Karen say?”

  “At first nothing, but then she admitted that she and Jaylene had been having an affair for months.”