Gina’s Plan

“They’ve been gone for a long time,” Gina said.

“Jealous?” Natalie asked, watching her closely.

“Of course not!” Gina snapped.

“Maybe, they’re sitting down somewhere, talking. You don’t expect them to be walking all this time, do you? Whenever Graham and I went to a park, we walked for a bit and then, we found a bench where we sat for a while, talking and just enjoying being outdoors.”

“There’s something going on between those two. I’m sure of it. I think they have a history.”

“Of course they have a history. She was an intern at his old company–“

“Yes, yes, she was an intern but I think that they had more than a working relationship.”

“You really think so?”

“Yes. My gut tells me that there is something between them and my gut is never wrong.”

“I can’t imagine Tanner being involved with a high-school girl.”

“Why not? He wouldn’t be the first man to sleep with a teenage girl.”

“No, I can’t believe that.”

“And I think they were in a relationship when they were living in New York.”

“Why don’t you come right out and ask Tanner if he and Melania were once in a relationship?”

“No, I have a better idea.”

“What are you up to, Gina?”

“Did you invite Matt to your cocktail party?”

“Yes.”

“Good. He’ll probably bring Melania. I’ll be there with Tanner.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“Nothing. Just show up with Tanner and see what happens.”

“What do you think will happen?”

“If I’m right, and I’m positive that I am, I will get a rise out of Melania when she sees Tanner and me together.”

“You think she’ll get jealous?”

“Yes.”

“But that would mean that she has feelings for Tanner.”

“Yes.”

“But what about Matt?”

“Matt will see her for the two-timing hussy that she is.”

“Poor Matt.”

“Poor Matt is better off without her.”

“And what about Tanner?”

“I guess Tanner will dump me for her.”

“And you don’t have a problem with that?”

“Of course, I do. I can’t, for the life of me figure out what he sees in her. I couldn’t understand it with Matt either. Most men don’t like women throwing themselves at them but it seems to work for her.”

“I hope you’re wrong about her, Gina.”

“Why?”

“Because I feel sorry for Matt. He has been hurt before.”

“Yes, I know but it can’t be helped. He needs to know the truth even if it’s painful. He needs to know if Melania was romantically involved with Tanner and if she still has feelings for him.”

“I guess you’re right. It’s better than being in the dark.” Natalie shook her head and sighed. “Poor Matt.”

“Finally! I see Tanner heading this way and it looks like he’s alone.”