One of Us Is Dead

by Jeneva Rose

Olivia had a true talent for complimenting herself before she complimented others. She was the same with kind words and insults. I coined the term “kinsults” thanks to her. It was like she had created a cruel language all her own. You wouldn’t even realize she was insulting you, because they were wrapped up like a present, complete with a nice bow.

She was a forgive-and-forget kind of person. I, on the other hand, always believed there was another option on the table. Forgive, forget, or fucking never let it go.

But that was Olivia. And she had changed since our meeting. She was now dressed in a tight, scarlet dress that was the perfect mix of classy and sexy. Olivia had mastered “clexy,” as she coined it.

Clexy I love it!

Buckhead was all about smiles. You smiled when you were pissed, and you smiled when you were pleased.

Olivia was clearly trying to ostracize Shannon because she feared becoming her. Fear makes people crazy. Insecurity makes them crazier.

“Cheers to Buckhead! I hope you make it out alive.”

I hope so too! lol

“Bryce Madison, a smile so nice you’d vote it into office twice.”

“Bring me a water,” Bryce commanded to his secretary. Moments later she entered with two bottles of water, one for me and one for Bryce. I thanked her. Bryce didn’t. I reminded myself to give him grief later. I understood he was busy, stressed, and tired, but I was raised to know there was no such thing as being too busy, too tired, or too stressed for manners.

That’s right!

“You have to give her a chance. Her husband is a huge contributor, and Olivia has a lot of influence in this town. I heard she’s the new chairwoman of the Buckhead Women’s Foundation. You’d do well to keep her close.” “Would I do well, or would you do well?” I cocked my head. “We’d do well,”

Dick!

People that get their way think they’re the ones in control. But the ones that give are the ones that rule. It’s not the politician in office, but the donor behind the check that wields the sword.

“Perfect. You’ll want to join that committee. Perhaps, run for vice-chair too. And that salon they all go to on Peach Street. You’ll want to become a client. They’re there all the time, and it’s the perfect way to bond and fit in quickly.” He smiled.

I’d rather spend my time outdoors or reading—not gossiping in a salon with women I barely knew.

“No excuses. Kneel,” I commanded, and he did. “On all fours.” He listened well because I had trained him well. I walked to him and whipped his shoulders, back, butt, and thighs—until he used our safe word, or should I say words. “Karen’s a bitch,” he yelped.

Fucking gold! lol

As a child, my family was rich . . . like Oprah rich, but not the legal way. Apparently, there’s a difference. But try explaining that to a fourteen-year-old. Try telling a teenager they have to sell all their stuff, that their father’s going to prison, that they’ll have to transfer to a public school, that their friends would no longer be their friends, that everything they’ve ever known would come crashing down around them and be nothing more than a cruel memory, a dream just short of reach.

Atleast she grew up without money and understood somewhat how it felt lol

The truth is, I’d rather be dead than poor, and the easiest way to stay rich is to stay powerful.

“Speaking of love, when are you going to let me set you up on a date?” Keisha winked. “Never,”

“I don’t have a type.” I raised an eyebrow. “Yes, you actually do. It’s sterile and can’t return any feelings or affection.” Keisha gestured in a swooping motion.

Hahah

“I’m only thirty-one,” I challenged. “And soon you’ll be forty.” “That’s an awful thing to say!” I laughed.

That’s how I feel lmao

“Go on through, Ms. Block. Jenny is ready for you,” Mary said. “It’s Mrs. Madison,” Shannon corrected.

Damn still keeping the cheating husbands name 😫

As humans, we define ourselves by the things we are most proud of—being a mother, a salon owner, a free spirit. But what happens when you lose that? Who do you become?

“They say if you love someone, let them go, and if they don’t come back, go and get that asshole yourself.” I chuckled.

When I reached the curtain, I tugged hard to open it in a dramatic fashion, “Come on back, Crystal. I’m dying to meet you.” The alcohol seemed to have numbed my legs too, because I lost my balance. I pulled down one side of the curtain, tumbling to the ground, wrapping and entangling myself in it. “Shhhit,” I called out from inside the velvet cocoon. This was not how I had intended to meet the woman who stole my husband. I had imagined it’d be more like when a commoner (Crystal) meets the Queen of England (me). Crystal would bend the knee, and I’d whack her head off with a sword. The royal treatment!

“I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure.” I got up from my chair, toes up, and carefully walked over to Crystal, holding out my hand. “I’m Shannon Madison,”

“I’m Crystal.” Her eyes met mine for mere seconds before darting away. Weak people can’t hold eye contact. “Crystal what?” “Crystal Madison,” she coughed. “Madison, huh? Well, we must be related or something,” I cackled as I stumbled back to my seat with Keisha’s assistance.

That’s probably how she got my husband.

lol

“So, did you know Bryce was married when you fucked him?” I spat venomously.

Oh shit!

“I’m sorry he left you. I truly am,” she said. “I did not know he was married until after I fell in love with him. So, rest assured. He didn’t fall out of love with you because of me. He fell out of love with you because of you.”

“You both need to stop right now,” Jenny said sternly.

“I’d hope so. It was I that made you, Jenny. Let us not forget that,” Olivia said over her shoulder. Her eyes shot daggers.

Fuck you Olivia 🔪

“Actually, you can see Mary at the front to make an appointment. We’re all booked up today.” “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Olivia huffed. “Well, you’re not me.” Jenny turned away and refocused her attention on Crystal’s hair. “And thank God for that!” Olivia turned on her heel and stormed out of the salon.

So happy Jenny stood up to her, but she might be in trouble with Olivia

We all leave some imprint of ourselves behind, even plastic ponytail holders.

I no longer know who I am, because sometimes we become strangers to even ourselves.

“I still love Bryce,” I confessed. Karen shook her head. “No, you don’t.” “I do, and he loves me too.” I took a long sip of my martini. “No, you don’t, and he definitely does not love you. If he loved you, he wouldn’t have done what he did. That’s not love.”

Exactly!

He knew that being considered of less value than others was my one and only fear. I didn’t fear death. I feared being nothing.

“You know how I get through these events?” Crystal perked up. “How?” I held up my glass. “A whole hell of a lot of this.”

Gonna need ALOT of that!

“Oh . . . hey, Olivia,” Mark stammered. She brushed her arm past his chest, grabbing a vodka soda from the bar top, and bringing the straw to her lips. She sucked and made a satisfied sound when she finished. Tiny beads of sweat formed at Mark’s hairline. I wasn’t sure what was going on between them, but it was odd. His eyes were locked on her lips. She took the lime from her drink and bit into it, sucking up all the juice.

Is she sleeping with Karen’s husband???

“Here, Shannon. Your big moment is almost here. Tequila will help.”

“Okay,” I said. The first step I took was wobbly. Those drinks had hit me quickly. My vision was a little blurry, but I felt beyond confident—like I could take on the world.

She can’t be drunk that fast…

“The board voted last week for you to step down as chairwoman.

What a rude bitch telling her as she is going on stage 🤬

“The only thing worse than hope is false hope.” Olivia sipped her champagne. “I’m going to go get a better view. This is for sure going to be a train wreck.” She tried to grab Dean’s hand, but he grabbed her arm with force. “Stop,” he warned in a low growl. “Stop what?” Olivia tried to pull her arm away. “With the drama.” He tightened his eyes. “Ow. I’m just having fun.” This time when she pulled, her arm came free. It was covered in red marks from where his fingers had been. She rubbed her arm with her hand, trying to soothe it.

Her husband has had enough lol

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As you all know, I’m Shannon Madison,”

Delirious woman still introducing herself as a Madison lol

Yes, I know you’ve all heard about our temporary separation.”

Fucking nuts lol

“Oopsie daisy,” she said. “Now, where was I? Oh, yes. Bryce and I are getting back together.”

Oh fucking shit 😱

My eyes narrowed. My lips remained pressed firmly together. How could he have done this to Shannon? How could he have embarrassed her like this? He loved her once. She had been his wife. If he could do this to her, what would he do to me?

He’s already trying to force you to play nice with people you don’t like so I’m sure he will!

The sound of something being knocked over and the spilling of various items. I assumed one of the vanities.

Oh no her salon!

I pulled out my phone. “You’re kidding, right? I got it all on video. It’s hilarious.” I pushed Play. “I’m thinking about submitting it to WorldStar.”

What a bitch!

Bryce did nothing wrong. It’s not his fault Shannon is like a case of herpes: hard to treat and never truly goes away. The only way he’ll ever get rid of Shannon is via a death certificate.

I can’t stand her ass lol

That’s probably why she was late, trying to make herself appear strong when we all knew she was like a compact of pressed powder: ready to fall apart.

Best way to describe someone in a rut though lol

I had to convince him to love me the first time, all those years ago, and I knew I’d have to do it again.

She is delusional omfg

Collapsing onto one knee, I gazed up at him, a smile wide on my face, and pulled the object from behind my back—a small box with his old wedding ring in it.

No she didn’t just propose to him 😂😂😂