Page 10 of Seven Year Itch

She'd just shared the events of the last couple of days, leaving nothing out, not even her thoughts and how she'd truly believed everything Garrett had told her. At least until she was lying in bed unable to fall asleep where she had again flip-flopped, unsure whether he'd told the truth. She wasn't proud of her behavior, but she also didn't want to come out looking like a chump when all was said and done.

The last thing she wanted was to be that wife, the one who had no clue of her husband's infidelity until everyone but her knew. The one everyone whispered about, saying,how could she not have known? The signs were all there.

Answering Mia's question, she said, "It's the only way I'll have peace of mind. Checking out Mr. Johnson secretary will tell me one way or the other whether Garrett was telling me the truth. I can't live with this doubt hanging over our marriage." Her legs were starting to shake, and she wasn't sure how much longer she could hold the pose.

"Okay, everyone, plow pose." The instructor's voice floated through the room.

Ali breathed a sigh of relief as she fell to her back, but with her legs still in the air, her poor stomach muscles were still screaming.

She turned her head Mia's direction. Her friend looked deep in thought. "What are you thinking?" Ali asked through gritted teeth, determined not to drop her legs until they were instructed to.

"I'm thinking this plan you've cooked up is batty as hell."

Ali opened her mouth to defend her position, but Mia continued before she could speak.

"But if you're really going through with it, you know I've got your back."

Ali gave her friend a smile. "Thanks. You're the best."

≈≈≈≈

The following morning, decked out in business attire, Mia and Ali stepped into the lobby of the Trident building, the home of Peterson, Monroe, and Johnson.

"Who knew we cleaned up so well." Mia gave Ali the once-over. "Where in the heck did you find that suit?"

"In the back of my closet. I wore it to Aunt Josephine's funeral three years ago." Ali gave Mia the same once-over. "What about you? Where'd you get that getup?"

Mia rolled her eyes and shivered. "I borrowed it from my mother-in-law. She's ecstatic because she thinks my lazy-ass is going on a job interview. The lazy-ass part are my words, not hers."

Ali snorted. They both knew Mia was one of the least lazy people they knew. Three kids ranging in age from seven to two would keep anyone on their toes.

Mia was staring at her head.

"What?" she asked, craning her neck away when Mia's face got too close.

"I was just wondering how you did that to your hair."

Ali had tamed her flyaway blonde locks with an extra helping of gel then put it in a complicated twist while it was still wet. "Just be glad we don't need to go through a metal detector. I think they'd alert S.W.A.T with the amount of bobby pins I have in my hair."

Mia laughed before putting her game face on. "We need to hurry. Mark needs to leave in an hour to give a presentation, and I promised we'd be back by then."

Mark was a saint. An architect who mostly worked from home, he always watched the girls when Ali and Mia had something to do. Looking around the crowded lobby, Ali spotted a directory on the far wall and started for it.

"Slow down Speed Racer. I haven't had my lesson in walking in heels yet."

Slowing her step, Ali looked to her friend. "You just said we needed to hurry."

"Yes, but me braking an ankle won't do anyone any good."

Ali rolled her eyes before scanning the directory. "Okay, this is our cover story—"

"We need a cover story?" Mia interjected.

Ali gave her the look she used on Emma when her three-year-old said something unbelievable. "Every good scheme needs a cover story. Now, hush up and let me finish."

Ali explained "The Plan." After finding the location of Johnson's office on the map, they randomly selected a name from the directory.

"Trust me, it'll come in handy," Ali said, taking Mia's hand and leading her to the elevators.

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