Page 17 of Suddenly Single

“It’s Asher’s fault.”

“Florida, you don’t know the full story. If I were a judge in a courtroom, I’d toss the case out due to stupidity on both their parts. My wonderful son occasionally sticks his foot in his mouth, and Carter is having a complete breakdown, drama-queen style.” Mom stood, then crossed over to Florida and placed her hands on her shoulders. “Now tell me. Where is Carter?”

“He’s living over his shop in that old church.” Florida rolled her eyes. “Said he’s got mice.”

“Well, that takes care of one question.” Mom turned to me. “Now that you know where to find him, what are you going to do to win him back?”

“I’m going to him, now.” I leapt to my feet and raced for the door.

“Wait!” Florida yelled.

“What?”

“He doesn’t want to see you.” Florida’s lips twisted. “Plus, he’ll kill me if he knows I told you.”

“Then I’ll see you at your funeral, because nothing is stopping me from getting Carter back.”

I parked my car next to Carter’s Mercedes, switched off the engine, and froze. Everything seemed sped up, and my heart was pounding. What if Florida was right? Would Carter flip out if I show up on his doorstep?

“Yes, and he’ll probably flip out if I don’t at least attempt to talk to him face to face.” I leaned my forehead against the steering wheel and sighed. “The love of my life is acting like a fool, and so am I. How the hell did things get so bad between us?”

If I were being honest with myself, I’d realize that this latest blowup was a long time coming. Mom was right, Carter was a drama queen, and sometimes I spoke the truth when a little white lie would be better. When I confessed that I sometimes wish we hadn’t got married, I should have said nothing, or said, yes dear, of course I want to be married to you. Because most of the time I did. Like right now, I really wanted my husband back.

“Doesn’t every married couple go through ups and downs?” I glanced up at the roof of the old church. There weren’t any windows in that small apartment, and I didn’t know how Carter could stand living there. “We’d had an argument the night before, and at that time I didn’t want to be married. Ask any married person after an argument, and they’d probably say they didn’t want to be hitched, either.”

I got out of the car and trudged toward the back stairs. When I got to the back entrance, I raised my fist to knock and froze. Sweat dripped down my sides, and for the first time in a very long time, I felt truly afraid. Afraid that Carter no longer wanted me, and that he didn’t want us to be married ever again.

“Would that be so bad? Maybe we could live in… who am I kidding? The only man I want is inside this building, and the only way to get him back is to fucking grovel like Granny said.”

I knocked on the door, then noticed the doorbell and pushed it. I knew his loft was on the third floor, so I expected him to be a minute or two. Finally, I heard footsteps approach, and the door flew open.

“Who are you?” I asked. A heavy-set woman with waist-length gray braids stood there with her hands on her hips, shaking her head at me and scowling.

“Mr. Camden doesn’t want to see you.”

“You mean Mr. Yates, he…”

“I’ve been told that you aren’t allowed inside the building. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to work.” The woman slammed the door in my face.

“Jesus.” I leaned against the railing and slumped. How the hell could I make things right when Carter wouldn’t even see me? And who the hell was that woman?

“Fuck it. If Carter won’t see me, maybe he’ll talk to someone else.” I pulled my phone out and searched my contacts until I found the right number. He answered after three rings.

“Hey Asher. What’s up?”

“Cort, I desperately need your help. Can we meet at the club for a drink?”

Chapter 10

Asher

“Not up for a match, Asher?” Cort asked as we settled into our seats. We were at the country club, and the dark, wood-paneled walls accurately reflected my mood.

“No, sorry.” I muttered, stirring my drink. “I’ve asked you here today for help.”

“Is it one of your cases? Because…” Cort squinted his eyes.

“No, it’s nothing work-related. Remember what we talked about, you know, about me and Carter?” I glanced around the room and noticed we were the only people here, which was odd for a Sunday.

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