Page 40 of Second Chance Husband

“She’s ridiculous.”

“Yes, but she’s our ridiculous friend.”

“Anyway, thank you for the paperwork.” I didn’t say it too dryly, but Devney just grinned.

“I do love the fact that we get our work done, and it just makes more work for you. But that’s why I’m in PR. I just clean up messes, while you organize things.” She paused. “Actually, that might be the other way round.”

“I really don’t mind. I like files.” I hesitated for a moment. “Okay, that made me sound like I have no life, but maybe that’s true.”

I shook my head, as Devney cringed.

“You have a life. With us. I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to deal with us for the rest of your life.”

“That is very true.”

I smiled at my friends, feeling a little guilty that I hadn’t told them about August. I was such an idiot. But I should have. I should have told them that I had slept with their brother-in-law and would never speak to him about it again. They already knew about the fact that I had spent the night at his house when I had gotten too drunk. They had yelled at me for that, and I didn’t blame them. Mostly because I hadn’t called them for help, wanting to handle things on my own. But I was good at taking care of myself. At least that’s what I thought.

Addison opened her mouth to say something, but before she could continue, my mother walked in.

Dread settled in my gut, and I stood up, grateful I was wearing my stilettos so I could look as if I were statuesque, a pillar of strength, porcelain that would not shatter.

“Paisley, I have a plan. Get these two out of here. We need to save your marriage. I will not be the laughingstock of society because you can’t keep a man.”

Embarrassment crawled over me, as Addison glowered at my mother, and Devney looked to me as if she wanted to help but wasn’t sure how.

Well same here, I didn’t know how to fix this either.

“Mother, this is my place of business. You need to go.”

“I will not. I will not let you ruin your life like this. I have a plan to get you back with Jacob, and all of this will be brushed under the rug. You won’t need to work at this little job of yours, and deal with these people.” She snarled the word people as she looked between Addison and Devney, and I was done. So done with this woman.

I walked around my desk, my stilettos tapping against the marble floors.

“You need to get out of here right now.”

“Don’t you dare talk to me this way.”

“Do not embarrass me at my place of business. I own this place. I am the law here. And I will call security to have you escorted out of here. And those women that you just snarled at? They are not only brilliant women who have high positions in this company and make it work, they are my friends. They deserve to be here, you do not.”

“I gave up everything to get you where you are, and this is how you show how grateful you are? You are a spoiled brat and you do not deserve anything that you have. But no matter how many sacrifices I made, I will continue to make them so you can keep your husband.”

“He’s not my husband. And frankly, you never gave me anything but pain and heartache. Now you will lower your voice before the rest of the building hears you. Or you can continue to scream, and I will have security escort you out and the papers will hear about your little tantrum. Is that what you want, Mother?”

“You are a selfish bitch.”

She reached out to slap me again, but instead I took a step back and shook my head. “Not again. Never again. Addison, can you hand me my phone? I left it on the desk. I’m going to need to call Jonathan.” Jonathan was the head of security and would have my mother out of here in a wink—something I should have done long ago.

“With pleasure.”

“You selfish brat. But don’t worry, I will fix this.”

“There’s nothing to fix. Stop acting as if you’re in some melodrama. None of this is your business, and the marriage is over. We’re divorced. Now, this is my place of business. We are helping people. I’m not going to help you do whatever selfish thing you want.”

People were starting to notice now, and I could feel heat rising up my neck.

“Go. Or I will be the one who makes a scene.”

My mother studied my face for a moment before she shook her head, clucking her tongue, and walked away with her chin held high as if it was her decision.

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