Page 98 of Shattering

Cadi shook her head, still processing the fact that Ana had been so close to not making it back.

Cadi smirked. "And you already know all about my unexciting marriage crisis."

Ana flopped onto the couch, arms crossed, eyes glinting. "Oh yeah. The fucking saga."

Cadi sighed. She had already told Ana the whole dreary tale over the phone—the accusations, the doubts, Callum's revelation, Vanessa's mess, the slow, painful rebuilding. And because Ana was Ana, her reactions had included a strong desire for violence, a full ten minutes of creative swearing, and a brief suggestion of arson.

Now, Ana leaned back, adjusting her glasses. "I mean, honestly, Cadi. Why stop at talking things through? I have duct tape and a shovel in my boot."

Cadi sighed. "Ana."

Ana held up a hand. "Hear me out. First, we drop Callum into a shark-infested lagoon for being a useless twat. Then we pop by Gray's, give him a little friendly encouragement—you know, a gentle reminder that if he ever pulls this shit again, he'll end up in the same lagoon."

Cadi rolled her eyes. "Right. Because threats of murder always mend marriages."

Ana shrugged, smirking. "It's worked before."

Cadi ignored her. Instead, she noticed Ana's untouched glass of tonic water.

Ana followed her gaze and sighed. "Before you ask—no, I'm not drinking."

Cadi raised a brow. "Voluntary? Or medical orders?"

Ana smirked. "A bit of both. Turns out, I prefer my thrills sober. And, y'know... growing up with a raging alcoholic for a dad leaves its mark."

Cadi nodded slowly, because what could she say to that? Ana had never talked about it much, but Cadi had seen enough growing up.

Ana clapped her hands together. "Anyway! Enough about me. Let's talk about that absolute gobshite you married."

Cadi sighed. "Ana."

Ana leaned forward, grinning viciously. "What? Is he still breathing?"

"Yes."

"Shame."

Cadi snorted. "He's actually been doing... better."

Ana arched a perfectly sceptical brow. "Better? What, did he finally realize what a catastrophic fuck-up he is?"

Cadi sighed. "He's working on it."

Ana leaned back, folding her arms. "So let me get this straight. He accuses you of cheating, goes on a self-destructive spiral, makes your life a living hell, and you're telling me he's 'working on it'?"

Cadi gave her a look. "Ana."

Ana waved a hand. "Fine, fine. I'll be civil." She paused. "I mean, not to him. But to you."

Cadi rolled her eyes. "That's why he's not here, you know. He was a bit terrified of what you'd say."

Ana grinned, delighted. "Good. He should be."

Cadi shook her head, laughing despite herself.

Then, suddenly, Ana muttered something under her breath, scowling into her drink.

Cadi raised a brow. "What was that?"

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