Page 98 of Legal

“Can you believe Mike called me?”

“What?”

“Yeah. I’m glad he did, but he needs to get a clue. God, I swear. He didn’t know how to handle you, and he thought you were having ‘woman’”—she did air quotes—“issues. He said you freaked out over some game and then wouldn’t stop crying. He should know better; he’s a doctor, for Christ’s sake.”

“He’s a shoulder surgeon, not a gynecologist.”

She rolled her eyes. “He should still know better.”

“In his defense, I’ve never acted like this before.”

“You’ve never been in love like this before.”

We sat in silence for a while. I needed to get outside and feel some sunshine. I needed to do a lot of things.

“You know you have to talk to Mike, right? And you have to do it soon. He needs to leave.”

“I know.”

I had a new plan: Mike, then Chase.

And pray it wasn’t too late.

“You better?” Mike eyed me warily. “You look better.”

“Yes, much.” I couldn’t help snickering to myself. He kept his distance like I was some wild animal coming off tranquilizers and couldn’t be trusted. “Don’t worry. I’m not going to attack.”

“You were pretty scary before, Jillian.”

“Well, I’m all good now.” So incredibly good. All the toxic shit inside me was gone. I’d showered, cleaned up my room, and was about to shed another large chunk of dead weight.

“Perry heard you talking to someone the other day. Was it Candace?”

His face looked like I’d walked in on him bending his secretary over the desk. “Oh, it was nothing. Honest, Jillian. She called me.”

“It’s fine, really.” More than fine. “What did she want?”

He inched closer to me. “Ah, she wants me to come home. But I don’t want her. I want you. I already told you that.”

“But have you told her that?” He didn’t respond.Of course, he didn’t. Chickenshit.“I think you should, Mike. Go home. Or not. That’s your choice, but it’s not right for you to stay here with me any longer. It’ll be going on a month soon.”

“What are you saying? We’ve already discussed this. Daniel—”

“See, that’s what I’m talking about. Maybe I didn’t realize it before, but you’ve always used him as leverage. As a way to keep me reeled in.”

“That’s crazy.”

“Not really. I think things eased up for a while when you were occupied with Candace, but overall, that’s how it’s been throughout our entire relationship. You knew I’d do anything for our son, and you took advantage of that.”

He ran his hand through his hair. “I cannot believe you’re saying these things, Jillian. To imply that I’d use him is just wrong.”

“I’m not saying your actions were pure malicious intent, but I think I filled a role for you, and you’re trying to hold on to that. It was never our marriage first because there was no great love between us. But through it all, I did let it happen, so I’m just as much to blame. I just can’t let it happen anymore. I’ll always be there for Daniel, but you and I aren’t meant to be together.”

“Oh, I get it. This has to do with someone else.”

I dropped my head in my hands. Yes, there was someone else, but he was missing the point entirely. Whether or not Chase forgave me had nothing to do with me and Mike.

“This is about that kid, isn’t it? You said you were no longer with him.”

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