Page 4 of The Reluctant Hero

“I know the online dating scene is tough, Annette, but damn,” I crack myself up even as tears spill all over again.

“Have you lost your mind? What are you talking about?” She bluffs. The balls on this woman.

“I just wanted to call and let you know I quit. I can’t be sure of the health standards in the office. How many desks did he fuck you on? I’m getting hives thinking about it. Tell me you cleaned up after.”

“Who do you think you are,” she grits out in a soft tone.

“Why are you whispering?” I scream out, my control going out the window. “You’re single! Wait, that’s not right, is it? How do you classify this kind of relationship? It’s a secret hook-up. I’m thinking sloppy, diseased whore-up. Does that title sound right to you?”

“You’re fired, Amanda. The amount of disrespect-”

“Anyway,” I interrupt. “Be sure to take the flowersmy husbandsent me. They’re yours now. You’re so into sloppywiltingseconds I feel like it fits you perfectly.”

Beeps sound in my ear. Did this bitch hang up on me?

“Can’t take facing your mistakes, Annette?” I smirk.

As good as that felt, I can’t let myself lose it any more than I already have. I’ve already made mistakes. Number one is throwing my evidence out a window. That wasn’t well thought out. But that anger helps guide me through the next steps.

I’m dialing Gloria Fullerton before I realize it.

The judge is the only person I know who can advise me on this. But she’s one of Justin’s golf buddies, so I can’t exactly let her know I’m asking questions forme.

“Amanda?” She sounds so awake and fresh on the phone. How long has she been up? She’s fifty-four and powered on caffeine, I guess.

I clear my throat and try to act normal.

“Hey, Gloria,” my bright, cheery tone comes back. Being in customer service in my teens has served me well. “I have a friend who’s in a bit of trouble.”

“Uh-oh,” she gives a little laugh of surprise. “Not Janine, I hope.”

“Oh, no. You don’t know her, and she’d prefer to stay nameless.”

“I see,” her voice turns curious and matronly. “How can I help?”

“Well, she found out her husband is cheating and lost the evidence.” I cringe at my stupidity.

“She’s decided that reconciliation isn’t an option?”

I stare out my windshield in disbelief. Reconcile? After this?

“I’m just trying to get her some clear options,” I swallow hard to ease the tightness in my throat.

“Was this a one-time indiscretion?”

How the fuck is she so calm about this?

“I don’t know,” my voice becomes a whisper. That is an excellent question. I don’t think I want to know the answer. My ego has already taken a beating with one.

“Let’s see,” she sounds distracted for a second and then comes back. “If divorce is the only option she’s considering, she should get a lawyer.”

Get a lawyer.

“They normally have a free consultation for divorces.”

Free.

“But that’s all common knowledge, Amanda.”

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