Page 8 of One Last Time
She shifts and props her head on her hand. “It’s been years of him mistreating you, Kris. I kept my mouth shut because I didn’t think you’d hear me anyway, but it was uncomfortable to watch. You and Heather are the best ones of the four of us. You guys have these big ass hearts, but you’ve let men tramplethem.”
“Scott isn’t like Matt,” I defend a little. Matt was a piece of shit for what he did to Heather. They were married barely a year before he walked out on her. Scott and I were together for almost seventeen years between dating to now. “He wasn’t always bad. That’s what makes it sohard.”
She sighs. “No, but he wasn’t great, either. You can’t tell me he wasn’t emotionallyabusive.”
“Stop,” I request. I don’t want to talk about it or be reminded of how much I hate myself for acceptingit.
“I’m not judging you.” Nicole grabs my hand. “I’m really not. I get it, he was your husband, but watching you drift away was hard.” A tear descends across my cheek, and Nicole pulls me into her arms. “I’m not happy this is how it turned out. We all hoped he’d get his head out of his ass and fix hisshit.”
“I did, too.” I lean back and nod. I know she isn’t judging me, just as I never judge my girls for things theychoose.
“You’re going to get through this,” Nicolepromises.
I know she’s right. She has to be. There is no other choice. I have two kids who need me. Motherhood is filled with doing things for the sake of the children, even if you don’t want to do it. I’d love to lie in bed and eat nothing but junk food until my emotions are sated, but I can’t. Besides, I’m not sure if I’m sad about losing him or sad that I wasn’t able to see past the hope I clungto.
“Thanks to you guys, I will be. He’s an asshole, and I’m ready to moveon.”
“That’s it!” Nicole slaps my leg. “Asshole begone.”
She rests her head on the back of the couch andyawns.
“You look beat. Do you want to stay the night?” Iask.
“Listen,” she grabs her glass of wine. “I know you guys think I’m kinky, but I like men in my threesomes, not vaginas. I’d do you, but . . . I’d need morewine.”
I burst out laughing and slap her arm. “You’re such anidiot.”
“I made youlaugh.”
“That youdid.”
Nicole covers herself with the throw blanket behind her and we laugh like old times. She tells me all about the new contracts she’s working on. Of course, she tells me about the new guy she’s sleeping with, too. I don’t know how she does it, but good for her. She’s happy, even if her love life is ridiculous. As she talks, I let myself forget that I’m spending the first night in my new house single andalone.
Chapter Three
Kristin
“Let’s go!”I yell to the kids as I stand at thedoor.
“I can’t find my shoes!” Aubrey yells back, and Igroan.
It’s my first day back to work, and I’m going to be late. Finn finally comes out with his headphones on and the phone glued to his hand. He doesn’t acknowledge me, but I don’t care this time. He’s moving to the car, which is all thatmatters.
I look at my watch and tap my foot. “Aubrey! Come on, honey! Just put anything on your feet! I don’t care if theymatch.”
She comes running, and her blonde hair is already falling out of her ponytail, but I don’t have time to fix it. “Sorry,Mommy.”
“It’s fine, baby. Mommy can’t be late, so let’s move it, okay?” I usher her out and lock the door behindme.
Once everyone is in their seat and buckled, we head to the babysitter—also known as Aunt Danielle. I can’t afford to pay someone since my starting pay at Celebaholic isn’t great, but having Eli make a call on my behalf definitely helped in getting a little more than what they originallyoffered.
I’m not sure how comfortable I am covering Eli and his friends, but . . . it’s ajob.
One that I know I’m going to suck at. I can’t remember the last adult television show I watched, and I’ve never even seenA Thin Blue Line, which is something Eli finds hilarious since he was the star. Following celebrities was the last thing I cared about with everything going on in my life. I’m not even sure who is popular now . . . I wonder if people still like Josh Hartnett? He was my ultimatecrush.
While my friends like Nicole were soaking up the gossip, I was focused on the PTA, the community book club, and Scott’s work functions. But, after spending the last two months scouring for something and coming up short, I can’t be picky. If I had any other choice for a job, I’d take it, but the hours are perfect for a single mom. I can work from home at least three days a week, which means I can still do the things that I’ve come to love doing for mykids.
My lawyer told me it’s actually perfect in case Scott changes his tune and suddenly wants custody. I’ll be home with them for the most part, earning a salary, and have the flexibility that no judge could argue with. This job tosses any reservations he has about me out the window. I have tosucceed.
