Normally, restraining orders can take up to several months to obtain. But with Daniel’s help and the other lawyers leading the charge, a restraining order is signed in only a week. “Seems incredibly fast,” I say over the phone with Daniel. “How the hell did you make that happen?” “It’s
“Hey, the baby did nothing wrong.” “The baby is being born to two horrible people. It’s the baby I feel bad for.” Maybe I should send the restraining order to my mom. I mean, telling me to stop fighting for a divorce is one thing. But legal documentation? And I should share it w
I knock on Derek’s door and call out to the girls as I step inside. “Bea? Tris? It’s Miss Esme from next door!” I see the younger daughter poke her head out from behind the couch. “Miss Esme!” Bea comes running out of her room, black hair everywhere. “You came over!” She nearly
“And you’re trespassing,” Derek replies cooly, taking large steps as he approaches my idiot husband. “What are you doing with my wife, you big brute?” I groan at his attempt of insults, but I’ve learned that Derek is nothing if not the most intelligent man in the room. He’s always five
“Sorry about that,” I murmur as my hand finds my chest. I’m breathing heavily, and I’m starting to worry I’m going to have a full-blown panic attack. Derek puts his hand on my arm, looking down into my eyes. “Nothing to be sorry about, Esme.” “He was following me and came here to antagonize me.
But does that mean anything will change? “I lied to my lawyer,” I say. It’s so fast that for just a second, I question whether or not I actually said it or just imagined it. “What did you lie about?” He takes another step forward to give me some assurance. I look at the girls and then back at
A few days later while at work, Derek calls me into his office. I don’t think twice about it, but when I hear what he wants us to do, I can’t help but drop my jaw. “A project with you?” “As partners. Not as your boss.” “Is that a thing?” “I do projects with others all the time. This time, I’
I scoff and roll my eyes. “What kind of company is that? One who hires men that assault other people? They did do that!” “I thought this would be simple, and I’m sorry, Esme. I want this to be open and shut. I know money can’t fix what he did, but compensation for your emotional trauma should neve
I decide to call Detective Mattison, even though it’s a Saturday. I haven’t heard anything still, and now I’m starting to grow more curious and annoyed. “Detective Mattison,” he greets. “Hi, detective, this is Esme Price, the woman who’s divorce and restraining order cases came across your desk
Bea’s party ends up being a nice time. I chat with multiple other adults at the event, mostly the coworkers, and meet the kids running around. The kids sing Happy Birthday to Bea, and she blows out the candles to her pink cake. The presents are also super cute, ranging from stuffed animals to chil
“Me, too.” I look back at Derek, then at his daughter again. “You know what? Your dad has your gift from me. You want to open it now so none of the other kids get jealous?” Bea’s face lights up, and she picks up on my silliness. “Can I, Daddy?” He hands back the bag. “Your birthday, baby. What
“Oh, like drugs,” I tease. “You caught me. Setting up for kid’s birthday party is like crack. I don’t let others watch me, and it gives me the same type of high.” I can’t stop myself from snorting a laugh out. “Didn’t realize how much I missed that.” I’m still smiling, though confused by wha
Bea’s birthday party is happening at the local park of the town. They’ve cornered off a gazebo, with multiple picnic tables under the roof of the area. Presents sit stacked on two of them, taller than any of the kids. Derek and Tris are at the table with the cake and snacks. “Miss Esme!” Tris cr
“This is Esme,” I speak robotically, getting ready for whatever I need to be doing. **** The end of the day finally comes, and I grab everything that I can bring home with me. I want to catch up with everything and put my feet up. Even in these flats, my swelling is still a problem. Not only t
Monday morning, I awake to texts and phone calls all from Ryan. I’d blocked his number, but each message comes from another phone, totaling four different possible burner phones. “Why?” I ask the ceiling as though it’ll answer me. Today I’ll be going back to the office. I’ve grown stir crazy in
This can’t be good for the baby. Next thing I know, I hear ringing in my head. My eyes are super weak, and it’s difficult to crack them open. Well then. I guess I was able sleep after all. It’s bright in the room, and I can tell it’s late morning already. My tired eyes look around, finding my ph
I fall to a thunk on the ground, my hip and butt taking the brunt from falling out of my bed. My eyes are still mostly closed, but I know what’s going on. The nightmares are here once again. I know the cold sweat and the feeling of being clammy. And it seems like it’s all falling back to one thing