I had thought it would be the most romantic day ever. There were two pieces of good news to celebrate today: my 3rd wedding anniversary and the fact that I'd just gotten a promotion. I walk eagerly to the man I love, stretching onto my toes to kiss Ryan. But he ducks, pushing something into my arm
“No way, no way!” Annie squeals as she grabs my phone from my hands. Her pale blue eyes sparkle with mischief. “He knows this is a pub, yet here he is, rushing over like your knight in shining armor!” “This is absolutely crazy. I can’t even believe it! Five minutes? That’s so fast!” Lily cries, he
He hands over his card to the waiter, who quickly swipes it through and gives it back. “Sir, I don’t think—” Before I can speak, Anderson returns the card to his pocket. “Goodnight, Esme. I hope your paperwork is sorted out shortly.” “But sir, you don’t have to—” I’m sputtering, but he holds u
The two of them turn to look at me, eyebrows raised, and, at least in my cousin’s face, a slight hint of fear. “What are you doing here?” Ryan demands. “Hearing you plan your new life.” I glower at my soon-to-be ex-husband. “You really think I’m this stupid?” “Oh no, I don’t think it, I know i
I smile, pushing some curly blonde hair behind my ear and out of my eyes. “Yeah, it is.” “How much is your rent going to cost?” Lily jumps in. I think for a second, putting books into another box. “Uh, about two thousand.” Lily throws a pillow at me, pursing her red lips in my direction as she
I can’t hide the shock as Anderson stares at me, my body threatening to break out into an all-out tremble. Of all the people in the city, how is my boss also my neighbor? I try to find words to say, but everything comes out a stammered mess. “I-I…wh-what? Wh-when did you? I mean, how long have y
I can’t help but laugh at the scene. Derek, however, scolds the girls. “Girls, you know it’s wrong to enter someone else’s home without their permission! You must apologize to Miss Esme.” The two girls look over, and the younger one whines, “But there’s a kitty here, Daddy!” My heart is going
The sisters reveal to me that they’ve wanted a cat for years, even admitting to putting it on their Christmas lists a few times. They were certain their father would finally bring them a cat, but sadly, he didn’t. “He says he’s too busy for a kitty,” Tris says sadly. She rubs at her eye, and I won
For once in our friendship, my friends don’t pressure me to open up with them. They just protect me. I’m not used to such behavior from my sarcastic, goofy friends. It’s nice, because ever since I left Ryan I’ve felt as if the entire world has demanded answers, even if I’m not ready. It’s not unti
Annie and Lily come over for the first time in a while. It feels so nice to be surrounded with my girls, and their hugs when first arriving feel like something I’ve deprived myself of. “I wish you’d find out the gender,” Annie groans as she stretches herself out on the sofa. “I want to know if I’m
“That’s not—” “You don’t treat me like an underling.” “You’re not one!” “Yes, I am! I’m supposed to be under you! This isn’t a debate that we should be having. We’ve been pushing the envelope on what’s appropriate and what’s not. In the end, we have blurred any lines we had the day I left my h
“And I’ll have those numbers determined once the remainder of the information comes in,” I say into my work phone. “Don’t worry, I know everything is a mess right now but it’s an easy fix.” I sigh and look up, startled to see Derek standing at my open office door. He looks serious and also worried
Bea shoves the item in her hands at me. I take it softly, looking down at what she had. A picture of a beautiful redhead with a bright smile stare back at me. I see two small girls surrounding her. Bea can’t be more than three, and the baby wrapped in blankets held by the woman must be Tris. “Is t
“No. I called you. I couldn’t think of anything else.” I nod. “Call the front desk, security, any friends you might have in the building or complex altogether. Have the pool on lookout, and anywhere else she might feel she can hide.” “Okay,” Derek says, nodding but still clearly distraught. I
My phone starts ringing as I leave the restaurant I’ve just eaten at. Daniel and I had a meeting today to talk about the restraining order and other paperwork. Not only that, but now Daniel knows about Natalie’s claims, as well as our suit against Max. “I really wish I didn’t have these other pr
“Uh, there’s a difference?” He seems more confused than when he walked in now. “Cause I’m just worried about not being able to answer all her questions.” “Well,” I think. “They’ll be showing that health class video soon. Most girls don’t actually hit puberty and get their periods until middle scho
It’s around eight when I hear knocking on my door. I’ve been getting stuff done and cleaning the apartment. But the baby? That has been causing some issues. Even wearing better shoes and making sure I’m taking care of my health and stress; I’m still not having an easy time. And this is still the