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
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