Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39475 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 197(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39475 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 197(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
“Yeah,” I whisper back, then jump slightly when our waiter places two glasses on the table in front of us. “Thank you.” I tip my head back to look up at him and catch his smile.
“Your board will be out in just a couple of minutes, but if you need anything between then and now, just let me know.”
“We will.” May picks up her glass and holds it out toward me as he walks off. “Let’s toast.” I pick up my glass and hold it close to hers.
“What are we toasting to?”
“To drinks with friends.” She smiles, and I feel my muscles relax. I know my brother would likely prefer that his girlfriend and I were not friends, but I honestly couldn’t be more thankful for May’s constant support and acceptance. Especially now when I feel so alone.
“I’ll drink to that.” I tap my glass against hers, then take a sip, hoping to calm my nerves that seemed to come to life after seeing who was at the bar.
“Bridgett?” My spine stiffens at the sound of my name in a very familiar voice. I swing around and watch Molly approach with Vanessa and Catharine. “I thought that was you.” She gives me a sugary-sweet smile before leaning down to press the side of her lips to my cheek. “How have you been?”
“Good.” I touch my fingers to my face, sure she left behind some of the bright red lipstick she has on. “How are you?”
“Fabulous.” She smooths her hand over her hip, drawing attention to her small waist and the large, sparkling diamond on her finger. “Busy, actually. Brayden and I are working on having a baby.”
“Good for you.” I keep my face neutral, knowing for a fact that her marriage is just as preposterous as mine was. She and her husband have been together for three years and married for one. In that time, I know he’s cheated multiple times, and so has she. I can only imagine that all their dysfunction will lead to disaster sooner or later, which will suck for any child they have together.
“I heard you’ve been working for your father.”
“I have.” I keep my answer short, hoping she’ll get that I have no desire to pretend we’re friends or think that she actually cares about what I’ve been doing.
“Are you going to continue doing that when you and Conner move to London?”
“Pardon?”
“Conner mentioned that you two are moving to London since he got a promotion at the firm and they’re sending him overseas.”
“Conner and I aren’t together.”
“What?” Her eyes widen, and I frown, not sure her surprise is genuine.
“He and I are no longer together.” I quickly glance at May, finding her with her lips pressed together in a tight line. “I moved out weeks ago. We’re getting divorced.”
“Oh.” Molly takes a step back and looks between May and me. “I had no idea. Conner told Brayden you’ve been staying at your parents’ to help with your dad.”
“I’m actually living in my brother’s old place,” I say, then thank my lucky stars when I spot our waiter headed our way with our cheese board.
“Sorry.” He squeezes past Molly so he can place the wooden dish on the table between May and me. “Get my attention if you need anything else.” He smiles at us.
“We will.” I smile back, then look at Molly, who’s stepped closer to Vanessa and Catharine. “We’ll catch up soon,” I lie, having no desire to talk to her or anyone else from my old life ever again.
“Yeah, sure.” She nods, and I turn back to May, who keeps her attention across the room for a long moment before focusing on me.
“So, Conner hasn’t told his friends that you two are getting divorced.” She drops her gaze to the food between us as she grabs a piece of cheese and a few grapes.
“It would seem so.” I sigh, picking up my glass to take a sip, needing the alcohol more now than I did before.
“I don’t like that.” Her concern-filled eyes lock on mine.
“Me neither.” I rub my lips together, hoping like heck he will get it through his head that he and I are done and that there is no fricking way I am getting back with him.
Not even if doing so was the only way to guarantee the survival of the human race.
Chapter 7
Bridgett
Cookies
Parked outside the police station in the middle of town, I stare at the double doors while trying to convince myself to get out of the car. Last night, after drinks with May, I went home, showered, and got into bed. But after two hours of tossing and turning, I got up and went to the kitchen. The task of mixing up a new batch of cookie dough and then baking them was just what I needed to relax. By the time I had a couple dozen soft, golden cookies that looked magazine perfect, I was ready to sleep.