“So there are no children involved?”
At first, I don’t answer, causing him to look up. “No,” I quickly say.
He frowns. “You seem hesitant in your answer.” I start nervously rubbing my hands together. “Alice, you’re perfectly safe in telling me anything. You’re my client. Whatever you tell me won’t leave this room. Not unless you want it to.”
Looking away a moment, I bite my lip. “The only reason I caught them in bed together was because I came home early. The reason I came home early was because I had just found out I was pregnant.”
His face softens. “I’m so sorry to hear that. What was supposed to be a joyous and momentous occasion ended with sadness.” I nod. “I assume the father still doesn’t know?” I shake my head. “Well, this complicates things a little. He will need to know, then there’s custody to consider.” He starts jotting this all down. “When do think you’ll tell Mr. Armstrong?”
I close my eyes. “It’s not his baby.”
His head snaps up. “What?”
“It’s not his baby. It’s my best friend’s husband’s.”
Mr. Row’s eyes widen a little. “The best friend whom you caught in bed with your husband?”
I nod. “That’s correct.”
For a moment, he sits there, completely dumbfounded. Then he starts chuckling. “Did Brad put you up to this?”
I frown. “Who’s Brad?”
When he notices how serious I am, his smile falls. Suddenly flustered, he clears his throat and grabs his pen again. “Okay,” he begins. “Do you think your husband and best friend knew about your affair?”
I feel affronted by his questioning, but understood the assumption. “We weren’t having an affair. I was purposefully trying to get pregnant so my best friend and her husband could have a baby. Artificial insemination, I think it’s called. My friend couldn’t get pregnant, so I offered to be their surrogate.”
“And your husband knew and agreed to this?”
I nod. “In exchange for his car.”
Shaking his head with a smirk, Mr. Row starts writing again. “Wow.”
“Does my marriage amuse you, Mr. Row?”
He looks up, completely unapologetic. “You have to admit, it does sound like something—”
“From the Jeremy Kyle show?” I interrupt.
He chuckles. “I suppose you could say that, yes.”
A smile creeps up on my face. “Yes, I suppose you’re right.”
“I’ve been doing this for almost ten years now and never once have come across a story quite like this one.”
I stare at him, dumbfounded. “Ten years? You don’t look old enough.”
He gives me a knowing smile. “Yeah, I get that a lot. My older brother and sister do, too, so I guess it’s in the genes.” He carries on writing before looking up again. “So nobody knows you’re pregnant?”
“Apart from you and my colleague, Sally, no. And I want to keep it that way for now.”
“But if he contests the house, this may help you.”
I frown. I hadn’t even thought about him contesting. It would be just like him, though. “I think it’s fair enough, considering I’m letting him have the car and half our savings. I was the one who put the majority into them in the first place. I could tell him to sell his car, but I won’t because I know how upsetting that would be for him.”
His eyebrow quirks up. “It’s a shame he didn’t extend that courtesy to you, Alice.” He offers me a kind smile that I can’t help but return.
“I guess I’ve always been that way. I lost my parents at a very young age and was brought up by my aunt. She was the one who taught me to be grateful in life, help others who can’t help themselves.” I suddenly look at him. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m telling you all this.”
He smiles. “I need to know all this, Alice. I have to be armed with as much information as possible to enable me to negotiate on your behalf.” He starts writing again. “Going back to your pregnancy. Are you sure it’s definitely not your husband’s?”
“Yes.”
He looks up. “I only ask because it could cause more issues down the line if he is the father.”
“No, you definitely don’t have to worry about that. It’s not his baby, so it’s none of his business.”
“Okay. I think we’ve covered everything. I just need to know where to send the divorce papers once they’re drafted up.”
I bite my lip. “I believe he’s staying with his parents, but I can’t be one hundred percent certain on that. I think it may be best to send to his work.”
He poises his pen over the pad again. “And where is that?” I rattle off the address. “Okay,” he says on a sigh. “I’m sure I have everything. If I need something else, I’ll give you a call.”
Taking a deep breath, I grab my bag. “How long will it take to get the papers drawn up?”
“Not too long. He should have them in his hands by the end of next week.”
I get up and watch as he rises from his chair. I extend my hand. “Thank you, Mr. Row.”
He shakes it. “It was a pleasure, Alice.”
Chapter Sixteen
I get back home around four, hoping to enjoy some peace and quiet for a couple more hours. I know Kyle will make an appearance at some point, but I certainly don’t expect him to come over before five.
When I hear the roar of his engine, I sigh, my stomach dropping. They must have let him out early. I had hoped he would give me the time I asked for, but this is Kyle I’m talking about.
I hear him walk toward the door. I think he’s going to knock, but he doesn’t. Instead, he sticks his key in the lock and tries to turn it…to no avail. He jiggles the key. The more he does it, the more furious his movements become. I’m rooted to the sofa, hands clasped tightly together, my heart drumming a million miles an hour.
I wait for the inevitable shouting to come, surprised and anxious when it doesn’t.
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
Immediately, my posture straightens. Who is he talking to? Jumping up, I rush to the door and look through the peephole, my anger spiking. Sarah.
“I’ve come to speak with Alice. She’s my best friend.”
I hear Kyle laugh. “Best friend? You didn’t think about that while you were fucking me, did you, sweetheart?”
I see the hurt and anger in her eyes. “Shut up. Don’t forget you’re just as much at fault as I am. We both knew what we were doing and what the consequences would be.”
When he sniggers, I see just how evil he looks. This is definitely a new side to Kyle. A side I wish I had seen when we first met.
“You’ve been friends with her since school. I’m sure she’ll forgive my indiscretion, but you? You were supposed to be her best friend. Someone who is there for her no matter what. She trusted you...relied on you.”
“And that’s not the same for you? You made vows at a church.”
“So did you. Speaking of which, how did Ethan take it?”
“That has nothing to do with you.”
He starts laughing again. “I bet he left your arse. He’s better off anyway.”
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
He shakes his head, looking at her like she’s shit on his shoe. “You’re nothing special. You don’t hold a candle to Alice.”
“Then why did you seek me out? Why were you the one to practically spend every lunch hour you could get off to sneak over to my house? Why were you the one to ring me and tell me to come over to your house when you had time for a quick fuck?”
“My wife wouldn’t let me fuck her without a condom. You offered yourself to me on a plate. How was I supposed to say no to that? If Alice had been more attentive, there’s no way I would have entertained you.”
Sarah makes a move to slap him. “You fucking bastard.”
Kyle grabs her hand and leans in. “Enjoying this, are you? I know you like a bit of rough foreplay.”
“S
top it!” I shout from behind the door. I don’t want to listen to any more of this.
Kyle turns and places his hands on the doorframe. “Babes, why doesn’t the key work? Let me in and we’ll talk.”
“I want you both to leave. I don’t want to see either of you.”
“Alice,” Sarah begins. “Please, I really need to speak with you.”
“Shut the fuck up,” Kyle barks. “You’re making this worse. Go away and let me talk with my wife.”
“I don’t want to see either of you. I told you to give me a few days, Kyle.”
“If I give you a few days, you’ll want to leave me.”
Closing my eyes, I sigh. I knew he was going to be difficult, but I kind of hoped he’d put my needs first for a change. But I guess that’s just me all over. I always tend to look for the good in people—no matter what.
“I asked you to give me time. I’m not ready to speak with either of you, especially since what I saw yesterday is still fresh in my mind.”
“See what you fucking did?” Kyle snaps. “If it weren’t for you, she’d let me in. You being here is just making things worse.”
Getting angry, I slam my hand against the door. “No, Kyle. Both of you being here is making things worse. Please, would you just leave me alone?”
“Why have you changed the locks?”
I look at the door, grateful that I have it between me and my soon-to-be ex-husband. “I’d hoped you would leave me alone for a few days, like I asked, but something inside told me you wouldn’t.”
Kyle bangs the door. “You’re my wife!”
I jump back. At first, I’m a little scared, but then I remember why I’m in this situation, which makes me angry again. “You should have thought about that when you cheated on me with my best friend.”
“Alice,” Sarah calls. “Please, let me talk with you so I can explain.”
“There’s nothing to explain,” I snap. “You both made a choice and now you must deal with the consequences. Ethan is a good man who didn’t deserve what you did. I didn’t deserve it, either.”
“I know. I know,” she wails. “Please, let me in so we can talk.”
“Will you just fuck off already?” Kyle growls at Sarah.
“Both of you go. I don’t want either of you here. Leave me alone. Please, can you just do something for me for a change?”
I close my eyes again, leaning my hand against the door as my tears flow. I didn’t intend to cry, but the frustration of this situation is just too much.
I don’t hear anything, wondering whether they’ve both left. Then I hear muffled whispers. Leaning my ear against the door, I strain to hear what they’re saying. I pick up Sarah telling Kyle to leave it be for now and that I’m not going to let them in. At least she’s got that right. If I let him in, Kyle will never leave. I have no intention of letting him force me out of my own house. If he refused to leave, that’s exactly what I’d do.
“Okay!” Kyle shouts, making me jump. “Alice?” I can hear him get closer to the door. “I will leave only if you agree to see me tomorrow.”
I sigh. I know he won’t leave until I agree. “Fine. I’ll text you when and where.” There’s no way it’s going to be here.
“Okay,” he concedes, which surprises me. “I’ll wait to hear from you.”
“Thank you.”
“I love you.”
I don’t say anything back.
“I’ll call you,” Sarah shouts.
Again, I don’t answer. Instead, I wait until they’ve both left before falling into a sobbing heap on the floor.
Chapter Seventeen
After yoga, I pick up a tea instead of my usual latte. Although I had looked for Ethan, he wasn’t around this morning, leading me to believe he’s at home, probably upset.
I sip my tea leisurely, checking my watch every few seconds. I’d agreed to meet Kyle at a nearby café on the main street in ten minutes. I know my bed will be delivered after two today, so I need to make this brief. I really don’t want to spend another night on the sofa.
Sighing, I take a few more sips of my tea, then place my unread newspaper under my arm. I had every intention of reading it, but every time I laid it out on the table, the words didn’t even register. Once I get this little meeting out of the way, I hope I can relax a bit.
Picking up my empty paper cup, I throw it in the bin before walking out into the cold air. It’s another freezing one today, so I don’t plan on staying out long—if I can help it.
Seeing as I’m a little early, I take my time, rushing bodies bouncing into one other as they pass. I smile, glad I’m not one of them, but then a knot forms in my stomach. I hate that I feel this way. Kyle was the one who destroyed our marriage, so why am I so nervous?
As I continue walking, I look at the woman in front of me, her long blonde hair flowing, her arm linked with a man’s. I immediately think of Sarah. From the back, it certainly looks like her. She’s called me several times since turning up at my doorstep yesterday, but I ignored every single one. My voicemail got so full, I deleted it altogether. If I’m not taking any of her and Kyle’s calls, I’m certainly not going to listen to their voices.
The couple stops, staring into a shop window. As I near, I narrow my eyes when the lady points to something. She turns her head slightly to the side and my breath catches. It is Sarah, but who is she with? Surely it’s not...
Then he turns, immediately catching my eye. My breath hitches again as we stare at each other. Disappointment curls inside at the thought Ethan’s already forgiven her. I don’t know why I feel that way, considering they both have nothing to do with me anymore.
Then I remember the baby. A million thoughts cross my mind. Will they think I’ll still honour our agreement? Will they still expect me to give up this baby, even though Sarah betrayed me so markedly? I haven’t had much time to think about it since I found out, but it’s at the forefront of my mind now.
As I near, Ethan smiles, but it soon fades when he spots how unhappy I look. When I turn to Sarah, all I can see is fear written across her face. As I step closer, her look implores me not to make a scene.
“Fancy bumping into you here,” Ethan says, smiling again. “I haven’t heard from you in a couple days. I hope everything’s okay.”
When I look at Sarah briefly, she mouths, Please. I want to show her how disgusted I am, but not in front of Ethan. By the looks of things, he doesn’t even know what happened.
Then it hits me. Sarah didn’t want to see me yesterday to apologise for what she had done. She wanted to beg me not to say anything. Ethan looks way too happy for a husband who has just found out his wife’s been cheating on him.
“I’ve been busy,” I explain. “The weather hasn’t been too good lately, so there have been a lot of accidents and leaks to attend to.” I smile, seeing relief flood Sarah’s face.
Ethan notices my rucksack. “Been working out this morning?”
Feeling really awkward all of a sudden, I nod. “Yes. If I can help it, I try not to miss a Saturday.”
He looks at Sarah with a smile. “I was going to this morning, but Sarah practically begged me to come shopping with her instead.”
I wonder why.
Smirking, I look toward my former friend, but she turns her head away—a sure sign of guilt. She knows Ethan and I regularly bump into each other at the gym on Saturdays.
“Pick up anything nice so far?” I ask.
“No, but I’m sure Sarah will find something. She normally does.”
I grit my teeth. The immature bitch in me wants to make a snide comment about her spending her husband’s money. I always thought Sarah loved Ethan, but I’m not so sure now. To me, it seems as though she only wants him because he’s a safe bet. Someone who is secure and can keep her in a comfortable way of life.
“I thought I saw you.”
I snap my head to the voice to see Kyle walking toward me. He smiles and throws an arm around my shoulders, as if nothing has happene
d. Instinctively, I pull away. Kyle frowns, and Ethan furrows his brows. Sarah just stands there, looking anywhere but at us.
I look at Kyle and see the moment he realises Sarah and Ethan are still together. Suddenly, he smiles. “I see all is forgiven.”
Ethan frowns. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” I say, tugging at Kyle’s jacket. “You wanted to talk, so let’s talk.” I turn to Sarah and Ethan. “Enjoy your shopping.”
I notice the confused look Ethan gives me as I storm off. I know he needs to hear what his wife has been up to, but he certainly doesn’t need to hear it on a busy street.
“What was that all about?” Kyle asks when he catches up to me. I don’t say anything. I just want to get to the café and get this talk over with. “It looks like Ethan has already forgiven Sarah. Why can’t you forgive me?”
Stopping, I turn to him. “Because there’s nothing for him to forgive.” I turn, walking the rest of the distance to the café.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Opening the door, I scowl at him. “Use your brain, Kyle. Or is it still lodged tight in your dick?”
I walk through, noticing the shocked expression on his face. Ignoring him, I sit at the nearest table. Immediately, a waitress walks over, asking what we would like.
“Can I get a Coke and a BLT?” Kyle asks.
She jots it down, then turns to me. “Can I just get an orange juice? I’m not planning on staying long.” Noting the tension, she gives us a half-smile as she takes our menus, then rushes off.
“Why are you being like this?” Kyle begins, having the nerve to look affronted.
“Being like what? Like the wife who’s recently found out her husband has been cheating on her? I’m sorry. Please, tell me. How am I supposed to be?”
As his lips thin into a hard line, he leans forward, making an attempt to grab my hands. I place them in my lap. “Look,” he says, exasperated. “I know I fucked up...” I give a little huff. He remains silent for a few seconds before speaking again. “But we can work this out. I’m sure we can. Now that this is out in the open and friendships cut loose, maybe you and I can get over this baby stuff and start concentrating on us for a change.”