Chapter 4
Dolores hard just swiped Adam’s card. To her, her savings were meant for stuff that actually mattered, not splurging on posh hotels.
She rang up Gail, found out she was home, and drove right over, completely ignoring James, who was dogging her heels in his car.
Pulling up, Dolores yanked her bags from the trunk and accidentally nicked her finger on some tacky decoration.
Blood started to drip, but it was no biggie. She just shrugged it off and headed for Gail’s place on the 17th floor. The door was swung wide open- Gail clearly couldn’t wait
ginside. Dolores, luggage and all, caught Gail off guard.
Stepping
Gail, mid–beauty mask, ditched her skincare fuss and hurried over, her concern all over her face. “Why the hell didn’t you say you were bringing bags! And what the hell happened to your hand!”
Spotting Gail frantic for a first–aid kit, Dolores waved her off. “Chill, it’s practically healed:
“Christ, your hands are like freaking gold. You should baby them more. You know, like those planists who’d sooner lock their hands in a vault than miska scratch,” said Gail with true concem.
Dolores couldn’t help but chuckle at Gail’s over–the–top worry, the laughter shaking off some of her gloom. “Don’t sweat it, it’s just a scratch. Won’t slow me down.”
Seeing Dolores brush it off, Gail switched topics, her tone turning serious. “So, about that gig I mentioned before. Did you think it over!” Dolores took a beat, still on the fence, and held off on answering.
“Mr. Wood really means business. His studio is a big deal in the antique restoration scene–only top–tier talent gets in. He personally hit me up because he thinks you’re the shit. If you weren’t so set on flying under the radar, I’d have already spilled your digits!” Gail’s words carried a mix of pep talk and regret.
Dolores was a restoration ace, her skills sharpened from childhood under her mom’s guidance. She aimed for a museum career post–college, but life threw her a curveball, landing her in a marriage with Adam, relegating her to his “keeper.” She had been picking up side gigs through Gail as a
freelance restorer,
But now, ready to turn the page with a divorce in the wings, she was eager for a fresh start. “Alright, tell him I’m in Dolores decided at last, her eyes alight with resolve.
“You re on board” Gail’s eyes bugged out, as Dolores had always been reluctant before.
“Yep. Tm up for it. And I can start anytime,” Dolores stated, clear and strong-
“Anytime? Gail gasped. “What about your Walcott Group nanny gig?”
“The peared out,” Dolores said breezily
Gail Clurked her tongue, recalling the hot mess of headlines about Adam and Alison that morning. “You should’ve ditched him way sooner. Adam is
derest in the mecals you fuss over. He and Alison are perfect for each other, Just ripoff the band–aid and get the divorce done
Worn out from all the drama, Dolores lounged on the sofa, her voice low. “I pushed for a divorce, but he is clinging to that damn contract till it runs
welcome her back
fall snofed. “That jerk is really milking his act After Alon blew him off to go global like he’d let you slip away or warmly w without prieving lư’s still got it. Het she would dump his ass again in a heartbeat”
That angle hadut hat Dolores before, but Gail’s take suddenly made it clear. So, he is just playing his part to keep up
ceu up his i imagel” Dolores thought “For real, you shouldn’t pull punebes, just blast your marriage license online, and let netizens give them a schooling. Pin that homewrecker label on
Dandones shook her head, coustering gently. “Halt, let the mess up tha
their own lives. Making a scene now? I’d be the
the one screwed over trying to date
1/2
leed Romance.
Chapter 1
A |
from the fridge modera
ne open for Dolores. “Here’s no you getting the bell out of your dry?
Just as Boburs was alumn take a weig, the dustbe||
“Wiss the fuck is it now?” Gini momcrest under her bucati as she i
It was James at the don, baking meer distress
airs, and he says you
He porked into the living room and said to Dolores, “Mrs Walcott, Mr. Walcott down right m
Dolores scombed, her voice tinged with irritation. “If
na wait, he con damn well keep walling”
in las car, which ain’t amily as cozy. We’ll see what lasts longer t
“Mex. Yapa Walcott just spoke wild Mr. Walcott
She thought to herself, I’ve got a county bed gulped down her been in
Olovannsly, James condict pass ber blunt. ssage in to Adam. Instead, he made up a quick i She unmich like she’s not feeling well.
Before James could finish, Dolores’s phone rang, displaying Yara Walcott’s name, Despite Dolores and Adam’s complex relationship, Yara had always treated Dolores like her own daughter, showering her with gifts and siding with her during arguments,
Dolores picked up the call. “Hey, Yara”
Dolores, I just called Adam, and he said you weren’t home, is that boy out causing trouble agalar Yara’s tour was a mix of worry and alumniishment –she never hesitated in lay into Adam.
No. Tm post at a friend’s celebrating her bintulay, Dolores responded smoothly, masking the tension in her voice,
Yara had experienced severe complications during Adlan’s birth, which left her weak for years. Wanting to shield her from additional stress, Doslones ludn’t mentioned the ma trife on her thing!
Seeing Dolores spin her tale without banting an eyelid, Gail rolled her
Yara’s Trail voler came through again. “Dolores, after the party, why don’t you built r
me and stay at the Elmore Estate tonight
tonight? His dad is away on
Worried, Dolores asked, “Yata, are you okay? Have y
“It’s mulung serious. I got this utiful ruby at
people don’t really go for tluse ülil
Altera joner, The es agteril, “Okay, I’ll swing
tinket. I want you
come are it. You know, you young
Trolowes might hav made an excuse at it has just been
collecting some trinket, but Yara’s alling conditions left her to cholca
Aware that does’s mid was made up, tail walked her down, whispering just before they parted. “Bet your ther in law is pulling strings
a
Cutside, Alarm was leaning against his cat, a cigarette slangling from its fingers, looking complex and pensive and the smoke. As Dolores’s Toastejo rated, he honked up slowly, their eyes la king in a silently charged moment
