Page 23 of Open for Negotiation
“I’m so lonely, Maxie. This whole divorce thing...” she blinks rapidly, making sure I see the tears forming in her eyes, “it’s been really hard for me lately. I know I put on a strong face, but... I miss you.”
She is a master manipulator, I learned my lesson the hard way, but she’s also sick… Dealing with her is a delicate balance, but sometimes, I snap.
“You miss the control you thought you had over me and you miss my money. You have made this entire divorce a fucking nightmare and you need to get the fuck out of my house before I call the police.” I open the front door and motion for her to leave.
As quickly as the tears appeared, they disappeared. “Damn, tough crowd. Forgive me for just wanting a little attention from my husband for the night.”
“Ex-husband,” I correct her.
“Not yet. Nothing is final.” She moves to walk past me but stops, placing her hand on my chest. “I love you, Maxie. And tell whoever she is that she’ll never do it like I do.”
“Get out,” I growl.
“Ohhh I like it when you’re angry.” I watch with clenched fists as she waltzes down my driveway toward the gate like she owns the world.
And when I close the front door, I don’t head back to bed.
I search for the manual for my security system so I can reset the entry code.
By the time I wind down and slip into the comfort of my sheets, my phone vibrates with an incoming text message.
Scarlett: When can I see you again? ;)
My entire body reacts to the message like I’m a goddamned teenager.
We’re off to the races now.
