“But you’ll tell me because you’re not only my cousin, you’re my best friend and we have no secrets.”
Well, they’d had a secret for two days. It appeared like the secret was out. Or would be in another moment or two. Olivia wished she’d just told Heather she couldn’t come this morning. It would be easier than…this.
They got their coffee and a table away from any other customers. Olivia blew on her cup of coffee, trying to find the right words, annoyed that Aunt Evelyn hadn’t told Heather yet.
“Livy,talk.”
“It would be better if you went and talked to your mother.”
“And I will. But first, you’ll tell me what you know.”
“I can’t. I don’t know how to tell you this.”Olivia set down the cup.
“Just tell me.”Heather’s face was a stony mask of dread.
“Okay.”She took a deep breath.“Your dad asked your mom for a divorce.”
Heather’s eyes flew open wide.“He did?”
“Yes.”
Heather frowned.“But why wouldn’t Mom tell me?”
“I don’t know. But obviously the word is out now since the Jenkins twins know. And who knows how they found out. Of course, they seem to find out everything that happens here in Moonbeam. And if the twins know it, soon the whole town will be talking about it.”
“But why would he divorce her? She does everything for him. I doubt if he even knows where the dry cleaner is to take his clothes to. And who will plan his business functions? And…well, Mom is beautiful. I always thought he liked being married to someone so glamorous and capable. She made his personal life and business life so easy for him. Not to mention he’s a hard man to please. I don’t understand…”
“I don’t know the details. But listen, I’m pretty sure there are financial issues, too.”
“Father lost his money?”Heather’s forehead creased.
“Um…no…more like your mother lost any money.”
“Surely there’s a settlement. Mom should get half of what they have, right? They’ve been married forever.”
“There’s some kind of legal paper she signed before they were married. I don’t think she’s getting much of anything.”
Heather’s eyes flashed.“That is so like him. Always in it for himself. Expecting perfection from everyone, but so underhanded himself.”
“Anyway, she’s going to move in with Mom for a bit until she sorts things out. It appears your dad is taking the house and um…moving someone new in with him.”
“That—lowlife, that scum, that scoundrel.”
Olivia let out a small laugh.“I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone actually use the word scoundrel.”
“I have more words to call him…but…I won’t. Oh, wait, scalawag.”
“That’s another good one.”
Heather looked down at her coffee, then back up.“How’s Mother doing?”
“I haven’t seen her since I found out. But Mom says she’s pretty rocky.”
“I should go see her.”
“Yes, you should.”
“This is why she’s been taking these jobs, isn’t it?”
