Chapter 26
I had scripted the scene in my mind. I would propose divorce, and Bryant would readily agree. It would be dignified yet simple.
“Did he say something?” Christine asked.
“He said…” Just thinking about his words choked me up. “He said I was into Mark.” “Wait, what?” Christine was flabbergasted and burst into laughter out of sheer frustration. “How does his brain even work? Back in college, Steven and the guys could tell you were into Bryant and even asked me about it. And now he thinks you’re into Mark?”
“That’s why I couldn’t hold back. I hit Bryant.” I looked down, feeling a bit wrong as if all my efforts over the past seven never
years had been futile. Or perhaps his thoughts ha lingered on me, so he couldn’t even discern who I had feelings for.
Soon after, our food delivery arrived.
Christine brought in two huge bags of groceries, meticulously placing them in the empty fridge.
I moved to help, but she pushed my hand away. “Did you forget you’re pregnant? Just sit down.”
“I never knew you had a homemaker side to you, I joked.
“Taking care of pregnant women starts with me,” she quipped back, finishing up tidily before grabbing a couple of beers and leaning on my shoulder, slowly sipping.
The lights outside shone brilliantly. We fell into a long silence.
Eventually, Christine burped softly and asked, Jane, do you think there are any good men in this world?”
“There are,” I assured her, recalling how wonderful my father was and how often I saw happiness on my mother’s face. People say you can tell how good a husband is by looking at his wife.
Christine squinted her eyes, smiling mischievously. “Then I’ll pray day and night that the next guy you fall for is good.”
“What about you?” I asked.
She smirked, shaking her head mysteriously don’t care because… I’m not exactly a good woman myself!” Laughing at her declaration.
*Jane,
“Who says…” Before I could finish, she drunkenly hugged my shoulder, continuing, dont be sad. What’s the big deal about divorce? The world keeps spinning without anyone. You’ll be better off without Bryant. Don’t worry. Just focus on your pregnancy. Once the baby is born, we’ll raise her together. The love I can give might surpass what
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Chapter 26
Bryant, that bastard, could offer…”
Her words were comforting and empowering, even as tears rolled down my cheeks.
Christine didn’t leave the next day, helping me pack up my belongings and bringing warmth back to the cold, empty house.
On Monday, we went to the Ferguson Group together. She went to work, and I went to resign.
She didn’t quite agree with my resignation at first. “Why should you resign? They’re the ones who did wrong. Stay and let them be the ones to get upset.”
“Out of sight, out of mind,” I replied.
She nodded, understanding my point, especially considering my pregnancy.
Somehow getting wind of the news, Margaret waited in my office, assuming the posture of a victor. “Heard Bryant wants a divorce, huh? Jane, you weren’t all that, after all.”
“I left him.” Clutching my hands and stepping forward in my comfortable flats, I said calmly, “Trash should stay with trash.”
“You…” Margaret fumed, but then, as if a new thought struck her, she changed her tune. “Whatever. Since you’re divorcing, shouldn’t you return the shares Bryant gave you?”