Chapter 0014
Flona
Shock rockets through me as Ethan lifts my stepmother into the air with a growl. He moves between us and drops her, sending her to the ground in a crumpled heap.
“I don’t hurt women,” Ethan says, “But if I see you harining Plona again, I may not be so polite again.”
The threat sits heavy in the air, clear to everyone that he’s tot lying. His clenched fists, narrow eyes, and set jaw are aimed directly at my stepmother before he shifts and glares at Jack and Jessica
Honestly, it’s nice to have someone stand up for me even if he’s slightly terrifying
With an outraged gasp, my stepmother jumps to her feet and huffs. Then, like a two–year–old throwing a tantrum, she stomps her foot and whines, “Why would someone like you defend her?”
“Somone like her is better than an abusive, self–centered snake like you.” Ethan’s insult makes my stepmother gawk, her eyes nearly popping out of her head.
Ethan stares her down, and without looking at me, he holds out a hand. I slip my hand in his and allow him to help me to my feet, grabbing Mom’s will as I stand.
But she-
“Enough,” Ethan snaps. “You will not harm her again. Is that clear?”
Everyone, including me, looks at Ethan, and even though it takes a minute, they all begrudgingly agree. Whether they keep their word or not, we will see, but for now, their agreement pacifies Ethan.
Thank you, Ethan,” I mumble.
He nods, and before he can say anything else to me, I bolt to my car. The tension in the air finally diffuses as I climb into my car and pull away from the wretched house.
A few blocks away, I jump when my phone rings. Is it Ethan?
Nope. It’s just Isla.
“Hey, Isla,” I greet, answering the phone.
and I bet she’s
“Hey! First things first, how are things going? How was the party?” Her words are fast and eager, and I bet dying to figure out if Ethan and I have moved our relationship forward.
However, I don’t think I’m quite ready to tell her about the contract agreement we’ve made. I’m sure she would support me but I don’t know if I can admit it to her yet.
“The party was terrible. Jack and Jessica were there and all over each other, and I had the hardest time finding a lawyer,” I tell her with a sigh. “There was a guy who tried to assault me, and if Ethan hadn’t been there…”
“What?”
The screech makes me jump and swerve.
“Are you okay?”
I nod even though she can’t see me and take a deep breath.“Yeah, I’m fine, and with Ethan’s help, I ended the night safely and have a lawyer.”
“Ethan for the win!” She shouts, and again, I pull the phone away from my ear. I love her, but she can be too loud
Chapter 0014
at times.
+25 BONUS
“Well I have more good news for you,” she tells me, then continues, “I know you didn’t ask me to, but I wanted to help you, so I started asking around and found you a clerical job!”
A clerical job? I did mention to her I’d wanted to get a job, but I didn’t get a chance to look for anything
“And the boss wants to meet you at Rolling Beans coffee shop at eleven.”
I glance at the clock. 10:32.
“It’s so sudden, but oh my God, I can’t wait to talk to them. Who am I meeting?” I ask, and the smile pulling at my lips grows wider. This could be another step to getting out from under my failed marriage.
Isla tisks, saying, “It’s a surprise.”
Does that mean I know this person?
Curious, I take the next turn toward town. Nerves and excitement flutter in my stomach as I drive past homes, shops, and finally pull into the little parking lot of Rolling Beans.
After fixing my hair and climbing out of my car, I check myself in the window’s reflection and straighten out my clothes. I can’t walk into a possible job interview with wrinkled clothes and mussed up hair.
The slight burn in my scalp follows me inside, but I ignore it and look around.
“Fiona.”
I turn and my eyes land on a familiar face.
“Chris?”
He smiles and holds out a hand, saying, “Hey, Isla told me you were looking for a job, and I happen to be looking for some help.”
“You’re who I’m meeting?” I ask, shocked. I haven’t seen Chris in years. We’d been good friends when we were kids but had drifted apart due to our interests. I try to think back to the last time we talked but can’t remember when it was.
Chris chuckles. I smile. Isla always thought we would be a cute couple, but it had never happened. No wonder she was so excited by her surprise.
