Terms + Conditions (Strangers #3)

Chapter Thirty

CHAPTER THIRTY

NOW

ELIZABETH IS ALREADY GONE when I wake up the next morning. Her nightgown and robe hang from the hook next to the sink; the shower is still wet from where she got ready. There’s a lipstick-stained mug still sitting on the vanity, half full. Glancing out the window over the tub, I can see it’s overcast. The sun tries to peek through, but the clouds refuse to let it. The waves seem a little rougher today, the tide a little higher. Let’s just hope this isn’t some kind of omen.

When I walk downstairs, Jeremy is making breakfast—pancakes, and from the looks of it, he’s attempting to make them into Christmas shapes. Attempting being the keyword. Selena and Elijah cuddle on the couch in the TV room just off the kitchen, and Georgie has curled herself up in the armchair. She looks a little paler than normal, still dressed in her pajamas, clutching one of the pillows to her abdomen. From the sounds of it, they’re watching your basic Hallmark Christmas movie—Selena’s favorite. Lola and Elizabeth try to offer Jeremy guidance from the kitchen island, telling him how to make his pancakes a little more Christmasy and a little less blobby. I don’t think about it, I walk straight up to my wife and kiss her temple, pulling her into my side. Elizabeth sinks further into me. I’m almost certain she lets out a small sigh of contentment, but it’s probably just my imagination. After our conversation last night, I know it’s nothing more than that.

Everyone is accounted for except Noah. I take a second look around and, this time, notice him sitting outside by a small fire. Pouring two cups of coffee, I shoot a wink at Elizabeth, who watches with careful observation before I walk out. This seems like the perfect opportunity to figure out what in the hell is going on between him and Georgie. Call me nosy, but I’d consider myself more of a concerned acquaintance. Noah and I have never been super close, but he’s a good guy. He might love talking about stocks, bonds, and his most recent investment a little too much, but he can be a lot of fun if you get him away from his normal topic of conversation. And he’s pretty funny.

It’s bitterly cold as soon as I step outside, and the breeze has picked up, whipping around me, pushing and pulling me slightly as I make my way around the pool toward the cabana. Noah has dropped three of the plastic enclosures, offering some shelter from the wind, but the fire still whips back and forth in the pit, refusing to give in. Despite the front wall remaining open, it’s much warmer inside the shelter than I anticipated. There’s a mug in his hand, resting on the top of his knee as he reads through the newspaper, but he hasn’t taken a drink since I stepped outside. “You looked like you needed another,” I say, offering one of the coffees.

Noah glances up. Setting the old mug down and folding his newspaper, he takes the new mug with a slight laugh. “That obvious?”

“You’ve been a little quieter than normal.” I take a sip, feeling the liquid warm my insides as it works its way through my system. “Everything okay?”

Noah sighs. He traces the edges of the mug, staring into the dark liquid. Finally, he looks up. “How do you do it?”

“Do what?”

“You and Elizabeth. You’ve been through so much together. Ups and downs, highs and lows, good times and bad, but you always come out on the other side…stronger.”

My stomach drops.

“I’ve always admired that about you guys. You’ve been together for so long. That feels rare nowadays.”

“It’s not always easy.”

“No, I imagine not, but you still make it work.” He shakes his head slightly, chewing on his bottom lip. “Gi and I have only been together maybe half the time you have, and I’ve never felt more distant.”

“Something happen?” I watch his head bob subconsciously, but he doesn’t say anything aloud. “Noah?”

“Georgie had an affair.” Noah’s words shock me and I almost drop my coffee. Georgie may be a lot of things, but a cheater? I would have never seen that coming. He runs a hand over his hair before tightening the bun that hangs at the base of his neck. “I’ve been traveling a lot, trying to secure a deal out in Washington, and before that, it was Europe…It’s always been this way. She knew that. It never bothered her before; it meant she had the freedom to do what she wanted, when she wanted, and the money to do it with. When I was home, we’d spend it all together…but I guess it became too much, and she…she started an affair with someone at her father’s company.”

“Christ.” I sigh, raking a hand over my face.

“She’s pregnant.”

This time, the mug does fall from my hands, falling to the cement and chipping the rim. “Fuck, Noah. I’m so sorry.”

He chews on the inside of his cheek, shaking his head in disbelief like he’s still trying to process the words himself. “We can’t all get it right the first time, can we? Or, in my case, the second time.”

“Third time’s a charm?” I joke because it’s better than the alternative, and he laughs. Noah doesn’t talk about his previous marriage much, and Georgie only mentioned in the past that they were college sweethearts who eloped against his parents’ wishes before they decided to go their separate ways. She never explained why, but I had a feeling it had to do with Noah’s mother.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to dump this on you.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I shrug. “We all have shit going on.”

“I’ve decided to file for divorce,” Noah says, looking up from his hands. Shit, he’s really dropping the bombs this morning. “We’ve been trying to make it work, but—”

“You don’t have to explain yourself. I get it. That’s a hard line to come back from.” Elizabeth and I may be in our own fucked up situation, but at least I know she didn’t cheat on me—even if she’s convinced herself that I cheated on her. “That’s why we’re not at your parents’ this weekend?”

Noah nods. “I tried to keep it from them, but you know my mom. She has a way of getting things out of you, and when I told them…At first, they tried to say I should make it work, but when Mom found out Gi is pregnant.” A heavy sigh. “It was the final straw.”

“They never seemed that fond of her to begin with.” I take a sip of my coffee making sure to avoid the chipped section of the rim.

“Mom has always been skeptical of anyone I bring home. Once people find out you have that kind of money it changes things. You get it, being related to the Villas.”

Being related to Elizabeth alone is enough to make someone understand.

“Georgie doesn’t know it yet. So, I would appreciate your discretion about it.”

“You haven’t told her? Shit, Noah!”

“No.” He groans. “I hadn’t decided until a few days ago. I’ve been trying to make it work, but I can’t get past it. And I didn’t want to ruin her weekend with you guys. What a downer to the party, y’know?”

Oh, trust me, I know all about that.

“When we get home, we’ll have that conversation. Truthfully, I think she knows it’s coming.”

“There you are!” Elijah shouts as he and Jeremy get closer to us. I didn’t even notice them come outside. “What are you guys doing out here? Breakfast is ready.”

“That was fast,” I say to Jeremy. When I left, he was still struggling. “Give up on the shapes?”

“The girls took over. Their shapes put mine to shame.”

“I need a refill anyway,” Noah says, standing from his chair. “Thanks again, Josh.” Patting my shoulder gently, he walks back to the house, and his words from moments ago strike a chord in me.

Was Ryan’s choice to want to work things out with Elizabeth because of her relation to the Villas? Because of her own wealth? It wouldn’t be hard to do a little digging and figure out that kind of information.

The thought of him only wanting to fix things between them because of this sudden revelation leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

There’s something about this guy I don’t like, and it’s not just because he’s dating my wife. Not to mention, Nina doesn’t like him. That’s what Nick says anyway. So, why is Elizabeth so adamant about pursuing this relationship with him? I doubt she’d tell me anything if I asked…

“What was that about?” Elijah asks, looking back from Noah’s retreating figure.

“Oh, nothing,” I lie with a tight-lipped smile. “He was just asking me a quick marketing question. C’mon, let’s go before they steal all the good pancakes.”