Chapter 47
SARAH
“So, what else is there?” Kat taps her pen on her legal pad.
I fill my cheeks with air and blow it out. “Do you think that’s enough?”
She smiles, raising her eyebrows. “Sarah, I’m not sure how you’ve kept your shit together all this time.”
I woke up this morning and knew what I had to do.
After all Slade shared with me about his mom, it didn’t feel right to talk to Griffin.
But I thought about my first day, when Kat dropped into the chair beside my desk.
I want to believe we’re friends, and she’d told me to let her know if I ever needed help.
Well, I do. My mom and Slade are right. I need her to help me keep my kids.
I also want to permanently separate from Miles’s constant narcissistic ways. But after sleeping beside Slade all night, I want the security to be able to do that every night.
I’ve fallen in love with Slade. I already knew that. That’s why his talking to Griffin without me was so devastating. But I didn’t know I could fall even harder.
When I woke up this morning, he wasn’t there. Instead, there was a note I will keep forever. Just like Slade, it was short and to the point.
Didn’t want Ollie to find me in your bed and confuse him. If you could give me a heads-up if you’re back to being mad at me today, I’d appreciate it. Thank you for being there when I needed you. Slad e
This man is always thinking of others. There’s never been a time he hasn’t had the best of intentions, caring for everyone else.
Now, all I want is to take care of him. I just need him to let me, and last night seemed like a giant leap in that direction.
I want more of it, so I’m here. Finally, brave enough to fight Miles with everything I’ve got.
“This is good, Sarah. From what you’ve told me, I’m sure he’s working with a fantastic lawyer, but even the best can’t argue against facts.
Do you have names of the women he’s been with?
I’ll need bank statements, bills, documentation of the things the kids have needed but you couldn’t afford, emails, texts, any communication you’ve had. ”
I nod. “I can send you everything I’ve given to my lawyer. He’s not doing anything productive.”
“Clearly,” she scoffs. “Don’t worry. He may be fooling everyone in New York, but his lying ass will pay up and leave you alone for good. Plus, we’re gonna get everything he owes you and then some.” She winks.
“Thank you. It’ll take me time, but I’ll pay you. I—”
“Sarah, I’d take these kinds of cases for free.” She leans back in her chair. “This is the fun part. Going after the bastards who like to push women around. You don’t owe me anything. When we win, you can buy a round of drinks, and I’m not the only one drinking this time.”
I want to hug her, and I will, but I’ll save it for later. I push out of the chair. “I’ll email you everything today.”
She nods. “Oh.”
I stop, turning back.
“Robyn and Marcie gave me the lowdown on Cory spilling your personal matters. He has no business trying to be intimidating or just a dickwad. His ass is fired.”
I shake my head. “No, don’t do that unless he violated policy.” I shrug. “He wasn’t mean, just. . .laid out the facts. Things I didn’t want anyone to know. But I’m over that now.” I smile. “You can only hide for so long.”
She smiles back.
“Plus, he’s one of those people who are just miserable. He’s good at what he does, and that’s important. This job might be the only thing he has.”
“That and Harry Pooter,” she snorts. “You’re too nice, Sarah.”
“Nah. I know what it’s like to have nothing.”
“Well, we’re going to change that.”
I take a deep breath and return to my office, hopeful for the first time in so long it’s almost foreign. A positive outlook isn’t something I’m familiar with, but I think I could get used to it.
I check my phone.
SLADE: Are you still speaking to me today?
SLADE: You know, just so I can be prepared.
I smile. The big lion is insecure. That I can handle as long as he talks to me.
ME: Good morning, Snuggle Cub.
SLADE: Is that a yes?
ME: Are you worried?
SLADE: Sarah.
ME: Hmm.
ME: I think I liked sleeping with you a little too much to stay mad at you.
SLADE: Maybe we’ll do it again sometime.
ME: That’d be convenient. Then, keeping the thermostat so low wouldn’t be an issue.
SLADE: I’ll need earplugs. You snore like a freight train.
I laugh out loud and cover my mouth.
“Something funny? ”
I twist in my chair, surprised by the amused tone.
Junior leans against my doorway. “Marcie was just telling me once upon a time, you were Miss America.” His head tips in the direction of their desks.
Marcie and Robyn are like two cute little mice. When they find the cheese, they can’t wait to scurry about and tell all their friends. I’m not mad at them. They’re young and filled with dreams about what life will be like. They should have that for as long as possible.
“Miss USA, actually. It was a beautiful dream while it lasted.”
He nods, a smirk appearing. “Beautiful is right.”
I want to roll my eyes, and it takes effort to refrain.
“That guy the other night. You knew him, didn’t you?”
I stare at him—Slade’s brother. It’s so shocking, I’m dumbfounded. Two men who couldn’t be so absolutely and completely different.
With what I know now, I understand Junior better. Kids aren’t as resilient as people like to assume. I have no doubt the home he grew up in was full of conflict. He’s a little kid starving for attention.
I smile. “Is that important to you, Junior? That I knew him.”
He shrugs one shoulder. “I saw you leave with him.” He rubs his clean-shaven chin. “Not quite what I would’ve expected to follow up Miles Crawford.”
Taking a dig at Slade has him tripping into knee in the balls territory.
“You’re right. I’m smart enough to only make that mistake once.”
I force a smile, making myself clear.
He huffs a laugh.
“Let’s go, Junior. I have to be in court in an hour,” Griffin says, passing him in the hallway.
He turns. “I’ll be around, Sarah.” That sly grin creeps across his mouth, and he winks.
I laugh. I mean, what more can I do ?
I check my email quickly to see if I’ve received anything from my professors. I hope this semester will go more smoothly than the last, and maybe I’ll actually enjoy what I’m learning.
I get to work on my latest work assignment, sorting through records to summarize a report for a long-standing custody case where neglect and addiction are involved. It’s only a small peek into the mental toll this job would take.
There’s a rush of air, and Robyn and Marcie squeeze into my office, wearing contagious smiles.
“Hey,” I say, turning and giving them my full attention.
Marcie drops down into the chair beside my desk. “We’ve been dying to ask.” She glances at Robyn. “You’ve got to tell us everything about winning Miss USA.”
“We’re talking reality TV level detail on all of the backstabbing, bitch-slapping, hairspray-on-your-butt-cheeks goods.” Robyn inches closer, her eyes growing wide.
I laugh. “I love you guys.”
“Was it filled with as much drama as the girls on The Bachelor but with a crown?” Marcie asks.
“Anytime you have women vying for the same thing, there’s drama,” I say.
“Tell us everything. We need all the beauty hacks, too,” Robyn clarifies, inching closer.
I lean back in my chair, my mind returning to that time in my life and all of the things I did to make myself stand out—to be exceptional amongst others. I learned a lot about presenting myself and what I stood for.
I realize it wasn’t all a waste. I worked my ass off to make it happen, and no matter what anyone else thinks, I earned it. That is something to be proud of.
I cross my legs and rest back in my chair. “Well, as with most things, it all starts with training.”