Chapter 27 April—Stinky chairs and silver foxes
A few months after Shane kicked her out, April joined a divorce support group.
Maybe some eligible men would be there. Heartbroken men were the easiest prey.
But no, it had been full of mournful women, sobbing into tissues and cheering each other on like demented life coaches. That had lasted about one week.
“April *throat clear*, I think we should switch desks. *throat clear* The sun falls on your desk *throat clear* and my doctor says I’m low in Vitamin D. *throat clear* Kate said to ask you to swap *throat clear*,” he rasped to her breasts. *Throat clear*
That was the final straw. She would hand in her notice that afternoon.
Nothing was left for her in this town. She’d sold a great deal of her designer gear to afford her Botox and lip filler.
While Shane had been annoying, he’d provided a stable and secure life.
She should have just pushed herself to make it work with him.
That was no longer an option. He hated her and was cozied up with bloody Heidi from the mountain.
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Three weeks later, April had settled into her new apartment.
It was modest, and way below her standards, but it would do for now.
She was starting a new job next week and looking forward to moving on.
Shopping for some new shoes was her reward to herself.
Her experiences over the last few months had awakened something in her.
Anna and Shane seemed happy. She and Mason were unhappy.
The lesson seemed clear, but it was uncomfortable to confront that feeling.
She wasn’t a bad person. She’d just fallen in love.
No, that was a lie. She never loved Mason or Shane.
She’d come closer with Mason, but never fully reached the love stage.
She’d also never had real friends before.
The divorce support group, while equal parts pathetic and depressing, had triggered something in her.
These women supporting each other actually cared about how stupid Susie’s son felt, or how Maddie was coping with her ex-in-laws.
That felt strange to April. She didn’t have a relationship like that with the real cousin Tina.
Tina hadn’t even asked for more information when April asked her to be her cover story.
She’d just said “Okay, whatever. Go get some.”
She decided her next relationship would be for love. She’d have what her parents never did. She’d have happiness and a true soulmate. She’d find some friends. Not sniffling, depressing friends though. Friends she could have fun with. Share stories with.
As she strolled down the street, she bumped into a man, causing her to drop her coffee.
“Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
She looked up into the eyes of an older man.
He looked like he was in his 50s, with salt and pepper hair and a neatly trimmed beard.
He wasn’t quite a silver fox, not even close, but he was wearing a Hugo Boss suit that appeared to be tailored.
His briefcase was Italian leather, and his shoes were so ugly that they had to be expensive.
“I’m fine, you darling man. My name is April,” she held out her hand. I’m not really flirting; it’s just muscle memory.
He held her hand and shook it gently. His wedding ring glinted in the sunlight. Damn it, she thought. It must be an unhappy marriage though if he’s so obviously checking me out. Maybe his wife ignores him.
“I think I owe you more than a fresh coffee. How about a drink tonight?” he suggested.
No April, no, she thought. He took his keys out of his pocket. Porsche keys.
“I would love that, handsome,” she cooed, handing over her phone so he could enter his number.
While he was unlikely to be her soulmate, she could do with some pampering from a man.
This would help her move on. She deserved to be spoiled for a bit after what she’d gone through and all she had lost. True love could wait.
Let’s give Mr. Porsche a chance, she thought.