Page 147 of See You Maybe
“Kyle wants to complain about his ‘birthright’ being taken. What did he ever do besides use company expense accounts to cheat on me?”
“Livvy.” Jessica spread her hands wide. “Come on, this is me. I was there for the whole thing. It wasn’t one sided, was it? You are as much to blame for your marriage falling apart as he is.”
Olivia gaped at her. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but your cousin is an abusive piece of shit.”
“And you are a massive workaholic with my uncle wrapped around your finger,” Jessica snapped back. “You were so worried about succeeding, you didn’t care about Kyle’s feelings. He knew work was more important to you than him.”
“Is that a valid excuse for cheating?” Jessica blinked. “Within the first year? Hell, probably before.”
“And you were faithful?” Jessica shot back.
“Yes.”
Jessica scoffed. “Maybe you weren’t sleeping with anyone else, but you never gave Kyle a chance. You refused to see what a great guy he is, because you convinced yourself prince charming was out there waiting. You were so wrapped up in the fairy tale of your ‘Irish true love,’” Jessica mocked bitterly, “that you refused to see reality. It wasn’t true, and now this guy has sucked you in again, like he did before. I get it. Declan Bloom is hot and rich, but he’s using you, and you’re too stupid to see the truth. The second he's done with you, Declan will drop you again, but this time I won’t be there to pick up the pieces.”
Jessica’s voice had risen to a shout, and Olivia could only stare at her, stunned. How had Olivia never recognized her friend’s resentment before?
“Thank goodness for that,” a sunny voice said from the front door. Cami’s smile was so sharp Olivia was surprised Jessica wasn’t bleeding. “I knocked, but you didn’t hear me.”
Olivia’s cheeks blazed, embarrassment sweeping up her spine, but Cami breezed past them, setting a bottle of wine and a bottle of sparkling grape juice on the kitchen counter. “I was on my way home from work when Cara called wanting a girl’s night. It’s a work night, so I brought alcoholic and nonalcoholic so all our options are covered. Sorry for the ambush, Olivia.”
“I…um…”
Jessica glared at Olivia and then Cami.
Cami’s eyes glinted as she tapped a finger against her lip, pretending to think. “Irish true love, huh?”
Olivia hadn’t thought it possible for her cheeks to get any hotter, but she was wrong.
“We are talking about Declan, right? It makes me so happy to hear that’s how you feel about my brother-in-law. After all, he has you permanently inked on his body.” The smile she turned on Jessica was anything but friendly. “Isn’t it the most romantic story you’ve ever heard? Almost like star-crossed lovers, but in this case, there is a happy ending. Like all good love stories, they had to tackle some monsters along the way.”
Jessica’s mouth opened like she wanted to argue, but Cami kept talking. “Cara is going to be here soon, and Dahlia will be here straight from her meeting. Luckily, she was still in town.” Cami paused for dramatic effect and then turned to Jessica. “I’d invite you to stay, but this is kind of a family girl’s night, and considering how you feel about Declan, you might want to go before his sister gets here. She’s a tad protective.”
“I’m so disappointed in you,” Jessica hissed and then slammed the front door. Despite herself, Olivia winced. Jessica had known her long enough to know how those words would affect her.
“Oh my gosh.” Cami grimaced. “I’ve never been so mean in my entire life, but that girl… I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
The bridge of Olivia’s nose tingled, and she bit her tongue.
Do not cry in front of this woman. Do not cry.
“Hey,” Cami’s voice was soft as she came forward hesitantly. “It’s okay to cry.”
Olivia sniffed. “Thank you for that.”
Cami waved her hand. “Don’t thank me. No offense, but your friend is a bitch.” She twisted off the top of the wine and smiled. “Don’t judge me. Twist top is still good.”
“She’s not my friend. Not anymore.”
“I think that’s for the best,” Cami said, opening the other bottle. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I heard a bit of what you said… about your ex-husband.”
Shame cascaded through Olivia.
“The Kyle in hiding thing… I assume that means Declan knows what he did to you?” Cami asked. Olivia managed a small nod. “In that case, he’s smart to hide.”
“Who’s smart to hide?” Cara’s voice sounded, as she paraded in holding three pizza boxes. “I took pity on the delivery guy in the driveway getting the third degree from your watch dog. I’m surprised Dec didn’t insist it be Brady or Vincent personally.”
“Personally what?” The door shut behind Dahlia.