Page 71 of Theirs to Treasure

I walk to the window of my apartment and stare out.

Since the debacle, I haven’t heard from any of them. No doubt that’s Forrest’s doing. Or maybe they no longer care. If they ever had.

Still, nothing can remain secret for long. Is it better that I find out now?

I appreciate the way she asked rather than just blurting out her news. Not that I’m surprised.

My friend has been a godsend, checking on me constantly since I moved out of the home I shared with Zev and Forrest, and yesterday she offered me a job.

Determined to make my own decisions, I accepted, and I’m grateful the position is administrative rather than sales. Her shop is constantly busy, and her employees spend hours a day on their feet.

Even though I’m not very far along yet, my energy level isn’t what it was even a few weeks ago.

Best of all, I can work from home when I need to, which means I don’t have to quit when the baby arrives.

Finally she breaks the silence that I’ve allowed to grow. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“No. I appreciate that you did. And yes, I want to hear the gossip.” Why not? After all, since I ran, I’ve mostly stayed inside the apartment. I’ve read half a dozen books, watched endless shows about baby development, and now that I’ve exhausted those, I’ve moved onto baking programs.

“Keep in mind, this is just something one of my clients told me.”

“Got it. Disclaimer has been noted.”

“Edward married your sister.”

The words bounce around in my mind.

Since I half expected that, I’m not surprised. Disillusioned, maybe. Even grossed out a little. If he’d married me, would he have kept her as his mistress?

I shudder. And where was loyalty from my family?

How is it possible I’m related to them?

“And…”

“There’s more?”

“Someone posted his picture in an online group, you know, where women try to find out if their man has been cheating. Asking for tea or red flags.”

“Oh?”

“Evidently he has at least two side women.”

I return to the living room to sink onto a chair.

“I looked it up for myself. One of them says he’s her baby daddy and is six months behind on child support.”

I gasp. “He has a kid?”

“Take it with a grain of salt. Could be someone who’s trying to stir up drama.”

I feel a twinge of sympathy for my sister.

“He’s a real piece of shit.” She pauses for a second. “I’m glad you found out when you did.”

So am I.

We exchange a few more words, and I promise I’ll be in on Monday for some training before the current employee leaves the position in two weeks.