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  Kennedi finally sat down on the sofa but then quickly stood back up and headed into the kitchen. Once there, she pulled a wineglass from the cabinet and a bottle of Riesling from the refrigerator, opened the bottle, and filled the crystal goblet to the rim. They rarely kept alcohol of any kind in the house, but two months back, when she and Blake had invited over a couple of friends for a visit, Blake had decided to pick some up. Although as it had turned out, their company had taken a rain check and Blake and Kennedi had never gotten around to drinking the wine. Of course, she’d never drunk on a consistent basis anyway, but right now she needed something to help calm her nerves. She needed something to relax her body, and she was hoping this would help her sleep much better than she had the night before.

  She took the bottle and glass back into the family room and dropped back down on the sofa. But just as she did, the doorbell rang. She wasn’t sure who it could be, but what she did know was that she wasn’t in the mood for any company. Not today, not tomorrow, not anytime in the near future.

  But when it rang again, three times in a row, she went to the entryway.

  “Who is it?”

  “Uh, yes, I’m looking for Kennedi Arlene Mason.”

  “Okay.”

  “I have a delivery for her.”

  Kennedi frowned and then opened the door.

  “Kennedi Arlene Mason?” he confirmed.

  “Yes, that’s me.”

  The man smiled apologetically. “You’ve been served.”

  Kennedi took the envelope from him and shut the door. Then she started back toward the family room, opened the envelope, and wanted to die. In her hand was a divorce petition, and all she could think was that Blake had to have filed this well before he’d told her he was leaving. How dare he do this to her. How dare he try dismissing her, fast and in a hurry, like she never mattered to him. Like they had not an iota of history together.

  Kennedi tossed the petition onto the table, drank every drop of the wine she’d poured just before being interrupted, and then filled her glass to the top all over again. Then she leaned back on the sofa and pretended she didn’t have a care in the world. Not about Blake or anything else.

  After finishing off the entire bottle, Kennedi felt a little lightheaded but couldn’t stop thinking about that idiot she was married to. So she grabbed the phone and called him. And called him. And called him. But he didn’t answer. She debated leaving a message but then hung up.

  I don’t love you anymore, I haven’t for a long time, and I want a divorce. Kennedi replayed Blake’s words over and over and over again, and then dialed his number in a heated fury one last time. Surprisingly, he answered.

  “Hello?”

  “You know what, Blake, you are, without a doubt, the most rotten and pathetic person I know.”

  “Kennedi, please. Why are you calling me?”

  “Because I felt like it and because you owe me an explanation.”

  “Really? Well, that’s strange, because I thought I explained everything pretty well when I saw you yesterday.”

  “Well, you didn’t, and the very least you can do is talk to me.”

  “Why would I do that, when there’s nothing else to talk about? Especially not after you acted like a complete fool at the restaurant earlier.”

  “Blake, what exactly did you expect me to do? Smile and then tell that tramp it was a pleasure to meet her?”

  “This is crazy. And I have to go.”

  “Where are you?”

  “Why?”

  “Because I wanna know.”

  “Well, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “Why are you doing this?”

  “Because I’ve got a new life now, and you and I have said all we need to say to each other.”

  “Myyyy goodness. What has this woman done to you? Buried your nasty drawers somewhere out in her backyard? Has she got you so caught up that you no longer have a brain in your head?”

  “I’m hanging up.”

  “No, just let me ask you one thing.”

  “What?”

  “When did you file for a divorce?”

  “Two weeks ago. But I asked my attorney not to have the papers served until today or sometime after because I wanted to talk to you first.”

  “So, the fact that I’ve loved you with all my heart and have been completely devoted to you since the beginning means absolutely nothing to you?”

  “Kennedi, please, let’s not do this.”

  “Just answer me.”

  “Why can’t you just leave this alone?”

  “Because after ten years, you owe me a legitimate reason for walking out on me.”

  “But that’s just it, I’ve already told you what the deal is, and to be honest, I don’t know how many other ways you want me to spell it out for you. I just don’t love you anymore. Maybe the way people love their sisters, but not as my wife. End of story.”

  Kennedi’s body went numb. It was true that yesterday he’d basically told her the same thing, but this time, she’d heard him loud and clear. She’d heard him in a way that couldn’t be misunderstood, and she finally got it. So much so that her sadness and sarcasm quickly shifted to rage.

  “You know what I hope? That you have a massive heart attack and die. Instantly. And preferably tonight, if you can manage it.”

  “See, this is why I didn’t want to answer your call. But before I hang up, you should know that I had to work real hard to stop Serena from calling the police and pressing charges against you for that stunt you pulled today. So, if I were you, I’d consider myself warned.”

  “Warned? No, you’re the one who’d better consider yourself warned, because if I see you and that tramp, Serena, as you say, out in public again before this divorce is final, both of you can expect a lot more than what happened today. More than both of your sorry little minds could ever imagine.”

  “Are you threatening us?”

  “Take it whichever way you want to.”

  “Well, just know if you try anything, I’m having you arrested.”

  “Do I sound like I care about any of that? Do I sound like I’m worried about you, her, or the police? Do I?”

  “You would if you knew what was good for you.”

  “And if you know what’s good for you, you’d better pray to God I don’t have HIV, because I’m sure you were too thoughtless and too stupid to even think about wearing a condom.”

  “Trust me. My girl doesn’t have anything like that, so you don’t have a thing to worry about.”

  “How do you know?”

  “Because I know her better than that.”

  Kennedi laughed out loud. “I guess you really are that stupid.”

  “Look, I’m hanging up now, and I would really appreciate it if you would make this your last time bothering us.”

  “Blake, go straight to—” she screamed, but he hung up before she could finish. She had a mind to dial him back, but instead, she tossed the phone to the side of her and glared at their wedding photo again.

  Then she picked up the empty wine bottle and flung it against the fireplace.

  Chapter 6

  If waking up with an excruciating headache was the real reward for drinking too much, Kennedi had no clue why anyone would ever choose to become intoxicated. She’d only drunk a full bottle of wine and felt miserable, so she couldn’t imagine what the effect would have been had she consumed gin, vodka, or brandy, all of which had been three of her father’s favorites until the day he’d died ten years ago. He’d struggled with a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and gout, but none of his ailments gave him reason enough to stop drinking on a regular basis. He wasn’t per se an alcoholic, at least not by most people’s standards, but he never went one day without having at least a couple of strong cocktails. But because of his frequent drinking habit and his refusal to drop the seventy-five pounds his doctor had practically begged him to get rid of, he’d ultimately had a massive h
eart attack and died.

  Kennedi still remembered how devastated she and her mother had been and just how tragic it was to lose her father so instantly. This was also the reason she regretted wishing the same demise upon Blake yesterday evening. Lord knows she hadn’t meant it, because no matter what he’d done to her, she certainly didn’t want him dead. She would never hope for anyone’s death, and the only reason she’d stooped to such a vengeful level, aside from her alcohol intake, was because of the way he was treating her—the way he was hurting her to the core and acting as if he had every right to do it. He was acting as if she should accept his affair with open arms and then congratulate him. Of course, that was never going to happen, but as of this very moment, she decided that her marriage truly was over for good and that it really was time for her to move on, the same as Blake kept advising her to. It was time Kennedi focused on Kennedi, and that was exactly what she was going to do. She’d be lying at an all-time high if she said she no longer loved her husband, but she knew she could never take him back, not after hearing him insist so adamantly that he didn’t love her, and surely not after he’d put her life in danger.

  Which reminded her, she’d either have to make an appointment with her primary care physician or go online to purchase one of those at-home kits one of her coworkers had told her about back when she’d learned her own husband was sleeping around, but regardless, Kennedi needed to take care of this right away. She needed to get herself tested so she’d have one less thing to worry about. Although who would have guessed that she’d ever have to worry about something of this magnitude at all? She clearly hadn’t, and she could even remember how sorry she’d felt for her coworker when she’d confided in Kennedi about her own situation, and how the first thing Kennedi had thought was how glad she was that she’d never have to worry about being in a predicament where she would be too ashamed to go to her own doctor and then have to resort to some sort of Internet drugstore. This had been just a year ago, and little had she known Blake had already been placing her at risk.

  Kennedi finally forced her body into an upright position and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her head pounded more intensely than it had been while she’d been lying down, and she knew she had to take something. She’d been thinking that the aching would eventually subside without the help of any pain medication, but she could tell that wasn’t going to happen. Getting drunk so hadn’t been worth it, she thought, and then she closed her eyes and said, “God, please forgive me for doing this to myself. Forgive me for all of the hateful thoughts I’ve been having and for the violent nature I’ve been conveying. You know my heart is so much better than that, and I apologize. Then, Lord, I ask that you give me guidance and the strength that I’ll need to make it through all that I am experiencing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

  Kennedi couldn’t remember the last time she’d prayed in the middle of the day, out loud and without warning, but she was glad she had. She was glad to know that she always had Him to depend on, even when she fell short and wasn’t being the best person she could be.

  After taking a couple of Extra-Strength Tylenols, Kennedi called her boss to let him know she wouldn’t be in again today and that she was going to try her best to make it back on Monday. She could tell from the sound of his voice that he wanted to ask her what was going on, but he didn’t. He sort of sat there for a couple of seconds, not saying anything, so Kennedi told him that she was sorry for her absence and that she would explain everything to him early next week. He seemed okay, but Kennedi didn’t like having to be so secretive, not about her broken marriage or the large sum of money she was about to collect.

  Next, she logged on to the Internet, Googled online drugstores, and placed an order as planned. Then she took a shower and got dressed for her appointment with Miles. Thankfully, her headache was much better, and strangely enough, she was starting to feel a little hungry. It had now been two full days since the last time she’d eaten anything, so she was glad her appetite had returned.

  When she grabbed her handbag from the dresser, the phone rang and she went over to the nightstand to answer it. “Hey, Patrice.”

  “Hey yourself. And how are you this morning?”

  “You mean aside from having to order an HIV test?”

  “I hate that all of this is happening. But you’re definitely doing the right thing.”

  “I know. Of course, I’m praying hard that it’ll come back negative, but it’s just the idea of having to do it. Other than that, though, I do feel somewhat better.”

  “I’m glad. I thought about you all night and I almost called you, but I had hoped you were resting.”

  “I was. But not until I finished off a whole bottle of wine and then had it out with Blake on the phone.”

  “Oh no. Did he call harassing you?”

  “No. I called him.”

  “And did you say you drank a whole bottle of wine?”

  Kennedi smiled because she could practically see the traumatized look on Patrice’s face. “Guilty as charged.”

  “Wow. I knew you were upset, but not enough to start drinking.”

  “Well, believe me, I’m paying for it now, and it’s definitely the first and the last time I’ll be getting tipsy and having any hangovers.”

  “Still, what I wouldn’t have given to witness you, of all people, getting your drink on. I’ll bet that was a hilarious sight to see.”

  They both laughed and Kennedi said, “I don’t know about that, but I do know it gave me the courage to say some very nasty things to Blake, some of which I now regret.”

  “Please. Serves him right.”

  “Oh, and before I forget, her name is Serena.”

  “That woman he was with yesterday?”

  “Yep.”

  “And what exactly did Blake have to say for himself?”

  “A lot. But what sank in the most was when he said he didn’t love me. He said it with so much conviction this time, and I knew he meant it.”

  “I’m really sorry, girl.”

  “I appreciate that, but the bottom line is that Blake and I are finished, and I have to do whatever I need to in order to get over him.”

  “And you will. I know it’ll take time, but you’ll be fine.”

  Kennedi heard the call waiting tone. “Hey, hold on a minute.”

  “Okay.”

  “Hello?”

  “Kennedi? Baby?”

  “Yes. How are you?” she said to her mother-in-law.

  “No, the question is, how are you? Blake just told me about the separation and, honey, I’m just sick over it.”

  “It’s really unfortunate, but Blake has someone else now.”

  “He didn’t tell me that. All he said was that it wasn’t working out between the two of you and that he decided to move out.”

  “I’m sure he didn’t want you to know that part of it.”

  “Well, I’m sorry, and I hope you know that your father-in-law and I are here for you if you need us.”

  “I know that, and thank you.”

  “Well, I won’t hold you, but you take care of yourself.”

  “I will, and you, too.”

  Kennedi hit the flash button. “Okay, I’m back. That was my mother-in-law.”

  “So I take it she knows.”

  “Yeah, but Blake didn’t tell her there was another woman involved.”

  “Figures.”

  “So, anyway, what’s up with you? Because after taking up so much of yesterday with me, you must have a ton of work to do.”

  “Sort of, but if you need me to come with you to your meeting this morning I will.”

  “No, not at all. There’s no reason for you to get further behind, and I can always call you if I need to.”

  “Okay, but it’s really not a problem for me to delay a few things if I have to.”

  “Patrice, will you stop worrying?”

  “I can’t help it. I’m trying to stay strong for your sake, but deep down, my heart is really h
urting for you. Last night, I even thought about Neil and how I would feel if I suddenly found out he was cheating. We’ve only been engaged for a few months, but after this thing with Blake, I can’t help wondering if Neil has truly been the faithful man he’s claimed to be the whole year we’ve been dating.”

  “Of course he has. P, please don’t let Blake’s infidelity cause you to question someone who I believe really loves you. Neil is a wonderful person, and from the time you met him, he’s never given you a reason to think otherwise.”

  “I know that, but before Wednesday, you felt the same way about Blake and so did I. I tell you, Kennedi, I just can’t get over it. I can’t get over the way he’s been sneaking around all this time and getting away with it, and now I don’t put anything past anyone. Not even Neil. I love him, but starting today, my eyes and ears are wide open.”

  “I hate that this has affected you so negatively, because if Neil is being on the up-and-up with you the way I believe he is, then he doesn’t deserve to have you doubting him.”

  “Maybe not, but I can’t help the way I feel.”

  “Well, I just hope you don’t start questioning him unnecessarily and feeling some great need to check up on him all the time, because it won’t help your relationship in the least. I now realize that I obviously didn’t check up on Blake enough and was way too lax with our marriage overall, but still, Neil doesn’t deserve to be treated like he’s some criminal suspect.”

  “I’m not saying I’m going to smother him or hire a private investigator, although that might be a good idea.” She laughed. “But what I am saying is that if he starts doing all this working-late stuff, traveling out of town on business too much, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, then I’m going to be aware of it.”