The Trouble With Friends by Cheryl Phipps

Author:Cheryl Phipps
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cheryl Phipps

Chapter Nineteen

Jack

* * *

What a morning. I’m still fuming about that Adam Norton taking advantage of Gill. All this time I knew he was a creep and now I know for sure. Gill won’t see it, which is frustrating. All I want is for her to be safe and happy.

Even as I tell myself this, I know that I shouldn’t have interfered the way I did. Gill wants someone. I of all people get that, but we have each other. And Katie. Can’t that be enough? The whole scenario is etched on my brain and I feel sick to think of another man’s hands on her. It’s only because she’s like a sister. Then I think of her that day at the beach and I’m furious with myself.

I have to snap out of this. I’m meeting Lily today to go over the details of her move. It’s the last thing I feel like doing, but it’ll be good to have things finalized. With Katie at school the timing is better for everyone.

Fortunately, the meeting I have with the investors and my crew goes well and I manage to keep my emotions in check. Everyone’s feeling more positive since the money came through and we’re getting back on schedule. The irony of Adam hooking up with Gill so that my business remains successful is not lost on me. In fact, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

I no sooner arrive home when Lily walks in like she owns the place. As if handing over my family home was ever a reality.

Not that she’d want this house. It’s too old for her, and even though I’ve redecorated most of it and have a modern kitchen and bathroom, it’s so far beneath her that she very rarely stays for more than a few minutes. I remember how awkward it was when Mom and Dad lived here and we’d visit. No sooner were we in the door, when Lily would insist it was time to leave. In the end, we gave up the pretense and the fights and I came on my own and then with Katie.

“Coffee?” I try for politeness.

She turns her nose up at my cheap machine, like it’s the worst idea I’ve ever had.

“I’ll pass.”

“Fine.” I lean on the counter and watch her start the tap-tap of her fingernails, something that always bugs me, which means she has something to get off her chest. Luckily, I don’t have to endure it very often.

“It’s all finalized. We’re off to New York next month. I had meant to tell you another piece of important news the other day, but you weren’t exactly receptive to anything I had to say.”

My heart sinks. All I can do is stare at those talons and worry about what bombshell she’s about to drop.

“While we were in Hawaii Lewis proposed and I said yes,” she says offhandedly.

For a moment I’m stunned. “Is this supposed to make me feel better about you taking Katie away?”

“I assumed you’d appreciate that I’m trying to give her a stable home life.

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