G

Valerie froze, then flushed awkwardly.

Valerie nced around, suddenly aware of this ce’sck of privacy. “Uh… maybe we… whisper?”

Maxine sighed, standing. “Follow me.”

89%

(38)

11

They left the bistro. At a convenience store, Maxine bought bottled water and cheap sandwiches, then led Valerie to a bench on the sidewalk.

Valerie gaped at the setup before reluctantly sitting. “Here? Seriously?”

“Safer this way.” Maxine unwrapped a sandwich and tossed her one. “No one’s listening.”

Valerie stared at the cheap convenience store sandwich as if it were radioactive.

“Not your style?” Maxine snatched it back, devouring both.

Maxine took a long sip of water and said, “Shoot. I’ve got twenty minutes before Jessica’s dinner.”

Valerie blurted, “You’re really ying mom to that girl? What about Brian?”

Maxine turned to study Valerie carefully.

Truthfully, Maxine didn’t dislike her. Over her decade–long marriage to Sebastian, Valerie had rarely interfered, showing up only for holidays before vanishing again.

Maxine knew the reputation: carefree cker, allergic to responsibility, content to coast through life on her family’s wealth. Her parents stayed hands–off, their only rule being don’t die spectacrly.

Yet Valerie had one good trait–a harsh tongue masking a soft heart.

Even if Maxine suspected Valerie’s loose lips had nted the bastard slur in Brian’s mind, she wouldn’t me her.

Because Valerie took orders from no one, least of all Maxine. And she’s always blunt. That was Valerie’s default setting.

“I never abandoned Brian. He’s my flesh and blood–how could I?” Maxine said.

Seeing Valerie’s confused look, Maxine asked, “You think I’m heartless for leaving Sebastian?”

Valerie nodded bluntly. “Duh! He’s rich, hot, and faithful! What’s your deal?”

Maxine’s voice ttened. “I heard Brian tell Sebastian he wanted another woman to be his mom”

Valerie’s eyes widened in shock. “What?!”

“I don’t know what Sebastian was thinking. He clearly knew how sad I would be if I heard this. But he said nothing. Not a single word to correct him,” Maxine continued.

Valerie stared at her nkly, murmuring, I’m sorry. I had no idea… I thought-

“You assumed I got bored? iOr /iparanoid?” Maxine said.

Maxine met her gaze, smiling faintly. “I loved him for ten years. I wouldn’t end this marriage unless there was no hope left.”

Wed, 18