Chapter 6: The Mistress
Courtney came to the house two weeks after my discharge, carrying a gift basket and an expression of carefully calibrated sympathy.
Jared had gone to the office. I received her alone.
She moved through my living room as if cataloguing it for future occupancy. When she sat, one hand rested protectively on the small swell of her stomach.
“I hope you’re recovering well,” she said. “Jared has been so worried. He talks about you constantly.”
I poured tea I had no intention of drinking. “Does he?”
Courtney’s smile tightened. “He feels terrible about the surgery. But at least you’re alive. That’s what matters.”
I met her eyes. “And the baby? The heir?”
For a fraction of a second her composure slipped. Then she recovered, tilting her head with practiced softness.
“I didn’t come here to upset you, Shelby. I came because we’re going to be in each other’s lives. I thought it might be better if we understood each other.”
“I understand you perfectly,” I replied. “You slept with my husband while I was pregnant. You stood in a hospital corridor and listened to him order the removal of my uterus so your child would have no competition. And now you sit in my home and speak about understanding.”
Courtney’s face flushed. She stood abruptly.
“You should be careful,” she said quietly. “Jared protects what’s his. And that child—” she touched her stomach “—is his future.”
I rose as well, slower, the surgical scar pulling faintly.
“Then he should have been more careful about the evidence he left behind.”
May you like
Her eyes narrowed, but she left without another word. I watched from the window as her car disappeared down the drive. Then I called Elena.
“She’s nervous,” I said. “Push harder.”
