Page 47 of With Wine Comes War

“Hi Dr. King.” That’s how I distinguish between personal and professional.

“This is a professional call, I’m assuming?”

“For a minute, yes, if that’salright?”

She said, “Of course, Alex. What can I do for you?”

“Can I see you tonight? Roman’s going to bring me.” It slipped out without warning.

“Sure, did something happen?” She responded with her normal calm tone even though she sounded worried.

“Well, some things happened today and of course the past three weeks have been hard, so I just feel like I need to talk about all of it.”

“Sure, of course. How about we meet at six and then have dinner at seven. Would that work?”

Perfect.

“That would be wonderful, we’ll see you then. I’ll talk more when I get there. I’m still processing everything that’s happened today.”

After we hung up, I went and took a long hot bath with meditation music, candles, and lavender oil. I soaked until the water got cold and I was all shriveled up. When I got out, I wrapped myself in Roman’s robe hanging on the back of the door and went and laid down to take a nap. I made sure to set the timer for an hour because I felt like I could sleep until tomorrow and I still needed to get dressed.

***

I was jerked out of sleep, gasping, startled by the sound of the alarm just as the nightmare was rearing its ugly head again. It was Tanner this time trying to kill me instead of Roman. I instinctively reached for my neck to make sure there were no hands there. Well, that wasn’t restful at all.

I got out of bed to put on some clothes to go to dinner at the Kings but all I had with me was a thin navy-blue sweatshirt, jean shorts andflip flops. I could change at my house if Roman thought it was too casual for dinner with his parents.

I guess no alcohol tonight is a bust, I thought as I replayed the conversation with Detective Lewis and the DA. I’m going to have to pour a drink right now, actually. Roman should be done soon. It’s about 4:30. He’s usually off around five. I’ll just peruse through his very stocked bar and see what he’s got here. There was a very nice wine selection and some top shelf liquor. Let’s go with a shot of Grey Goose and a nice glass of Cabernet. I don’t think he’ll mind. I’m just going to sit here, drink my wine, check my emails, and call Matt and my brothers.

I organized my makeshift workstation at the kitchen island before I messaged both of my brothers. They said I could stay with them, but that Roman’s place was probably the safest. Matt’s phone went straight to voicemail. I didn’t want to call dad and make him worry. Hopefully the boys won’t tell him anything’s wrong.

I checked my emails to see if Shay got the calendar over to me yet, hoping to see availability for a meeting with Grant and Matt. Awesome, she did. She’s on it. Such a great assistant for such a shitty boss. I’m still pissed she got sucked into this nightmare. What a fucking mess. I texted Matt to let him know that he had an email, then I made a three-way call to Abby and Maggie. I needed to vent before Sunday brunch.

Abby answered, “Oh shit, what happened?”

Maggie yelled, “Who’s ass do I need to kick?”

We all laughed then I stopped and just blurted, “Tanner’s out!”

The girls were quiet.

Abby calmly stated, “I know. We weren’t allowed to say anything until you spoke with the detective and the DA. Jack’s been in court all day, so he couldn’t call you.” Of course, my friends would know. ForGod’s sake, they’re married to my attorneys. So why did it piss me off so much that they didn’t tell me?

Maggie was cautious with her information, “Matt went immediately to secure a protection order against him coming near you. Where are you now? Are you safe? Do you have someone with you?”

I laughed but it sounded shitty. “Wow, there’s something you don’t know?”

Abby said, “Do you know how hard it was for me not to call you? Jack probably would’ve divorced me.”

“Yeah right, I doubt that, but I can imagine that would’ve been a feat for you. I’m at Roman’s. I guess I’ll be staying here until the court shit is over. My brothers and everyone else think it’s for the best that I’m somewhere safe and secure and not alone. I’m also going to see Dr. King tonight and talk to her about some things.” I lay my head down on the marble countertop. Maybe if I bang it a few times I’ll forget all this shit and it’ll go away.

Maggie was the first to chime in. “Well, halle-fucking-lujah. I mean seriously, why the hell were you pushing him away?”

Not this bullshit again. Now I was rolling my forehead back and forth on the counter.

“Maggie, we’re not back together. I just can’t do that right now,” I grumbled.

“You know what? You can call it whatever you want. We’re just happy he’s there for you.” Abby was being her diplomatic self.

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