Page 61 of Reformation

I didn’t get a good look at Annika when we saw them at Marciano’s, or when I saw her at the champagne lunch. In fact, the only reason I know it’s her is that I recognized her hair. It’s long, black, and sleek—the complete opposite of my shoulder-length blonde. In fact, there isn’t one thing that she and I have in common, at least physically.

And from what I’ve heard from Garrett, personality wise as well.

Part of me wants to be jealous. She’s gorgeous in a Victoria’s Secret-model kind of way. Then I remember the kind of person I’m told she is, and I wouldn’t trade anything about myself for her.

Especially the scowl she’s shooting at us. Talk about unappealing.

“Well, look who’s all here. Isn’t this nice?” the woman I’m assuming is Evelyn says as she tucks her hand into Jack’s elbow. “I know some divorces can be messy. It’s good to see you all here and getting along. We’dhateto have a scene.”

“There will be no scene here, Evelyn,” Garrett says, bringing me a little closer to him. “Everyone is exactly where they should be. And please, let me introduce you to my girlfriend Paige.”

I reach out to shake Evelyn’s hand—though I am distinctly aware of the daggers being thrown at me right now from Annika. Unlike her husband, Evelyn accepts it. And as I look at her, I get the feeling I know her from somewhere.

“It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Robinson, and thank you for having us. Your home is lovely.”

“Thank you for coming, my dear. Any friend of Garrett’s is a friend of ours.”

As our hands part, Evelyn blatantly looks me up and down. I’m guessing to see if I “fit” in. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Annika’s smirk. I’m guessing she’s thinking I’m not going to get a good review.

“That dress… it’s absolutely divine,” Evelyn says. “Where did you get it? Not that I could wear it, but I always like hearing about where the young people shop.”

Take that, Annika.

“K.H. Boutique. Our friend Kelly owns it.”

“That’s where I know you!” Evelyn says, and all of a sudden she’s talking to me as if we are long-lost friends. “You were a model at the champagne lunch. You looked stunning that day as well. Annika, doesn’t she look stunning? Come, my dear. I have to hear all about this shop.”

Oh my goodness! This is the old woman who grabbed Garrett’s butt!

Before I’m pulled away, Garrett saves the day. “Actually, Evelyn. I promised a few people we’d speak to them before dinner, and I’d love for them to meet Paige. I’ll make sure we find you before the night is over.”

“Oh yes, of course, my dear,” Evelyn says, shooing us away. “You go. We’ll talk. Paige, it was a pleasure meeting you. I do hope you’ll be around for a long time.”

I nod and wave as Garrett pulls me away into a semi-private hallway.

“What was that?” I ask.

“I’m sorry. I had no clue that they would be here. Or that Evelyn would try to steal you.”

“It’s OK. I was just surprised to see them.”

He rubs his hands up and down my arms, trying to comfort me. “I knew it was a possibility that they would be here, but I wasn’t certain. Like I said, Jack and Evelyn are big donors. We usually both come to their functions.”

“A lot of nerve you have showing up with her,” Annika’s voice startles the both of us. “I mean, this is who you left me for? She was sort of pretty at the luncheon, when I looked at her from a distance, that is. Now seeing her up close, I really don’t get it, Garrett. If you want to slum it, who am I to judge? I’m assuming her new tits are on the way?”

“Watch your mouth, Annika. Don’t start drama just because you’re bored and pissed,” Garrett says as I feel the tension radiating from his body. “Is this because you’re mad at how the settlement went down? You knew what would happen if one of us cheated. You just never thought it would be you.”

She takes a step closer, and I now realize what Charlie meant that day when she told me I was about ready to throw a shoe. Because I am freaking angry. How dare she talk to him—us—that way?

“And you expect me to believe that you and… she… weren’t fucking around either? That magically you met after you asked for the separation and you were able to keep your dick in your pants? I knew you’d fuck anything, though I never would have guessed a flat-chested, hillbilly trailer trash would be your type.”

That’s it. She’s done pissed me off.

“I’m sorry, Annika, is it? We didn’t officially meet. I’m Paige.” I stick my hand out for hers, which she of course looks at like it’s diseased. “We could have met when he was in the hospital. See, I was a volunteer there and I went to see him when he wasfucking dyingand you were nowhere to be found. Though from what I heard you were pretty busy fucking his best friend at the time, so I get why you couldn’t be bothered. And then I heard you still didn’t come to visit because you were too embarrassed, and I would be too if my hair extensions looked like a dead critter on the side of an Alabama road. Or maybe we could have met at any of your nephew’s school functions, but I’m guessing your lip injection appointments interfered with those. Or do you get those from just sucking a lot of dick? Either way. Contrary to your beliefs, we didn’t start dating until well after he asked you for a separation. Because, unlike you, Garrett isn’t a fucking trash human. So, if you would please excuse us, I’m sure your new fuck boy is looking for you. And Garrett likes my tits just fine. He’s told me how much he likes the real things.”

I don’t know who is more shocked at this point. Annika, who’s looking at me like I’m an alien, or Garrett whose grip on me has gotten so tight that I’m about to have trouble breathing.

“Annika!” Trevor yells for her, walking toward us. “Christ, why the fuck? You know what? Who cares. It’s time for dinner. Let’s go. I’m sure you’ve done enough damage.”

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