Page 99 of Doc Hollywood

Clara smiled sweetly, replying, “No, you shithead, he can stay.” Her grin broadened as she swore. It felt so good to call Jack names when she had never dared to before to avoid his punishment.

Taylor’s other arm snaked around her, and she was supported by his strong warmth. He didn’t say anything. He had said all he needed to; it was her turn now.

“Fine,” Jack muttered.

“I spent a long time hating you. Hating you for every bruise and scar you left on my body and every bruise you left on my heart. Hating you for trying to ruin my career. Hating you for the selfishness you showed to the person you supposedly loved. Hating you for the debt you managed to run up in my name and leave behind when you decided to walk away from me. Hating you for the pampered life you managed to wheedle your way into while I worked myself to the bone to repay money that you had spent.”

Clara stared at Jack’s face, picking out the freckles scattered over his nose, which she had once traced as they lay in bed together. She examined his dark brown eyes, which she used to think were warm but now could see were calculating, always looking out for a way to better himself.

“Clara, I—“ Jack tried to say.

Clara interrupted him. “You don’t get to talk now, shithead. You spoke enough during our relationship when you screamed at me about me not being good enough or about the perceived infraction I’d just committed. And you know what I see now? Every single time you yelled at me, you were yelling at yourself. You screamed at me each time you failed your exams when the only person who could do anything about it was you, and you were too much of a failure to see where you were going wrong and too arrogant to help yourself so you could pass.

“No one took anything away from you, however many times you yelled it. You stole it all from yourself. You are a total and utter shit. You’re not someone I want to waste one more minute thinking about after today. So Jack, the man I once thought would be the great love of my life. I forgive you for not being good enough for me.”

Jack couldn’t control himself and sputtered, “You, forgive me?” Disbelief dripped in his voice. “You arrogant bitch.”

“Jack, you can call me all the names in the world. You’ve used them all before on me. I don’t care. I forgive you for your failures, and I’m never going to allow the memory of you to cloud another of my days.” Clara glanced up when Taylor’s arms tightened, and she could see his jaw ticking in anger.

“We both know you wouldn’t be so mouthy without the himbo standing behind you,” Jack growled, his fists clenching and unclenching at his side.

“Of course I wouldn’t because we both know how keen you are on using your fists on people who are physically weaker than you. We both know that if we had been alone, you would have slapped me, punched me, pushed me. Given me what I deserve for talking back to you,” Clara volleyed back.

“Bitch,” Jack spat.

“Just leave Jack. Enjoy your life, and treat your wife well. And never forget that you get to have all that because of my forgiveness.” Clara smiled at Jack, examining his face and realising she had never known him at all, only the mask he allowed others to see.

“Bitch,” he repeated.

“Feel free to call me what you want, but remember, I have everything documented. Every cut, every bruise. Every trip to the hospital. You get to have your shiny new life because I am choosing to forgive you. Don’t mistake my forgiveness for weakness. If I hear that you’ve mistreated your wife in any way,I will make sure all the documentation finds its way to Natalia’s father. So, use this as an opportunity to live better. To learn from your mistakes and grow.” Before Jack could call her a bitch again, she turned her head up to Taylor and lifted one of her hands to touch his jaw. “I’ve said enough. I’m ready to go.”

Taylor grabbed hold of her hand and kissed the palm, which sent electric tingles up her arm. Then, he threaded their fingers together and said, “Okay.” He gently tugged her away from Jack, who stood open-mouthed, staring after them. Throwing back over his shoulder. “You may want to call your car to collect you, and don’t forget you’ll hear from my lawyer tomorrow to arrange payment.”

As they left the cinema, they passed the woman Clara had seen earlier and had not been able to place. Now she knew who it was—it was Natalia, Jack’s wife.

CHAPTER 28

Awave of noise washed over Clara when they walked out into the foyer. She followed Taylor, unable to think for herself, still stunned that she had managed to get the final word with Jack, to say everything she wanted to without interruption, and to get a promise that he would pay her back.

She felt tears spring to her eyes at the thought of what the money would do for her. She could work a little bit less, go on a holiday, and allow herself some of the small luxuries she saw her friends buying, but she never did because she had a debt to pay off.

“Champagne?” Taylor held a glass out in front of her.

Glancing around, she couldn’t see who had given it to him. “That is a skill you share with your mum.”

“What?” He frowned in confusion.

“Making wine appear out of thin air,” she said, taking the glass gratefully. She sipped the cold, crisp bubbles and smiled. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” He squeezed her hand and tucked her tightly into his side to protect her from the crowds that flowed around them.

“Not just for the drink. Thanks for giving me some courage. He seemed so pathetic standing in front of me. But I know I wouldn’t have been able to say everything I did without you with me. So thanks,” Clara said with sincerity.

“Do you want to talk about him more?” Taylor’s hand rubbed up and down her arm, spreading goosebumps wherever he touched.

“No. I really, really don’t.” She shook her head.

“Good. I missed you. Talking to you every day isn’t enough for me.” Taylor stared down at her, a new intensity in his eyes. “Devon and I have officially broken up.”

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