Page 62 of Push

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Marnie hung off the edge of the stool with excitement. “What!”

I nodded. “Apparently, Kayleigh caused a huge scene. Judy didn’t know how to handle it. You know what she’s like—tough as nails but not exactly the empathetic type. The girls on reception helped put Kayleigh in a taxi because she wasn’t in any state to drive home. Judy’s been keeping in touch and doing a daily welfare check.” I puffed out a breath. “She thinks Kayleigh’s okay, but…”

Marnie’s hand reached for mine across the countertop. She was expecting the worst. “Did Kayleigh accuse Toby of…you know…doingsomething?”

I shook my head. “Judy said Kayleigh kept asking what she did wrong. She didn’t understand why Toby didn’t want her anymore…” I swallowed. I hated repeating the words. “She was confused why Toby didn’t love her anymore.”

Marnie scoffed. “It’s not confusing if he never loved her in the first place.” She shook her head, but her eyes still bulged from the news. “And he seriously hasn’t mentioned it?”

“Not one word.”

Marnie’s eyebrows knitted. “Okay, that’s a weird development. That man can’t keep a secret. He’s ruined not one buttwosurprise parties.” She sat back, pausing to think. “Maybe Toby didn’t want you worrying? He’s sorted it out, and he’s probably still feeling guilty about unleashing hell in your life.”

“Yeah. Maybe. Or…” I sucked in a breath. I struggled to admit one of my deepest, darkest fears even to Marnie. “Maybe somethingwasgoing on between them. All her posts…and now this… Having a complete breakdown isn’t a normal reaction.”

“Babe.” Marnie’s expression was dubious. She wasn’t buying it. “That’s the completely expected reaction of acrazyperson.”

“Everyone’s so quick to write off a woman as crazy.” How often had I heard that at my old job if I’d dared to show emotion or question my boss? “Kayleigh’s from a good family. She’s got one of those bubbly personalities that lights up a room full of boring dentists.” My sigh was heavy. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s a better match for Toby…”

“Don’t think like that. I don’t want to play armchair psychologist, and I know Toby hurt you, but the two of you were always great together. He appreciates your intelligence, and I think he secretly loves that he’s the only one who gets you to loosen up. Do you really think something more went on between them?”

“I just don’tknow. They spent so much time together. Toby insists it was only one kiss on the night of the party. Part of me believes him…”

“But the doubt’s always there now?”

“He didn’t come home, Mar.”

“It’s not wrong to have doubts. But he’s done the right thing, and she’s out of your lives now. That’s a positive step. One point to Toby.” Marnie grinned. “He’s still minus six thousand points on my scoreboard, but I’ve always cheered for the underdog.”

“You’re seriously on his side?”

She patted my hand. “I want you to be happy. If you want Toby out of the picture, my original offer is always on the table. In fact, I’ll go murder him right now.” Her eyes slid to the ingredients I dumped into the blender. “Twenty years to life is better than drinking the green sludge you’re whipping up.”

“It’s not sludge. It’s a green smoothie. It’sgoodfor you.”

She didn’t look convinced. “If you say so.”

My phone buzzed. I peered over the pile of fruit on the chopping board to read the message.

Liam

I’m at your front door.

I sighed.

Liam had always struggled with boundaries. But flexible working arrangements and whatever family ties he was comfortable claiming now didn’t mean he could show up unannounced. My gaze darted down. Cropped tee. Yoga pants. Bare feet with freshly painted toenails. Sweaty Yoga Chic wasn’t exactly the look I’d choose to see my brother in. He’d always been stitched up too tight, impeccably in order, and never had a hair out of place. My hair, however, was stuffed under an oversized headband because I hadn’t wanted to deal with the mess. But if Liam rocked up to my house unannounced on a Saturday morning to play happy families, this was what he should expect.

Marnie cocked her head. “Babe, what’s going on?”

“My, er…boss is here.”

“You finally going to spill and tell me who it is?”

If he sticks around, sure… “I’ll get rid of him…and then…” I sighed. “I’ll explain the insane situation I’ve landed myself in. If you thought the Kayleigh thing was crazy….”

Shaking my head, I padded down the hallway—this was officially bananas—and hauled open the front door.

I instantly regretted not changing my outfit.

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