Page 135 of The Me I Left Behind

“Yes. And, but no… What did he say about a wife and….”

Nate stood, letting go of a lengthy breath. “Let me see if I can find out more information.” He left the room.

Poppy joined Lilly and Freya. “I heard what he said clearly,” she told her. “He said that Max left behind a wife and three children in the states.”

Lilly sat stunned, shaking her head—but to her surprise, remained calm. “That bloody mongrel.”

Freya took her hand. “Oh, Lilly. I’m so sorry.”

“He’s dead?” The reality was sinking in. “I really should be more upset. Shouldn’t I?”

Poppy took Leo, holding him on her lap. “He was a pig-headed arse. So, he’s dead. Good on him. I don’t feel sorry for you or Leo or his family. Instead, I feel better.”

Just like Poppy to put it out there like she saw it.

“I don’t understand,” Freya said.

Lilly clasped her hand tighter. “The reason I wanted to visit is because I caught Max with another woman, and he was getting a little…” She wasn’t sure what the word was she wanted to use.

“Mean and nasty.” Poppy stared at Lilly. “Like bloody blokes do sometimes. I call it like it is. You’re better off, and so is Leo.”

Twenty-Three

It took ten days for Max’s remains to get home from Australia and another three before they held his memorial. Maggie had him cremated before being shipped to the states, because of the condition of the body when he was found in the ravine—and frankly, she hadn’t wanted to look at him one more time, anyway.

His parents were not pleased with her decision.

That’s when she told them that everything else was on them. Memorialize him however they wanted. Bury him, or display him on their mantel, whatever they wanted to do. She wanted nothing to do with making the plans or footing the bill or keeping his goddamn ashes safe.

She was done with Maxwell Oliver, once and for all.

She figured they’d balk at the expense—to her surprise, they didn’t.

Thank God.

She and the children stayed for the entire memorial at the funeral home, then went to the graveside service. Chloe was twitchy and anxious, but quiet. Jason and Carol were awkwardly silent, too. Both shed a few tears but, mostly, remained composed, holding their shit together.

She couldn’t imagine how difficult it all was for them.

On second thought, she’d likely be the same upon her own mother’s death.

How do I really feel? Am I sad? Relieved? Indifferent?

The emotions were elusive and ethereal.

Julia—good friend that she is—was at her side the entire time. As they were leaving the graveside, a man in a suit stepped up to them. “Maggie Oliver, I assume?”

“Yes?”

Julia intervened. “Maggie, this is Jonathan Murray, Max’s attorney.” She looked at him. “I didn’t realize you would be here today.”

He gave a quick nod. “I was hoping to speak with Ms. Oliver.”

Maggie could tell Julia was uneasy. She looked at her, then glanced at the children. “Kids, why don’t you all go on to the car? I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Sure, Mom.” Carol put an arm around Chloe’s shoulders and motioned to Jason. “Let’s go.”

She made sure they were a few feet away before she turned back. “Julia?”

---