Page 81 of Target

“Good old Darian.”

I reach for a glass that is on the side, clean and ready to be used again, a bit like me really. I get used, I clean myself off, and then get used again.

Fuck me, what a messed up metaphor.

Not caring to use a glass, I drink straight from the bottle. I cough and splutter, not used to drinking it straight. Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, wincing, I take another mouthful.

Big mistake.

Huge.

I choke and cough. My breath is stolen by the expensive vodka.

Placing the bottle down on the counter, I pull open the fridge door, taking out a container that is filled with pasta, chicken, and vegetables from the diner across the street. Darian got it for me before she left the office to show a couple around a venue for their wedding.

The business has been booming, clients booking us for all kinds of events and it makes me proud and happy that I made the move here.

Also, I love being close to Grandpa Pete and having Aria in a better environment.

“Hello, anyone here?” I hear a female voice call out.

“Be right there,” I reply, putting my food back into the fridge.

Checking myself in the mirror, making sure that I look presentable, I walk back out front to see who has just come in.

My steps falter when I see that it is Ruth, Kohen’s ex-wife, the mother of his kids.

My heart goes into overdrive, my palms sweat and I plaster on a fake cheery smile, while on the inside I am running around like a headless chicken.

Drying my hands off on my pants, I step closer. She is freaking stunning, all long blonde hair, big boobs, and a tiny waist. How did she give birth to twins and then another kid?

“Madalyn, right?” I nod to her. “I am Ruth, Kohen’s ex-wife, but I imagine from the look on your face right now, you alreadyknow that.” Her smile is sweet, gentle, and I do not get a sense of hostility from her.

“Y-yeah.” I clear my throat. “Yes, I know who you are and yes, I am Madalyn.”

Inching closer, she holds her hand out for me to shake and it suddenly hits me as to why she is here. Fear fills my stomach. And I blurt out…

“Is Kohen okay? Is he hurt? The twins?”

She rushes forward, closing the extra inches between us, her hands settling on my shoulders.

“Oh god no, they are fine. The twins are on a play date and Kohen is busy at the garage or doing some other club business that us women are not privy to.” She winks.

My shoulders sag in relief, but then I wonder why she is really here.

“Come and sit.” She leads me over to the two chairs and sofa that we use when speaking to clients. They add a little homey feel when discussing business.

She looks at me with a warm smile, putting some of my unease at bay.

“I can see why Kohen likes you.”

“Oh,” is what I manage to squeak out.

“That is a good thing, Madalyn. The twins talk about you all the time and it is so nice to see them excited that their father has found someone he really likes.”

“He is pretty great himself, and I adore your twins. you have done a great job with them. So polite and willing to help; it is good to see in children their ages, since most care too much about their iPads and tablets these days to care about helping anyone.”

“iPad generation, right?” We laugh. “Thank you for saying that, it was sweet of you. Both Kohen and I have prided ourselves on making sure that our kids are well mannered, and respectful.Between mine and Andrey’s —my husband— influence they have Kohen and the club’s influence, too, so yeah, they have a broad worldview on things.” She winks.

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