Page 126 of At the Heart of It
“Oh, she’s finished all right,” Chase barked, moving close enough for Kate to feel the waves of fury radiating from him. “You’re done. Pack your things and get out of here. You’ll hear from the legal team within the hour.”
Kate started to move back, but Viv’s voice stopped her. “I need everyone else to stop talking now.”
Everyone froze. Even Jonah, who was probably the last person on earth to want to follow Viv’s orders.
But he was watching his ex-wife with something that looked like pride. Viv looked back at him, then reached out and took Jonah’s hand. As she squeezed it in hers, Kate felt her heart clench, too.
Jonah met Kate’s eyes again. “I already know.”
Kate stared at him. “Know what?”
“Know Viv’s plan to win me back,” he said. “To rekindle our marriage.”
Kate looked at him, uncomprehending. She turned to Viv. “I never said a word. I swear to you.”
“I know you didn’t,” Viv said. “I did.”
“What?”
“I told him everything,” Viv said.
“I—so—wow.” Kate swallowed. “So you’re getting back together.”
“Jesus, no.” Jonah frowned, then looked at Viv. “No offense.”
“None taken.” Viv smiled, bigger this time, more certain. “I had a moment of clarity when I was telling Jonah about my feelings. I realized I only wanted to resume our relationship because I was scared of the alternative. Of spreading my wings and learning to swim on my own.”
“That’s a God-awful metaphor,” Jonah said, but gave her a fond smile anyway. “But I’m proud of you. For figuring it out. For owning your shit.”
“Beautifully put,” Viv said. “I feel like I finally have closure.”
“I don’t fucking care!” Chase whirled around to face Kate. He pointed one meaty finger at her, sputtering with fury. “You’re still fucking liable. I want you off this set right now before I call the police.”
Kate nodded once and turned to go. She held her head high, buoyed by the look of encouragement Amy flashed her. By Pete’s supportive nod.
“And I expect you to turn in all your equipment,” Chase said. “Everything that doesn’t belong to you?—”
“My pride belongs to me,” Kate snapped, whirling back to face him. “And I’m damn sure taking that with me.”
Then she turned and marched out of the room, shooting a mental apology to Amy for having to deal with the aftermath.
Behind her, she heard the confused voices of Roger and Abby.
“Is this some kind of weird therapy?” Roger mumbled.
“I don’t know,” Abby answered. “Like maybe we’re supposed to recognize how destructive it is to shout all the time?”
Kate pulled the door shut behind her, heels clicking on Viv’s cobblestone walkway. She’d made it halfway to her car when she heard footsteps behind her.
“Kate, wait up.”
She froze in her tracks at the sound of Jonah’s voice. Still, she waited a moment before turning. She took a few deep breaths, wanting to be ready for whatever he had to say. Wanting to be the one to speak first.
She turned and met his eyes. “I’m sorry, Jonah.”
It was his turn to freeze. “For what?”
She gave a hollow little laugh, not sure where to begin. “For betraying your confidence. For fucking up the show. For embarrassing you just now.”
