Page 91 of The Baby-whisperer and the Brute
“No—we weren’t,” I lied for Angelina’s sake. Besides what we’d done today couldn’t be classified as fooling around. It had been damn near a religious experience.
“Not that it’s any of your business. She’s not the kind of woman you ‘fool around’ with. Speaking of that, what happened to Pierre—hewasyour latest fling, right?”
Another shrug. “It didn’t work out. Neither did Vittorio, the jerk.”
“Ah, well, I’m sure it’s just a temporary slump. Go back to New York, Anouk. You’ll find someone new in no time.”
“I can’t go back to New York.” She pouted. “I sold my apartment—I needed the money.”
Ah, mystery solved. Sothatwas why she was here.
Though my alimony payments to her were substantial, Anouk had never been what you’d call “thrifty.” She regularly blew through it and her own earnings and called asking for more whenever she was between wealthy boyfriends.
Now that she’d given me full custody of our daughters, there were no more child support checks.
Letting out a long sigh, I rubbed the back of my tense neck with one hand.
Annoying though she might be, I couldn’t let the mother of my children be homeless. I’d help her find a new place to live, help her get back on her feet again, andthensend her packing. For now, I had a more urgent matter to deal with.
I spun and headed for the door. “Get your clothes on,” I said over my shoulder in a weary tone. “And keep an ear out in case one of the girls wakes up.”
Anouk followed me, stopping in the open doorway. “Where are you going?”
“To find her.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
One and Only
Sully
I checked Angelina’s bedroom suite, just in case. It was empty, her closet and drawers cleaned out.
What a nightmare.
My head spinning with anxiety, I dialed her number. A ring tone sent me running to the attached bathroom where Angelina’s phone sat on the counter.
Oh shit.She really had left me.
No wonder. I could imagine the things Anouk must have said to her. Angelina must be so confused and hurt. I shook my head to clear the mounting fear. This was no time for panic—I had to think clearly.
Where would she go?
I dialed the Wessexes’ number. Cinda answered. “Hi Sully. Everything okay?”
“Is Angelina there?” I asked, not even bothering to answer her question.
There was a beat of silence before she responded. “No. I haven’t heard from her. We’re getting ready to fly to Aubernesse in the morning.” Her tone sharpened with concern. “Is she missing? Did she go out for a walk alone or something?”
“No. Nothing like that. Look, I don’t have time to explain, but there was a misunderstanding between her and my ex-wife, and she left. Where would she go besides your house?”
“Well, as you know, her mom lives right down the street, but they’re estranged. Did you check the area hotels?”
“No, but I’ll do that next. If you hear from her, please let me know, okay?”
I raced downstairs to check the garage, though I’d pulled in and parked only a short time before. Was it possible one of the cars was gone, and in my excitement I just hadn’t noticed?
Flinging open the door to the garage, I found all my cars present and accounted for, which meant Angelina had left on foot—unless she’d taken a cab or something.Howwas I going to find her?
