“Are you sure that’s all there was to it? You look terrible.”
“He was arguing with a former teammate.” She paused, trying to be honest. “I was scared he’d take that anger out on me. But he didn’t.”
She explained about Nick wanting to auction off Adam’s things and her suggestion to resolve the issue.
Tracy relaxed. “Okay. But if Jake ever scares you, I’ll make a formal complaint to the Cats. No contract is worth that kind of behavior.”
“Thanks, but this was more my fault than his.”
“Isn’t that what they all say?”
Maggie winced as her sister’s point jabbed home. “I suppose if I say this is different, you’ll repeat that comment.”
“Too bloody right. I was too far away to help you with Lee, but I won’t let anything happen to you here.”
“There was nothing you could have done. I had to decide to leave and find the strength and courage to follow through.”
“I know, but if I’d only...”
“No point rehashing the ifs and buts, sis. I have enough guilt of my own. Let’s not add yours into the mix, too.”
Tracy gave a shaky laugh. “All bets are off if Jake or anyone else tries to hurt you.”
“Same goes.” Maggie squeezed her sister’s hand.
“That reminds me—Samantha called.”
“My solicitor? Did she say what she wanted?” Whatever it was, it couldn’t be good. Samantha rarely called unless something important had come up.
“Lee wants to speak to you.”
“What? But why?” Maggie hated that she sounded small and weak.
“She didn’t say, just asked you to call in the morning, as she’s in court today.”
Maggie tried to figure out what her ex could want. “It doesn’t make sense. He moved on the minute the ink was dry on our divorce decree.” In truth, he’d moved on long before that.
“I’ll say. According to the press, it’s been a nonstop parade of it girls for the past nine months. I hear his latest is an actress from one of the afternoon soaps, Patty something.”
A terrifying thought occurred. “What if he’s changed his mind about Emily?”
Tracy dismissed her words with a flick of her hand. “He’s always said he didn’t want the responsibility. That having a child around would ruin his social life. He didn’t blink about signing the letter of consent for her to come to the U.S.”
“But the custody agreement gives him the right to see her three times a year.” A shiver ran through her. “I knew this would be a problem. I didn’t want to agree, but Samantha said it would work in my favor if I showed I wasn’t trying to keep Emily from him. The courts are very keen for a child to have contact with both parents.” Her throat closed, so her voice was barely a whisper. “I can’t stop him from seeing her.”
“He’s made no effort to see Emily in nearly a year. I can’t imagine why he’d suddenly feel the need to play daddy dearest.” Tracy passed her a chunk of chocolate. “I’m sure it’s just another stupid mind game. Don’t give him that power over you.”
Maggie inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself. “You’re right. I’m probably worrying over nothing. I’ll wait and see what Samantha has to say tomorrow.”
“That’s the Maggie we know and love.” Tracy smiled.
“I’m glad you’re on my side.”
“Hey, it’s you and me against the world.” Her sister got up to make some tea. “Speaking of which, are we any closer to finding what Bad Boy wants?”
“I’m hopeful we have a winner.” Maggie explained about the newly listed Victorian and their appointment the following morning. “He seemed pleased.”
Her heart jolted as she recalled the moment when her eyes had met Jake’s as they’d read the online property sheet. For that instant, the connection between them had felt almost tangible. Seconds later, he’d blanked her—the fire in his eyes extinguished. She should have been relieved, but his obvious desire to get away had left her feeling oddly disappointed.
Her complicated reaction to Jake made her glad this project was nearly over. If he liked the house, the number of times she’d see him again would be limited. The rest of their business could be conducted by phone or email. And, though the house was in the same town, the chances of them running into each other would be small.
Her life could return to the simpler plan she’d intended. She’d focus on her daughter and her role at Making Your Move and forget about Bad Boy.
Maggie’s chest twinged. Must be indigestion. It certainly wasn’t anything to do with the thought of not seeing Jake again.