Second(42)

She studies me, as if wondering why I’m not yelling or screaming or something. “Well, I’m glad you’re okay with it. You knew your marriage was having issues, and poor Ben had to go look elsewhere for love.”

I grit my teeth, but stay silent. I actually can’t believe the nerve of this woman. She can go harass Sam’s life now. “Well if that’s all,” I say, trying to force a smile and failing. “I’m about to head to the gym.”

Kill them with kindness.

Some people are just so stupid that you can’t argue with them.

“Oh, okay,” she says, not looking satisfied with our exchange, which satisfies me. “Maybe you can come for dinner the next time Sam and Luke are over.”

I can’t make this shit up.

“Maybe,” I say, standing up and hoping that she takes the hint.

“It’s a shame that Dean left,” she sniffs, also standing. “He’s such a good boy. Sent money for Luke; since his father isn’t here to provide, he’s stepping in.”

“He is a good man,” I agree. I don’t bother to tell her that I’m going to give Luke Ben’s insurance money. I’ll tell Dean that, and get him to handle it. Kate would probably take it for her damn self.

“Anyway, nice talking to you,” I lie.

“Don’t be a stranger, you are still family, Sabina. Maybe if you grow your hair longer again you can find a nice boyfriend. Men like long hair. Remember that.”

I wave bye and all but close the door on her.

Men like long hair?

I take deep breaths, trying to calm myself down.

Worst mother-in-law who isn’t even my mother-in-law anymore ever.



*****



When Leah tells me I can have another week off, but it won’t be paid leave, I decide to take it anyway. Maybe I should go and surprise Dean? I begin to formulate a plan and look up ticket prices. When I find a good deal, I book it. Looks like I’m going to LA. In four days. Shit. I take my suitcase out from under my bed and open it up, then I start to pull out my clothes, choosing whatever I think I’ll need. I pack all the necessities, plus a few sexier outfits. Boots, sneakers, heels, and flats get thrown in there, and then I wonder if that’s too many shoes for just a week. I want to cover all bases though. I look in the mirror and smile, excitement filling me at the thought of seeing Dean again so soon. I send him a message asking for his address because I want to send him something, hoping that he doesn’t suspect anything, then continue getting ready for this spontaneous trip.

For once it’s me going to surprise him.

And I hope he loves it.





Chapter Twenty Two

When the cab stops at Dean’s house. I have to do a double take. It’s huge. I mean I knew it would be, but it’s a fucking mansion. I’ve never even been inside a house like this before.

“Ummm,” I mumble, paying the driver, who gets out and helps me take my suitcase. “Thank you,” I tell him, giving him a tip. He drives away and I drag my suitcase up to the front door. Luckily the giant gates out the front were open, although if I were him I wouldn’t leave them like that. What if some of his fans decide to pay him a visit? I knock on his front door, but there’s no answer. I call his phone, and lucky for me he picks up straight away.

“Babe?”

“Hey,” I say, smiling. “Where are you right now?”

“I’m at the studio. Why? Is everything okay?”

Do I just tell him that I’m here? So much for a surprise.

“Yeah,” I say, dragging out the word.

“What is it?” he says, sounding concerned. I hear him tell someone, “Give me a minute.”

“Dean—”

“You sound weird, what’s going on? I can’t fix it if you don’t tell me what it is.”

“Ummm.” I take a deep breath and decide to just tell him. “I’m in front of your house. Surprise.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “Babe, if this is a joke, it’s not cute.”

“I’m here, Dean. Your house is cream and black, and there are two cars out the front.”

“Fuck,” I hear him whisper. “Babe, holy shit! I would have come and picked you up from the airport.” I can hear the smile in his voice. “I’m on my way home now. Don’t move, Sabina.”

I look around. I’m not moving anywhere. I sit down on my suitcase after I lean it against the wall, and listen on the phone as I hear Dean getting into his car. He puts me on speakerphone.

“I can’t fucking believe you’re here. Today is the best day ever.”

“I wanted to surprise you but that was a fail.”