Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 196

196 Alibi Groundwork (Winona)

I drive through the city to Cass's cafe, my hands grip the steering wheel a little too tightly. Abby's in the backseat, chatting away about the dolls she wants to take to the park tomorrow.

She has no idea what I'm about to do of course, and that's the way it should be. Steve's not going to control my life anymore, and I'll do whatever takes to make sure of that.

I called Lisa to see if she could watch Abby for an hour Mom's asleep, and Jayden's out of town dealing with business. That left Lisa-my one constant, the person I trust most in the world. She knows something's up, but she didn't hesitate.

I hope she's ready to be an alibi if I need one. I'll leave my car there and call a ride, or something. I don't know yet. But I'll work it out. If Judy can get away with shit through lies and paying off people, so can I.

I don't have to be the bigger person this time or take the high road. This time I'm just going to do what I've always wanted to do. Once he's gone, all our lives will be so much better.

I've never been to this part of the city where Cass works before. Every empty wall is covered in graffiti, but not random tags everywhere. This is all intended artworks. I can tell. It's beautiful in a randomly eclectic way.

There's the vibe of alternative youth going here. I can see why Cass likes the neighborhood. We pull up outside the café, and I pause for a moment, looking at the place. It's not your usual spot-more like something out of a punk rock music video. The exterior is painted matte black with neon purple accents, and through the windows, I can see the 'servers all decked out in black, tattoos, and piercings galore.

All colors and styles of hair are on show, from rainbow mohawks to wild blue bangs.

The interior is dark, with edgy artwork on the walls and industrial-style furniture.

It's a far cry from the sunny, pastel cafés I'm used to, but it suits Cass perfectly.

In fact, it makes Cass look a little vanilla.

I glance at Abby in the rearview mirror, wondering if she'll be a little freaked out by the vibe. But there's no backing out now. "Ready to go see Aunt Cass, sweetie?" I ask, trying to keep my tone light.

Abby nods enthusiastically. "Ready!"

his lips, ears, and brows-greets us with a wide smile. "Hey there! Welcome to Punk Brew. What can I get you two lovely ladies today?" I'm taken aback by how friendly he is, but Abby's the one who surprises me. She looks up at him, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Does it hurt to get tattoos?" she asks, pointing at his

her level. "A little bit, but it's worth it. They're like stories you carry with you all the time.

you have lots of

+25 BONUS

196 Alibi Groundwork

one day, when you're a lot older, you can get your own stories

find a table with your big sister

Not

at me. "Congratulations, you have a smokin'

burn as he flirts. I have other things on my mind, but I need to appear normal, just in case anyone comes asking later. I wink at him and

your name, Poppet?" He asks

Aunt Cass

and pulls a chair out for Abby

right out. I have her washing dishes right now." He grins "She's my slave, muhahaha!" He

kids and go pick up the dishes on table five." A slim woman with as many tatts and piercings as Ziggy, comes past. She raises her eyebrows at me and smiles, shaking her head. I grin

Abby, don't let them

away, and any concern I had about her being scared melts

contrast to what I'm used

the menu for five minutes, Cass comes over with a smile. Her outfit is all black,

she approaches, like she's worried I'm

her arms around Cass. "Aunt Cass! I made a new friend!" she announces, pointing back at the tattooed server. "His name

yeah? That's

Mom? Is she okay?" Cass asks me with a

sorry. She's really beat today, and she's taken

she's okay. There'll

a better place to work. Everyone here has been amazing.