Housewife Gone Wild

Chapter 26

Nathan’s insight surprised me. He seemed to know me better than I’d realized.

“Have you been checking up on me?” My smile faded. The collapse of my marriage was painful enough without strangers poking through the remains.

“Sorry, I overstepped,” Nathan blurted out, uncharacteristically flustered. “Just heard some things in passing. No background checks, I promise.”

“Lovely meeting you.” I gave him my best polite dismissal and walked away.

Nathan stayed frozen where he stood.

Back at our table, Melissa was still nervously eyeing the handsome stranger at the other table, clearly working up the courage to talk to him.

“Melissa, ready to go?” I asked, already gathering my things. Nathan’s lingering gaze and that unsettling confession had me suddenly desperate for an exit.

She rose with obvious reluctance, just as Nathan came back inside.

I pulled Melissa forward. “Mr. Hallman, meet Melissa–legal genius and my best friend. Keep her number handy for when you inevitably need a lawyer.”

“Victoria…” Melissa hadn’t expected me to be so forward. She turned bright red, wishing she could vanish on the spot.

I shot her a reassuring look. “Don’t worry. Mr. Hallman and I know each other.”

Nathan handed Melissa a business card. “Ms. Jenkins, my company could use legal counsel. If you’re interested, reach out to my assistant, Zachary Chandler.”

“Hello,” said Zachary, the handsome guy across the table, raising his hand. He slid his card toward her. “Just give me a call.”

Melissa took both cards, her face burning. “Nice to meet you,” she murmured, and then yanked me out of the restaurant at lightning speed.

one look at her tomato–red cheeks

could you just ask for their contacts like that? Now I can never show my face around

cards now. It’d be a

and grabbed my arm. “You know Mr.

you two meet?”

off guard by

does Mr. Hallman like you?” Melissa squinted. “Don’t even try denying it. I can see it in his eyes–the way

was my friend, and I didn’t want to hide things from her.

of yours created a tech mogul?” She’d seen

was killing it in

even know who he was. Back then, people talked about this genius kid- how his

was helping out with the Holcombs‘ charity work at the time. When

real gift for investments. Your instincts are

wry smile. “It was Jared’s money, not mine.

laughing, slapping her knee. “This is perfect. Jared financed his own romantic competitor.

covered her mouth. “Keep your voice down. If anyone hears you, we’re through

dropping to a whisper. “So… you’re really divorcing

“Alright, draft something up for me to

you half?” Melissa asked,

head. “Probably not. I don’t expect half. Even

whatever you needed without you asking.” Melissa studied me,

think it would end in divorce?” For all her blunt humor,

“We were all in, picturing silver anniversaries, matching rocking chairs, a house full

marriage too much,” Melissa interrupted. “Truth is, it’s just a partnership. Pick right,

your losses early,” I

with a knowing smile. “Exactly. We’re still young

and women are all the same. The magic always fades. Why not just keep dating? Always have someone new