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“Lachlan, I trust you. You’ve only been here for a few months, but I know with your past experience, you can understand what I’m about to explain to you about the Mathesons.”
I already don’t like where this is headed.
“Of course.”
I can’t let him see my reaction. I’ve got to make sure my poker face is firmly in place. I lean back further in my chair, in a relaxed position, with my leg kicked up over my other knee.
Greg breathes a sigh of relief.
“The Mathesons are very special to this parish. As you know, Mrs. Matheson is very generous with her donations.”
I nod, urging him to continue.
“Mr. Matheson has been a… silent partner in the expansion efforts campaign.”
I nod again.
My plan is to keep quiet and let him do the talking. Something is weighing on him about Mr. Matheson that I don’t understand yet.
“Mr. Matheson has asked us to keep this separate from Mrs. Matheson’s activities here at the church. I’m letting you know because I need you to not let her know about his visits to my office.”
That’s the ringer right there. I didn’t know it was him, but someone has been coming here at odd hours who wasn’t office staff. Parishioners don’t usually frequent our offices, but I hadn’t given it too much thought.
Yes, it was odd someone was coming in to meet with Greg under the radar, but at the same time, I’ve been so wrapped up in my time with Avery I didn’t fucking care about what anyone else was doing.
Greg must be under the impression I’m suspicious about this behavior; otherwise, I have no fucking clue why he would be bringing it up with me.
“I’m only telling you because of how close his wife has become to the gala. You can’t let her know about his time with me.”
What the fuck is Kevin doing with the church? This is not normal. I have to tell Avery soon about this conversation. It just doesn’t add up any way you slice it.
Maybe it’ll be easy enough for her to walk away from whatever it is. Either way, she has to know before she’s blindsided by Kevin somehow about this situation.
“Understood.”
Look, I’d like to get Avery and me as far away from whatever is happening between Kevin and Greg as possible. I could press for more, but I don’t want Avery in this mess any more than she already is.
“Your discretion will be rewarded.”
I can’t take this conversation. What a fucked-up thing to say to another priest. He knows nothing about the conflictions I already face. What’s going on with Avery and me is new, yes, but I feel like my instincts are kicking in when it comes to needing to provide her with protection.
I need to guard her from whatever the fuck is going on between Kevin and Greg.
Chapter 13
I have the strength for everything through him who empowers me.
Philippians 4:13
Today is the day I am finally leaving Kevin. The weight of what I’m doing is heavy on me, but I know I’m finally about to break free. No longer will I be the weak Mrs. Matheson; I’m reclaiming my identity. Avery Parker is coming back to life.
Since I found out about Kevin’s affair, I’ve been arming myself for the potential battle to come.
My attorney, Noah, has been my lifeline to a brighter future. Even though I’ve only recently met Noah, the way he’s been not only by my side but my fierce supporter has meant the world to me. I know I can trust him. He’s proven that with as much as he and his team have helped me navigate this trying time.
Kevin won’t like the embarrassment our divorce will cause in our social circle. Sure, divorces happen; they just don’t usually happen without a disastrous reason.
In our way of life, typically, problems are swept under the rug. Either mutually beneficial agreements or empty promises are the answer.
