Cece was first.WHAT?!?!? That girl is insane. I am so sorry. This is pure nonsense, and we’ll get through it with you.
Blaise was next.You’re right it’s ridiculous. Talk about privileged! If you need someone to yell at the universe with, I’m here.
Essie smiled through a flood of tears. She dabbed at her eyes. These women were just what she needed.
Paige added,Maybe we need to put Sophie in a time-out and take away her internet. In all seriousness, we’re right here for whatever you need.
Then Maude, in typical Maude fashion, replied,Can I help with anything tech-related? I could monitor her social media for updates? And also I’m ready to instigate shenanigans if needed. Flood her social media with bots? Share her email onto every spam sender I can find? I have tricks.
Essie snorted a laugh. Maude always managed to lighten the mood. Essie was so grateful for her friends.
She answered them.I’ll survive. I just needed you all to know. We’re going to fight it, obviously, but it’s still scary. I hate that she’s doing this, mostly because I know Frank is stressing.
Cece texted,That fear and stress is normal. But you are not alone in this battle. We are your army.
Blaise sent a thumbs-up emoji, then,And your cheer squad. And your emergency snack providers. Just say the word.
Paige followed that up immediately.I make a mean banana bread, if you need it.
Maude took a different approach.Tell Sophie’s lawyer we said thanks for showing us what mediocre looks like in a suit. What a loser to even take this case.
Essie laughed again and it felt good to have a moment of lightness.Thank you. All of you. I love you.
A final message popped up from Cece.We love you, too, Essie. We’re here for you. Whatever you need, whenever you need it. And that goes for Frank too. Queen Bees stick together.
Essie pressed the phone to her heart, savoring this outpouring of support and friendship. She wasn’t sure how this fight would end, but it was good to know she wouldn’t be facing it alone.
Essie had just set her phone down, still warmed by the Queen Bees’ messages, when Frank reappeared in the living room. His chest looked broader, like he was bracing himself for impact. The look in his eyes wasn’t fear this time. It was resolve.
“Just got off the phone with Chad,” he said.
Essie nodded, hugging a throw pillow to her body. “And?”
Frank exhaled, a sound equal parts frustration and heartbreak. “He’s furious. He can’t believe Sophie is attempting this. He said he tried to talk some sense into her over the phone, but she wouldn’t listen.”
Essie’s fingers curled into the throw pillow. Chad adored his sister, flaws and all, and she adored him. Or at least, she had. “Is she still going to visit him and Tasha?”
“He said she is,” Frank continued.
Essie nodded, wary. That was going to be an interesting get-together. “Did he say anything else?”
Frank leaned on the kitchen counter. “He said that when she gets there tomorrow, he’s giving her an ultimatum.”
Oh, boy. Essie’s breath caught. “What kind of ultimatum?”
Frank’s voice dropped to a low, hard edge she rarely heard from him. “She either drops this lawsuit completely and starts acting like a grown woman…”
He paused. “Or Chad’s done.”
Essie stared at him, eyes wide. “Done?”
“Done,” Frank repeated. “His word. He said he won’t let her keep tearing this family apart. He told me her grief and ambitiondoesn’t give her the right to destroy everyone else. And he’s right.”
Essie swallowed a tremor in her throat. “He really said that?”
Frank nodded. “Chad loves his sister. But he’s not going to let her ruin this family.” He squeezed Essie’s hand. “And he said that includes you, regardless of what Sophie thinks.”
Emotion surged up, intense and aching. Essie pressed her lips together, blinking fast. “I hate that it’s come to this,” she whispered.
