“I can see that,” Paige said. “How’s the wedding planning?”
Skye told her about her venue woes, her mother’s insistence on designing her wedding gown, and her bossy bridesmaids. “I keep telling Garrett that I want to keep it small. Zara just had the baby, so she’s not feeling any of the dresses I pick out. She keeps saying her boobs look too big. And Rissa? Goodness grief, she just got married and has appointed herself the Wedding Queen. Even though I can plan a wedding in my sleep.”
Paige had to agree with that. Skye had planned Zara’s wedding to Xavier Starks in a matter of weeks and it had turned out perfectly. Paige had attended the Hawaiian ceremony with her mother and enjoyed the entire experience.
“In a minute, I’m going to fire them both and appoint Duke as my man of honor,” Skye added.
“What?” Paige barked out a laugh. She didn’t know Skye’s good friend Duke well, but he didn’t strike her as the “man of honor” type. “I would like to see that.”
Skye waved a dismissive hand. “It will never happen. I know that.”
“Well, you know I’m here if you need any help.”
“You’re too busy, Paige. I know because I have access to your schedule.”
Shrugging, Paige said, “Which is why I need to take a step back. I need to reset, spend some time healing.”
“You’ll get that time. I promise. If I have to smack Andrew to get him in line, I will.”
Paige’s smile fell. “You don’t have to do that. I meant what I said earlier.”
“I hate to see you like this. I get it, though. Divorce isn’t something I’d ever wish on anyone. But you’ll get through this. And you will love again, too.”
“I doubt that.” Paige sighed. “I’m not sure I even want to.”
“Trust me, it won’t be like this forever.”
“We’ll see.” Standing, Paige picked up her glass. “I need a refill. Hungry?”
“I can always eat.” Skye scooted off the lounger. “Preferably some of your delicious collard greens. Yum.”
Paige threw her head back with laughter. “Girl, you’re a mess. But you’re in luck. I made some for Labor Day.”
“I was hoping you did.”
An hour later, they’d eaten a delicious lunch and had more wine. Paige felt remarkably better, too. It felt good to chat with a friend, to unplug for a while with Skye. The doorbell rang again, and she excused herself to answer it. This time it was Demi.
When Paige opened the door, Demi stepped inside. “How are you?”
“I’m pretty good right now,” Paige said. “Skye is inside. We just had something to eat. What brings you my way?”
Demi smiled, but it wasn’t her normal bright smile. It was her serious, we-need-to-talk smile. “I hate to bring this to you when you’re having a good day. But I felt like I needed to give you a heads-up.”
“What is it?”
“Can we go in your office?” Demi asked.
“Sure.” Paige let Skye know she had to take care of some business but would be right back. When they entered her office, Paige opened the window to let the air in. “What’s up?” she asked, taking a seat on one of her chairs.
“Michael forwarded me a copy of their newest motion. Julius is asking for another forensic audit of your income.”
Paige’s stomach fell. “Why? We already went through this.”
“I know. He’s digging in his heels about the house. They told me they’d be willing to drop this latest motion and sign the settlement agreement, if you budge on the house.”
Closing her eyes, Paige let out a frustrated sigh. “He’s only doing this to slight me. He only wants the money.”
Julius’s recent financial troubles were the subject of many blogs and news articles. The once impressive fortune he’d amassed as a movie producer and director had dwindled substantially in the past year. He’d spent thousands on legal fees and lawsuits due to his criminal activities. And he’d lost opportunities to earn additional income because no one wanted to work with him anymore. Going after her money was the reason this divorce had dragged on for so long. Their prenuptial agreement had saved her from a hefty payout but the income she’d earned since they married seemed to be fair game.
