Page 22
“I feel like we need to have our own night,” I grouse, suddenly feeling a little left out.
“We have nights out,” Holt says. “We just don’t have a cutesy name for it. And no. We do not need one.” He points a finger at me before I can even get the words out.
My shoulders slump with disappointment. “Fine. I’ll just keep changing the group chat name.”
Holt turns to Kylie. “Are you up for talking about Chris tonight, or do you want to save it for a more formal meeting?”
“I don’t think I’m ready to talk about the legal side of things just yet, but I do want to know how to deal with him in the meantime. He’s not used to being told no, especially by me.” Kylie drops her gaze to the table. More and more, I find myself wanting to smash my fist into that asshole’s face. I hadn’t noticed because the change had been so gradual, but Kylie isn’t the same woman she was before she got married. I know without a doubt that it’s Chris’s fault.
“Given the tantrum he’s throwing, it’s understandable. I wouldn’t want to deal with that either,” Gia says with disdain. She’s not placating Kylie, nor is she shaming her for doing whatever was necessary to keep the peace.
“How would you feel about calling him tonight with me here?” Holt asks.
“Better than if I had to do it on my own.” Kylie breathes out a self-deprecating laugh.
“I want to record this conversation too. We likely won’t be able to use it. Colorado isn’t a two-party consent state, but the laws are a little more ambiguous when it involves someone outside the state. But I’d rather have it and not use it than need it and not have it.”
“I’d much rather have a record of the call than not, so you have my permission,” Kylie says.
Holt grabs a notepad before sitting next to Kylie. He nods at her, and she unlocks her phone to make the call.
“Watch him not answer,” Kylie quips as it rings.
Holt smirks. “That would be in our favor if he doesn’t.”
“Where the fuck have you been?” Chris’s irate voice comes through the speaker.
Holt writes something on the pad, and Kylie nods.
“I’m only calling to tell you I’m fine, Chris. You don’t need to go to the police.”
“You leave without a word to me, and you think I’m just going to accept this behavior?”
“I left you a note. My behavior or whereabouts are no longer your concern.” The steel in Kylie’s voice makes me incredibly proud of her.
“You’re my wife, Kylie. What you do is absolutely my concern. Mr. Buchanan is hosting a barbecue this weekend, and I will not allow you to embarrass me in front of the partners. I expect you to show up and look hot. Make sure your tits are on display because fuck knows they’re the only things attractive about you right now.”
Pure fury explodes in my body. As Kylie hunches in her seat, I tamp down my reaction to focus on her. Scooting closer, I run my palm down her spine and grip her hand on the table. She looks at me with misery in her eyes until I nod at her, silently communicating that she can do this.
Now that I’m closer, I can see Holt’s notepad as he writes, “Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you lose the ability to consent.”
“I will not be at the barbecue. I’m no longer going to let you parade me around like some kind of trophy wife you get to use when you need me and then discard afterward.”
“Jesus, you’re fucking dramatic. You’re the furthest thing from a trophy wife right now anyway. Fine. Throw your tantrum, but I swear to god, if you’re not back before you give birth, you will not like the consequences.”
With that, he hangs up, leaving the four of us in shocked silence.
“Well, isn’t he a peach,” Gia says, breaking the tension.
It makes Kylie’s shoulders relax, and she lets out a relieved laugh. “He wasn’t always like this. But now, I can’t see him any other way. This is going to be horrible, isn’t it?”
Holt gives Kylie’s hand a gentle squeeze. “It won’t be pleasant, but rest assured, we won’t let this fucker have any more say in your life.”
CHAPTER 11
Kylie
Laughter fills Gwen’s living room. My stomach hurts, and my cheeks are sore because of these crazy girls.
