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He placed his hands on his hips, ignoring the tears streaming down Allison’s face because he’d done all he could for her. He had no control over her grief, just like she had none over his.
“I’m done,” he said, realizing it was true.
“That’s it? You’re just going to walk out of here?” she said, her tone incredulous. “You’re not free from responsibility in this.”
He glanced up at her, offering her a sad smile. “I always was. I just couldn’t see it, and you used my guilt against me for years. You cheated on me. With a fellow classmate, Allison. Then you got pregnant and pawned the child off as mine. And you let me take responsibility for what happened after, but the truth is, the tragedy was no more my fault than it was yours.”
Her eyes rounded in surprise as he tore up his check, then tossed the pieces to the floor. “Whatever role I played in it, consider me absolved. Between all the money I’ve given you these past few years, the payout from the magazine, and the way you’ve now publicly slandered me, I’d say we’re more than even.”
He made for the door but not before her hand shot out, and she gripped his arm. “Wait. We’re not done yet.”
He glanced back at her, his expression tight. “I’m afraid we are.” Then he pried her fingers from his arm. “Go.” He nodded toward the PopNewz envelope in her hands. “Find your new beginning, but leave me out of it.”
With that, he left to hail a cab, knowing exactly where he wanted to go from here.
CHAPTER THIRTY
MARTI
AFTER SPENDING THE rest of her weekend groveling in an industrial-sized tub of ice cream at Caroline’s place, Marti was ready to face Blue.
. . . Or as close as she was ever going to get.
Last night, she sent an anonymous tip to the Times that PopNewz’s article had been a complete fabrication. They were already investigating it, and the second Blue found out she was behind the leak, she’d be fired. But Logan would get his credibility back. So it was worth it.
Besides, she was about to beat Blue to the punch. It wasn’t every day a girl had to quit the job she loved and leave in a blaze of glory. She may as well look the part, which was why Caroline insisted she change into a tight sweater dress and boots despite her desire to wear a potato sack.
She yanked her hair up into a messy bun as Caroline squeezed her knee, because she drew the line at styling her hair when her life was crumbling apart at her feet.
“Repeat after me . . .” Mel said in a calm voice. “I quit. I, Marti McBride, quit.”
“I quit?”
Caroline arched a brow. “Why does it sound like you’re asking a question?”
“You’re right.” Marti nodded. “I can do better. Be more assertive.” She dropped her fist into her palm with finality. “I quit,” she squeaked, her voice cracking.
Mel grimaced. “You’re in trouble.”
Marti cradled her face in her hands and moaned. “I know. I mean, I can’t work here anymore. I won’t. Not after what she did to Logan. And even if I wanted to, she’s going to skin my hide when the Times calls her for an official statement. Am I a coward for not wanting to face her?”
“She is pretty scary.” Caroline grimaced.
Marti grunted. “Maybe there’s a third-world country I can move to and live off my meager savings. You know, like one of those places where I can live like royalty on ten thousand dollars.”
“Focus. You’re not leaving us.” Caroline squeezed her shoulders.
Marti crossed her arms over her chest, remembering the day the three of them met, and her heart filled with regret. “I loved my job.”
“Oh, sweetheart, we know you did.” Caroline patted her back.
“I love writing, and I love PopNewz. Or at least I did, before Blue completely ruined it. And I’ll miss you guys.” She glanced between her best friends. “I can’t imagine not getting to see you every day. I can’t picture life without our emergency meetings in the Freebie Room or making fun of Blue, or sneaking off for a cup of coffee when we should be working.”
Marti grabbed both of their hands. They sat together on the couch, linked together, with identical looks of sorrow. “We’ll miss you too,” Mel said.
“But we get it,” Caroline added. “It’s definitely the right thing for you, even if you are leaving us to fend for ourselves with the Wicked Witch of the West.”
Marti frowned. “I wish you guys could come with me, but considering the only place I’m probably going is to the back of the unemployment line, I get why you’re not scrambling to follow i
