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My blood ran cold as the familiar voice of Marlene sounded in my ears.
Turning around, I began to sweat as I saw her unmistakable red mane coming towards me.
“Don’t try anything,” I said in a shaky voice, stepping back. “I’ll call the police!”
“No, June, wait,” Marlene said quickly. She pressed her lips together and paused. “I…I feel really terrible about how I’ve behaved,” she said.
I narrowed my eyes. “Why are you apologizing now?”
Marlene’s green eyes filled with tears and I couldn’t help it – a small flame of pity flared inside my chest.
“Because,” Marlene said stiffly. “I was so worried about my son. But he’s in a stable place now. I know that at least some of that is because of you, and your effect on Thomas.”
I frowned.
“You’re a good teacher, June,” Marlene said. “I’m sorry I said those things.” She straightened up.
“Don’t trust this bitch,” Angela whispered in my ear. “She might be gunning for you!”
“Hold on,” I said to Angela. To Marlene, I jerked my head to the side. She followed me through the store until we were in a quiet area, across from the bathrooms.
“Look, I hate the way you acted,” I said. “I’m not going to lie – it was really cruel on your behalf. But Thomas and I are serious,” I added, carefully watching Marlene’s face. “And we’re going to stay serious.”
Marlene swallowed. “I know.” She bit her lip. “Look, the thing is – Hannah was feeding me information the whole time. She was trying to make me believe that you were some kind of gold-digging bitch, out to score Thomas for your own good.”
“No, god, no,” I said quickly.
“I know that now,” Marlene replied. “And I’m sorry that I believed Hannah. But I thought I could trust her – she worked for Thomas for so long, and she never seemed anything but perfectly innocent.”
I nodded stiffly.
“I had no idea she was so evil,” Marlene finished. “Mostly, I’m ashamed that I acted the way I did. It really wasn’t fair to you.”
“You and I are going to have to deal with each other sometimes,” I said softly. “Especially because of Brett.”
“I know.”
“So, I really hope this is a new beginning,” I said. “I know that we’re obviously not going to become friends or anything, but I really hope that we can at least be cordial.”
Marlene’s cheeks pinked. I stood up straight and tall, unable to believe that I’d humbled a woman more than twice my age.
“I hope so, too,” Marlene said. She gave me a small smile. “I’ll let you go, June. I think it’s for the best.”
I nodded. “Marlene?”
She turned around. “Yeah?”
“Thanks for being honest,” I said softly. “I really appreciate it.”
Marlene smiled, looking more relaxed this time. “You’re welcome,” she said. “And again, I really am sorry.”
I watched as Marlene scurried out of the store, no longer the proud and haughty ex-wife. It was strange, but I felt like something actually had changed between us – like somehow, we’d managed to come out on the other side.
By the time I got back to Angela, it was getting late.
“Are you coming home tonight?” Angela raised her eyebrow. “Or are you going to see sexy Mr. March?”
I flushed hotly. “God, I can’t believe how much I called him that,” I said. “But…yeah, I was thinking of going to see Thomas. You don’t mind?”
