through something like this with Z’s boys. I bet he didn’t tell them what he was doing with you,” Beth chided as Valerie tried to clear her airway.
“He better not ever mention the stuff we do,” Jessica muttered.
Beth grinned at her, then asked Valerie, “How long have you been divorced?”
“Since January. The proceedings were quick since the kids are grown.” Valerie swallowed down the bitter memory. “And Barry had spent our savings on his slaves. I didn’t want to argue over anything else; I just wanted out.”
“And you’ve been dating”—Beth shot a grin at Jessica—“Ghost since near the beginning of March, right?”
“About then, yes.”
“So it’s not like you jumped into living with him after a week or two. But they won’t know that. Did they take sides in the divorce?”
Valerie stretched her legs out. “I think they’re trying not to, but Barry…” She blew out a breath. “I never realized how cleverly he makes himself seem like the good guy. Back when the kids were young and we’d make rules for them, he’d act as if the rules were my idea and would give in if they begged. It always seemed like I was the hardass. I bought all their presents—because he didn’t want to—but he always acted like he’d chosen them.”
“Owww.” Setting her tea down with a thump, Jessica suffered through a contraction. Finished, she glared. “You should bring your ex here. I’d love to smack someone around right about now.”
Valerie laughed. “Don’t tempt me.”
Beth grinned. “I think I understand. Your children are trying to be reasonable about the divorce, but your ex is playing to their sympathies. I bet you haven’t told them about his slaves.”
“Whyever not?” Jessica snapped. “Sorry. But wouldn’t hearing about the other women make them see the light?”
It appeared everyone knew about Barry’s slaves. Valerie almost laughed. Linda had warned her that what one Shadowkitten knew, the rest soon learned. “Barry asked me not to tell them, and honestly, I didn’t think the slaves would live with him very much longer. It’s not like there’s any love between them. It’s more of a support-us-and-we’ll-give-you-sex deal.”
“All the more reason to tell the children,” Jessica said.
“I get why you don’t. Bringing up the topic would be embarrassing—and humiliating.” Beth’s eyes were full of sympathy. “But…just saying…if your ex is twisting the children’s emotions so cleverly, he’s probably really good at manipulating you, too. Making you feel as if his needing other women is all your fault.”
Beth totally got it. Valerie’s throat clogged for a moment, so she nodded.
“I didn’t even think of him messing you up, too. Your ex really is a bastard.” Jessica grimaced and held her stomach. The contractions were finally getting more frequent. “Is that why you held off on moving in with Ghost?”
Valerie laughed. “Everyone talks about how snoopy Master Z is. I think you might be worse.”
Beth grinned. “She has you nailed, Jessica.”
“But you’re here to keep me diverted,” Jessica whined. “Talking about relationships is the best distraction.”
“She has a point,” Beth said. “And I kinda want to know, too.”
The two of them were something. Valerie shook her head.
But she didn’t really mind sharing. In the Shadowlands, they’d seen her at her most vulnerable. “After I was away from Barry, I could see all the ways he’d made me insecure. Everything I was proud of—like writing a book or getting my doctorate—was accomplished in spite of the obstacles he’d put up. With Ghost…I didn’t want to end up with that happening again.”
“Makes sense.” Jessica tapped her fingers on her chin as she thought. “But I can’t see the Colonel being anything like your ex.”
“No, I don’t think he is.” Although, admittedly, every now and then, she worried.
Bending slightly, Jessica whined and went through another contraction. This one was a bit longer. Sweat beaded on her upper lip.
“Looks like you’re going to have your baby today.” Valerie reached out to hold her hand. “Soon, you’ll have a lap for Sophia to sit in again.”
Jessica’s eyes filled with tears. “I’ve missed having her in my lap.” Across the room, her cell phone dinged with a message. She tried to stand but didn’t make it out of the chair.
Laughing, Beth rose and handed it to her.
Jessica glanced at the display. “Speaking of children…”
Seeing Valerie’s confusion, Beth said, “Z’s boys are grown, and they’re worried and texting every hour or so to check on Jessica.”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “They went from hating me for daring to be with their father to liking me, and now