stayed the focus, then she wouldn’t have to deal with the fact that she was completely heartbroken as well.
But of course, her little minion was a persistent one. Mollie appeared in the kitchen a moment later. “Mommy, when are we gonna see Mr. Blake again?”
“I already told you, honey.” She set out two slices of whole grain bread. “He’s not going to be coming around again.”
“I really want to show him this picture.”
Michelle rolled her lips inward, trying not to let the sadness overwhelm her again. Yeah—she wanted Blake to see that picture too. She wanted him to really value having that position in Mollie’s life. She wanted him to value what he’d built with Michelle. But the outrage was too great to allow her to consider anything other than shutting him out.
“I’ll let him know,” Michelle finally said, because what else could she say? It was the only safe answer for now. There was no way she could explain to Mollie just how badly Blake had hurt her…or why she never answered his texts…or why there so many small, thoughtful bouquets of flowers around the house. Or why more than one chocolate cake had arrived on her doorstep with a card that simply said, “I’m sorry, babe.”
A thumping on the door startled Michelle so badly that she got jelly on her thumb. She drew a fortifying breath, unnerved that her mind had immediately jumped to Blake. Hoping it might be him on the other side of that door.
“Let me go answer that,” Michelle said, tugging gently on Mollie’s earlobe as she walked by. Her heart thudded in her chest as she approached the door. Please be Blake. Please be Blake. At this point, she was just desperate to glimpse him. Get one more look at those tousled, chestnut tresses and his impossibly handsome grin.
Michelle tugged open the door to find two women she’d never have expected to see again in a million years.
Mila and Jackie.
“Heeeey, Michelle,” Mila said cautiously, as if maybe she wondered how the visit would be received.
“Mila? Jackie?” Michelle laughed softly. “What are you two doing here?”
Jackie nibbled on her bottom lip, her eyes searing Michelle with intensity. “We wanted to talk to you.”
Michelle nodded, gesturing for the two ladies to step inside. Mollie’s head poked around the end of the hallway then.
“Ohhh, look at you,” Mila cooed.
“You two should meet my daughter, Mollie.” Michelle led them toward the kitchen, and Mollie immediately hugged her mother’s waist. “Mollie, say hi. This is Mila and Jackie.”
The women introduced themselves, and Michelle finished making the sandwich before handing it over and encouraging Mollie to go play in the other room. Once it was the three of them, Michelle led them toward the dining room table.
“So what’s going on, ladies? Is everything okay?” Michelle’s heart had started racing again, awaiting whatever news they brought. Part of her worried that maybe Blake was in trouble—sick or injured, maybe. Whatever might prompt an in-person visit didn’t bode well.
Jackie reached across the table to grab Michelle’s wrist. “We want you to reconsider.”
Michelle swallowed a knot in her throat. “Reconsider what?”
“Blake.” Mila’s face shone with concern. “We know what happened. We joined the guys right after you left his club, and they told us about that stupid bet.”
“And that’s why we had to come,” Jackie added. “Daniel and Grayson have told us how miserable Blake’s been ever since that night. And after what happened last weekend…”
Fear cinched her chest. “What happened last weekend?”
Jackie shook her head. “Nothing serious. They just are getting more concerned about him.” She paused, doubt masking her face for a moment. “He’s really heartbroken.”
Michelle tried not to let the words affect her, but God, what a relief to know it. Deep inside her, this was the best news she could have received. But she still didn’t know what to do with it. She loved Blake, and a big part of her wanted to know he genuinely cared for her, too. But how could she trust him again after what had happened?
“It’s his fault,” Michelle finally said. “He wasn’t honest with me.”
“Well, you’re right. He never admitted to the bet. But according to their terms, the bet had ended weeks prior.” Mila offered a small smile. “I don’t know if it helps. But I just wanted you to know. My husband and his friends—they are ridiculous with their betting. And sometimes it bleeds over into territories where it shouldn’t. But I just wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t come over