was how she’d kept the peace. Right now, she hoped remaining silent would keep the peace. Sometimes it did, other times it made things worse. His rant continued, listing all the wonderful things he had done for her. She remained silent.
As he raged on, she was reminded why she had come to relish his frequent business trips even though she suspected he was cheating on her. Once, she confronted him about his cheating only to have him turned it back on her. He’d asked, “Are you lacking anything? You knew who I was when you married me. And I knew who you were. I haven’t changed ... don’t you.” And then he added insult to injury. “There are plenty of women who would love to take your place if you don’t appreciate what you have.” And that had been the end of it.
As soon as they were back at the house, Angela headed straight to the guest room. In the upstairs hall, Brice caught her by the shoulder and turned her to face him. “This is the last time I’m going to say this. Come to your senses and come home.”
Angela tensed and tried to turn away. He pulled her to him and kissed her hard. She pushed back at him until he let her go. In times past, his kiss was all it took to melt her. She took a deep cleansing breath, gently tugged away from him. She shook her head slowly, entered the guestroom, and locked the door behind her. She was finally out of love with Brice Baker.
Chapter Thirteen
The Uber pulled into the drive of #7 Cove Rd. Angela smiled, she liked the way the new signage looked above her gate. They continued up her driveway, to her house … and her new life. A shiver of excitement ran through her as to all the possibilities that lay in wait.
They passed Jesse walking toward the house, rake in hand. When he spotted her in the car, a wide smile lit up his face. Much better than the frown he’d sported she left. He had understood she was in a vulnerable place and had real concern for her. After all, he had seen what Katelyn, his own niece, had endured. But in the end, he came through and wished her well. Angela had always been able to rely on Jesse, and now that she was virtually alone—alone? Yes, utterly, truly alone. Unease crept down her spine, but she pushed it away. She had people here—or at least she was well on her way. She had Jesse, his sister Willow, who Angela adored. She could envision becoming friends with Katelyn who was closer to her own age. And then, there was Ryan. But then again, maybe not. Everything with Ryan felt on shaky ground since his little text. And during season, she’d have her old friends. Missy, Donna, Jenny, Gayla, Mimi, Ginger, Kari, and Kara would all be close by for pool parties and movie nights.
On the island, Jesse’s friendship and support felt like her anchor. And not just his but his whole family. The way they opened their arms and their lives was beyond anything she could have hoped for.
Angela paid the Uber driver then waited for Jesse to catch up. “I’m back.’’ She waved to him.
“So you are,” Jesse answered. “And all in one piece.”
“Yes. You want to come in and have a glass of tea?” Angela started for the front door.
“You mean that gawd awful hibiscus tea?”
She laughed. “No, I have to make that fresh. Besides, you know you love it!”
He gave her a wink. Leaning the rake against one of the porch columns, he trailed her into the house, their steps echoing all the way to the kitchen.
“I’ve got to get some rugs and accessories in here,” Angela murmured.
“Yes, you do. It sounds like a tomb.”
“Ew.” Angela wrinkled her nose. “Now I’ll think of a tomb.”
“Well, it might help you get it done,” he noted.
“Touché!” Angela motioned for Jesse to sit at the table while she got the tea out of the refrigerator. “Everything okay on the home front?” she asked.
“All good.” He shrugged. “A quiet weekend. How about you? The boys doing all right?”
“The boys are wonderful. They missed me as much as I missed them.” Angela’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, and they said to tell you hello.”
Jesse nodded his satisfaction. “I told you, you didn’t have anything to worry about. You’re their mom. Nothing trumps that.”
“I know. Brice had me convinced that they