6
HUGHES
“Taylor Grace incoming.” Willow sags as my client storms across the town square, tourists skittering out of her way.
“Did something happen with Gideon?” I ask Taylor, putting myself between her and Willow, hoping to get some usable information before she spirals into her Willow obsession.
“He’s going behind my back with her,” Taylor rages. “They’re both trying to cut me out of the company. They’re going to team up and go into business together.”
“No, we’re not.” Willow is incredulous.
I’m experiencing whiplash.
“They’re plotting against me,” Taylor fumed. “Willow stole Gideon from me like she stole my business, and now, they’re going to team up and take over the Christmas market.”
“I sell chocolate, not trains,” Willow argues.
“You have to believe me, Hughie,” Taylor sobs, turning on the waterworks like she’s just hit a button. “Only Jonah believed me. I wish he weren’t dead. I don’t know what I’m going to do. How will I survive?” she wails.
“Don’t fucking listen to her.” A man in a heavy coat and workman’s boots stomps through the snow. “She’s a lying, crazy bitch.”
“Help me!” Taylor Grace hides behind me, grabbing my coat, tearing it open so the wind whips through. “Help me, Hughes. You’re my only hope. He’s going to kill me like he killed Jonah.”
“I thought you said Willow killed Jonah,” I remind her, tugging the coat closed, trying not to shiver.
“I don’t know who killed him!” Taylor screams at me. “Idon’tknow. That’s not myjobto figure it out.”
“Yeah, it’s just your job to lie about your husband.” Damien clenches his fists.
I don’t even like Damien, and I feel sorry for him.
“She’s been telling everyone she wants a divorce because my dick’s too small. Is my dick small, Willow? You’ve seen it,” Damien demands.
“You’re sleeping with Taylor’s husband?” I ask Willow, shocked.
“She is?” Taylor is too surprised to be angry.
“No!” Willow hollers. “Damien’s a creep and went streaking at our high school graduation.”
“And it wasn’t small, was it?” Damien smirks.
“I never said that,” Taylor Grace pouts.
“Ida says you did.” Damien gears up for an argument.
“I was just repeating what Willow said.” Taylor Grace tosses her hair.
“I don’t care how big your lazy husband’s dick is or how bad he is in bed,” Willow argues.
“I’m not bad. I’m great. This chick is crazy.” Damien jerks a thumb at Taylor Grace.
“You’re crazy. Jonah says you’re bad for me.” Taylor Grace waves her arms.
“Yeah, Jonah. All you talk about is Jonah. That man was a fraud. He ruined my marriage. He’s the reason you want a divorce,” Damien rails.
“I’m going down to city hall to get a restraining order against you. I’m going to make sure you spend Christmas in jail.” Taylor grabs her purse.
“Yeah, right.”
