I swallow. “He’s not trying to destroy my career.”
“Oh really? He must have known you were trying to get this column. And he’ll also be aware that you won’t be able to write it if you’re not single.”
My brain reminds me of the conversation Michael and I had in the car, when he suggested I don’t accept the position if I’m offered it, and there’s a twist in my gut. But—no. That wasn’t him sabotaging me. He’s not like that.
I lift my chin, trying not to let her get under my skin. What was it Michael said? She’s a master at manipulation. “Mel—”
“If you continue to see Mike, I’ll have no choice but to tell Justin. He’ll be extremely interested to know what’s going on.”
“I could say the same to you,” I mutter.
Her perfect brows slant together. “I’m sorry?”
“I’m sure Cat would be interested to know what’s going on with Mark.”
Her eyes narrow. For a second I think she’s going to slap me, but she simply says, “Is that athreat?”
I open my mouth to speak but she cuts me off.
“I’d beverycareful if I were you, Alex.” She glares at me for another second before stalking off down the corridor.
I stare after her, trying to calm my erratic breathing and racing pulse. I’m not great with confrontation at the best of times, but when it’s your new lover’s beautiful ex-wife who is dead-set on destroying your career, it’s even worse.
No, I tell myself firmly. I’m not going to let her win. She’s a liar, and I’m not going to believe a word out of her mouth.
I shake it off and slip into Henry’s room, relieved to see Henry is peacefully asleep, Michael seated beside the bed. I ponder the back of him, slumped forward with his head in his hands, and feel a wash of confusion. Why didn’t he stand up to Mel? I expected more from him back there. I know she’s terrifying, but fuck—if anyone should be angry about her behavior, it’s him. So why didn’t he put her in her place?
He looks up, giving me a tired smile as I wander over, then he reaches an arm around my waist and rests his head against my side. I stroke a hand over his hair, leaning to press a kiss to the top of his head.
It doesn’t matter about Mel and all her shit.Thisis what matters. This right here.
39
They release Henry in the morning, and Michael and I bring him home in a cab. He’s completely fine—his usual, chatty self—and I’m so relieved. When we get in the building, Michael sends him upstairs and pauses with me in the lobby.
“Thanks for staying with us. I’m sorry everything was so weird at the hospital.”
I shake my head, pushing Mel’s threats from my mind. “Don’t be silly. It was a crazy, stressful night. I’m just glad Henry is okay.”
“Me too.” He leans in to kiss me but stops himself with a yawn.
“Bored of me already?” I joke, and he chuckles.
“Not even close. But right now I need to sleep. Want to come up tonight, once Henry’s asleep?”
I nod eagerly.
“Good. I’ll text you later.” He lowers his mouth to mine in a long, delicious kiss.
There’s a noise at the front door, and we draw apart to see Agnes entering the lobby. Heat paints my cheeks and when I glance at Michael, he’s pink too.
“Good morning, Agnes,” we mumble in unison, like a pair of children caught doing something naughty.
“Seems like a very good morning indeed,” she says wryly as she ambles past.
Michael and I exchange a grin. He takes her arm to help her up the steps, and blows me a kiss over her head.
With a happy sigh, I let myself into the empty apartment. Cat is at work, but when she gets home later I want to talk to her about Mel. I need to tell her about Mark—aboutallthe lies Mel has been spinning.
