She wrinkles her nose. “Did that one last year.”
“Have to say, I’m not sorry I missed it.”
“Actually, it was a mash-up ofNightmareandSaw.”
I grimace. “Messy.”
She nods, pride lighting up her face. “Beautifully.”
I shake my head, laughing. “God, I’ve missed you Mal.”
Her expression sobers. “I’ve missed you too, hon. Now, tell me, how’s Gerard handling the divorce?”
I run my tongue along my top teeth. “With an iron wallet.”
“What’s he giving you?” She picks up her cappuccino and takes a long slurp.
“Maintenance for one year.”
She swallows her cappuccino fast, wincing at the heat.
“One year? But I thought you guys were rich!”
“Correction…” I affect my best Gerard the Asshole voice. “Gerard is rich. I just live off his earnings and do nothing else.”
Her face is pure horror.
I point at it. “Nowthatshould be next year’s window.”
“I am literally stunned. What about Paige?”
“He’s going to pay for her school stuff and go halves on everything else, but I get one year’s salary to supposedly get us on our feet.”
“What about the house in the ‘burbs? The beach chalet? The cars?”
“Well, technically, one of the cars is in my name so I can sell that. Everything else is in Gerard’s and he’s clinging onto it all with both hands.”
She breathes in, then sighs. And in a soft voice, she asks, “Are you ready to talk about what happened yet?”
I pin my lips together and give another brief shake of my head.
She smiles sympathetically. “Well, you know where I am if you decide you want to talk.”
I nod my thanks and take a long sip of latte.
“How’s Paige getting on?”
I shrug a shoulder. “She’s already decided she hates the new school, even though she only started there this morning. She wouldn’t get out of Mom’s car. Just sat there scrolling on her phone like she was staging a silent protest. She says I’ve ruined her life.”
Mallorie leans forward again, a serious look in her eye. “You haven’t ruined her life. You’ve done what’s best for the both of you. She’ll understand when she’s settled, and maybe a little older.”
I’m not convinced. “We’ll see.”
“And life in Casa de Gloria?”
I can’t help but grimace.
“It’s weird. I haven’t lived there since college. My childhood bedroom still has a couple of glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling.”
