Georgia is standing outside his door. “You want me to kill him? I can make it look like an accident.”
“No,” I bite out. “That’ll stop me from doing it myself.”
Without knocking, I open his door and gasp. Gavin’s office is destroyed—shattered picture frames on the floor, décor pieces lying next to them, a crooked painting clinging to life on the wall. The desk has been cleared of all its contents as if everything was pushed to the floor in one angry swipe.
“You got her wrath, too, it appears,” Gavin says, sitting with slouched shoulders.
“Nice office,” Georgia says from behind me. “I’d call this décor style something that assholes deserve.”
I shoot Georgia a look over my shoulder. “Can you give us a moment?”
She nods. “If you need anything, I’ll be outside the door … and most definitely not listening.”
“Yeah, okay,” I say sarcastically, knowing her ear will most likely be against the door, listening to every single word.
I’ve never seen Gavin like this. He’s not used to being on the other side of the provocation. He’s used to being the one in control, and he’s lost that. His Adam’s apple bobs, and sweat has built up along his hairline. He stares at me vacantly, as if he’s lost all thought process. His actions finally came back to bite him in the ass—in the worst way possible. He could lose his job for this.
“I admitted everything,” Gavin says as soon as I shut the door, forcing his words through clenched teeth. “Vivica knows about us and the baby.”
“So does everyone in the school,” I grit out. “She announced it in the hallway.”
“Fuck,” he hisses, slamming his fist on the desk.
I do another scan of the room. “Did you admit it to her … or were you caught?”
His jaw twitches. “Does it fucking matter?”
I stay quiet.
“I forgot my phone at home, and she went through it. She came here, confronted me, and I was honest with her. I should’ve done it before. She deserved to know I was unfaithful and no longer in love with her.” His tone turns serious yet softens some. “I love you, Grace. I want you.”
I glare at him. “You’ve lost your marbles if you think I’d ever be with you.” I cross my arms and kick my foot out. “I wish I’d never met you. Now, all my coworkers know what happened.” As I blink away tears, it’s a struggle to keep my voice stable. “I’m taking the rest of the day off. Find someone to cover me for the mess you caused.”
He reaches out toward me. “Grace—”
“I’m taking a personal day!” I shout, turning around and whipping the door open. I nearly fall into Georgia when I step out.
She flips Gavin off before turning her attention to me. “Want me to take a personal day with you? I’m totally down.”
“No,” I sigh. “You’d probably be his last priority to find a cover.” There could be students who need her today.
“True.” She hugs me while we walk out. “I’ll be over as soon as I get off. And don’t you worry. I’ll set anyone straight who talks shit here, and I need to hunt down his crazy wife, so she’ll shut the fuck up.”
Oh God.
I forgot about her.
“Thanks, babe.” I avoid Rachelle’s gaze, scurrying out before she asks any questions.
As soon as I get in my car, the tears come.
I’m sobbing, my nose snotty, when I call Finn.
“What’s wrong, baby?” he rushes out in panic.
I break down and tell him the situation.
“That motherfucker,” he snarls. “I’m leaving work now. Do you want me to pick you up from the school?”
“No.” I sniffle. “I’ll meet you at home.”
Finn is waiting for me on the porch. As soon as I pull into the driveway, he jumps down the steps and hurries to me.
“Baby,” he says, wrapping his arms around me the moment I step out. “It’ll be okay.”
Will it, though?
Everyone at the school knows.
People will talk.
I could lose my job just as easily as Gavin could.
My parents will ask why.
And word will spread.
Shoot, they could know by the end of the day, given how many people they talk to.
Finn holds my hand as we walk into the townhouse and carefully helps me onto the couch. He waits until I get comfortable, helping me put a pillow behind my back, and then paces in front of me.
“I’m going to kill that asshole,” he grinds out, clenching his fists.
I pull my hair into a ponytail. “Finn, I don’t want you to get in any trouble. Hopefully, he quits.”
He halts and looks at me in concern. “What if he doesn’t?”
My shoulders slump. “Maybe I’ll quit. His wife shouted from the rooftops that I slept with her husband without even clarifying that I’d had no idea he was a damn husband!” I’m nearly screaming at the end of my statement.
“Whatever you want to do, you have my support,” he says before falling to his knees and taking my hand.
Finn took my mind—well, attempted to take my mind—off what had happened today with pizza and ice cream. I could sleep for days and not forget what happened. Heck, they could try hypnotizing me, and it’d still be lodged in my brain. It’s the most embarrassing moment in my life. Nothing will ever top that.
It was almost like something out of a movie—where the angry wife stomps through the workplace, confronting her cheating husband and his mistress. The only problem is, it’s my real life … and I had no idea about her. It sucks that she didn’t blare out the entire story. Heck, I’m sure if she did a poll, most people would say they had no idea Gavin was married until the day she came in and introduced herself.
I wonder if that’s why she made it known he was married when she got into town. It could’ve happened in the past, and she wanted to stop it before it did again.
My attention moves from the TV when my phone beeps with a text. I chew into my lower lip, contemplating on whether to check it. Gavin has been texting nonstop. So have my coworkers. Knowing it’s for the best, I ignore it.
“Georgia texted me since she figured you’re avoiding your phone,” Finn says.
He holds out his phone to me, and I read her text.
Georgia: Grace, how are you?
I hit the reply button.
Me: Okay, I guess. Given the situation.
Georgia: I set bitches straight all day. They know what a pig Gavin is and how he lied to you.
Me: Don’t do anything stupid and get yourself fired.
Georgia: If that happens, we’ll start a school together. Gavin is the one who needs to be fired.
Me: You can’t get fired for sleeping with someone.
Georgia: Conflict of interest. He’s your superior. He’s been harassing you. And who knows? You might not be the only one he’s done it to.
Me: I hope he hasn’t.
Georgia: I’ll keep my ears open. Love you.
Me: Love you too.
I slump against the cushions.
Then I feel it.
Sitting straight up, I place my hand on my belly and squeal. For a moment, all my dread morphs into excitement. I wave Finn over, and he arches a brow.