One Good Reason (Boston Love #3)(86)

I receive more high-fives all around.

Shelby sighs and looks from Phoebe to Gemma. “Nate gave you an engagement ring. Chase gave you a f*cking baby for Christ’s sake. I really hate to be a story-topper on your special day, but…” She trails off with a grimace, slugs back a big sip of wine, and steadies her shoulders. “I gave a pretty sweet gift of my own, this year.”

We all wait in suspense as she takes another sip.

“Divorce papers.” Shelby smiles and, for the first time since I’ve met her, I see something like relief in the depths of her pretty brown eyes. “I served Paul divorce papers, with a big red bow right on top.”

“Oh, honey,” Chrissy whispers, wrapping an arm around her friend.

“Are you okay?” Gemma asks, crowding in on her other side.

“Should we kick his ass?” Phoebe asks. “And by we I obviously mean Nate and his boys.”

Shelby laughs and waves away their concern. “Guys! Stop. This is a good thing. I mean it.” She leans back on her barstool. “I never thought I’d get divorced. To be honest, it always felt a bit like admitting I was a quitter, or that I’d made a mistake. But I don’t feel that way anymore. The bigger mistake would be continuing to shrink myself down to fit a relationship that I’ve outgrown. Frankly, I’m tired of making myself smaller so my husband doesn’t feel insignificant or emasculated. It’s not enough to have someone there to take care of your financial needs if they refuse to take care of the more important ones.”

Lila’s nose crinkles. “By needs you mean those of a sexual variety, correct?”

Shelby laughs. “I was thinking more about my emotional needs, but hell yes. I do yoga three times a week. I haven’t eaten a carb in four years. I’m almost thirty years old, and I’m not going to waste another goddamned moment of my life fighting for someone who gave up on us a long time ago.”

We’re all quiet for a long moment.

“How did he take the news?” Phoebe asks after a minute.

Shelby’s expression darkens. “Not well. Surprising, since I figured he’d be too busy boning his secretary to even notice I’d finally put my foot down.”

There’s a sad moment of silence where no one knows quite what to say.

What can you say to fix an unfixable situation?

“Oh, love.” Gemma squeezes her tight. “Anything you need, we’re here to help.”

“I could bring over food,” Phoebe offers. “Whatever vegan crap you want.”

Chrissy’s head tilts. “Or alcohol. Under the circumstances, I think tequila might be necessary.”

“I’ll help you change your locks,” Lila contributes. “I’ve had to do that several times after ex-boyfriends got a little testy about me kicking them out.”

Shelby smiles. “Thanks guys, but none of that is necessary.”

I’m the only one who hasn’t contributed anything, so I clear my throat. “I could hack into his computer and replace all his files with YouTube videos of goats screaming. Or, if you’re really looking to inflict some emotional damage, I could put him on the government no-fly list so next time he’s headed through security at the airport…” I smirk. “Full cavity check.”

A startled laugh flies from Shelby’s mouth. “Wait, that’s awesome. Really?”

“I knew we liked her,” Lila murmurs, grinning at me.

Phoebe slings an arm around my back. “Welcome to the club, Tink. Now that you’re in, there’s no going back.”

“I would be lying if I said that didn’t terrify me a little.” I look around warily. “You’re not going to have me killed by your crazy macho boyfriends if I decide I don’t want to be friends with you anymore, right?”

They all laugh like I’ve said the funniest thing ever… but I notice not one of them contradicts me.





19





The Knockout




I’m slightly tipsy by the time Parker shows up to bring me to Luca’s fight later that night.

“We’ll see you there!” Phoebe calls from the doorway, swaying on her high heels. Her cheeks are red from the alcohol in her system. “Nate’s coming with the big SUV in a few.”

I wave and climb into the Porsche, smiling dopily at Parker as soon as the door shuts behind me.

“Hi.”

“Someone’s a little drunk.” He laughs and leans over to kiss me softly. “What, did my sisters ply you with alcohol?”

I shrug. “Basically.”

“I take it they shared the good news.”

“You know!?” I gasp. “How?”

“Darling, Nate is my oldest friend. Who the hell do you think he asked for permission?”

My heart clenches. “That’s pretty sweet. You’re sweet.”

“Wow. You’re complimenting me?” His brow furrows. “Now I’m concerned. How many drinks did you have?”

“I’m fine!” I smack him on the arm. “What, I’m not allowed to be nice? I seem to remember you demanding I do just that not too long ago.”

“Yes, but the crux of our relationship is founded on the concept that I demand things and you flatly refuse me.” His eyes crinkle in amusement. “You actually listening to me is unheard of, snookums.”