Woman on the Edge(27)
I could slam on my brakes and cause an accident, forcing the person out of the car. But we’re on a busy highway. It’s far too dangerous. All I wanted was a simple life with a loyal husband and a baby. Why has it all gone wrong?
Tentacles of fear climb up the back of my neck as I watch the car come closer and closer. It’s practically on top of my bumper. In the rearview I manage to make out a woman with long red hair driving, but huge sunglasses obscure her face. Then she bangs into me with enough force that I fly forward, bracing my hands on the steering wheel.
Who the fuck is this woman? And why is she trying to run me off the road?
CHAPTER TWELVE NICOLE
Before
It had been a week since Greg left, and no calls from him. Nothing. Nicole had no idea where he was. She missed his comforting presence in the house, but she wasn’t sure she missed him. He never did answer her question about sleeping with his assistant. He was probably with her now. Melissa. Why did it take her so long to figure it all out? How could she have been so blind? She’d stopped trusting her instincts. Those gut feelings that had made Breathe a top company in the competitive athleisure space had all but disappeared since having a child. She was a shell of her former self.
She hadn’t left the house all week. She’d ventured out only to the backyard so Quinn could get some vitamin D. But the incessant buzz of mowers, even the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze, rattled her nerves. She was constantly listening for Donna, waiting for her appearance. When would it ever end?
Nicole told Tessa right away that Greg had left. And almost every day since, Tessa had come by after work, bringing groceries or dinner. Their last conversation worried Nicole. They’d been sitting in the living room a few evenings before, Quinn in Tessa’s arms while Nicole folded the laundry. Quinn’s tiny sleeper was inside out, and she couldn’t pull the legs free. She threw the sleeper to the ground in frustration.
Tessa said, “I’ve been doing a lot of reading on postpartum reactions. It’s completely normal to be scared and anxious.” She’d looked at Quinn, then back at Nicole. “It’s common to feel like you can’t take care of yourself or your baby.”
Nicole stiffened. “What are you trying to say?”
“You’re not getting dressed anymore. You’re not taking Quinn out of the house. You’re getting frustrated by simple tasks. Why don’t I stay here with you for a bit? Just so you can get some more sleep and get outside.”
Nicole considered it. She was afraid to be alone in the house. But she resented the suggestion that she wasn’t taking care of Quinn. Her baby was well-fed, well-rested, and clean. She resented the implication she wasn’t a good mother. Then she instantly felt guilty. Tessa was only trying to help.
“I’ll be fine,” she said. And Tessa had relented.
Now, Nicole looked at the clock: 11:00 a.m. Tessa would be at the office. She picked up her phone.
Tessa answered on the first ring. “Hey, what’s up?”
Nicole could hear the hustle and bustle of Breathe in the background. She couldn’t imagine being there anymore. It felt so improbable that she was ever in charge of a company when she now struggled to leave the house.
“I’m …” She grasped for the right words. “Could you come over and help me move a table? It’s not safe for Quinn where it is.”
“Sure. I just have a quick meeting with Lucinda. The launch for the Aromatherapy for Exhaustion line is this week.”
Nicole didn’t know what launch Tessa was talking about. “Sounds like you’re busy. It’s fine.”
“No, it’s okay. I’ll be there later. Have you heard from Greg?”
“Not a word.”
“I really hope he’s not sleeping with his assistant. He’d be a walking cliché.”
“Ha!” she said, though inside she wasn’t laughing. “He has no problem using our joint account, though. He’s been taking a lot of money out recently. I tried to check the portfolio he manages for us, but it’s in his name only.”
Tessa paused on the other end of the line before asking, “Do you know where he is? Do you want me to talk to him? It’s just so strange that he hasn’t even been in touch.”
Nicole didn’t care where he was, or who he was with. But she did have an idea.
“Thank you, Tess, but I don’t think you talking to him will help. Maybe we could stay with you, though, Quinn and me? Just for a bit?” Moving in with Tessa for a while might be the answer. Her colorful condo was warm and soothing. More important, Donna wouldn’t be able to find them there.
“Oh, sweetie, I don’t think that would work. I’m sorry. You know I’d do anything for you, but my place just isn’t suitable for a baby. I’m not even sure the condo board would allow it.” She was quiet for a moment. “But I’ll come over later. And like I said, I can always stay with you.”
Nicole felt her cheeks flame with embarrassment. She wished she’d never asked. “It was a dumb idea. Sorry. Come for dinner. Maybe I’ll even make us something.”
She wouldn’t and couldn’t, but she could at least pretend. They hung up, and Nicole had a sudden burst of energy. With Quinn wrapped around her, she tucked her phone in her pocket and went to the entryway for her sneakers. She and Quinn could go to the park and watch the older kids play. She stopped in the front hall, confused. On the bench by the door was a photo album, her flower-covered family album that she hadn’t looked at in years. It always rested on the bookshelf. She called Tessa back.