It's Better This Way(41)

“It might surprise you to learn I’m not playing games, Eddie.”

He snickered with disbelief. “How do Hillary and Marie feel about this?”

She maintained her distance, letting the sofa separate them. He remained on one side and she on the other. “You should ask them.”

“Like they’ll talk to me,” he answered, frowning.

“And whose fault is that? Or are you going to blame me for that, as well as everything else that’s wrong in the world?”

His mouth tightened into a thin line. “You’ve changed, Julia.”

“Really? Then it’s for the better.”

He wore a hurt, puzzled look, as if she’d surprised him. “You never used to be this flippant.”

She shrugged. “I can’t imagine what happened to make me that way,” she said, smiling.

    Eddie ignored this. “I know our girls can’t be happy that you’re dating Heath. Michael and Adam are upset about it, and consequently, Laura is, too.”

“I’m sorry to hear that, although it changes nothing. I’m not breaking up with Heath because Laura is upset.”

Julia’s doorbell chimed again, and she knew it could only be Heath. She checked her watch. He was right on time.

She opened the door, and he leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips. “Come on, girl, the wind is up and…” He paused when he saw Eddie standing on the far side of the room. He slowly straightened and came to stand at her side, placing his arm protectively around her waist.

“In case you haven’t met,” she said, gesturing toward her ex-husband, “Heath, this is Eddie.”

Heath stiffened and nodded before he looked at her. “You okay?” he asked.

“She’s fine,” Eddie snapped.

Heath’s head came back at Eddie’s abrupt response.

“I believe I can answer for myself, thank you, Eddie,” she said calmly. “As you can see, Heath and I are ready to leave.”

“Hold on for two seconds,” Eddie said. “I’m glad Heath is here. I’d like to talk to him man-to-man.”

“Anytime,” Heath said. “I suggest we meet later and leave Julia out of this.”

“Oh no you don’t. Julia needs to hear what I have to say. You both do.”

“Eddie…”

“Julia, please,” he insisted.

Heath gestured toward him. “Have at it, old man.”

Eddie snorted. “Old man? I’m younger than you.”

    “Stop,” Julia said, growing impatient with her ex and Heath. The testosterone level rose every time one of them opened his mouth.

“Fine.” He glared at Heath. “I want to know your intentions toward my wife.”

“Ex-wife,” Julia and Heath corrected simultaneously.

“Yes, my ex-wife. It’s all very convenient how the two of you met. You sought her out, didn’t you? You learned where she lived and purposely purchased a condo in the same building.”

“Sure, I did,” Heath said, as if finding the question ridiculous. “I knew the best way to get your goat was to sweep Julia off her feet.” He smiled as he said it, leaving no doubt he was joking.

Eddie didn’t appear amused. “It was the best way you could think to rub the divorce in Laura’s face.”

“Unfortunately, you give me far more credit than I deserve,” Heath said. “The truth is, Julia and I were both stunned to discover our connection.”

“I’ll bet,” Eddie returned sarcastically.

“What brought us together is all we found in common,” Heath continued. “You’re happy with Lee, and I don’t begrudge you or her. Get over yourself, Eddie, and leave the two of us alone.”

Eddie blinked several times. If he’d hoped for a physical confrontation, Heath wasn’t going to provide it. He was unperturbed and sensible, refusing to take Eddie’s bait.

“Now, if you’ll excuse us, Julia and I have a hot date on my sailboat. I would normally say it was a pleasure to meet you, only that would be a lie.”

“It would be for me as well.”

    “Fair enough.”

Heath reached for Julia’s hand, and they stepped aside as they waited for Eddie to leave.

He paused to stand in front of them. “I hope you know what you’re doing,” he said to Heath, ignoring Julia.

“I do,” Heath confirmed.

“You treat her right or you’ll have me to answer to.”

“I know the treasure I found in Julia and have no intention of letting her go.”

Eddie frowned. “Is that a dig?” he asked.

“No, it’s a fact.”

Eddie glanced toward Julia, and offered a weak smile and a nod before he walked away.





Chapter 16




The monthly book club meeting was well in progress. Carrie had checked in with the group and saw that both her aunt Julia and Heath were among those discussing the latest read—a mystery by Jana DeLeon. Carrie had made sure coffee had been set up and had baked peanut-butter cookies herself.

As she settled into her position as concierge, Carrie had grown to love her job and the variety of activities that she oversaw; the book club was one of several. The meetings were held in the library room, adjacent to the lobby, and was the location for the yoga and wine groups as well. The card players set up in there also. Most of these activities took place in the evenings, and it was almost always the same people. She heard from newer residents that these sorts of arranged events were unusual in most condo buildings. For Carrie, it seemed just what made The Heritage above and beyond. Overseeing these gatherings added variety and fun to her duties, and she enjoyed adding a personal touch to make them special, like baking cookies.