The Wife Stalker(22)

She pursed her lips and clicked her pen a few times. “Let’s pick this up in two days, during our regular appointment on Friday. I’d like you to really think about what’s happened and what it is that you need, Joanna. Try not to focus so much on Leo and saving him from Piper, but on how you’re going to build a life as a divorced mom.”

I didn’t bother reiterating that I had no such plans. It didn’t matter what Celeste thought. I knew Leo, and I knew he’d come to his senses eventually. I just had to do whatever I could to make sure it was sooner rather than later.





17

Piper




Piper unpacked her grocery bag, where a jar of Jif peanut butter sat on top—Leo had been very specific about the brand Stelli liked. She unscrewed the lid and, bringing the jar to her nose, sniffed and made a face. Even the smell said unhealthy. Then a can of tuna for Evie—Piper shook her head. All that mercury. She wondered why Joanna hadn’t tried to improve their food choices. She continued unpacking, finding more of the items she’d chosen, like a box of organic granola bars and a fresh pineapple.

Leo was bringing the children to her house for lunch. They had agreed that it might be better and less upsetting for them to meet her here for the first time. It would seem more casual, like dropping in on a friend, rather than having her come into their home. And even though she and Leo had talked it through at length, trying to foresee any hiccups, she was still nervous. What if they hated her on sight? Their mother hadn’t been gone that long. Piper would have to make them believe that she and their father were just good friends. Maybe they’d come to see her as a friend, too, and then, when things progressed, they would be more likely to accept the changes.

It was ridiculous to feel so apprehensive, but what kept running through her mind was the night Mia had discovered that her father and Piper were dating. The ensuing confrontation had gone very badly, with the girl either snarling at Piper or not speaking to her, making it plain that she had no intention of accepting Piper. Her responses to Piper’s polite questions were curt and snide, unless she was ignoring her completely, which was usually the case. Piper breathed in and out, trying to settle her nerves and her thumping heart. It would be different this time, she told herself. Stelli and Evie were young. They would adapt.

When the doorbell rang, it jarred her, and she felt her pulse quicken once again as she opened the door. Leo stood between the children, each of them with a hand in his.

“Hello,” Piper said brightly. “I’m so glad you’re here. Come in.”

Evie smiled up at her shyly, but Stelli’s face remained impassive. Piper swallowed and took a step back as they entered, searching Leo’s face for some sign of reassurance. He winked at her as he ushered the children in, and she felt better.

“Piper,” Leo began, as they stood in the foyer. “I’d like you to meet Stelli and Evie.” He placed one hand on Evie’s shoulder and his other on Piper’s, nudging them closer to each other.

Piper reminded herself that she needed to be careful. Even though they were young, the children would pick up on any physical affection between her and Leo. It would be hard to keep her hands to herself after the delicious intimacy they now shared, but it was necessary at this point. She bent down so that she was eye level with them. “Your father and I are good friends, and I’m really happy to meet his two favorite people.”

Evie’s smile grew wider, but Stelli gave her a sullen look, one that reminded her of Mia.

She stood up straight and beseeched Leo with her eyes. “Well,” she said, turning to the kids, “I’ve made some lunch for us, and I thought we could eat on the back porch by the water. What do you think?”

“I love the water,” Evie said politely.

“Sounds good. Do you need some help in the kitchen?” Leo asked.

“No. I’m fine. Why don’t you take the children outside? I’ll bring everything out. We can sit and talk and get to know each other.”

The three of them were down at the water’s edge when Piper placed the lunch tray on the table she’d set earlier, and she walked along the stone path leading to the pebbly sand to join them. Leo was showing Stelli how to skip stones, but the boy wasn’t having much luck. Piper picked up a pebble, bent her wrist back, let it go, and watched the pebble bounce across the water three times.

“Hey, girl. You’re pretty good,” Leo said.

“Lots of practice. I grew up on the water.”

Evie looked up at her with a shy smile, but Stelli glared at her.

“Can I show you how?” she asked him, hoping to get on his good side.

He shook his head. “I don’t want to throw anymore,” he said, and walked away from them toward the house.

She felt herself deflate, and Leo put a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, he’ll come around. Give it time.”

They walked up the slight hill together, and the three of them took their seats at the table while Piper filled their plates.

Stelli picked up his sandwich, examined it, and took a bite. “Peanut butter and jelly is my favorite,” he said as he chewed. Then he made a face and put the sandwich down, pushing the plate away from himself. “The jelly’s too lumpy. Yuck!”

“I’m sorry, Stelli. I can make you another,” Piper said, swallowing the urge to correct his poor manners. She took his plate and stood.