Page 74 of Always Beth
‘What is?’
‘Tomorrow. Jacob will come here whilst you go to London.’
I open my mouth to protest, but I can’t deny that it would make me feel better if someone was with Lauren and, as reluctant as I am to admit it, Jacob is the best choice.
‘Fine. Thank you.’
‘Now sod off, I want to sleep and bring Richard up, I need him.’
I smile as I wonder where the little bastard has been hiding. I’ve barely seen him all day and to be honest he’s been as down in the dumps as I have. Not only have I caused my own misery, but I’ve caused his as well.
* * *
I’m breathless as I arrive. The hallway stretches out before me, cold and uninviting. After waiting for Jacob this morning, it’s cut things so fine that I fear I’ve missed it. I can only hope that it’s taken longer than usual and they’re still in there. I’ve been here many times for mediation meetings, but today’s different. Caroline told me to stay out of this, but as much as Beth and I are in a strange limbo between friendship and more, whatever more means, I couldn’t stay away. I sink into one of the chairs lined along the hallway and as I exhale in frustration, I lock eyes with a brunette on the adjacent row of seats. She smiles at me and I nod politely, my eyes dropping to the neat round bump she cradles lovingly with one hand, a hand adorned by an engagement ring to end all engagement rings. Poor woman, probably here for the same reason as Beth. I wrestle my watch from my cuff in an attempt to check the time, I haven’t worn a tie in so long that I forgot how uncomfortable they could be. They should have been out by now, what’s taking so long? I tug at my tie and unbutton my shirt. I never realised how it would feel being on the other side of this.
I glance up as the door opens and Caroline comes out, closely followed by Beth. I stand immediately but neither notice me. Caroline squeezes Beth’s arm comfortingly, before Beth turns and walks into the restroom. Caroline turns and we lock eyes, she frowns and walks towards me quickly.
‘What are you doing here? I told you to stay out of it,’ she hisses.
‘I am staying out of it. I just needed to be here. What happened?’
She tilts her head and rolls her lips, whatever it is, it’s bittersweet.
‘London home. Cornwall cottage. All hers. Fifty-fifty split on all cash and investments. Fifty per cent of pension.’
I can’t help but break into a smile, this is what we do, and Caroline has done the job I expected of her and more. Although I know this was never about the money for Beth.
‘What about Poppy?’ I ask.
‘The dog? Of course I got her the bloody dog. He never even wanted her anyway, he was using her as leverage.’
I’m hit with immediate relief, Dick will be pleased.
‘Why do I feel a but coming?’
Caroline drops her head and shakes it from side to side.
‘What is it? Just tell me.’
‘He brought his back-up plan, didn’t he.’ She nods towards the brunette I spotted before and suddenly it all makes sense. That’s her, his mistress, the woman he cheated on Beth with. The door opens again and Beth’s husband leaves with his barrister. They shake hands and he proceeds to pull his mistress into his arms and gently rests his hand on her stomach.
‘Fucking bastard,’ Caroline whispers turning back to me.
As I glance up the hallway, I still as Beth leaves the restroom, her head cast to the floor.Shit.As she approaches us, she glances up and stops dead in her tracks as she comes face to face with her husband and the result of his betrayal. I swallow the lump in my throat as I witness the immediate pain play out on her face. I silently will for her to look at me and slowly she drags her eyes from them and meets my own.
‘I have to go to her.’
‘James, don’t make a scene,’ Caroline grinds out.
‘Scene? I’m putting on a whole fucking show.’
I stride down the hallway and as I approach her, she hastily wipes her eyes.
‘James, what are you—’
Pulling her into my arms, I cradle her head in my hands and capture her lips with mine. My stomach twists as her tear-stained cheek connects with my own. Her chest heaves as she pours all her hurt into our kiss. I know she isn’t grieving her husband, she’s grieving the future she thought had, the future which is now on another course.
‘I’m so sorry,’ I whisper as I pull out from our kiss.
