Page 42 of Painfully Merry

When the Judge ruled him guilty, I cried. Although he didn’t get the serving time I wanted, it's better than nothing. He could’ve walked away with a slap on the wrist. Instead, he’s doing ten years, and I hope he’ll end up being someone’s bitch.

“Miss Black, there is a gentleman here to see you.” The hostess informs me.

I pass her my champagne glass. “Thank you.”

I head out to the hotel’s main lobby, where more guests linger. I’m glad they are having a lovely time, knowing they have a week off. I rounded the last corner and stilled.

Standing in black suits and matching Christmas ties are Parker and Chaos. Chaos has all dark hair now, making his ice-blue eyes stand out even more. And Parker still looks the same. I haven’t seen Parker since my uncle’s trial; he didn’t speak to me even then.

As for Chaos, he ditched out the day after Christmas last year.

They have no right being here, and I was finally moving on. I buried them both in the past; I have someone I need to look after now, and they can’t be a part of that.

“Sabbins, can we talk?” Chaos goes to take a step forward.

I raise my hand. “Don’t fuckin’ move, Joel. You left me after all that talk. You still left me without a single word from you for a year, and now you show up? No, I don’t think so.”

“I can explain if you just let me, please.”

I shake my head, biting my lip, holding back what I want to say. There are too many people around for this conversation.

“Will you let me talk?” Parker asks, not moving from his spot.

“No.” My upper lip curled around the word. “You had your chance, and you didn’t take it either. You both need to leave.”

I turn to leave and forget about them altogether when Chaos grabs my wrist.

“I know.”

I rip my arm from his grip. “Know about what?” I hissed.

Parker steps closer, his mouth sinking into a sad smile. “When were you going to tell us?”

Bile slicked the back of my throat. “How?”

“I did see you earlier this year. Did you forget?”

“You have no right and no proof.” Like hell, I’m letting them get near my child. “Get the hell out before I escort you out. If I see you again, I won’t be afraid to call the cops, and with your reputation, Joel, I would be afraid.”

“‘Millionaire mother, linked to the death of an employee.’ Wouldn’t that make a nice headline? I would watch it, too, Sabbins. I have dirt on you also.”

I back away slowly. I can’t stay here. I have to get home. They are not getting anywhere close to my daughter. They will have to kill me first.

TO BE CONTINUED…