Page 59 of Barging In

“Where were you heading?”

“I needed some fresh air, so I thought I’d wander into town and grab a taxi at the rank.”

“Is the party over?”

“Almost. I’d had enough. There’s nothing like others walking out on your celebrations to dampen one’s mood.”

“Oh... sorry,” Clem said, regretting that her previous anger had kept her from returning to the party.

Bloody Drew.

“It’s fine. I didn’t even expect you to come, let alone stay, but I’m glad you did. It’s been a long day for both of us.”

As Victoria sat down, Clem checked her watch and then rested a hand on her shoulder. “It’s still technically your birthday, and I’m here now.”

Victoria smiled and, to Clem’s surprise, patted her hand. “You are.”

Clem slipped inside to fetch a glass, then returned a moment later, filling it with wine.

“Who else abandoned you?” Clem asked, settling back down in her own seat.

“Drew had to leave. Jasper disappeared with Max to his apartment with what looked like a bottle of scrumpy. He left Emma at the bar with only a handful of people lingering. Thanks for helping out, again; it was kind of you.”

Clem gave a casual shrug. “I was feeling a bit like a spare part, and as you know, I can’t bear to watch someone struggle.”

“I can attest to that,” Victoria said, shooting her a smile. “It was good of Max to take on the bar. The plan was that we’d all take a turn, so I was certainly grateful that Max spared me. I hope it wasn’t an unenjoyable evening for you.”

“No,” Clem lied. “I thought it best to leave you with your friends.”

“They aren’tmyfriends; they’re Drew’s. I don’t have any other than Jasper.”

“Seriously?” Clem raised her eyebrows, disbelief colouring her voice. How could a woman like Victoria not attract people?

Victoria nodded as she picked up her glass. “I was friendly with a few colleagues from the architectural firm I used to work at. After I married Drew, he persuaded me to quit my job and go work directly for his business instead.”

“Cut out the middleman,” Clem put in.

“Exactly. Drew was the firm’s biggest client, so my departure almost folded the place. Of course, I didn’t know any of this until later. I bumped into an old colleague who told me she’d lost her job because of it. Drew must have known exactly what he was doing. Even if it made business sense for him, it didn’t sit comfortably with me. People stopped talking to me after that.”

Clem bit her tongue. She wanted to add something, but Victoria had just made her feelings clear that she didn’t like what he’d done. Calling someone’s husband an arsehole wasn’t the best way to win over a new friend.

“After that, I found myself moving in Drew’s circles, and rich men’s wives are not my cup of tea.” Victoria’seyes narrowed slightly. “Dare I ask what you thought of Drew?”

“I’m wondering when he’s going to enter politics.”

Victoria laughed, but her mirth quickly dissipated. “Drew told me what he said to you. I’m sorry.”

Clem shrugged. “It’s nothing I haven’t heard before. Many times. You get used to it.”

“You shouldn’t have to,” Victoria grumbled.

“No, I shouldn’t. But arseholes are arseholes.” Well, she’d said it, but Victoria didn’t even flinch at the word.

“Most of the time, I count myself lucky that it’s only words. Considering what some men do to women.”

Victoria nodded.

“I noticed Jasper gave him a wide berth,” Clem added.