Page 12 of Duty and Desire

“I think so.” I look at May.

“Yep.” She rattles off the drink she wants, and I go with a Moscow mule and order the cheese board for us to share. “So, how has work been?” she asks when the waiter walks away.

“Okay, but I can’t wait to get my license and find something else.”

“You don’t like working at the office?” She tips her head to the side as she studies me.

“Everyone there has made it very clear I’m not wanted.” I let out a dry laugh, and her expression softens.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I mean, I knew going in that the only reason I got the job is because my dad owns the company.”

“I guess.” She scrunches her nose. “So how are things moving along with Conner andthatwhole situation?”

“He still hasn’t signed the papers, but my lawyer assured me that he can’t prevent the divorce from going through in the end. That made me feel better about the whole thing.”

“Has he said why he’s not just signing them?”

“No.” I look across the room when I feel like someone is watching me and find a group of women gathered at the bar—all of whom I used to talk to regularly. None of which I talk to anymore since they are all married to or dating Conner’s friends.

“Do you know them?” May whispers, and I focus on her.

“Yeah,” I whisper back, then jump slightly when our waiter places two glasses on the table in front of us. “Thank you.” I tip my head back to look up at him and catch his smile.

“Your board will be out in just a couple of minutes, but if you need anything between then and now, just let me know.”

“We will.” May picks up her glass and holds it out toward me as he walks off. “Let’s toast.” I pick up my glass and hold it close to hers.

“What are we toasting to?”

“To drinks with friends.” She smiles, and I feel my muscles relax. I know my brother would likely prefer that his girlfriend and I were not friends, but I honestly couldn’t be more thankful for May’s constant support and acceptance. Especially now when I feel so alone.

“I’ll drink to that.” I tap my glass against hers, then take a sip, hoping to calm my nerves that seemed to come to life after seeing who was at the bar.

“Bridgett?” My spine stiffens at the sound of my name in a very familiar voice. I swing around and watch Molly approach with Vanessa and Catharine. “I thought that was you.” She gives me a sugary-sweet smile before leaning down to press the side of her lips to my cheek. “How have you been?”

“Good.” I touch my fingers to my face, sure she left behind some of the bright red lipstick she has on. “How are you?”

“Fabulous.” She smooths her hand over her hip, drawing attention to her small waist and the large, sparkling diamond on her finger. “Busy, actually. Brayden and I are working on having a baby.”

“Good for you.” I keep my face neutral, knowing for a fact that her marriage is just as preposterous as mine was. She and her husband have been together for three years and married for one. In that time, I know he’s cheated multiple times, and so has she. I can only imagine that all their dysfunction will lead to disaster sooner or later, which will suck for any child they have together.

“I heard you’ve been working for your father.”

“I have.” I keep my answer short, hoping she’ll get that I have no desire to pretend we’re friends or think that she actually cares about what I’ve been doing.

“Are you going to continue doing that when you and Conner move to London?”

“Pardon?”

“Conner mentioned that you two are moving to London since he got a promotion at the firm and they’re sending him overseas.”

“Conner and I aren’t together.”

“What?” Her eyes widen, and I frown, not sure her surprise is genuine.

“He and I are no longer together.” I quickly glance at May, finding her with her lips pressed together in a tight line. “I moved out weeks ago. We’re getting divorced.”