Page 15 of Scandalous Contract

CHAPTER FOUR

STEFANIE

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WHEN I DROPPED INDIAback off at school, she hugged me tightly. With her arms wrapped around me, she asked if I was sure I was okay with her spending spring break with friends. Of course, I wasn’t sure.

I’d already come up with a thousand things that could go wrong while she was with her friends. I remember my spring break days. I remember the partying, the drinking, the guys. Though she promised me there wouldn’t be any of that, I wasn’t born yesterday.

Still, I told her everything was okay. I knew if I tried to force her to do things my way, she’d only rebel. That was what I’d done when I was in college. Hell, I’d even married the man my parents hadn’t wanted me to be with right after college.

So, I knew exactly what trying to hold on too tightly to your child could do. She promised to text me all the information I’d asked for. Then she kissed my cheek, left the vehicle, waved goodbye, and raced back into her dorm.

And I was left sitting in the parking lot, wondering when she’d grown up, wondering when she’d stopped being the little girl who ran toward me instead of away from me. A strange feeling settled over me as I sat there, staring at the door she’d just raced through.

I needed to leave before I called her phone and told her I’d changed my mind. I drove off, heading to my Airbnb. But that strange feeling didn’t disappear. It remained. I didn’t have a word for it.

It felt like a stone in the pit of my stomach, unsettling and heavy. I turned up the radio, trying to shake off this feeling, pushing down the emotions trying to overwhelm me. I was being ridiculous.

I was fine. Indie was fine. I would be here in town if she needed me. I had to look on the bright side. I had an entire week to myself, a beautiful rental house to relax in, and no obligations other than drinking wine and watching all the shows I’d been neglecting.

I could catch up on a book series I hadn’t had time to finish. I could try a new recipe I’d been wanting to try. All of that should sound exciting. So why did I feel like I was drowning in boredom with no purpose in life?

I huffed, shaking my head as I pulled into the driveway of the Airbnb. I was overthinking. I did that too much. After entering the home, I closed and locked the door behind me. I kicked off my heels at the door, sighing at the relief of my toes being free.

Tossing my purse and keys onto the couch, I padded into the kitchen.Wine. I needed wine. I grabbed a bottle from the counter, poured myself a generous glass, and returned to the living room, where I sank onto the couch, stretching my legs out.

I took a sip and closed my eyes at the taste. Yeah, this was definitely what I needed. Opening my eyes, I stared across the room where a mirage of mirrors decorated the far wall. There were different colored flowers on each mirror.

It was a beautiful display and similar décor was fashion around the entire home, which was probably why it was called the Flower Villa. My gaze was glued to my reflection. I looked tired. Tired as hell. My dress was rumpled now.

My hair was frizzy, and my edges were no longer laid. I stared away from the mirror, no longer wanting to see myself. I rifled through my purse until I found my phone.Got it.I scrolled idly through my notifications, half-heartedly checking messages.

I flipped through social media, but it was the same old posts. Nothing interesting. Nothing new. Just like my life.Ugh!I was about to put the phone down and watch television when the phone dinged. It was a text from Ronnie.

Ronnie: You and Indi settled in yet?

I texted him back a sad face emoji.

Me: India ditched me for her friends.

Ronnie: Damn. The betrayal.

Me: Right??

Ronnie: That means you have no excuse not to go out with me tonight, bitch!

I snorted. I should have known this was coming.

Me: I literally just got here. I haven’t even showered yet.