Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Raine had never come right out and said she didn’t like Megan, but she hadn’t been particularly friendly to her either and Riley couldn’t figure out why. “She has a planner to make sure the ceremony runs smoothly and to ensure everything is set up on the day of. But in the meantime, I’ve been helping her out with the little things if that’s okay with you.”
Raine rolled her eyes. “There’s no need to get smart about it. I was just asking a question. I’m surprised the two of you are friends again after that brother of hers broke your heart.”
“Raine! Could you not start tonight? I mean seriously, can we have one meal without any of your drama?” Rachel chided their middle sister.
“What?” Raine shrugged, looking around the table. “I was just making conversation. Did I say anything that wasn’t true? If I were her I’d stay away from that entire family. She’s asking for trouble hanging out with Megan again. If the sister is in her life, it won’t be long before the brother is as well, unless…” she narrowed her eyes and smirked. “He isn’t already.”
Riley nearly choked on her pork chop. Talia patted her on the back. “Are you okay, Auntie Riley?”
She grabbed her glass of water and took a few small sips. “I’m fine. Thank you, sweetie.”
When she looked up at her sister, there was a self-satisfied expression on Raine’s face. “I’m sorry. Did I hit a nerve?”
“That’s enough of this foolishness, Raine,” Sheila interjected. This was the most words she’d strung together since dinner started. “There’s nothing wrong with Riley helping her friend out. Megan is a sweet girl and very respectful. All those sleepovers Riley and her had, she was like another daughter. It was a shame they lost touch.”
Riley was surprised to hear her mother take her side in the issue considering her feelings for Ethan.
“Mom, I’m just saying with Riley being so close to her girlfriend again, she’s bound to run into her ex a few times. I wouldn’t be surprised if they haven’t secretly taken up with each other again. Riley always wanted to learn things the hard way.” Raine shook her head as her words were actually coming from a place of concern but Riley knew better.
“Hush up, Raine. Riley knows better than to take up with that man again. I’m sure all she has to do is remember how he treated her. How he was carrying on with some other woman while she was in labor—”
“Mom, that isn’t how it happened,” Riley protested, her cheeks burning in embarrassment from the painful reminder.
“And how he basically ignored her throughout the course of the marriage. Wouldn’t spend any time with her,” her mother continued as if she hadn’t spoken.
“Mom this isn’t an appropriate line of conversation in front of the children,” Rachel hissed across the table.
Despite Rachel’s warning, Sheila was on a roll. “And then when you were still grieving over your baby he had the nerve to leave you. They all leave you know, and they never come back. Look at Raine. None of those good for nothing men stuck around after they knocked her up.”
“Mom! That’s hardly fair.” Raine’s eyes widened. Riley wanted to strangle her sister for being such a huge hypocrite. It had been fine when Riley was the target but apparently she didn’t like it when the tables were turned on her.
“It’s the truth. If you lie with dogs you wake up with fleas. Your father taught me that and none of the sorry ass men you three chose were any better. Rachel, don’t think I don’t know about that sissy you married. It’s a wonder he managed to get it up for you two to make a child.”
Rachel stood up. “That’s enough, Mother!” She turned to her son. “Eli, go get your coat we’re leaving.”
“Truth hurts doesn’t it?”
Riley had never seen her mother go off the deep end like this before. She had to be in a great deal of pain right now to lash out like this but the children were learning things they didn’t need to know in their young lives. “Mom, please. The kids are listening.”
“This is my goddamn house and I’m not going to be censored in it. You don’t think these children don’t see how pathetic you three are when it comes to men.” Sheila made sure to encompass all three of her daughters in her gaze.
“Mom, you shouldn’t get on my case. I’ve learned my lesson. It’s Riley who’s still seeing her ex-husband. The same one who dumped her. I saw them the other day when I was out shopping, all cuddled up like a couple of teenagers at some fancy restaurant. Riley thinks she so above the rest of us and the rules don’t apply to her. She acts like he won’t do the same thing.”