“Well, I don’t want to speak poorly of anyone, but I questioned some things I’ve heard and seen when Victor and I were together, but I wasn’t allowed to say anything. I just worry that she will use Kian against Victor. Maybe even try to take Kian away to make Victor pay her more money. You know how women are when they feel threatened.”
“That would destroy Victor.” Nancy frowned.
“He doesn’t deserve that. Neither does Kian.” Sydney’s venom was practically spewing from her lips. “A woman from her background just won’t understand what it takesto be the wife of a man like Victor. He needs someone who is used to our lifestyles, our culture, and can elevate him.”
That was enough.
Now the woman was talking about her background? Just because she wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth, didn’t mean she wouldn’t be good enough for Vic. Their culture? What the hell did that even mean?
She blinked and realized exactly what it meant. She didn’t fit in with them. She hadn’t grown up with fancy country club memberships, billionaire parents, and luxury vacations.
Tachina was just a woman who had grown up in East Cleveland. A small suburb of Cleveland that was underprivileged, but the people were proud. They didn’t have much, but they made do. Her parents had always taught her to work hard, which she had. Everything she had accomplished was because of her sacrificing and hustling to get to where she was.
Fear slammed into Tachina. She was no longer hungry. She felt nauseated. She stared down at her hands and hated how they shook.
What if Nancy believes her? What if she convinces Vic that I’m a threat? That I’m using him? Once she finds out about the baby, will they assume I’d gotten pregnant to get more money out of Vic?
What if I lose him? Or Kian?
Kian’s smiling face flashed in her mind. The baby she haven’t even felt yet suddenly seemed like a dream.
Stop it, she snapped at herself.Stop spiraling. Vic won’t believe them.
Except Sydney had spent years around his family. More so than she. She knew their secrets, their vulnerabilities. Nancy loved Kian with a ferocity that may cause her to not think clearly if she thought her grandson was at risk of being lost to her.
That thought chilled her. She couldn’t afford to fight them in court if need be. They had extreme wealth that she couldn’t compete with.
“Ms. Winston! I’m so sorry I’m late, my dear. It’s like the universe threw every roadblock in my way!”
Tachina blinked and looked up to find a smiling, blue-tinted-blonde woman with a kind face. Mrs. Olivia Green was a whirl of warmth in the sudden chilly room. She extended her hand before she even sat down.
“Not a problem at all. I’m happy you made it.” Tachina shook her hand, focusing hard on sounding normal. She offered a smile and sat back.
“You’re so sweet. Now, where’s the waiter? After traffic like that, I need a mimosa.” Mrs. Green laughed. “Should we both get one? It will be my treat.”
“I would, but technically, I’m working.” Tachina chuckled.
“You are such the professional. More responsible thanme.” Mrs. Green burst into laughter. She waved over the waiter and ordered her drink anyway.
And then she launched into her pitch about the Mapleton Community Inc., a nonprofit trying to reinvent its community art center. She described their desire to expand mural workshops, including a place for woodcraft, pottery, textile art, and partner with schools to bring art therapy into them.
It should have been captivating, and it sounded like something Tachina would want to dive into.
But her mind was still stuck back at the other table. She strained to hear every dangerous word that Sydney uttered.
She tried to take notes. She asked questions, but each response felt delayed, like her mind was glitching. Mrs. Green stopped mid-sentence and tilted her head while concern crossed her face.
“Are you all right, my dear? You look as if you are going to faint?”
“I’m fine…I…excuse me for a moment. I need to go to the restroom.” Tachina offered an apologetic smile.
“Of course. Go ahead. I’ll be here enjoying my mimosa.”
Tachina stood too fast. The room tilted slightly. She steadied herself and snagged her phone from the table. She attempted to make a graceful exit. She failed and wobbled a few steps.
She didn’t go straight to the bathroom. Instead, she moved toward Sydney and Nancy’s table. She pretended toscroll on her phone while she slipped behind an oversized decorative tree where its leaves hid her. From here, the voices were clear, and Sydney was still spinning lies.
“And you saw that party they threw for Kian. She made Vic pay for everything. She’s obsessed with his money,” Sydney said. “I remember one day Vic had come home upset. They apparently had a discussion about child support. The only thing he told me was that it didn’t go his way.”