I fight against the urge to cover Nicole's ears. The nurse's words are exactly why I believe they don't know anything at all. Only an idiot would even mention something like that to Nicole. Don't they know how tenderhearted she is?
The two women are still filling Nicole's head with nonsense when Jeanne Barbers arrives.
Blonde. Blowdried. Smiling.
She's one of Charlotte's top family lawyers, and she enjoys working pro bono once in a while, if the case is interesting enough. Most people misjudge her for being the classic dumb blonde, and it’s the reason why those same people lose when they face her in court. I have a feeling Pettyfer and his lawyer won’t be any different.
"We finally meet," the older woman says with a smile. "And as much as I wish we had time to get to know each other properly—"
Her expression turns serious.
"We have much to discuss."
We move to the seating area, but Heidi and Judy beat me to the couch, and they end up flanking Nicole on each side.
What the hell?
I’m glad they care about Nicole a lot, but so do I, dammit. I’m sorely tempted to remind them whose payroll they’re on, but...Jeanne’s started talking, and so I’ll have to take the high road for now.
“Mr. Pettyfer has agreed to meet us halfway. We expedite the divorce proceedings, and in return, he agrees to a divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences.”
Jeanne goes on to add that the negotiations include Pettyfer signing a non-disclosure to keep all matters regarding the marriage and its termination completely confidential.
“So...there’s nothing to worry about then?” Nicole asks uncertainly.
“Not quite.” Jeanne’s lips purse. “In my experience, people in Mr. Pettyfer's situation don't request this type of meeting for any good reason. So please be on your guard...and allow me to respond on your behalf as much as possible." She glances at her watch. “It’s about time we leave. Do you have any other questions? Are we all set?”
Instead of answering, Nicole looks at me, which doesn't seem to surprise anyone...
Except myself.
My chest tightens as she continues looking at me. I feel like a damn coward again, not even wanting to make an attempt to understand what her eyes want to tell me. And it seems she senses this—
"W-Will you wait for me?"
I know I’ve made a mistake the moment she speaks.
I shouldn't have forced her to say those words in front of everyone. It's made her vulnerable when I should've been man enough to be vulnerable for her first.
If I could turn back time, I would have.
But since I can't—
"I'll wait for you for as long as it takes."
Chapter Twenty
I'M NOT SURE WHAT Iexpected when Jeanne and I enter the conference room.
All I know is that I didn't expect him to be so...surrounded.
Because not only does Sandy have his lawyer with him, but he also has Delia and Risa seated on his side of the table.
Sandy is at the center, in the chair closest to the far end. His mother is on his left, hands folded in her lap with the kind of stillness that comes from a woman who has spent six decades arranging her face for other people. Delia is on his right, in a dress that's too short and a manicure that's too red, leaning back in her chair like she belongs there.
The fourth seat on their side is the lawyer.
He's about my age. Sandy's age. Forty-something. Balding at the crown in a way that hasn't been kindly received, with what's left of his hair combed across the gap. He's slouched in his chair when we walk in, one elbow on the armrest, a pen tapping against his lower lip.