Chapter 13
Chapter 13
“Yup.” A thrill of defiance flickered in Maxine’s chest. “Dead serious.”
The line went quiet, then Sebastian hung up.
Maxine tossed her phone on the couch, a wry smile tugging at her lips as her eyes stung.
She thought that oughta stop him.
A soft creak broke her thoughts. She glanced over to see Jessica peeking from the guest room door, her small face full of worry.
Maxine’s grin softened. She hurried over, kneeling to ruffle Jessica’s hair. “Hey, Jess! Up already, huh?”
Jessica hesitated, her voice a shaky whisper. “Maxine…”
She bit her lip, eyes wide. “You gonna be my new mom?”
Maxine’s heart caught, but she kept her smile warm. “Yeah, kiddo. You okay with that?”
Jessica squirmed, words stuck. Then, under Maxine’s gentle look, she blurted, “You getting divorced… ‘cause of me?”
Maxine’s eyes widened. Before she could speak, Jessica rushed on, voice cracking. “I can go to a foster home! You don’t have to split up ‘cause of me. I’ll
be fine…
“I’m super grateful. You found my mom, but I… I don’t wanna be a hassle…”
Tears spilled down Jessica’s cheeks, and Maxine’s own eyes welled up.
She pulled Jessica into a fierce hug. “Sweetie, no way. This divorce? It’s not your fault. It’s for me.
“Don’t feel bad. I’ve got you, okay? Promise.”
Because she owed Ivanna that much.
Maxine held her tight, whispering until Jessica’s sobs faded to sniffles.
“There we go,” Maxine said, wiping Jessica’s tears with a soft grin. “No more crying, yeah? You’re too cute for tears.”
Jessica nodded shyly, and Maxine’s heart melted.
She was about to ask what Jess wanted for breakfast when a loud knock rattled the door. “Mom? You in there?”
Maxine froze. ‘Brian? What is he doing here?‘
She hesitated, then swung the door open.
There was Brian, face red and furious. He stormed in eyes darting around. And right behind him? Sebastian, naturally.
Maxine’s annoyance flared. “Brian, what’s your problem?”
He didn’t even look at her. His gaze zeroed in on Jessica, who’d been hiding just moments ago.
He whirled on Maxine, voice loud and sharp. “You left us for her, didn’t you?”
The hurt in Brian’s eyes hit hard, and Sebastian’s silence screamed disapproval.
Maxine stepped in front of Jessica, who was trembling, and glared at them both. “This is my house. Get out, or I’m calling the cops.”
10:44 Tue 17 Jun
Chapter 13
“Cops?” Sebastian snorted. “Maxine, you’re out of your damn mind.”
She didn’t blink. “Out of my mind, huh? Then why are you still hitched to me?”
Jessica tugged at Maxine’s sleeve, voice small. “Maxine, don’t fight…”
Maxine’s heart squeezed. She turned, softening. “It’s okay, sweetie. Go to your room, alright?”
Jessica nodded slowly and started to walk away.
That was when Brian lunged, shoving her. “Who the heck are you? Why’re you always with
my
mom?”
Jessica stumbled and hit the floor with a soft cry.
Maxine’s blood ran cold. “Brian, what the hell?!”
He was still fuming, ready to go at Jessica again.
Maxine didn’t hesitate–she grabbed Brian’s arm, pulled him back, and knelt to help Jessica up. “You okay, sweetie?”
She didn’t see Brian stagger backward.
Then, a sharp yelp cut through the air. “Ow!”
