“Sheridan? Hi, honey!” She reached out and hugged me.
To my horror, the tears came right back, as if I hadn’t been crying for almost twenty-four hours at this point, but I couldn’t seem to help myself.
“Oh, honey, what’s going on?” Mom pulled my suitcase inside and kept one arm around my waist as she led me into the family room. “Sit. I’m getting you some water.” I buried my face in my hands and tried to figure out how I’d gotten to this point.
I’d lost Lars, my company, and my dignity in a span of twenty-four hours. Even though the sale to Vanessa was temporary, it still scared me to know I didn’t own Sheri Lee right now. We’d been closer than sisters for more than a decade but it was still uncomfortable for me to hand over the business I’d poured my soul—and a substantial amount of money—into.
“Here. Blow your nose. What’s going on?” Mom sat next to me, handing me tissues and a bottle of water.
“You have no idea what a clusterfuck my life is right now,” I said mournfully.
“Well, I kind of do.”
“No, you really don’t. This goes way beyond that abusive prick I can’t seem to get rid of.”
“Is it Lars?”
I nodded, dabbing at my eyes with a tissue as I told her what had happened.
“You never told him you were married?” She grimaced. “I don’t blame him for being mad, but to break things off…he’ll probably cool off, you know? Did you tell him the things Hugh used to do to you? The things he made you do? I think that would explain a lot.”
I shook my head. “No. I can’t even think about those things, much less say them out loud to Lars.”
“But if you love him and he loves you, you should be able to talk to him about anything.”
“Well, after last night, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t even like me, much less love me.”
She took my hand and squeezed it. “You’re smart and beautiful and successful. There are lots of men out there.”
“Not like him.” I rested my chin on my hand.
“Give him a few days to cool off and then call him. Maybe you two can talk it out.”
“I don’t think so. But really, as much as it hurts to lose him, he’s not my main concern.” I told her about selling the company to Vanessa and the upcoming court battle with Hugh.
“Fucking Hugh.” Mom tapped her foot impatiently. “I’d really like to smack him into the middle of next week.”
“I don’t know whether to just give him whatever he wants or play hardball and tell him to go fuck himself. At this point, he’s already cost me the thing I loved most, which was Lars. I don’t know if I’m coming or going right now.”
“You need to get your fancy lawyer to fuck him up the ass without lube.”
I nearly choked on the sip of water I was taking.
“I’m serious, Sheridan. He’s going to get half of the marital assets; that’s just the way it is, but going forward? Fuck him. Do whatever you have to do to beat him at his own game.”
“I’m trying, but so far, nothing is going according to plan. It’s like he knows what I’m going to do before I do it. It’s pissing me off that he’s always a step ahead of me.”
“I’ve never known you to be a quitter.” She smoothed my hair back. “You’ve kicked and clawed your way to the top, even with a deadbeat dad, an abusive husband, and a mom who couldn’t support you the way she wanted to.”
“You’ve always been there for me, Mom.”
“And I always will be. I just wish I could be more help.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I had no solutions, but I wasn’t going down without a fight. The problem was, I didn’t know how much more fight I had left.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Lars
* * *
Mavericks Group Text
Wes: Happy Thanksgiving, guys. It’s the first one without Ben and Lauren, so it’s a bittersweet day for me. It’s been almost a year since we lost them, and I’m grateful to every one of you for your support. You’ve rallied around me, Hadley, and the kids, and I’ll never forget it. If you’re not coming over for Thanksgiving, have a great day off wherever you are. And if you are coming, get your ass over here. The bar is stocked and ready!
* * *
“I made this for you,” Annalise said, grinning and holding up a mass of multicolored feathers.
“Wow.” I took it and nodded with appreciation. “Thank you.”
“Aren’t you going to put it on?”
I studied it, stepping inside since I’d literally been standing in the doorway of Wes and Hadley’s home when Annalise handed me my gift.
“Where should I put it?” I asked Annalise, stumped.
She laughed and said, “On your head, silly. We made pilgrim and Indian hats at school and you’re an Indian. I made pilgrim hats for me and Sheridan.”