Starter Wife (The Jilted Wives Club Book 1) Read online

  That seemed to appease her. I put in my order and then grabbed both of our numbers and indicated she should walk ahead of me.

  Whitney chose a booth in the middle of the room, even though there were more secluded spots that weren’t surrounded by people. We sat opposite each other and I placed our numbers at the end of the table.

  “So, Ms. Spaulding,” I began, leaning back against the wood. “What made you decide to get back into accounting after such a long break?”

  She blinked and I could tell she was surprised when I launched into a business topic rather than a personal one.

  Whitney seemed to relax a bit and said, “I quit working when I had my first child, my daughter. When I almost immediately got pregnant with my son, going back to work simply wasn’t possible. Now they’re both in high school and I’ve been feeling the need to get back out there and do something I enjoy.”

  “And, you did say it’s Ms. Spaulding…” I said, fishing.

  She cleared her throat and replied, “Yes. I’ve been divorced for a year.”

  “How long were you married, if you don’t mind my asking.”

  “Twenty years. We were together for twenty-five.”

  “Wow, that’s quite an accomplishment. You must have met when you were very young,” I said, thinking she had to be in her late thirties to early forties.

  Whitney nodded and said, “In high school.”

  “I’m sorry things didn’t work out,” I lied, because if things had worked out, she wouldn’t be sitting here with me.

  “Mmmm,” she said noncommittally. “And you? Have you ever been married?”

  “No.”

  “Ever been close?”

  I grinned, happy she was asking personal questions about me and answered, “Not even a little. I’ve had serious relationships, of course, but no one I could see myself spending forever with. And that’s what it would mean for me … forever.”

  Whitney let out a dry laugh and said, “Well, that’s what everyone thinks, isn’t it? No one goes into a marriage with an expiration date in mind.”

  “Of course not,” I agreed. “But I look at my parents’ marriage, and my brother’s and sister’s, and I know how happy they are, and how hard they work to ensure they remain that way. So, I know until I find a woman who is a true partner, one who is willing to work with me and communicate and share our ups and downs, I haven’t found the one.”

  “That sounds nice, and smart. I used to feel the same way and thought I’d found that person in Marcus, then I found out he’d been cheating on me for the last three years of our marriage, and, well, there are some things that are simply unforgiveable.”

  “He sounds like an asshole,” I said, hating the look of sadness that had crossed her face when she spoke of him.

  “Oh, he really is,” she said, gifting me with a genuine smile.

  And that’s when I knew … I still wanted to pursue something with her. In fact, I wanted it more now than I had when we met.

  “Your parents are still together?” Whitney asked.

  “For forty-two years now,” I replied.

  “That’s lovely.”

  I had to agree.

  Our food came and after we thanked the server, we settled in to enjoy our lunch and continued our conversation.

  By the time we left I was struck with the fact that for an initial meeting – I wouldn’t call it a date, that would come later – the conversation had been easy, as if we’d known each other forever, rather than being virtual strangers.

  I could only take that as a good sign.

  Nine

  Whitney

  “To Whit. Congrats on the new job!” Summer said, raising her margarita in a toast.

  “To Whitney,” Margo agreed, and we all tapped our glasses together and took a drink of the sweet, yet salty, liquid.

  “Thanks,” I said with an easy smile. I’d so been looking forward to our Thursday night dinner, which was funny since we barely knew each other. Still, it was nice to be with women who not only understood my situation but could relate.

  Plus, being with them made me feel like more than a mom, or the wife Marcus had thrown away. I felt like a woman. Someone with thoughts and feelings that were relevant. It was a wonderful feeling.

  “So, how was your week, Summer?” I asked as I glanced at the menu.

  “It was pretty good. Actually, I signed up for a dating app.”

  Margo let out a groan and asked, “Why?”

  Summer shrugged, making even that small movement look pretty, and said, “I’m tired of being alone. My husband and I were only married for four years and I was his second wife, his trophy wife, if you will, or at least that’s what people called me.” She sighed and looked at us anxiously. “I want you both to know that I didn’t know Jared was already married when I started seeing him. He lied to me and pursued me and even though he was older, I was swept up by it all, you know? He liked to lavish me with gifts and take me on trips. I fell in love. And it wasn’t until I was in love that he told me he was married. Of course, he said they were getting divorced, and she was a shrew, but I still felt terrible. I’d never have gone out with him if I’d known he was married.”

  Summer paused and looked at us, her eyes pleading for us to believe her.

  I did, so I placed my hand over hers and nodded, urging her to continue.

  “He did divorce her, and we were married pretty quickly afterwards. When he told me he wasn’t happy in our marriage and wanted a divorce, I was completely blindsided. I was happy and thought he was too, but he was pretty adamant that it was over. It wasn’t until the divorce was final that I found out he was seeing someone else.” Summer gave a half-hearted smile and said, “Stupid, huh? Of course he’d cheat on me, too.”

  “Hey, it’s not on you. Jared sounds like a first-rate sleaze ball. You’re better off,” Margo assured her.

  “Thanks, and I know you’re right, but it still hurts, you know? He was remarried three weeks after we signed our divorce papers, and I haven’t been able to even talk to a guy since.”

  “So you joined the dating app to get back out there slowly,” I surmised.

  She nodded and took a big drink.

  “Well, I think that’s great then,” Margo said kindly.

  The server came then to take our orders and by the time he left, Summer had shaken off her melancholy and was once again cheerful.

  “So, anyway, I haven’t really met anyone on the app I like, I feel weird messaging strangers, and it seems really hard to find out if you have a connection with someone without meeting them in person. But they do also have events that they put together. Like, on Saturday night there’s a happy hour deal, which will have a group of men and women, so you can get to know people in person, but it’s more casual, not as intimidating as a one-on-one date.”

  “That sounds great,” I said, picking up a chip and dipping it in the salsa.

  “Yeah, good for you,” Margo agreed.

  Summer beamed at us and said, “I was hoping you’d think so, because I’d like you to go with me.”

  “No,” Margo said instantly.

  “Aww, why not?” Summer asked with a pout. “I don’t want to go alone. I don’t know anyone and the thought of walking into a mess of people I don’t know is anxiety inducing. I need a wing woman.”

  “Sorry, babe. I’ll take you out for a night on the town, hit a few clubs, and help you hook up, but there is no way in hell I’m joining a dating app.”

  “You don’t have to join,” Summer told Margo in a rush. “You can go as my plus one.”

  “Sorry, babe,” Margo repeated.

  Summer turned her gaze toward me and batted those big green eyes at me.

  “Fine, I’ll go, but only as your plus one. I’m not joining the app either,” I said, totally caving. But what else could I do? It would be like crushing Bambi’s spirit.

  “Yay!” Summer exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “You’re the best, Whit.”

>   I nodded, already dreading the thought of having to go out and mingle with strangers in two days.

  I took a breath and told them what I’d been dying to say all week.

  “You’ll never guess who my new boss is. Or, rather, my boss’s boss.”

  “Who?” Summer asked eagerly.

  “Luca.”

  “Shut the front door!” Summer shouted, then looked sheepish and lowered her voice. “The hottie from Campanella’s?”

  “The very one.”

  “Wow, what are the chances?” Margo asked wryly.

  “I know, right? I nearly died when I found out. Then he tricked me into having lunch with him.”

  “Oh, yeah, I’m sure it was a hardship.”

  “Ohhhh, did you have fun?” Summer asked.

  “Actually, I did,” I admitted. “I thought it was going to be awkward and awful, but he was really easy to talk to. Well, once I got over how handsome he was and the fact that I’d be seeing him all the time.”

  “And have you? Seen him all the time?” Margo asked.

  “No, actually. I haven’t seen him since we had lunch on Monday. He’s a partner … well, actually it’s a family business. His family’s business, Russo Accounting Firm. He’s Luca Russo and his father is the owner.”

  Margo nodded and said, “I thought he’d looked familiar.”

  “You know him?” I asked, ignoring the small seed of jealousy when I thought about what she’d said at Campanella’s. About trying the men on for size. Surely she would have told me if she’d recognized Luca as a man she’s slept with, right?

  She shook her head and the little seed evaporated.

  “Not the son, the father … and not in that way,” Margo said with a chuckle when my eyes widened. “Our companies have worked together, that’s all.”

  “So, are you going to see him again?” Summer asked. “Like on a date?”

  “No, I don’t think so. I mean, he’s still too young for me and now I work for his company. We’re a recipe for disaster. It’s best if we keep things professional.”

  “Did you tell him that?” Margo asked.

  “No, but I’m sure he feels the same way, right? I mean, I’m one of his employees.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure. A man like Luca wouldn’t let that stop him for going after something he wants, and if the way he looked at you last week was any indication, he wants you bad.”

  I frowned at Margo and turned to Summer.

  “What’s the dress code for Saturday?” I asked, changing the subject. I couldn’t handle thinking of Luca wanting me. It did funny things to my insides.

  “It’s just happy hour at a bar and grill, so whatever you feel comfortable in. Nothing fancy. I’ll probably wear jeans and a blouse.”

  Yeah, and I bet she’d make it look amazing.

  I was stopped from fretting over what I’d wear when our food arrived.

  My stomach rumbled as a plate of steaming enchiladas were placed in front of me.

  Carbs … Yum!

  Ten

  Luca

  “I’m so glad we did this, I feel like I haven’t gone out into the world in ages.”

  “Me too,” I told Damon, my best friend since forever.

  We’d grown up on the same street, our families had spent holidays together, and we’d shared everything. First loves, heartbreaks, and loss of family members. If there was one person on this planet I trusted with my life, it was Damon.

  “So what have you been up to? How’s the family?” Damon asked, lifting his beer glass to his lips.

  “Good, man. My dad’s actually taking my mom to Italy next month.”

  “Mr. Russo is taking a vacation? Holy shit. Did hell freeze over?” Damon joked. “Your ma must be over the moon.”

  “Yeah, she fainted when she found out.”

  Damon laughed. Dramatics in my family was a regular occurrence.

  “Good for them,” he said. “How about you? Working too much?”

  “Always. You?”

  “Same. But I’ve been able to get some painting in.”

  Damon was an architect, commercial mostly, but his real passion was painting.

  “Have you given any more thought to having your own show?” I asked. Damon was extremely talented and my sister, Charlotte, and I had been trying to convince him to have a show for years. Char was on maternity leave now, but when she wasn’t she worked for a local gallery.

  “I don’t know, Luc, I don’t think I’m ready.”

  “You know when you are, Char is ready to help you out.”

  “I know and I appreciate it … both of you.”

  I finished the last bite of my burger and chased it with beer, then signaled to the server to get us another round.

  “God, I forgot how good the burgers are here,” Damon said with a groan.

  I grinned at him and was about to agree when loud chatter by the bar snagged my attention.

  “Wonder what’s going on over there.”

  There was a group of about twenty men and twenty women who were all filing in the large banquet room by the bar, led by a girl wearing glasses and carrying a clipboard.

  “Maybe a birthday party or something?” Damon guessed.

  “Maybe,” I said absently, my eyes stopping on a petite curvy blonde with a big smile. She looked vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t remember why. Until the person she was smiling at came into view. “Whitney.”

  “Who?”

  “This woman I’m interested in,” I replied. “She’s over there with the group. The brunette in the green dress.”

  Damon leaned forward in his chair to get a better look.

  “She’s cute,” he said. “But the blonde she’s with … Wow!”

  He’d always had a thing for blondes.

  “I’m going to go say hi,” I said, already rising to my feet.

  “I’ll join you.”

  We moved through the dining room toward the back. I’d almost reached her when Whitney and her friend stepped into the banquet room and out of view. I was about to follow when Clipboard stepped into my path.

  “Can I help you?” she asked.

  “Yes, we’re with this group,” I said, giving her my most charming smile.

  “You’re with TrueLove.com? What’s your name?”

  “Luca Russo,” I said. “And this is Damon Voltare.”

  She looked down at her clipboard and then back at me. “You’re not on the list.”

  “Oh, see, I meant to sign up but forgot,” I lied.

  “Sorry, but we work hard to keep things evenly matched, that way everyone gets a chance to pair up.”

  “It looks like there are twenty women in there and nineteen men,” Damon said from behind me.

  “Yes, we had one no show.”

  “Perfect, I can just take that spot,” I said smoothly.

  “What about your friend?” she asked.

  “Well, you don’t have a match here, do you? I can pair up with you,” Damon offered.

  Just one more reason why he’s the best.

  She looked flustered at that. I guessed she was just barely drinking age and attention from the guy who’d won best looking in our high school yearbook was probably disconcerting. We had a good ten years on her.

  Not that there was anything wrong with that, I thought as I searched the room and found the woman who was ten years my senior and currently the star of all my daydreams.

  “I don’t know…”

  “Come on, Dana,” Damon cajoled. “It’ll be fun.”

  I looked down to see she was, in fact, wearing a name tag and saw by her expression she was ready to cave.

  “We won’t tell anyone if you don’t,” I offered.

  “Okay, go on in,” Dana said, finally stepping aside.

  I made a beeline for Whitney and her blonde friend, who were standing off to the side, not yet engaging with anyone. Her friend stiffened and her eyes widened when she saw me coming and pleasure ran through me when I realize
d she knew who I was.

  Whitney’s been talking about me.

  I put a finger to my lips and the blonde nodded, then I stepped up behind Whitney and said, “Excuse me, Ms. Spaulding.”

  Eleven

  Whitney

  This cannot be happening.

  I braced myself as I turned, knowing who I would find behind me, even if I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why he was here.

  As always, the first look at him sent a jolt of awareness through me. I’m beginning to enjoy that jolt. And although I was surprised by his presence, I took a moment to look him over. I’d never seen him dressed so casually before, in jeans and a V-neck, but I had to admit, it was a really good look.

  “Luca.” His name came out more like a sigh than a whisper, which was pretty embarrassing. His answering grin told me he liked it. “Do you have a tracker on me or something? What are you doing here?”

  Luca chuckled and said, “No, no tracker. Promise. I’m simply here looking for true love, just like you,”

  Oh Lord, he really does know what I’m doing here. But is he honestly here for the dating app too, after what he’d said at lunch?

  “Actually, I’m here supporting my friend, Summer,” I said, reaching over to grab her arm and pull her up next to me. “This is Summer. Summer, this is Luca.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Summer. I believe we saw each other at Campanella’s last week.” Luca glanced at me, a twinkle in his eye. “Our first coincidental meeting.”

  Summer beamed at him and said, “I’m rooting for you, Luca,” before slinking out of my grasp and scurrying away.

  Traitor.

  “So … you’re not a member?”

  I shook my head and looked longingly at Summer’s back. “No, and I’d bet money you aren’t either.”

  I looked back at him to see him lift his shoulders slightly.

  “Okay, you got me. I was having dinner with my buddy,” he pointed toward a handsome man who was currently making Dana, the coordinator, blush furiously, “and saw you and your friend coming in here. I wasn’t sure what exactly you guys were doing, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to talk to you again. I hope you don’t mind.”