Starter Wife (The Jilted Wives Club Book 1), Bethany Lopez [great novels to read .TXT] 📗

for a kind of do-over and to introduce them to the kids. First, I’ll meet with Luca and apologize and explain everything and then his parents will arrive and surprise him. Hopefully, he’ll be pleased with the gesture and we can both forgive and forget what happened.”

“Wow, and you’re ready for that? Introducing his parents to the kids?” Margo asked.

“Yes, I am. I think it’ll show everyone how serious I am about my relationship with Luca, and hopefully be the beginning of our families coming together. It’s a little scary, but also, exciting.”

“I think it’ll make Luca really happy. I know he was thrilled about meeting Stella and Si, and about you meeting his family, so all of you coming together will really fill him up,” Summer said, clapping her hands together gleefully.

“I want to make it special, kind of a big make-up moment, so I was thinking of playing some of the music he likes and filling the room with candles and flowers. Maybe get a new dress.”

“Why are we sitting here then? Let’s go shopping,” Summer said, already bounding out of her seat.

Margo looked at her phone and said, “I have to get to the office actually, so I can’t go with you guys. But I’m sure Summer is more than suited to help you find a sexy I’m sorry dress that is sure to knock Luca’s socks off.”

“But I thought you had the day off,” Summer pouted.

“I have a couple cases I have to finish up. Sorry I can’t join you guys.”

“That’s okay, I appreciate you coming by at the last minute. Talking things out with you guys really helps,” I said, pulling her in for a quick hug.

“Good luck tonight,” she said, hugging Summer before she left.

“Looks like it’s just you and me. Ready to hit the mall?” I asked.

“Always.”

Thirty-Six

Luca

I was nervous. And maybe a little hungover.

I didn’t like this feeling. It was foreign and uncomfortable and made me feel vulnerable.

I had a large bouquet in one hand, I may have overcompensated a bit, and a very expensive bottle of champagne in the other.

As I stood outside Whitney’s front door, I shifted restlessly, my stomach tightening painfully as I waited to see her expression when she answered. She’d asked me over to forgive me for acting like an ass, right? Not to tell me it was over…

It felt like the suspense was killing me and my anxiety was about to boil over when the door opened and Whitney stood before me in a sexy red dress, her hair styled seductively, and her lips painted red.

Wow! I almost dropped the champagne as my eyes surveyed her from head to toe, stopping on the black high heels that topped off the outfit.

My anxiety and nerves vanished as if they’d never been there. This is looking like an awesome make-up event.

“You look absolutely amazing,” I managed once my eyes had traveled back up to land on hers.

“Thank you,” she replied with a small smile, as if she were a little unsure of the power she was currently commanding. “Please, come in.”

I went inside and stopped short when I entered the living room.

With flowers and candles on every available flat surface and John Legend filling the room, the stage was set for a heartfelt and romantic evening.

“These may be unnecessary,” I said as I handed her the bouquet.

“No, you can never have too many flowers,” Whitney said with a smile as she lifted them to her face and inhaled. “These are lovely.”

“I brought champagne as well.”

She took both and said, “Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be right back.”

I nodded and looked down at my slacks and polo shirt, suddenly wishing I’d opted for a suit instead.

I sat in one of the club chairs and looked around the room. It was really touching how much effort Whitney had put into it. I was looking forward to clearing the air and hopefully finding out what she had on underneath that stunning dress.

“Here you go,” Whitney said as she came back into the room and handed me a champagne flute.

“Thanks.”

“Thank you for agreeing to come over and speak with me. I feel awful about the way I acted yesterday, and the way things transpired. I’d like to explain myself and do what I can to make things right,” she began.

“I have some things I need to say as well … I acted like an idiot,” I said quickly. “I was so shocked by what Charlotte said and then when you stopped talking and were obviously uncomfortable, I should have suggested we leave, got you out of the situation. Instead I focused on the fact that things weren’t going the way I’d planned, and I was a jerk. I’m so sorry, Whit.”

“Thanks. I appreciate you saying that, but, honestly, I don’t know if you could have done anything that would have made things better in that moment. I needed to work some stuff out for myself.”

“And did you?” I asked gently.

She put her glass on the table and folded her hands in her lap before saying, “I was never really close to my parents. We got along okay, but once I left for college it seemed like I was out of sight, out of mind, and they didn’t do much to maintain a relationship. We see each other every few years, whether we need to or not.” Whitney let out a dry laugh. “When I got together with Marcus, his family was the complete opposite. They were really close, loved spending time with each other, and really just accepted me into the fold. His parents and sisters became my family and taught me what a great, loving family looked like, which is what I wanted for my kids. We went on trips together, spent holidays and birthdays together, and his sisters were my best friends.”

She stopped as her eyes filled, and I could tell she needed a moment to collect herself.

I shifted closer and placed my hand on her knee to give her