“I’m not ready to. I can’t...I just can’t.”
“I get that,” she replied softly.
He stared at her, amazed. It was surreal to have a calm conversation, without bitterness or anger entering in. It almost reminded him of when they were younger. Back then, Michelle had been an attentive listener, as if her whole being focused in on the speaker. Guy had felt loved and valued. But now, the scene pushed against his comfort. Did he deserve happiness after all he put her through?
Chapter Sixteen
Michelle hung her coat in the closet. All she wanted to do was crawl into a tub full of warm water and stay there until she came out looking like a prune. The day had mentally drained her. Despite her overwhelming vehemence where Tanya was concerned, Michelle had told the young woman she would think about her request. Time was of the essence. The quicker Tanya got representation, the better her chances for fighting the charges brought against her. Fortunately, she knew a couple of attorneys who would take Ms. Bledsoe’s case.
So why was she hesitating?
Will they do as good of a job as me? Michelle closed her eyes, exhausted from her churning thoughts. Climbing into her bed, pulling the covers over her head, and forgetting about the day sounded like a wonderful way to end the day.
But then you won’t remember your time with Guy.
“Do I need to?”
“I see you’re up to your old tricks.”
This time, she managed not to jump. Instead, she turned and glared at her roommate.
“What?” Jo shrugged. “How do you expect me not to commentate on your form of crazy?”
“Talking to yourself is not crazy.”
Jo snorted. “Yeah, right. I can find a million shrinks who would argue that fact.”
She crossed her arms. “Whatever, Jo Ellen.”
“Wow, someone’s feeling a bit persnickety.”
“Only you could get away with that term. Does anyone talk like that anymore?”
“I do.”
“Obviously, Jo.” She headed into the kitchen for a much-needed cup of joe.
The aroma of the blonde roast danced around her senses. Cautiously, she took a sip, then sighed. It was better than a bubble bath any day.
“You want to tell me what’s got you so upset?”
She peered at her friend over the rim of her mug. “Not particularly.”
“Why not?” Jo met her gaze. No condemnation, just open curiosity.
“I’ve already relayed it once today, don’t feel the mental stamina to do it again.”
“What advice did Chloe give you?”
Crap. She froze, a comeback out of range.
“You did tell Chloe, right?”
“Actually no. I haven’t talked to her since I relayed the news about a possible candidate for her father.”
“Whoa, what?”
Michelle set the mug down. Wow, she really needed to bring Jo up to speed. How could she when the girl was always over at Evan’s house lately. “You’ve missed a lot, JoJo.”
Jo sat at the dining table. “I know. Evan’s finally decided to give up wearing a prosthetic. I just wanted to make sure he was mentally okay with the decision.”
Michelle sat down across from her. “Is he?” She took another sip, feeling a little better as the liquid warmed her.
“Yes. He’s right with God and says that He’ll see him through it. He found the perfect forearm crutches, so he’s good.”
“Are you?” Michelle chuckled inwardly at the look of love on her friend’s face. Guess that’s a yes.
“As long as he’s happy, I’m good.” Jo slapped the table. “But tell me about Chloe and what’s up with you.”
“Guy gave me a lead and long story short, John Davenport may be her father.”
Jo stared at her, her mouth wide open.
She reached over and closed her friend’s mouth with the tip of her finger. “Lovely fly trap, JoJo.”
“Seriously?”
“Seriously. I wouldn’t joke about that.” The memory of Chloe’s tear stained face glared in her mind.
“Is she okay with that?”
“No. She hasn’t talked to me since I told her.”
“I’ll call her tomorrow. Maybe we need another girl’s night.”
“Definitely.” Silence descended. She really should have checked on Chloe a lot sooner. Her own chaotic life wasn’t a reason to forget about a friend.
“Okay, so why are you upset?”
“Rough day.”
“Do tell.”
How much to tell? She stared into her mug, her thoughts swirling around. It was exhausting carrying her secret, but would Jo remain her friend if she told the truth?
“I’m waiting, Chelle.”
“Someone came in today seeking representation.” The sense of déjà vu was overwhelming, but she pressed forward. “The person has been charged with an OWI and vehicular manslaughter.”
Jo’s low whistle pierced her ears. “To which you said no.”
“I said I would think about it, but yeah...most likely I will say no.”
“Wait,” Jo said holding a hand in the air. “Why would you think about it? You hate drunk drivers. That’s been your crusade since you graduated from law school.”
“Yes. I know. Let’s just say I can identify with her.” She frowned. Should she have said it was a woman?
“What could this person have possibly said to make you sympathize with her?”
She drew a ragged breath. She could do this, tell the truth.
“Chelle?”
She heard the question in Jo’s voice but it seemed to be far away. The roaring in her ears drowned it out. Her heart beat out a staccato rhythm. “I had an abortion.”
The déjà vu of the moment pierced her. Michelle pinched herself to make sure it was Jo in the room and not Tanya Bledsoe.
“What are you talking about, Michelle?” Jo’s voice had gone quiet and become hesitant sounding.
Tears fell and she wiped them away. How do I have any left? “I had an abortion and my potential client had an abortion. She regretted it the moment it was over, got drunk, and then drove. She ended up hitting a woman who wasn’t in the crosswalk. I know none of those are excuses, but I know her pain and that’s what makes me hesitate.”
Jo laid a hand on her arm. Michelle kept her eyes on the tabletop. She didn’t want to see the condemnation in her friend’s eyes.
“When did this happen?” Jo asked softly.
“A month after Guy left.”
“Wait, what? You and Guy
