Feeling a bit better about what Mr. Shaw was doing, I stared at the ceiling as thoughts ran through my mind. Of course, Max would hire only the best. What was I thinking?

“Jenna, come eat something.” Becky’s words went in one ear, out the other. “If you don’t get your sorry butt out of bed, I’m going to spoon feed you.”

Knowing Becky would keep her word, I paced toward the kitchen.

“So you’ll talk to him tomorrow. Everything will be fine. He’s not going to push you away when you apologize for acting like a big baby.”

“Oh, now it’s all my fault?” I plopped myself on a chair at the dining table. Becky had made me an omelet and a cup of coffee. “Thank you.”

“No. It’s both of your faults. He should have told you, but at the same time, you shouldn’t have punished him this long. It’s been more than a week. It must have been driving him out of his mind, thinking all sorts of crazy stuff. I know it would have made me nuts.”

“Matthew told me not to see him today because of their busy schedule. I’m going there tomorrow to set this straight. I’m sure Matthew will let him know.” Becky stiffened when I mentioned Matthew. “Are you sure there is nothing going on between you two?”

“No, why would you say that?”

“Just wondering.”

“Before I forget, we have a second fitting for our bridesmaid dresses. Nicole texted and left the date. If you haven’t already, you may want to check on that. I’m going to be out of town for a book convention. You know, the one I go to every year. I’m leaving in a couple of days, and I’ll probably visit my parents for a little while too. I really hate to leave you at a time like this.”

“Becky, go. I’m fine.”

“Relationships are difficult. If they weren’t, then everyone would do it. But seriously, if relationships went on without a hitch, there wouldn’t be any need for couples counseling or divorce court. Life would be boring and there would be no make up sex,” she winked. “And Jenna…” she paused. “Sometimes falling in love means letting go of the past…his past.”

“Okay.” I nodded. I knew she was right.

“I need to go pack.”

“I’ll clean up. Thank you for breakfast.”

“Always a pleasure, my dear.” Becky suddenly turned when she got to the door. “Oh, and go have some great make up sex tomorrow.” Her brow arched, giving me a playfully wicked smile.

“Becky!” I exclaimed. “Hey, I almost forgot. Matthew asked me why you haven’t returned his texts or calls. He’s wondering if you’re mad at him.”

Becky’s expression became stoic at first, then her lips slowly fell to a pout. “I’m always mad at him.”

STEPPING OUT OF THE elevator, my pulse became unsteady. Max and I needed to get things straightened out, so why was I so nervous? I didn’t know what I was afraid of. I couldn’t even put it into words but I had to think this through. Seeing the door slightly ajar, I was just about to knock when I heard voices.

“Whatever you need, I will be there for you.” It was a female’s voice, and that alone made my heart sink. Someone else was comforting my Max when it should’ve been me. Guilt consumed me, fast and hard, and all I could do was stand there, contemplating what to do.

“Thomas and his team are working long and hard. They may have something to discredit Crystal. We may not even need to go to court, but this is all hearsay,” Max sighed heavily. “Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being in this situation.”

“Oh, Max, darling. You know what you need right now? You need a good lay.” Her tone was flirty and I could imagine her dirty hands touching Max on his fine chest. Who wouldn’t want to?

“You know I’m not with anyone right now,” she continued.

Oh God! Cringing from her words, I wanted to disappear. As heat flushed through my body with jealousy, I waited for Max’s response.

“You know I’m taken…I think.”

“You don’t sound so sure.”

“You really need to leave,” he ordered. “I have work to do. Crystal may have broken my spirit, but damn her to hell, she’s not taking anything else from me.”

“Like I said before, all the models will testify on your behalf. You’ve been nothing but kind to us, making sure we are always treated well. You’re always a gentleman. It’s the least we can do.”

“Thank you for stopping by, and for your support, Ella. Thomas will contact you if he feels it’s necessary.”

Hearing the smack sound of a kiss, I wanted to go in and let her know I was here before she tried anything else. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Max. I just didn’t want her hands on him any longer. Before I could make myself disappear and knowing she was about to leave, I was still caught up in eavesdropping as the door swung open.

Sucking in air, I was beyond embarrassed as both of their eyes set on mine in shock. Ella was beautiful, with long brown hair and a slim body; she looked exactly how a runway model should look.

“Jenna? What are you doing here?”

Max’s words stung me deeply, sounding as if I had no business being there.

“I came to talk to you.” My courage faltered. “I left you a message and texted to let you know I was coming.”

“I left the phone upstairs.” Max turned to Ella. “Ella, this is Jenna.”