The day had sort of flown by, and it had only been seconds ago that Paige had heard Pierce and the children entering the house. So she did a once-over in the mirror, making sure her shoulder-length ponytail was smooth and had no stray hairs flying out of place. Then she slipped on a pair of brand-spanking-new black skinny jeans and a cropped orange sweater. She’d known there would come a time when Camille wouldn’t be home and she’d have her first opportunity to flaunt what she had, and it was the reason she’d remembered to pack these two clothing items in particular. She’d done so just this morning when Camille had taken her to her condo. Then, when Camille had told her the great news, that she had a board meeting this evening, Paige had known it was high time for Pierce to see what he was missing. Of course, her face still didn’t look its best, but Pierce knew the reason for that and certainly hadn’t forgotten what the real Paige Donahue looked like.
Paige waltzed down the stairway and strolled into the kitchen.
“Hey Auntie Paige,” Crystal said, smiling brightly and hugging her.
“Hey, sweetie. How was school today?”
“Good. And guess what?”
“What?”
“All the girls in fifth grade are sporting dresses tomorrow, so I have to pick out something really, really cool to wear.”
“That sounds like so much fun. I remember when I was growing up, I loved when some of my friends picked out certain days to get all dolled up.”
“I know, and I’m so excited,” Crystal said.
Pierce laughed at his daughter and shook his head. “How’s it goin’, Paige?”
“I’m fine. How are you?”
“Tired.”
“I’m sure.”
“I can’t wait for Mom to get home so she can help me pick something out,” Crystal interrupted.
“Well, if you want, I can help you start looking, too,” Paige told her.
“Would you really?”
“Of course.”
“Wow, that would be great, Auntie Paige.”
“Girls!” PJ griped, clearly unimpressed. Then he hugged his aunt. “Hey, Aunt Paige.”
“Hey honey. So, how was your game?”
“It was great. We won, and we have a super talented team again this year.”
“And PJ made half of all the points,” Pierce said, beaming.
“Really?” Paige said. “Oh my goodness, PJ, I’m really proud of you.”
“Thanks,” he said, smiling.
“And once my face heals up a little more, I’ll have to come see you play.”
“That would be the bomb,” he said.
Pierce took a seat at the island and sorted through the mail lying on the granite tabletop. “So, have you eaten, Paige? The kids and I stopped at their favorite restaurant, Fuddruckers, and had ostrich burgers.”
“Actually, I have. I ordered some Italian food a couple of hours ago and had it delivered.”
“Good,” Pierce said and then looked at his children. “So, who has homework?”
“We both do, Dad,” PJ said. “And when don’t we?”
“Well, it’s not like we’re paying all that tuition for nothing, right?”
“I guess, but Crissy and I have homework every single night and every single weekend. And she’s only in the fifth grade.”
“But that’s why you guys have excelled so much educationally. And when you’re older, you’ll be glad you went to such an esteemed K–12.”
“I guess,” PJ said.
“You’ll see.”
“So, you’ll be up in a few minutes, Auntie Paige?” Crystal confirmed while grabbing her book bag from the chair.
“Yep.”
“See you, Aunt Paige,” PJ said, and they both went up to their rooms.
Paige glanced at Pierce and could barely contain herself. She was finally alone with him and was having a hard time trying not to stare at him. He always looked handsome, but for some reason he looked even better to her now, and being this close to him drove her wild. So, as a distraction, she strutted over to the stainless steel double-door refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of Fiji water. She opened it, took a quick drink, and then sat across from Pierce, watching him read what looked to be some banking magazine.
“So,” she began. “Camille had another meeting tonight, I guess.”
Pierce didn’t look up but said, “Yeah, and lately that’s pretty much the norm.”
“Why do you say that?”
“She’s involved with a lot of organizations, and she has a lot of meetings to attend these days.”
Paige waited about fifteen seconds and then responded. “Well, actually, I’m going to be honest with you. I mean, I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but Pierce, I’m really worried about you and Camille.”
“Worried why?”
Paige drank more of her water. “Can we keep this entire conversation between just the two of us? Because Camille would kill me if she knew I was saying anything to you.”
“I guess it depends on what it is you have to tell me, because Camille and I have never been in the habit of keeping secrets.”
“Then maybe I shouldn’t say anything.”
“Must not be that important, then,” Pierce said, smiling.
“I think it is, but like I said, if Camille knew I was discussing her marital business behind her back, she wouldn’t be too happy about it.”
“Okay, just this one time, I won’t repeat what you say. So, what is it?”
“You promise?”
“You have my word.”
“Well, just this afternoon, she was telling me that things haven’t been the greatest between the two of you lately, and that you don’t like all the time she’s been spending away from home.”
“That’s an understatement.”
“So, it’s true then.”
“Very. She’s gone all the time, and we hardly get to spend any time alone together.”
“I really hate hearing that, Pierce. And just so you know, my advice to her was that she give up all those church activities, school meetings, and that nonprofit she’s been working so closely with.”
“You told her that?” Pierce said, sounding surprised.
“I did. I told her that I loved her and that the last thing I wanted was to see her marriage fall apart. I told her how wonderful of a man you were and that nothing was more important than that.”
Pierce smiled. “Wow. I really appreciate that, Paige, and it was very kind of you to speak up for me. Especially since you and Camille have always been so close.”
“I know, but it wasn’t a problem at all.”
“So, did she agree with you?”
“She didn’t really say one way or the other, but I do believe my words gave her something to think about.”
“Well, at least that’s a start.”
“It is, and I know Camille will do the right thing.”
“I hope so, because I really do love and need my wife.”
“I hear you, and of course, I’m behind you and Camille a hundred percent.”
“You’re a good sister-in-law, Paige.”
“Don’t mention it.”
Paige drank the last of her water, got up, and tossed the bottle into a small recycling bin.
“So, there’s still nothing much from the police, I hear,” Pierce said.
“Nope, not a thing.”
“That really bothers me.”
“Me too, but what can we do?”
“I guess you’re right. I’m sure the police are doing everything they can, and I’m just glad you’re doing so well. You seem to be recovering very nicely.”
“I am. I’m getting stronger every day…Oh well, I’m going to go see if I can help Crystal and then maybe get a little more work done.”
“Okay, and just let the kids or me know if you need anything.”
How about you come up to my room so I can show you exactly what it is I need.
“No, I think I’m good,” she said. “But thanks, Pierce.”
Paige walked away, but her body was on fire. She wanted Pierce right then and there and knew she had to move on to the next phase of things. Her mother had already convinced her of that a few hours ago, what with all her suspicions and accusations, and Paige knew it was time she took care of business. She would do it now or never—and never simply wasn’t an option.