Freya was back at school. Despite asking every other day if Daddy would ever come home from where the angels were, she had actually dealt with Sam’s death remarkably well. Jess on the other hand wasn’t coping so well. Her emotions were so mixed that sometimes she actually felt like she was going mad. She missed Sam. But the Sam she missed was the person she had fallen in love with, not the person he had become.
She felt deep anger that he had betrayed her so greatly and had in effect got away with it . She wished nothing more than for him to walk through the door so she could ask him what on earth he had been thinking. She wanted to punish him, shout at him, and beat him with her fists. She would have left him for sure if she had found all this out, and that would have been the biggest punishment of his life. She was right to forgive the one affair thinking that maybe it was half her fault, but countless affairs, that was just inexcusable. And, as to leave her and Freya in financial dire straits, that was even more unbelievable.
She was just about to ring the letting agent in the village when her mobile rang.
‘Jess, it’s me.’
‘Oh hiya, Dan.’
Dan continued. ‘Just phoned to see how you’re coping? I would have called before but thought you would need some time for reflection?’
‘I’m not coping well actually, Dan. It’s not every day you find out your husband is a serial philanderer and one of his ex-lovers or their associates tried to kill you in a fire.’ She tried to joke but her voice was cracking. ‘I don’t want to go into detail now, Dan, but he’s also left me with no money or home. The house wasn’t even insured.’
‘Fuck, Jess, that’s terrible. I am so sorry.’
‘I guess you’re OK about splitting with Charlie?’ Jess was happy to change the subject from her woes.
‘You know I am. I knew it wasn’t right before she did.’ Jess heard him take a breath.
‘Jess?’
‘Yes.’
‘I was wondering if we could meet. I really want to see you?’
‘Oh, Dan, I’ve got so much going on at the moment.’ Dan went silent and Jess gave in. Maybe a bit of light relief was just what she needed. ‘When were you thinking?’
‘This weekend actually. Alex is going on holiday with Evie, so I’m free as a bird. Is that OK with you?’
Jess went on. ‘Perfect actually. Freya is going to stay with Emma and Mark for the weekend. They thought I could do with a break.’
‘Are you still staying with Hope?’
‘Yes I am, until I sort out renting a place.’
‘OK, pack a bag and don’t forget your passport. I will pick you up at ten. Jessica Morley, I am taking you away!’
‘But.’
‘No buts, just be ready.’ Dan hung up.