After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 199

Shirley crossed her arms and fired off a text to Bonnie.

What’s going on with you? Did Lawrence take the bait yet?

Shirley, I just started the job. Give me a little time. I promise I’ll get him.

Bonnie’s reply popped up almost right away.

Shirley didn’t even respond. Annoyed, she tossed her phone aside.

Over in the employee apartments, Bonnie was sitting on her bed, rubbing medicine on her bruised knee. She was frustrated and biting her lip. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t snagged Lawrence already.

***

The next morning, Shirley heard Catherine’s car pull out of the driveway. She glanced at her ruined laptop, still sitting on the desk, its screen dark from the water damage. The embarrassment from last night washed over her all over again.

Catherine, you’re not getting away with this.

She finished breakfast and got a call from work. Grabbing her keys, she headed to the garage and pulled out onto the street. Barely a mile away, while waiting at a red light, she caught sight of Alice stepping out of a beat-up old SUV. Right behind her, a man jumped out and grabbed Alice’s arm, talking to her in a rush.

Shirley’s heart skipped a beat. She had never seen this guy before.

Was Alice in trouble?

She was about to pull over and see what was happening, but then she noticed something. Alice looked flustered and a little panicked, sure, but not like she was being harassed. In fact, it looked more like she actually knew him.

Shirley pulled her car off to the side and watched.

Then, right in front of her, the man pulled Alice into a hug. Alice pushed at his chest with a mix of embarrassment and irritation, but it was almost playful. They looked like a couple fighting and making up at the same time. A minute later, Shirley watched Alice climb back into the car with him.

Her face went white. Her hands were shaking on the steering wheel.

“I saw you this morning,” Shirley said. “You were on the side of the road with some guy. You two looked… close. What would you say to Dad if he saw that?”

Alice’s hand tightened around her teacup. Her face went pale. “Shirley, you saw that?”

“Mom, Dad’s always been good to you. You really shouldn’t get mixed up with other men.” Shirley frowned, thinking of the guy’s shabby clothes and unimpressive looks. “Plus, that man isn’t rich and he’s not even good-looking. What do you see in him?”

“Shirley…” Alice’s face was full of panic and something else. Something complicated and painful.

Shirley saw that look and felt even more disgusted. “What? Am I wrong? I seriously can’t stand losers.”

Alice got even paler, her lips trembling. She finally looked up and met Shirley’s eyes.

“Shirley, there’s something I need to tell you.”