Justice For Juniper (Tatienne Richard) novel Chapter 41

Sunshine – Part I

Juniper stayed tucked against Beni’s side protectively and she was grateful for his presence because everything about Denise screamed confrontation, and she didn’t care there was an audience. For the last week or so, she’d thought of many different scenarios where she would see Kyst and how she would respond but for whatever reason, it never dawned on her to think of what to say to Denise.

She felt her cheeks turning red when Denise narrowed her gaze on her.

“I know you from somewhere. What’s your name?”

“How about none of your business,” Suki stepped forwa intervene, her fists clenched.

Juniper cleared her throat, anger rising in her at Denise’s bold stare. “Juniper Kennedy. You fucked my husband on my couch underneath a giant portrait of him and I on our wedding day. You probably know my face because you were looking right at it while you two went at it.”

Juniper spoke loud enough the handful of customers and the clerk behind the counter all turned to look at Denise.

Denise turned a mottled shade of pink, blotches of color rising up her neck and face and disappearing into her blonde hair.

“Um.”

His words were a double–edged sword as she cupped her cheek which clearly showed the fingerprints from Juniper’s hand, “do you know, Juniper worked three jobs to put her hus through law school so they could have a better life? Do you know they both graduated college with no debt because she kept them on a strict budget and they lived within their means? They have money in the bank and were building a life together because she is smart, resourceful and planned their lives so they weren’t going to bring a baby into a world where it might struggle financially. Do you have a job? Who pays your credit card debt, Denise? Who bought your car? Who paid for your home? When you went to school to become an interior designer, you didn’t work for it, hell you barely earned your diploma. Now we all know why Phineas wasn’t interested in you, you gold–digging manipulative mean girl still trapped in high school behavior, but can you guess whether or not he might find this beauty in my arms as sexy as I do?”

“What’s not fair? Phineas admires hard work and good morals. His grandfather instills it in him. His parents instill it in him. They work hard for the money they earn. In a single year, you blew nearly six million dollars, and you don’t have a job, you’re mean to everyone, and you used my best friend for his wallet. Phineas has been watching Juniper be strong, resourceful and while she’s needed her friends this past bit, she’s highly independent. Do you know what Phineas likes in his women, Denise? He likes to be the one a strong woman turns to. He likes to see a spirited woman face their challenges and be the rack–up they didn’t know they needed. He’ll be that silent partner cehind her, supporting her, lifting her up and then when she’s tired from all of her fighting and working towards her goals. Le likes to pander, pamper and spoil. Take a hard guess which v. this space is exactly the type Phineas usually goes for?”

Denise’s bottom lip trembled, “but.”

“There is no but. You convinced your dying grandfather you should be with Phineas as a way to keep his friendship with Phineas‘ grandfather alive when he was gone. It was sick and isn’t it twisted.” Beni stood tall, “but that’s who you really are, Denise? Sick, twisted, conniving and most of all, lazy as hell. when You’re so damn lazy. You want it all but don’t want to work for any of it. Now, for my sake, I hope this gorgeous woman, her heart is ready, is going to give me a shot. However, I know for a fact, she caught Phineas‘ eye with her quiet strength and the way she conducts herself. He’s going to do everything he can to make sure this woman who can take care of herself, is very well taken care of, for the rest of her life. Do you know who he’s never going to even speak to again? That’d be you. Now, I’m taking my girl dancing because she deserves to smile after what you did to her last week. You brought her into our lives with your bullshit and we’re going to make sure she doesn’t suffer for it, but you are definitely going to pay.”