LITMIR.BIZ

       Chapter 6

      “What?” Melissa exclaimed, and she was glad that another upbeat tune had started to play, drowning out her voice to those within immediate earshot.

      “We divorced a year and a half ago,” Aaron explained.

      Melissa knew she must look stupefied. “You and Ella are no longer married?”

      “Actually, that’s not true,” Aaron said, and Melissa’s heart pounded furiously. “We split a little over a year and a half ago,” he went on, “but our divorce was finalized six weeks ago.”

      She stared at him, blinking but saying nothing. He was lying. He had to be. Melissa would have heard.

      But why would he lie about that? In this town of seven thousand people, there was no way he could get away with saying something so untrue.

      “I heard you guys were having problems, sure. But I also heard that you retired and returned to Sheridan Falls to work on your marriage.”

      “There was no saving our marriage when I retired last year,” Aaron said, “but that was the spin on the story.”

      Melissa frowned. “If you got divorced, then why haven’t I heard? It’s not like anyone can keep a secret in this town.”

      “Ella and I kept this one,” Aaron said. “I was tired of everything I did becoming fodder for the rumor mill, so I made a deliberate attempt to keep the news of the actual divorce very quiet. I didn’t want the headache of the press salivating over every perceived sordid detail. For Ella’s part, I don’t think she was too keen on spreading the news either, especially after she got a lot of negative feedback for some of what she said about me to the press previously. So she agreed to keep things quiet. We went to another city, got it done. Only our families knew, and they were sworn to secrecy. This is my first official event as a divorced man, and as such, I’ve finally been letting people know.”

      “Wow,” Melissa said, stunned. “I’m completely shocked. I’m sorry, by the way.”

      Aaron waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t be sorry. It was a long time coming.”

      Aaron and Ella had split. Melissa’s head was spinning. What exactly had happened? Who had ended things?

      Maybe it had been Ella who’d ended the relationship, finally tired of Aaron’s womanizing. Or had he grown bored of her?

      She didn’t care, so why was she even thinking about this?

      “I’m sorry nonetheless,” Melissa said. “I’m sure it wasn’t easy.”

      “Thank you,” Aaron said. “These things happen.” He shrugged casually, as if it was no big deal.

      And maybe for him it wasn’t. The little she’d read about him in the tabloids indicated that fidelity was something he wasn’t interested in. Maybe Ella had finally gotten smart and put her foot down.

      Aaron narrowed his eyes as he regarded her. “Do you really think I’d be dancing with you like this if I were married?”

      Melissa hesitated. She wanted to say no, but how could she? Celebrities were a different breed, and their behavior often left a lot to be desired.

      “Don’t celebrities live by their own code?” she countered.

      “So that’s a yes? Even with my parents here?”

      “You’re a grown man. They certainly can’t stop you from doing what you like.”

      Aaron narrowed his eyes as he regarded her. She wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but she could see his disappointment.

      “I wouldn’t bring dishonor to my parents, Melissa. I thought you would know that.”

      I know nothing about you was what she wanted to say. But when she saw Arlene whizzing toward her behind Aaron, her body sagged with relief. Thank God. She needed an excuse to escape Aaron and this uncomfortable conversation.

      But as her sister neared her, Melissa’s relief turned to concern. “Arlene, what’s wrong?” she asked, seeing the stress on her sister’s face.

      “I need a ride.”

      “What is it?” Melissa asked.

      “Aaron, I’m really sorry to interrupt you guys,” Arlene said.

      “No problem,” Aaron told her.

      Arlene took Melissa by the hand and led her away, throwing an apologetic glance over her shoulder at Aaron. “I’m sorry, Mel.”

      Melissa waved at her concern. “No, don’t be sorry.” In fact, she could thank her sister. Her interruption was perfect timing. “What’s wrong?”

      “I came here with Maxine, and I don’t want to disturb her. She’s having fun.” She blew out a harried breath. “I need to leave.”

      “Why?”

      “Raven is pitching a fit and I’ve got to go deal with her. The babysitter says she won’t settle until she sees me. Who knew four-year-olds could wield such power?”

      Melissa’s worry abated. She’d feared something worse was going on. “She’ll probably calm down in a little bit.”

      “She’s been acting out since Craig and I split,” Arlene explained. “She’s having quite the tantrum, apparently. I’d really better go now. If we’re going out later and I can get her down, I can have the babysitter stay with her for the night. I know this is inconvenient, but do you mind giving me a ride?”

      Melissa threw a glance over her shoulder at Aaron, saw that he was still looking at her. He probably wanted to pick up the conversation where they’d left off.

      No, thank you.

      Melissa faced her sister and gave her a reassuring smile. “No problem at all. Let’s go.”

      “Thanks, sis. You can always come back.”

      “Naw, I’m good. Plus, I’ll see the girls later tonight.”

      “Let me say goodbye to Tasha and Ryan and Cyrus and Cynthia,” Arlene said.

      Together they found Tasha and Ryan, then the Burkes and said their goodbyes.

      “It was so lovely to see you again,” Cynthia said, holding both of Melissa’s hands. “It’s nice to have you back in town.”

      “It’s good to be back,” Melissa said. She couldn’t help wondering if there was something to Cynthia’s smile and warmth. Had she jumped to conclusions seeing her and Aaron together?

      “Okay, let’s get out of here,” Arlene said.

      Melissa fell into step beside Arlene. Only once they were on the deck and away from the guests did Melissa ask, “Did you hear that Aaron and Ella divorced?”

      Arlene’s eyes grew wide. “They did?”

      Melissa had asked the question in part to gauge her sister’s response. Though she doubted Arlene would know and say nothing. Arlene genuinely hadn’t heard. Aaron had

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