Read Online Breathe: A Novel by Kate Bishop - Free Book Online Page B

crossed over and gave me a hug. “I’m so glad we finally have a chance to talk.” She took Billy’s leash and linked her arm through mine for our stroll to The Lift.
    “Have you ever been in there?” She pointed at the pounded steel Chi-Chi sign as we passed. It was suspended over a large stone fountain.
    “Yeah, once.” I tried to sound casual, but the thought of Tripp’s mat made my heart hurt. We walked into the café and found a table by the window. I kept an eye on Billy, tied to a bike rack outside, while Jenny went to the counter to order. I checked to see if I’d missed a call from Tripp. Nothing.
    “Alex?”
    I felt a ghostly tap on my shoulder and spun around.
    Louise. I almost fainted.
    “Hello, Alex. I saw that dog of yours outside. How are you?” She filled her voice with fake sympathy, because her face was frozen with Botox.
    “Hi, Louise. I’m fine. Doing fine.” I couldn’t breathe.
    “Well, I am glad to hear that. I’ve been trying to give you some time, but we really do need to work out the details of this thing.” Right here? In the middle of The Lift, she wanted to talk about my divorce?
    I flashed back to the last time that I’d seen her. We were at a luncheon for the Stanford board of Trustees. Louise and Tripp, both members, were gliding around the Palo Alto Polo Club lounge, schmoozing and strategizing with effortless poise and charm. I’d tried to stay by Tripp’s elbow but grew tired of being invisible. So I took my chardonnay and wandered off, looking at oil paintings and contemplating how I might win Louise over. Find a cure for cancer? Start a jewelry line? Or maybe I should apply for a Stanford MBA, too? I’d hated thinking like such a sellout, especially since I couldn’t stand the woman, but deep down, I’d desperately wanted her approval. At least I didn’t need to worry about that anymore.
    “Can we talk about it another time, Louise? I’m here with a friend.”
    Louise looked around.
    “Oh, on a social call are you? I assumed you’d be out looking for a job. Or have you already found one?”
    “Yes, Louise, didn’t you hear? I’m the new CFO of Oracle.”
    She cocked her head. “Humor, Alex, can only get you so far, as I imagine you are beginning to realize. I’ll be by the house to continue this conversation. In the meantime, no need to contact us. Please let Luz know if you need anything. You must be feeling very alone so far from home. Oh, and use the service line.” She repositioned her sunglasses, then turned to walk out, sealing me off from any further association with the Edwards Family. I was permitted to contact the housekeeper only.
    “Alex? What happened?” Jenny stood next to me, looking out the window that Louise had just slithered past. “What are we staring at?”
    “I just saw Louise.”
    “Oh my God. Let’s get out of here. You need some air.” Outside, she untied Billy, and walked us both to the nearest park bench. Billy curled up quietly underneath us and rested his chin on my foot.
    “Are you okay?” asked Jenny.
    “Well . . . ” I stared into the sunlit plaza and said, “I think a pooper scooper at the Rodeo Day parade has more of a purpose than I do right now.”
    Jenny covered her mouth and laughed. “Alex!”
    I cracked a slight smile. “It’s true, Jenny. I mean, I have no idea why you’re so nice to me.”
    She looked up, surprised. “Because you’re special, Alex. A real breath of fresh air around here.”
    I winced. “You mean I don’t belong.”
    “No, I mean that in a good way. You’re funny and real and smart, and honestly, I’d rather spend time with you than any of the other girls around here. You have perspective. You’re interesting.” She patted my hand. “Plus, I’d hope that if anything like this ever happened in my life, someone would be there for me, too.” We sat quietly for a moment.
    “Where are you from, Jenny?” I asked, realizing how little I knew about her. Since moving here,