Read Online The Man She Should Have Married by Patricia Kay - Free Book Online

God’s sake. Think about what he would say if he were alive.”
    Her eyes narrowed. “I’m warning you, Matthew. Leave your brother out of this. And you stay out of it. Because if you don’t, you will live to regret it.”
    With that last threat ringing in his ears, Matt turned and walked out of the room, leaving his parents to their lunch...and to each other.
    But as he drove back to his office, he knew he had to warn Olivia. So after parking his car, and before heading inside, he took out his cell phone and called her work number.
    â€œRegistration and Admitting.”
    Matt didn’t recognize the voice. “May I speak to Olivia Britton, please?”
    â€œShe’s on her lunch break. Would you like to leave a message?”
    â€œNo, thanks. I’ll call her cell.”
    Olivia answered on the second ring. “Hi, Matt.”
    â€œHi. I called your work number first. I know you’re at lunch. Can you talk?”
    â€œSure. I’m sitting outside, enjoying the beautiful day and eating my tuna sandwich.”
    â€œWell, I don’t want to ruin your lunch hour for you, but something’s come up that you need to know about.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œLook, there’s no way to sugarcoat this. My mother plans to petition family court for primary custody of Thea.”
    â€œWhat?”
    The alarm in Olivia’s voice was evident. Matt sighed. “I know. I was just as shocked as you are.”
    â€œOn what grounds?”
    â€œThat you’re an unfit mother.”
    â€œOh, my God. You mean, because of Saturday?”
    â€œNot just Saturday, apparently. My father says my mother’s been keeping a list of incidents, with dates and times and witnesses.”
    â€œIncidents? What incidents?”
    â€œI don’t know. I haven’t seen the list, and since I’m now persona non grata with my mother, I doubt I ever will.” Actually, he was kicking himself for going on the attack with his mother before finding out exactly what was on that list.
    â€œBut, Matt—”
    â€œI know, it’s crazy. I went over there on my lunch break, tried to talk to her about it, but you know how she is. She just barreled right over me. Wouldn’t listen. In fact, she threatened me.”
    â€œThreatened you ? Why?”
    â€œBecause I sided with you. Told her I wouldn’t go along with this.”
    â€œOh, Matt, I don’t want to cause any more trouble between you and your parents.”
    â€œYou’re not causing trouble. The trouble was there long before you came along.”
    â€œIs that true?”
    â€œYes, it’s true. You remember the scandal involving Chet Parker? My mother bragged about bringing him down—she was actually proud of herself. And I’ve always thought she had a hand in Rosalie Harris’s downfall. Someday I’ll tell you all the gory details. But right now, we have more important things to worry about. I think we need to talk in person. Can you get your mother to watch Thea tonight? Maybe go out to dinner with me?”
    â€œUm, yes, I’m sure I can, but...”
    â€œBut what?”
    â€œDon’t you think I need to do something to prepare? Like, immediately?”
    â€œThat’s what I want to talk to you about.”
    â€œOh, okay.”
    â€œHow about if I pick you up around six thirty? Would that work?”
    â€œYes. That’s perfect.”
    â€œAll right, see you then.”
    â€œSee you then,” she echoed.
    Matt sat in his car for long minutes after disconnecting the call. He knew he was on the precipice of something very dangerous, and that if he stepped off that cliff, he could never go back.
    But if he didn’t step off, if he allowed Olivia to fight this on her own, he would never have any chance with her at all. There really wasn’t any choice, was there?
    He loved Olivia.
    So he would do whatever it took to help her, no matter what else