Chapter 1

Suzie

I t's been nine months since I threw Brent out of the house. When I got over the initial shock, I found that I wasn't as upset as I thought I would be. It just shows that we get into a rut and don't even see that we are not living the life we want, but the easy life.

I am, however, more than happy we had decided not to have any kids. Now that's a blessing, because I can't imagine being stuck with him in my life forever.

Looking around the house, I can't help the smile that crosses my face when I see the changes I've made. With the help of Noah, Slade, and Benjamin, all my bosses from the security company, I removed old furniture, purchased new pieces, and made the house my home. The house that my grandparents left me after they died, much to my parents' anger and disgust, taking it as far as trying to have the will contested.

It seems the last few years that loss is being thrown at me. Not having my grandparents in my life, disowned by my parents, and now Brent because he couldn't keep his cock in his pants.

Hearing my phone ping, I walk over to check it's not something work-related, but I see it's another message from asshole Brent wanting me to speak to him, meet him, and forgive him. Sighing, I throw my phone onto the kitchen counter, then make my way upstairs to shower and throw on a pair of jogging pants and a sports bra.

It doesn't take me long to get into my stride as I run my normal route. Running through the houses to the left of mine there is a park which is huge by some park's standards. I lengthen my stride as soon as I'm feeling loose and pick up the pace. My ponytail, which I've pushed through the baseball cap, is swinging as I run and my arms are pumping. I have one earbud in and my phone tucked in the arm sheath; I don't like to have all my attention on the music. I like to keep alert as I've heard about a couple of women that were dragged from their running route. This wasn't in my area, but it doesn't mean it can't happen either.

Finally, back at the house dripping with the effort, I quickly shower and drink a bottle of water. I feel good, and since dumping Brent I've felt better about myself and my life.

Knocking on the door grabs my attention and I check through the side window before opening, but seeing a young woman, I open the door and give her a questioning look.

"Hi, I'm sorry to disturb you. I've just moved in next door and I don't know where the nearest store is to get some milk and sugar. Can you point me in the right direction, please?"

"Come in, my name's Suzie, by the way. I'll give you some milk and sugar to keep you going. Tomorrow I'm going for groceries if you want to tag along?"

"I'm Holly, yeah I know, but my mother loved Christmas and as I was born on 23rd December, that sealed my fate." The rolling of her eyes at her own comment has me laughing with her.

Walking into the kitchen, I open the cabinet and take out a bag of sugar, then empty the last of the bottled water I had while running and rinse the bottle well. Holding it up for Holly to see, I ask. "Will this be enough to keep you going?"

"Yes, that will be great. Thank you."

I fill the bottle with milk from the fridge and hand it to her. "I'm just going to make a drink if you'd like one?" I quirk an eyebrow at her.

"Oh, that would be lovely. Thanks again."

"So, you moved in next door?" I ask as I'm putting the kettle on to make a cup of instant coffee for us both.

"Yeah. This morning." Sighing. "I just got divorced and with my settlement, I bought the place and hope it'll be a new start."

"I just got divorced, too. Cheating asshole and pleased to be shot of him."

"Oh, mine cheated too, with my sister, of all people."

Turning to look at her because that was worse than what Brent did to me, as it turned out the woman he was screwing was the bartender at a bar we frequented now and again. "That's disgusting. What sort of sister does that?"

"Not a very good one," she blandly replies and I turn to look at her, about to say something when she adds, "But it's okay. She has the asshole now and he'll be cheating on her before long."

Passing the coffee to Holly, I take a seat across from her and can't resist asking. "What do your parents think of what she's done?"

"No idea. When they asked me not to hold it against them both as they fell in love, I told them quote, ‘That's okay, they can have each other and the both of you'. Then I walked out and I've never been back. I answer no messages or calls. They always favored her and allowed her to do as she liked. Me, not so much. But I have to say it feels good to take control of my life from this point."

Holding my hand up to fist-bump with Holly, I give her a grin. "My parents disowned me when I got this house. I think it was a good move. I'm happy as I am. Now, new neighbor, how about we have a pizza delivery and get to become friends?"

That is the start of our friendship, and when the pizza is delivered, we hunker down in front of the TV and relax.

"What do you do for a job, Holly?" I ask because I was born nosey.

"I work at the local school as an assistant, but I'm looking for something different. Although I love kids, I don't want to be around other people's kids all day long."

"What made you take that job?"

"My ex-mother-in-law and I thank my lucky stars she is my ex. I cannot abide her. She is the one that caused the MIL jokes to start." Giggling at her own comment, the look on her face has me laughing alongside her.

"I didn't have one. My ex-Brent lost his parents when he was nineteen. They were in a road accident that killed twelve. A multiple pile up."

"Oh, that had to be hard on him."

"Yeah, it was, but he has their house. He rented it out as he was already living on his own in a small condo, not sure if he's gone back to the house. I've not replied to any of his messages or voicemails. Honestly, caught with your pants down and still can't see that 'this'…" as I point to myself, "will never continue."

"Oh, he's a clinger, is he? That's just nasty and pretty low-class. Do you have a picture of him? Then, if I see him hanging around, I'll call 911 and tell them we have an intruder." Grinning at me with a look of excitement.

Walking into the kitchen, I grab my phone and find a picture of us on holiday last year. Handing her the phone, Holly inspects it and then hands it back. "I'll keep my eye out."

"What kind of work are you looking for? Because my boss has an opening for a receptionist. It's a main lobby where Joe Public walks in, makes inquiries and the receptionist either makes an appointment with one of the three bosses or contacts me on the upper floor and I take it from that point."

"What sort of business is it?" Holly turns in her seat to look more closely at me, and I can see she's interested.

"It's a security company. We cover from house alarms to muscle for pop stars."

"Do you think they'd let me come in and sit on reception for an afternoon so I can see if I think I'm capable? I wouldn't leave the job I'm doing on a lick and a promise I could do the other one. I've got to keep my income flowing."

"Let me talk to one of my bosses."

Calling Noah, who I know is the most laid back, and the one I'm closest to, I wait for him to pick up my call.

"What's up?"

"Nothing. I may have you a new receptionist, but can she do an afternoon to make sure she can do it proficiently? She's a bit of a perfectionist and won't take the job unless she's confident she can do the job well." I can see Holly's eyes getting rounder as I speak, but I keep the laugh out of my voice. But I know Noah and the others take everything company-wise seriously, and so they should.

"Who?"

"My neighbor. Holly works with children at the moment but wants to get away from that. Can you give her a tryout one afternoon? She'll work with Stella, of course. Or I can stand with her if you'd prefer?"

"Okay, I'll fall for it and try her. Saturday afternoon, twelve until four. She works with Stella and if Stella thinks she is no good, then the job offer falls flat. No arguments about this, Suzie."

I can hear how stern Noah sounds and know he's giving Holly a chance because of our friendship. "Thank you, Noah. You'll not regret it."

"I better not." As always, he's gone without the polite bye or see you later.

Holly is blinking rapidly, and I can see she has tears in her eyes. Leaning over to her, I squeeze her hand, not able to stop the huge grin that crosses my face. "Well girl, you best be on the mark on Saturday. Show Stella you can do the job and it's yours. We can go to work and come home together. If you need me, I'll be in the building. I can't wait. This is going to be great."

The week flies and I keep receiving messages and voicemails. I know I'm going to have to speak to Noah or Slade, as they are the ones that deal with stalkers and that's what Brent is becoming.

Entering the building, I give Stella, standing at the reception, a wave as I pass and dash into the elevator. Pressing for the third floor where my office is situated.

I need to drop off my purse and jacket, then find one of the bosses so I can get something rolling to stop Brent from contacting me anymore. But first I better check emails and the work answering machine because anything urgent I need to cover first. I'll have my ass handed to me if I don't.

Placing my purse in the bottom drawer of my desk, I then hang my jacket on the coat stand in the office corner. Taking my seat behind the desk, I play the messages, only two thankfully, and both are inquiries, so nothing for me to worry about at this point. Emails checked and again, nothing urgent. With that now looked at, I leave my office to go up to the next level and the bosses' offices.

Tapping on Slade's office door, I pop my head inside. "What up?" he asks as he sees me stepping inside. I take the seat in front of his desk and look at him for a moment before I open up to what's happening.

"I have a problem with Brent. He won't leave me alone. He is leaving text messages and voice-mails all the time. I have not answered a single one, but it's not put him off even though we have been divorced for quite a while. I need to know what to do about it."

"After all this time, he's still sending messages? Well, you have three options. One, we deal with him. Two, you go through court to get an order for him to stay away from you, or three, which is you cause mayhem for him wherever he turns. Now that's the best one and is the most fun."

Slade has a twinkle in his eye and I don't normally see that unless he's up to no good. Leaning forward, I feel the smile starting on my face and wait for the plan to be revealed.

****

Two days after speaking with Slade, I am sneaking into the back of the coffeehouse that Brent always visits first thing in the morning. He picks up his cappuccino, then heads to work. You can set your watch in the morning by this.

I hand the cash to the server and she gives me a broad smile, winks, and then pours a healthy dose of salt into the cappuccino instead of sugar. Doing this while Brent has his back turned flirting with the other server, who is in on this prank.

Placing the lid on the takeout coffee, the woman hands the drink to Brent, who gives one of his winning smiles, pays for the drink, then whistles as he's walking out of the coffeehouse.

Turning, I high-five the server before running out the back door. If anyone sees me, I'm sure they'll think I'm crazy, but I don't give a darn. If he keeps bothering me, I'll keep bothering him.