Executive Affair Read Online Free

moments.
    â€˜I don’t really care what you think, Doctor . I don’t have any kind of dependency on alcohol. And to prove it, when I get out of here I’m going to give up drinking. Now, get off my bed. There are plenty of other people in this shit-hole that really do need a shrink. I’m not one of them.’
    â€˜You look dreadful,’ Eleanor Newbury commented as she leaned across the bed to kiss Julia’s cheek.
    â€˜Thanks, Mom, that makes me feel a lot better,’ Julia responded sharply, resisting the urge to tell her that the two-piecesuit she was wearing was more suitable for a wedding than a hospital.
    Her mother looked well for her sixty-five years. She was fortunate enough to have an excess of both money and time to invest in her appearance. She would never admit to the two facelifts that kept her looking young.
    â€˜I’m just telling you the truth.’ Eleanor pursed her lips and sat down with a long-suffering sigh, resting her large handbag on the tip of her knees.
    â€˜Psychiatric hospitals don’t usually come with beauty parlours, Mom.’
    â€˜There’s no need to be sarcastic! How can you expect to get your life back together if you don’t make an effort with your appearance?’ Indignation was written all over Eleanor’s perfectly made-up face.
    â€˜I’ve had a nervous breakdown, Mom.’ Julia started to cry. ‘I think it’s pretty normal not to care about my appearance right now.’
    Eleanor moved uncomfortably in her seat. ‘Your psychiatrist says you may be an alcoholic.’
    â€˜Don’t tell me he has been on at you as well!’
    â€˜I’m only telling you what he said. I told him that you didn’t drink when you lived at home.’
    â€˜I don’t want you talking to him. He’s the one that needs a shrink. He’s so off the mark with me that it’s alarming.’
    â€˜He said that denial is common in alcoholics.’
    â€˜Mom, drop it, okay? Just drop it.’
    Eleanor obediently changed the subject. ‘Have you heard anything from Josh?’
    â€˜No … how would he know where to find me? Only you and Dad know that I’m here … Anyway, he’s probably left thecountry by now.’ Julia leaned over to get some tissues and blew her nose loudly to annoy Eleanor.
    â€˜You got married too young …’ Eleanor sniffed, patting her styled hair in fear that a strand had strayed out of place as a result of the unpleasant conversation.
    â€˜For God sakes, Mom. We had ten great years together – I can’t help it if he woke up one morning with a premature midlife crisis!’
    â€˜People don’t just change overnight – I always knew he was unreliable.’
    â€˜And how exactly did you know that?’ Julia asked with gritted teeth.
    â€˜Because I did,’ Eleanor stated with conviction.
    Josh’s integrity was the one thing Julia had always been sure of. Now it was open to question, just like everything about their life together.
    â€˜And you shouldn’t have let yourself get into a position like that,’ Eleanor continued tactlessly. ‘You sacrificed everything for him … you had a good degree and you never used it.’
    Julia couldn’t argue with her on that point. Her career had been making Josh happy, making his home life as undemanding and well organised as possible so he could succeed at work.
    â€˜When I’m well again I’m going to look for a better job … something that has potential,’ she promised, her voice subdued.
    Finally, Eleanor was approving. ‘Yes, darling. And hopefully you’ll meet another man. Because it’s no good to be alone.’

Chapter 3
    When Claire went into work the following Monday, she apologised profusely to everyone for her disappearing act on Friday night. To make it up, and to prove to them that she was okay, she had a longer chat than usual