The Weekenders Read Online Free

doomed. But up until now Riley had been typically tight-lipped about her marital status, saying only that they’d been going to couples therapy.
    She’d known something was off the minute she’d set eyes on her. Riley had lost weight—at least twenty pounds. Riley was still beautiful—she had the kind of effortless good looks that money couldn’t buy—but today her jaw was set in a rigid line, and fine new worry lines radiated from her eyes and chin.
    â€œSeparation. And a divorce, I guess,” Riley said, keeping her voice low as they approached the throng of people gathered near the departure ramp. The ferry was tied alongside the dock now, its big diesel engines thrumming.
    â€œOh, God,” Parrish moaned. “I had a feeling, but still. Things are really that bad, huh?”
    Riley nodded, then glanced down at her watch and frowned. Ten minutes until boarding time.
    She looked around to be sure they wouldn’t be overheard.
    â€œI put the house on the market two weeks ago. And it’s under contract.”
    Parrish’s eyes widened. “Riles! You always loved that house! What does Wendell have to say about that?”
    â€œWhat can he say? He’s been trying to keep up this crazy façade, but despite what he says, I know things aren’t going well with the business. I think he’s overextended but, of course, he denies that. Anyway, it’s ridiculous for us to live in an eight-thousand-square-foot house, even if we aren’t splitting up.”
    â€œThat’s a pretty drastic change. How is Maggy handling everything?”
    â€œShe’s sad about it, naturally. She grew up in that house. I’ve told her we’re moving to be closer to her new school, which is true, partly. I’ve found a new place, with a yard for the puppy.”
    â€œAnd the puppy was a consolation prize, for having to give up her house—and her dad?”
    Riley’s smile was tight. “Yes, that’s about the size of it.”
    â€œAnd Maggy has no idea—about the divorce?”
    â€œIf she knows, she’s keeping up a good front. Wendell’s clothes and things are still at the house, but he’s almost never there. Typical of him, he doesn’t want to be the bad guy, doesn’t want to break his daughter’s heart by just admitting that the marriage is over. The plan was that we’d tell Maggy together —this weekend. And you see how that’s working out. No sign of him. He just assumes I’ll do all the dirty work by myself.”
    â€œForgive me for pointing out the obvious, but he’s such a selfish douche-canoe,” Parrish said. “I know how hard you tried to make it work, but sometimes, it’s just time to admit you’re licked. Have you talked to a lawyer?”
    Riley sighed. “Not yet, and that’s another thing I’m dreading. The property settlement process is going to be brutal. Belle Isle Enterprises is my family’s business, of course, but Dad himself anointed Wendell as CEO.…”
    â€œAnd, knowing you, there’s no prenup, right?”
    Riley gave a rueful smile. “Right.”
    â€œYou’re right. It will be a nightmare. But Ed will know who you should call. There’s a woman who does divorce law whom I like a lot … Susan, something. I can’t remember her name. She’s got the face of an angel and the soul of a pit bull–piranha hybrid.”
    â€œShe sounds terrifying.”
    â€œThat’s the general idea, dear. You want a divorce lawyer who’ll make the other side’s testicles shrink just at the mention of her name. I just remembered her last name. Simpson. Sue Simpson.”
    â€œSpeaking of Ed, he’s coming this weekend, right?”
    â€œYoo-hoo! Parrish!” Andrea Payne had spotted the two women and was waving her arms frantically to draw their attention.
    â€œOh God,” Parrish said under her