Unsuited

Unsuited

Up in Flames book 10

By Asrai Devin

Copyright 2017

(Updated 2020)

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

About the Author

Other books by Asrai

Prologue

Monica swallowed the lump in her throat as she pushed open her front door. She was glad to escape the frigid December air. Silence greeted her and the lump in her throat sank into her chest. She shrugged off her coat and hung it on the hook behind the door. She remembered when her ex-husband Darren hung the hardware on the wall.

Her heels clicked on the floor, echoing through the house.

She rolled her eyes at her own dramatic thoughts. The rooms in her house weren't big enough to echo. She opened the fridge and stared at the contents. Eating alone for the last few months had grown thin. There was no joking, no laughing, no arguing over veggies.

She closed the fridge and climbed the stairs to the bedrooms. She stopped at the spotless bedroom with the twin bed and cartoon sheets. No one had slept in that bed in months. Claire's bedroom.

Because of Monica's extreme fuck-up, Claire, her daughter, lived across the country in Alberta with Darren, Claire's father and Monica's ex-husband, where he played professional hockey.

Claire was returning in a few weeks during Christmas vacation. Reluctantly returning to her mother, her friends here. Claire cried two nights before on the phone. She didn't want to leave her kitten, or her father, or his girlfriend, Liz, Claire's former nanny turned step-mom. Like a fucking rom-com or porno.

Monica met Liz only once, but she hated the other woman. She not only stole Darren, now she was stealing Claire.

Monica pushed out of the doorway and entered her bedroom. She shed her clothes and laid on the bed. She blew her hair out of her eyes, but her eyes remained blurred with tears.

Instead of regrets, she switched her focus to her accomplishments. She was in recovery, which would be a lifelong journey. She complied with the court, and with her treatment plan. No matter how much she craved another drink, she would never consume alcohol again. No matter how bad the loneliness of living without Claire and Darren got, she wouldn't pick up the bottle. It solved nothing. It made shit worse. She acknowledged that every day.

Her vision cleared. Claire would return home, but it wasn't enough. She needed her whole family back. Darren.

She couldn't reconcile with them in Ontario, while Darren's job, his life, was in Alberta.

Monica would move to him. Her thoughts slowed, and she found clarity she hadn't had in ages. She would move to Alberta, reconcile with Darren, and reunite their family again.

A fresh start would work for her, anyway. Her parents were here, but they weren't particularly close. The only favor her parents did was care for Claire to give Monica a break. They were too busy.

Darren paid the house off years ago, so she was free to buy another house or condo. She still had money from alimony in a savings account. She could live comfortably on Darren's money, but she liked her job. And she was good at it so she would continue working, even when she reconciled with Darren.

Her thoughts drifted. Darren. She examined the mistakes leading to their divorce. Again. She worked through some regrets with her court-ordered therapist. Her therapist tried to discourage her from taking a too happy view of their marriage and current relationship. The therapist tried to make Monica acknowledge there were good reasons they broke up.

But the longer Monica was apart from Darren, the more she missed him. She wanted the joy and magic of their relationship again. He was a good man. And the family she had with him and Claire. They could grow their family, have another baby. Something Liz couldn't give him, according to Claire.

Downstairs again, she ordered while she created her plan. First, she could tell Darren their girl wasn't coming home. Home would move to them.

Chapter 1

Monica remained seated while people with aisle seats retrieved their overhead luggage. She pulled her carry-on from under the seat and waited as people filed off the plane. She tried to control her racing heart with deep breathing techniques she learned in recovery. Supposedly she completed rehabilitation, but would always be in recovery.

Was that how it worked?

She shuffled off the plane with the rest of the passengers. She wanted to hold Claire. And see her new home, but her daughter was most important.

Claire, Darren, and Liz visited over Christmas holidays. She had a few precious days to drink her fill of her little girl. She needed time to sell her place, which wasn’t easy in the middle of winter, then buy a new place in Alberta, while never seeing it beforehand, and orchestrate packing all her belongings. And off-load her impersonal belongings on other people. She hadn’t bought new furniture since Darren left; she intended to start over once she moved. Plus, paying to move everything would cost more than buying new when she arrived.

Here she was. Darren oversaw all her belongings being dropped in her apartment by the movers. She had to buy furniture and a car, and she’d be ready to start her job in a week.

She followed the crowd inside the airport to the luggage carousel. Once she had her suitcase behind her, the crowd dispersed to their various loved ones, and further destinations. And there was Claire.

Monica’s fingers went limp in surprise and she grappled to hold her suitcase. She couldn’t believe how big Claire had gotten in the last month. Claire screamed mommy and ran for Monica, who barely caught her before the girl jumped into her arms. Monica lowered to the ground, never letting go of the girl. A shadow loomed over them. She took a deep breath and familiar cologne hit her chest. Darren hadn’t changed his scent.

Her heart picked up, and she tried to keep casual as she met him with a soft smile. Her heart sank as a wide shadow came up behind them. Liz. The girlfriend.

Monica fought her urge to scowl. She didn’t want to start things with a fight. Darren would never spend time with her if she acted like the bitch again. She kept the smile on her face.

Liz had her arm around Darren. Her hands were on his arm. She smiled sweetly at Monica. Welcome. How was your flight?

Monica swallowed her huff. She almost choked on it and fought her urge to sputter. Why was she even here? It wasn’t necessary. She wanted to be alone with Claire and Darren, her family. Claire wiggled out of her grasp and Monica moved to her feet. Claire hopped from foot to foot.

It was good. Monica ruffled Claire’s hair. How are you munchkin? I think you’ve grown since I saw you.

That was only a month ago, Mommy, Claire giggled.

She’s definitely growing, Liz said.

Probably all Liz’s home cooking, Darren added.

Monica snarled internally. Liz was fucking perfect, wasn’t she? She cooked and baked and got Claire a cat. But she couldn’t have babies, so not so damn perfect. Outside, Monica smiled harder, forcing a serene look to hide her tension. Good.

We should go, Darren said. Perhaps he sensed the shift in mood. Liz supervised your boxes being dropped off at your new condo.

Thanks Liz, Monica murmured. What the fuck? Darren should have dealt with her belongings.

It was nothing. Whatever I can do to make Claire’s life better. Liz smiled, and Monica would have sworn it was genuine. The other woman believed they could have a happy relationship and sharing Claire would be smooth.

Monica turned her attention to Claire. How’s school munchkin? They fell into step together behind Darren and Liz, holding hands. She resisted the urge to make a face at their backs.

Good. I can’t wait for you to meet my teachers. And my friends. Can my friend sleep over when I stay at your new place?

I’m sure we can arrange something but I have to meet their parents first. And I have to buy you a bed.

You didn’t bring my bed?

I couldn’t bring everything. You and I can choose your new bed together. Okay?

Claire nodded. Did you pack my toys?

Yes, and your clothes.

They won’t fit anymore. Daddy and Liz took me shopping last week for new clothes again.

The second time since you moved here. Darren looked back at them. Do you want me to take your suitcase?

It’s fine. Monica waved him off. They arrived at his car, something new since she saw him last. It had been years since they lived in the same province.

She stopped at the front passenger door, but Liz was already standing there. Liz gave an embarrassed laugh, but didn’t step away. The dominance forced Monica to step back and say, Sorry.

She climbed in the back, like a child, sitting in the middle, giving her leave to cuddle Claire and watch Darren in the rear-view mirror.

Monica, do you want to have supper with us? Liz asked. You don’t have your dishes unpacked or food. And a home cooked meal—

Darren cut her off with a glance. You can spend more time with Claire, he finished. As he exited the airport and headed for the city, he laced his fingers into Liz’s hand. Monica kept her face neutral in case either of them looked back.

Claire cuddled against her as they navigated the city and she got her first view of her new home. It was like any other city. The one she left, ones she’d visited before. Houses, shopping complexes, office buildings, light industrial flew past. Then back into residential. Her condo was near Darren’s, not too close and not too far. Her new office was further, but being near Claire was more important.

And you can meet Wishes, Mom, Claire added.

The question of supper with Claire and Darren. And Liz. Sure, supper sounds great. Can we go to my condo first?

I’m so glad you’re here, Mommy, Claire said.

Monica smiled at her daughter. Me too. I missed you so much. And I’ll have a bed and you’ll be living with me soon.

Darren and Liz shared a glance. Oh, what the fuck?

We want you to settle in here, get to know the routine before… Darren trailed off and looked at Liz.

Monica felt her patience shredding. She needed to get away, get to her own space. Her fingers tapped the back of her phone. Sponsor! She flipped the phone to send a text to her sponsor back home. Her sponsor agreed to keep in touch until she found someone in Calgary.

We’ll discuss details later, Darren said.

He was damn right, they would. Without his precious fucking Liz. Or Claire. Where Monica and her husband could have a conversation without interference. And she would remind him of their good times.

I missed you, bug. She hugged Claire tighter and kissed her head.

I missed you too, Mommy. I’m glad you moved and I can see you and Daddy and Liz and Wishes.

Monica smiled into her daughter’s hair. Nothing could be wrong when she was with Claire. She wanted to make life more right, but for now she had perfection.

Darren parked in front of Monica’s building. Claire, do you want to see Mom’s new place?

Okay. I came with Liz to drop off the boxes and it’s awesome.

Monica tried to hide her wince, but she knew her pain showed.

You were my big helper, Liz said.

Monica waved her hand, wanting to interrupt the interloper. She sucked in air. It’s fine. She unbuckled her belt. Come on, Claire. She needed out of the car, away from the tension.

Perhaps she shouldn’t attend supper with Darren’s girlfriend. Missing supper would disappoint Claire, leaving Monica stuck with them. She sighed and made fists to hide her tension.

She looked at Darren, who looked at Liz with a small smile on his face and his nose wrinkled. Great, a sweet look of love passed between the happy couple.

Monica’s anger edged up another notch. She paused it to the side and slid out of the car. He didn’t know having their family back together was a possibility. Not yet. Monica would need to work on him, which started with not being his angry ex-wife.

Wait, Liz said. And Monica cringed. I have your keys.

Liz held them out. Monica had to meet her eyes to retrieve them. Thank you.

You’re welcome.

Before Monica closed the door, Darren said to Liz, I’ll talk to her.

She growled as she stood beside Claire. So you like it here?

Yeah. I can’t wait for you to come to my school and meet my friends and my teacher. She’s so amazing. Claire chattered on like only six-year-olds can. She talked about school and her friends, about Liz and Darren, about her cat.

Monica followed Claire. She used her keys on her new door. Inside still smelled like new carpet and cleaning supplies.

Claire grabbed Monica’s hand. Liz and I wiped all the counters. And you should see what we bought yesterday.

Wasn’t Liz a bucket full of sunshine?

Mommy, close your eyes.

Monica squeezed her eyes shut and Claire led her deeper into the condo. They stopped and Claire said it was time to open her eyes. Monica opened her eyes and there was a gigantic bouquet on the counter. Liz helped me pick out the flowers. My favorite is the blue ones.

I love them. Thank you for thinking of me. She wrapped Claire in a tight hug, I love you.

Monica turned before Claire could see her tears falling. She went down the hallway and found her bedroom and Claire’s bedroom. Neither of them had beds. She must purchase those soon, and a car. Her job didn’t start for another week, so she could ask Darren to help her shop for a vehicle.

Well, Grandma and Grandpa said they would visit soon. Once we’re settled in. Monica moving away upset her parents deeply. Their powerful reaction surprised Monica. They were self-centered. She thought they’d be glad to have the burden of their youngest and neediest child on the other side of the country.

Yay! What about my bed?

I will do that this week. And when Dad has time he can help me buy a car and I’ll get us a bed and we’ll get unpacked this week.

I have school this week, Claire crossed her arms.

Maybe you can visit after school. I’m off all week before I start work.

Claire nodded. Where are my toys? Can I take some to Daddy’s? I missed them.

Monica’s heart clenched again. She nodded, praying she hid her anguish. Let’s go find them. Then I’ll grab my bags from daddy’s car and Liz invited me for supper.

They found Claire’s bedroom and the box of toys. She left Claire to dig through while she ran downstairs to retrieve her bag from Darren’s car. He exited the car. Where’s Claire?

She’s going through her toys. She wants to bring some to your house. I want to grab my suitcase before we go. That okay with you?

Yes, it’s okay with me. His voice mocked her.

You don’t want to check with Liz?

She’s not trying to keep you from Claire. She’s never tried. It was her idea to bring her home early instead of the end of the school year.

Monica huffed. Fine, I’ll be nicer, but I don’t have to like her.

If you got to know her, you’d like her. You’ll have to work with her while I’m out of town, so get used to having her around. I’m marrying her. She will be part of Claire’s life and yours.

Not if Monica could seduce Darren again. She nodded with a serious face. I will for Claire, because I don’t want to disrupt her life more than I have.

Good. Me neither. Liz had a hard life when she was growing up. She needs all the help she can get.

Monica couldn’t hide her smile. She added a nod, so she didn’t look creepy or calculating. I will try to be nice, I swear.

Okay. Thank you. He pulled her suitcase from the trunk. Do you want me to carry this for you?

No time like the present to reconnect. If you could, it’s heavy. She hauled it to the airport and to his car without help, but she wanted time with him. She took her carry-on bag, so as not to look helpless.

He knocked on Liz’s window and informed her of the plan. Monica headed for the door to escape the freezing air for the blowing heater in the entryway. She relaxed a moment there, soaking in the warmth.

He followed a moment later. A smile on his face. It wasn’t for her, which soured her further. Her phone drew her attention. She glanced at the notification screen. A message from her sponsor back home. She didn’t have time to read the message because Darren was at her side.

Monica looked