Page 58 of The Mad Marchams

“Why can’t you just go along with him so that everything can go back to normal?”

“Because my needs and wants are just as important as Joss’s. I don’t want to be a billionaire or work myself to death anymore. He feels differently, but I don’t deserve to be shouted at and threatened just because he’s in a snit and someone has said no to him.”

“He says the stress is ruining his relationship with me.”

“Sammy, that’s between you and Joss. I don’t control his stress levels or feelings.” Mabel considered how much more she wanted to say. “He tried to make me feel guilty for denying you the million-dollar wedding you’re demanding.”

“I haven’t asked for anything like that.”

“Then maybe ask Joss about how he’s characterizing your relationship.”

There was a longish pause before Sam spoke again. “I know you’re probably still mad because Joss went behind your back and started dating me, but this isn’t the right way to get revenge.”

Mabel gripped her phone hard. “I’m going to say this one more time because we used to be friends. I am happy for you and Joss. I do not want him back. I was actually relieved when he ended it, because all he cared about was the money and not me.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Then I can’t help you, Sammy,” Mabel said simply.

“Fine, be like that.”

Sammy ended the call and Mabel shook her head. She was so tired of being stuck in the middle of other people’s messes.

“Hey.”

She looked up to find Freddy peering around the door.

She tried to find a smile. “What’s up?”

“I was just going out to the stable yard to wait for Colin, and I heard your voice.” He paused. “Everything okay?”

“Just work drama.” She stood up. “I’m so over it.”

He gave her a sidelong glance. “Which is why you’re spending so much time here.”

“Yes, do you have a problem with that?” Mabel faced him.

He held up his hands. “Not at all. You’re doing a wonderful job with my big brother. We’re all very grateful that you’re sticking it out here with us.”

“Because you think that if I leave Colin will follow me?”

“He might.”

“Well, I’m not asking him to make that decision, and even if I do go, I expect he’ll stay here and see things through.”

“I hope you’re right,” Freddy murmured as they walked along the corridor toward the back door. “He’s not exactly known for his staying power.”

“Because all your family do is constantly undermine him.” After her conversation with Sam, Mabel wasn’t in the mood to be nice. “I wouldn’t want to stay in a place where expectations for me are so fricking low that they’re insulting.”

“You sound annoyed.” Freddy remarked as he stood back to let her through the doorway into the stable yard. She swung around to face him.

“I am annoyed. I just wish you could see the man I see who every day tries to think up solutions to a problem he didn’t cause for a family who appear incredibly ungrateful for his efforts.”

“Hear, hear.” Colin’s voice came from behind her, and she slapped her hand over her mouth. “Bravo my brave defender!”

He came over, wrapped her in a bear hug, sweeping her off her feet and twirled her around. She leaned into his shoulder and inhaled his niceness.

“I told you she was worth hanging onto,” Freddy said.