Running Wilde (The Winnie Wilde Series Book 1) by Sue Ann Jaffarian, Meg Chambers Page B

“Yes, maybe you’re right,” she repeated. “Edward was so stable and knew exactly what he wanted. I was drawn to that and never saw the dullness beneath it.”
    “You didn’t see it because you were doing exactly what was expected of you,” Kathy noted. “Find a nice, stable boy with a future, marry him, and raise a family.”
    “Yes,” Winnie agreed. “Although I don’t regret my kids or even many of my years with Edward. Most of that time he was a good husband and father, even if he was controlling and set in his ways. He’s exactly like his father, so I shouldn’t have been surprised. I’d always thought his mother was cold and plastic, then one day I realized I had become plastic too. I was the dutiful wife, self-sacrificing, obedient and always last in line when it came to getting what I want.”
    “Are you getting what you want now?” Kathy asked.
    Winnie shrugged. “Sexually, yes. Ben is a great lover, both giving and receiving. As for the other stuff, I don’t know yet. I’m a little worried about all the changes going on. I’m very excited, but also scared. What if I don’t like travelling? What if I regret giving up the house? Technically, I’ll be homeless.”
    “Do you want to keep the house? You can, you know. You haven’t sold it yet and it’s paid for.”
    Winnie shook her head. “No, I don’t want the house. It’s big and feels too oppressive. I never liked that house. It was Edward’s dream house. He insisted on buying it.”
    “So why don’t you look around for something you might like. Something small and with less maintenance.” Kathy took another sip of wine.
    “Maybe I will,” Winnie said. “I’d like something like your condo, but at the beach. Chet had thought I was selling the house to buy a condo at the beach. Maybe my son knows me better than I do.”
    A party of four walked past their table on their way to their own. Kathy recognized one of the men in the group and they exchanged quick pleasantries. After, Kathy asked, “Speaking of kids, how are you and Tiff doing?”
    Winnie shrugged. “I’ve called her, but she hasn’t responded, except to send me a text saying she’d be by tomorrow, along with her brother, to go through their rooms. I’ve already pulled everything out of their closets and drawers and piled it up in boxes, guessing at what they might want and not want, so it’s not like it will take all weekend.”
    “Will Ben be working at your place this weekend?”
    “No,” Winnie answered. “He wanted to come by and help, but I told him it was not a good idea. He understood completely, but we made plans for Saturday night.” Winnie grinned. “He asked me out on a date.”
    “A real date?” Kathy asked with one auburn brow cocked.
    “Yes, ma’am. We’re going to some charity event in Beverly Hills.”
    “Not a Laker’s game?” Kathy asked. “That’s what I would expect from someone his age.”
    “Nope.” Winnie sipped her wine. “Cocktail attire is even required.”
    “And another sleepover?” Kathy eyed Winnie over the rim of her own wine glass.
    Winnie winked at her. “That’s the plan.”
    Their entrée arrived – a whole fish cooked to perfection with an assortment of vegetables on the side. Their waiter expertly carved and plated the fish tableside, then disappeared. They fell on their food, nearly swooning with each bite.
    “Marry this woman, Kathy,” Winnie said in a hushed whisper across the table. “If she’ll have you, grab her, then invite me to dinner at least once a week.” They both laughed.

 
    CHAPTER EIGHT
     
    “So you’re really going through with this?” Tiffany asked. She stood in the middle of her old bedroom eyeing the chaos of boxes. She looked both cross and confused.
    “Yes, I am,” Winnie told her. “The house goes on the market right after the contractor finishes painting. I need you to decide which of that stuff you want to take with you and which to discard.”
    “Who did you hire,