The Case of the Killer Divorce by Barbara Venkataraman Read Free Book Online Page B

keeled over.
    "Kip? Oh my God! I t's really you!" My voice was squeaking I was so happy to see him. "Sorry I didn't recognize you, I mean--you've changed so much. When did you get so tall?" I couldn't stop smiling. Or babbling. Kip and I were one of those waterpark romances I told you about. I was crazy about him back then, and I think he felt the same way about me, but when he went away to college, we drifted apart. I still thought about him sometimes, especially when I drove past the park.
    Before I could say another word, he gave me a big hug and scooped me off the ground. And then he laughed and put me back down.
    "Yeah, I had a bit of a growth spurt in college, you know?" He grinned. " It's fantastic to see you, Jamie! How have you been? What are you doing with yourself?"
    "Let's see, I got a de gree in English literature, realized I had no marketable skills, and then went to law school. Now, I'm a family law attorney here in Hollywood. What about you?" I couldn't stop staring at him.
    "I took a long and torturous route, myself. I came out of school with an MBA, went straight into the corporate world and hated it. Did a 180, went back to school, and ended up with a job I love, working outdoors where I can worship nature in all her glory."  He stopped to kick a soccer ball back to a little boy, who quickly resumed his game.
    "That's great!" I said. "You always were her biggest fan. I can't believe we ran into each other here, of all places. What are the chances?"
    H e laughed. "I'd say the chances are excellent."
    "What do you mean?"
    "After I got my degree in park management and forestry, I worked for the state park system in California until they had budget cuts and I lost my job. A position opened up here and I applied for it. As of a week ago, I'm the new Director of the Parks Department. So, I work here."
    " You work in this park?" I asked, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice. I was a grown-up now; I had to keep reminding myself.
    " Actually, I'm in charge of all of the parks. I'm visiting each one to make assessments and I thought I'd start with my favorite one. But, tell me more about you, are you married? Have any kids?"
    "Nope, how about you?" He had to be married. And he probably had a dozen gorgeous kids that looked just like him.
    "I was engaged once for a few months, but it didn't work out. No kids either."
    Someone, wake me up! On second thought, please don't.
    We just stood there, smiling at each other until Kip took my hand and said, "I have to get back to work, but I 'd love to catch up some more."
    "I'd love that."
    "Do you like horseback riding, by any chance? I have to go to Tradewinds Park next Saturday, and they have stables and horse trails."
    "The last horse I was on was a pony when I was five, but that sounds like fun. If you don't mind riding with a novice."
    "No worries, I'll teach you. How about we meet there at one o'clock?"
    "Perfect! I'm looking forward to it, Kip."
    "Me too. See you then, Jamie! " Another quick hug and he was gone.
    I was dazed by my good fortune-- that was Kip! We have a date! So what, if I don't know how to ride a horse, Kip's going to teach me. How was I going to make it to Saturday? I wondered. I knew that going on one date didn't necessarily mean anything, but I was happy right then, and nothing could change that.
    I walked back to the parking lot and found my car. As I opened the door, I heard a frantic buzzing under the seat. I'd missed three calls from Becca.
     
     

 
     
                 
     
     
    Chapter 19
    "Becca? I t's Jamie. Sorry I missed you."
    "It's okay," she said in a flat, monotone voice.
    "I spoke with the state attorney. I'll tell you what he said in a minute, but first, I need to ask you a few questions."
    "Alright."
    I wondered if she was medicated, she sounded so robotic. She couldn't have sounded less interested if we were talking about the weather, or the Kardashians. I was still at the park, sitting in my car with the