Chapter 13 Chapter 13 " Yup . " A thrill of defiance flickered in Maxine's chest . " Dead serious . " The line went quiet , then Sebastian hung up . Maxine tossed her phone on the couch , a wry smile tugging at her lips as her eyes stung . She thought that oughta stop him . A soft creak broke her thoughts . She glanced over to see Jessica peeking from the guest room door , her small face full of worry . Maxine's grin softened . She hurried over , kneeling to ruffle Jessica's hair . " Hey , Jess ! Up already , huh ? " Jessica hesitated , her voice a shaky whisper . " Maxine … " She bit her lip , eyes wide . " You gonna be my new mom ? " Maxine's heart caught , but she kept her smile warm . " Yeah , kiddo . You okay with that ? " Jessica squirmed , words stuck . Then , under Maxine's gentle look , she blurted , " You getting divorced … ' cause of me ? " Maxine's eyes widened . Before she could speak , Jessica rushed on , voice cracking . " I can go to a foster home ! You don't have to split up ' cause of me . I'll be fine … " I'm super grateful . You found my mom , but I … I don't wanna be a hassle … " Tears spilled down Jessica's cheeks , and Maxine's own eyes welled up . She pulled Jessica into a fierce hug . " Sweetie , no way . This divorce ? It's not your fault . It's for me . " Don't feel bad . I've got you , okay ? Promise . " Because she owed Ivanna that much . Maxine held her tight , whispering until Jessica's sobs faded to sniffles . " There we go , " Maxine said , wiping Jessica's tears with a soft grin . " No more crying , yeah ? You're too cute for tears . " Jessica nodded shyly , and Maxine's heart melted . She was about to ask what Jess wanted for breakfast when a loud knock rattled the door . " Mom ? You in there ? " Maxine froze . ' Brian ? What is he doing here ? ' She hesitated , then swung the door open . There was Brian , face red and furious . He stormed in eyes darting around . And right behind him ? Sebastian , naturally . Maxine's annoyance flared . " Brian , what's your problem ? " He didn't even look at her . His gaze zeroed in on Jessica , who'd been hiding just moments ago . He whirled on Maxine , voice loud and sharp . " You left us for her , didn't you ? " The hurt in Brian's eyes hit hard , and Sebastian's silence screamed disapproval . Maxine stepped in front of Jessica , who was trembling , and glared at them both . " This is my house . Get out , or I'm calling the cops . " 10:44 Tue 17 Jun Chapter 13 " Cops ? " Sebastian snorted . " Maxine , you're out of your damn mind . " She didn't blink . " Out of my mind , huh ? Then why are you still hitched to me ? " Jessica tugged at Maxine's sleeve , voice small . " Maxine , don't fight …" Maxine's heart squeezed . She turned , softening . " It's okay , sweetie . Go to your room , alright ? " Jessica nodded slowly and started to walk away . That was when Brian lunged , shoving her . " Who the heck are you ? Why're you always with my mom ? " Jessica stumbled and hit the floor with a soft cry . Maxine's blood ran cold . " Brian , what the hell ?! " He was still fuming , ready to go at Jessica again . Maxine didn't hesitate - she grabbed Brian's arm , pulled him back , and knelt to help Jessica up . " You okay , sweetie ? " She didn't see Brian stagger backward . Then , a sharp yelp cut through the air . " Ow ! "