The Replacement Wife by Tiffany L. Warren

not exactly sure what she should do. Then Chloe wiggled her fingertips in a “come here” motion. Did she want a hug?
    Montana rose from her seat and hugged Chloe. It felt weird, but Chloe was being so nice that she couldn’t resist. Maybe it was best if she was friends with Chloe. It just might keep her from fantasizing about Quentin.
    â€œLadies, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to study the children’s pick-up and drop-off schedules. I’m on call this afternoon, and Ms. Levy is going to be so disappointed in me if I don’t get it done.”
    Chloe pouted. “I thought you were going to stay and help us. I’d love to have another perspective, and maybe a tie breaker in case Estelle and I can’t agree.”
    â€œI would volunteer to be your tie breaker, but I’ve got Bible study to prepare for,” Ms. Levy said, as she placed a previously prepared tray of sweet tea, sandwiches, and cookies at the center of the table, and turned to leave.
    Chloe’s eyes pleaded with Montana. Montana felt sorry for Chloe. She eased back down at the kitchen table.
    â€œOkay, I will stay for a while,” Montana said. “In a few hours I have to pick up Danielle, though.”
    â€œWe’ll be done before then,” Chloe said. “I promise.”
    Estelle said, “So, Chloe, I’m excited to see what you’ve already come up with.”
    Chloe’s eyes widened with surprise. “The planning is absolutely in its infancy, Estelle. I wanted to get your thoughts first instead of going down a wrong path and having to change everything later.”
    â€œChange everything? How unreasonable do you think I am?” Estelle asked.
    Montana pinched herself to keep from giggling at Chloe’s facial expression. There was probably no safe way to answer Estelle’s question, so Chloe just stared at Estelle and blinked.
    When Chloe didn’t reply, Estelle asked, “How much money are we trying to raise with this event?”
    â€œI was thinking that if it’s grand enough we can raise two hundred fifty thousand dollars. That seems like a safe number.”
    â€œI can get that amount by calling up a few friends and asking them for donations,” Estelle said. “If we’re going to go all out for this event, we should be thinking around one million.”
    â€œWell . . . okay, if you say so,” Chloe replied. “I just wanted to give us a realistic goal.”
    Montana was confused. She knew the Chambers family was beyond rich. So why were they holding a fund-raiser for a million dollars?
    â€œCan I ask a question? I hope I’m not being rude, but can’t you just write a check for the million dollars and forget about the party?”
    Estelle threw her head back and laughed. “Of course I could. And truthfully, everything at Transitions is currently being paid for by Quentin. Some of those women have medical bills in the hundreds of thousands of dollars when they get there.”
    â€œBut Atlanta’s elite like to have parties,” Chloe said.
    â€œWe party for a cause, and this is a great one,” Estelle said. “What is the theme for the ball?”
    Chloe bounced in her seat. She was clearly excited about this part of it. “It should be a masquerade ball! At Transitions the women always have to wear a figurative mask to hide their pain and suffering. We will honor their struggle with our masks and donations.”
    â€œI like that,” Montana said. “And masquerade balls are always fun to plan.”
    Estelle cleared her throat. “They are fun, indeed. What is your budget for the ball?”
    Chloe flipped through a few pages in her little notebook. “The biggest expense will be the catering, of course, since we don’t have to worry about a venue. I was thinking close to fifty thousand for the dinner with onsite chefs and wait staff. Also, the decorations will be expensive, but