Page 4 of Between Now & Heartbreak

“I’m sorry, I’ll explain,” I say in a hushed tone, not slowing down as we head for the door.

“Please be home before midnight,” my father’s disembodied voice floats out of the speakers that dot the ceiling in our foyer.

I nod at the command, smile my most agreeable smile, and hook my arm through Dina’s and pull her through the door.

“What in the world is that?” Dina whispers, her eyes are wide with surprise as she looks back over her shoulder. I pull the door shut behind us. Even though I know we’re alone now, I still speak in a whisper.

“Let’s get in the car. I’ll tell you everything.”

“Ohhhh-kay,” she drawls, a bemused expression on her face, but she unlocks the car and climbs in.

As soon as the door is closed, I slump in my seat and take a few deep breaths to steady my breathing.

Her hand closes around mine and I jump. I look down at our joined hands. I can’t remember the last time anyone touched me with anything approaching kindness.

“Liz, are you okay?”

The worry in her voice shakes me out of my stupor. I remember the part I’m supposed to be playing. Even with her, Duke and I signed non-disclosure agreements. We’re not allowed to tell anyone the true nature of our relationship. Not even our best friends.

I turn to her and give her a broad smile.

She smiles back, but it’s tentative.

“I’msosorry about that. I’m just anxious. It’s my first night out in a while,” I pull my hand out of hers and buckle my seatbelt.

She hesitates for a beat before she starts the car and pulls out of the drive.

“So, where are we going? You were all mysterious on the phone.” I say when the silence starts to feel uncomfortable.

“Was that yourdad’svoice coming through speakers in the wall?” she asks, clearly not willing to let me off the hook.

I grimace. “Yes. It’s actually Fiona’s thing. It’s not just speakers, it’s cameras. She can see and hear from every angle between here and the front door.”

“What thehell? Why?” She glances at me, her eyes wide and befuddled. She’s my closest friend, but even she doesn’t know how dysfunctional my family is. I can’t tell her everything, but I can share what I think will be least shocking.

“My dad is having an affair with Heather.”

Dina’s whole body jerks left and she hits the brakes.

“Heather,cunty Heather who just opened the door? No wonder she looks so pleased with herself.”

“Yup.” I let out a frustrated breath. It’s my father’s worst infidelity yet. He’s always at least pretended to try to be discrete. This is so blatant. And it’s made Fiona crazy.

“She thinks the cameras will make them stop. Or take it somewhere outside the house. But, I don’t think they care.”

Dina shakes her head in dismay and starts to speak again, but is cut off by the phone ringing.

The loud trill of it blares through the car’s speakers and her husband’s name flashes on the display.

Her expression sours slightly and she presses the button to decline the call. Before I can ask her what the hell that’s about, she clears her throat.

“Finish telling me how your dad’s in love with your housekeeper.”

I have to admire her skills of deflection. I wish mine were as good. Even though I’m dying to probe her about what James told me in the hospital room, I also know what it is to have things on your heart you can’t share. So, I let the awkward moment pass like I didn’t notice.

“They’re fucking. I don’t think he’s in love with her.”

“I was being sarcastic. Your Dad isn’t in love with anything but himself and that company.” She giggles and then slaps a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t talk about him like that.”

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