Page 81 of Takedown

“Rich men,” Alex clarifies.

Ananda reaches over and high fives her. I sit up and stare at my best friends, not impressed at all by their reaction.

“Okay.” Alex raises both hands in surrender. “Did you ask him why he didn’t tell you?”

“Of course, I did. He played the caveman part and said he was done talking about it. He punched a wall, Alex.” I lower my voice and whisper my outrage at his violent reaction.

Alex and Ananda look at each other and then at me, neither of them reacting the way I expected. Ananda goes so far as to laugh.

“You find this funny?” I ask.

“I find you funny, Mellie.” I open my mouth to address her, but she cuts me off. “I only have one question to ask before we dive any further into this discussion.”

“What?” I cross my arms and brace myself for whatever she’s going to say next.

“Are you still going to sample wedding cakes on Saturday with Molly?” She arches one perfectly shaped eyebrow. Alex holds her breath while she waits for my answer. “Yes or no. I don’t need a song and dance or another long speech.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Yes or no,” Ananda says.

I stare into Ananda’s eyes and finally say, “Yes.” Both of my friends smirk, but Alex reaches over and hugs me.

“So, you’re not leaving him over this?” Ananda asks.

My shoulders slump, but I answer my friend and say, “No, I’m not going to leave him. That thought never once crossed my mind. I love him.”

Alex lets out a loud shriek, wraps her arms around me and squeezes me close.

“It’s about time. I’ve known you loved his ass since your little housewarming party. I just wanted to get you to admit it. You’re married to him, and you love him. It’s obvious he adores you, so what’s the problem? And you better not say the money is a problem because if so, I’ll be happy to take all fifty million off your hands,” Ananda says.

As always, she’s taken the fight right out of me. Had it been just Alex, she’d hug me and tell me what I want to hear. Ananda’s too blunt for that.

“He lied to me, Nand.” She opens her mouth to argue, but I raise a hand to silence her. “Listen to me before you tell me I’m being dramatic. Things have been really good since the housewarming party. Really amazing. Just downright perfect. We have these late night chats where we tell each other things that nobody else knows. I’ve told him things I’ve never said out loud to another human being, and the entire time, he’s kept this from me. I asked him if he had any siblings on his father’s side, and you want to know what he said?” Both of my friends nod, and I continue. “He said I’m my mother’s only child. Then he reminded me last night that’s not technically a lie.”

Alex holds one of my hands, squeezes it, and puts my palm to her cheek.

Even Ananda reaches over and rests a hand on my shoulder. “You’re one dramatic chick.” Ananda smiles when she says it. “You’re lucky we both love your ass. He messed up. Forgive him. See, I solved your problem. Give the guy a break.”

“Or some head,” Alex says with a high giggle.

“Anal if you’re really sorry,” Ananda adds while she reaches over and gives Alex a high five.

“Forget Ananda.” I focus on Alex, and Ananda gives us both the middle finger, but she keeps her mouth shut. “And I disagree. I don’t think Adam messed up.” I open my mouth to argue, but she talks over me and says, “Hear me out. I was in a similar situation, as you both know. I knew who my father was for years and never told a soul. Never told Ananda, and even after falling hard for your brother, I never breathed a word to him either. And he asked me if I knew my father. You know what I said? I said I’d never met him. It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t exactly the truth either, but you know what? None of it was about Jason. None. My reasons were about me, my fears, and my insecurities. So, whatever Adam’s reasons are, Mellie, they have nothing to do with you. Don’t get offended by it. Calm down and talk to him without making it about your hurt feelings. He’s human. He has fears like all of us. Give him a chance to explain, and whatever his reasons are, be there for him.”

Alex smiles at me while nodding. Overcome with emotion, I nod back and swipe away at my falling tears. Alex grabs a tissue and dabs my face, saying soothing words to me the entire time.

“Jesus, this girl is crying now.” Ananda doesn’t bother with a napkin. She swipes the tears away with her finger. “Just tell him you’re sorry you overreacted and drop to your knees.” I push her hand away, but she reaches over, messes my hair, and starts to laugh.

“I’m awful.” I put my face in my hands and let reality wash over me. “All I thought about was me. I went on the attack instead of seeing it from his perspective.” The tears fall again, and I’m unable to stop them this time. Both girls take me in their arms, and the three of us do a group hug. They hold me until the tears subside, and I’m able to catch my breath.

“First, this happened less than twenty-four hours ago. Second, you’re human. Third, he’ll forgive you. And yes, you’re a drama queen, but he should have told you. I’m sure he has his reasons though, Mellie. He loves you, so give him a break. Stop freaking out and be there for your husband.” Ananda squeezes me tight before she finally lets me go.

I nod at them, but I absentmindedly pick at the tablecloth. I stand and look out the window. The snowstorm never really developed. After only three inches fell, it turned to rain. The rain continues, turning the entire city gray and morose. Both of my friends come and stand on either side of me.

“Let’s hear it.” Ananda taps her shoulder with mine.

“It’s nothing.” I wave them off.

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