Page 65 of Under the Influence

I end up standing away from everyone else, feeling as if I’m coming out of my skin. I have no idea what the homestead is even celebrating.

I catch sight of Edith near the Mooney house, working in the yard. She’s wearing baggy clothes and her hair is loose and in her face. She looks gorgeous yet unhappy.

When I text to ask if she’s okay, Edith only glances in my direction.

I have no idea what’s going on. Why am I here? Is tomorrow night’s dinner a surprise for the men in the Mooney house? None of them even glance in my direction. Meanwhile, Journey keeps close to her sisters.

I’m on edge by the time Lola and Val walk over to check on me. They’re in a goofy-in-love mood. I find myself envying my son-in-law. Val refuses to hold back. Where most men would play a situation cool, he chooses to spill his feelings out all over everyone.

If I were Val, I wouldn’t be standing alone at this party. I would walk over to Edith and claim her lips. She could no longer hide from me. We’d face whatever’s troubling her. The judgment of others would roll off my back.Living like Val could offer me relief.

When Lola and Val walk over to Edith, she gets flustered, backs away from them, and begins to cry. My entire body clenches at the sight of her tears. Val tries to hug her, but she’s gotten herself worked up.

“Oh, no!” Tuesday cries from where she was goofing around with her hitman husband.

Tuesday runs over to Edith who flinches away. Rather than allowing them to comfort her, Edith wraps her arms around her body as if hugging herself. My feet ache to get moving. My arms ought to be around Edith.

Except I might be the reason she’s gotten so upset. Should I mind my own business and let her people fix her agitation?

Ike walks over with Oana close behind. The homestead people have taken notice of Edith’s distress.

Donovan stands up from his spot on Court’s back deck and asks, “Edith, what’s wrong?”

Edith flinches at the sound of her father’s voice. She backs away, looking ready to run.

I can’t stop myself from moving closer.Edith is mine.She’s my one shot at love. I can’t watch her suffer. Even if she ends things, I’ll always long for her.

I feel better the closer I get to Edith. She’s flustered and doesn’t see me coming. No one seems to notice me until I’m in front of Edith. Her tear-filled gaze widens at the sight of me. Her expression holds such relief.

My fingers slide across her jaw, aching to touch her after too long apart. I lean down and find her lips waiting. Whatever the reason for her recent behavior, Edith’s heart hasn’t turned cold toward me.

I hear Lola gasp “The stripper” behind me. Other people are talking in animated voices. When Ike asks Lola if he should tackle me, Edith wraps her arms around my waist and draws me closer.

Val announces, “The curse is officially broken!”

As my lips peel away from Edith’s, I look into her still-wet blue eyes. “Don’t cry,” I whisper.

“I’m not emotionally equipped to handle secrets,” she mumbles and grips my shirt. “But those secrets felt like armor to prevent the world from taking you from me. I’m scared of what happens next.”

My fingers disappear into her soft hair as I breathe easier. “No matter what happens next, don’t forget how you own me like no one ever has before.”

Edith offers a hopeful smile, but her gaze remains bothered. I kiss her tenderly and ready myself for the impending reaction from our families.

Whatever happens next is worth the relief of having Edith in my arms again.

EDITH, AKA HER PA’S GOT HIS EYES ON THE TARGET

––––––––

Lying proves to be too much for me. My drama attack wore me out, yet I feel another one building. If I look another person in the eyes and lie right now, I’ll likely flip out again.

That’s why I keep to myself during the homestead party. Ma-Journey explains to the family that I’m grouchy from Tuesday’s “close call.” All I can think is how when we tell the truth tomorrow, everyone will remember the lie.

My brain is on fire with disapproving looks and hurt feelings. My pa is going to be so upset. We have a good relationship. He trusts me to trust him. My ma has also been overly quiet as if keeping secrets is wearing at her. How much trouble will the truth spawn?

My plan to avoid lying hits a roadblock after Duke arrives at the homestead. He’s wearing the same shirt as when we stayed overnight at the Dunphey hotel. That night feels like a lifetime ago.

I’m lost in my thoughts when Val and Lola approach me.I need to be left alone!No more lies or pretending. But Lola is dead set on finding me a man. Her heart is in the right place. I’m her new friend, and she hopes I’ll be as happy as she is with Val.

---