Page 30 of Tell Me All Your Lies

“Oh, right. She’s with the boat captain?”

“That’s right.”

I lean forward to grab my cocktail, and Fisher does the same as we settle back in our seats.

“Are you in trouble?” he asks.

“I couldn’t tell you if I was.”

“Are you?”

I look around the room.

“No. Not yet.”

“You know I’m here for you. If trouble happens, I’ll be here.”

“It might just come to that.”

His jaw ticks, and I know Fisher is wishing I would have just gone to his house. I didn’t because I knew my friend would wantto know more than I can give him. We’ve always had a silent agreement in our friendship. I’ve helped him from time to time, and he’s been a confidant for me.

It’s rare to trust anyone once you’ve been in my line of work for a while. Most people will just let you down.

“You know you can trust me. And Ellie. And our friends here.”

“I do.”

I take a sip of my cocktail to buy some time.

“You’d like them. One day, I want you to come back here and take a real break.”

I grin as I swirl what’s left of my drink in front of me.

“Is it really a break if I’ve set up my retirement plan here?”

Fisher grins back.

“Now that’s what I like to hear.”

A server comes over, and I request another round plus a bottle of champagne.

“Champagne?” Fisher asks, slightly confused.

“Don’t tell me Ellie and Harper won’t be stopping by here on their way home.”

“I think they’ll be by any minute.”

“Perfect. Then I’m afraid to say, I have to be going.”

“Leaving me here?”

“Have to get back. Tomorrow, it all begins.”

“What does?”

I stand and adjust my suit jacket.

“Forever, evidently.”

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