Page 79 of Crystal Iris
“Ted!” Lara snaps at her husband’s snarky attitude.
He walks straight upstairs after a quick glance my way.
“I’m sorry,” she says after he shuts the door.
“It’s okay. I get it. They are friends.”
“We are your friends too.”
I nod at her. “I know.”
“I checked on Locklear’s account. Nothing has been touched lately.”
“Oh, thank God!” A weight lifts off my shoulders.
“I don’t have direct access to it, but I’ll keep an eye on it. Aaron can’t do anything without ruining the firm and his reputation.”
“I hope he can see thingsstraight.”
“Ted said he looked awful. The apartment is completely trashed.”
“I saw it. I still need to get my things from there.”
“We have a client dinner tomorrow night, at eight. I’ll make sure Aaron is there. You can pick up your things then.”
“Really? I appreciate it.”
“Of course.”
I put more food on my plate.
I’m tired and a little cranky when I get home, but the Dutch iris bouquet on my table brings a smile to my face. I pick up the card.Thanks for letting me crash here.
Even though I know Aaron isn’t home, I still feel uncomfortable opening the door. I could probably live without my things, except my mother’s letter is still on the bedside table. I would do anything to have it back.
I slowly turn the key and remember I need to give it back.
I’m looking around when I hear a noise coming from inside the place.
I move toward it, unsure if I should or not. The place still looks the same as when I last saw it—piles of dishes, trash everywhere, and empty bottles of liquor. My stomach turns as I get closer and hear voices coming from the bedroom. Lara texted me minutes ago saying she was with Aaron.
I open the bedroom door, to find them, in bed.What the actual fuck?
I stand in the doorway, watching them, until his eyes meet mine. He pushes Lara away.
“Iris!” he yells.
I turn and head toward the living room. He follows me, stopping only to put on a pair of shorts.
I’m thinking about every encounter I had with Lara. She played me, and she played well.She wanted me to find them in bed.
“Your best friend’s wife, Aaron? Really?”
“You have no right to judge me,” he says defensively.
Lara stays in the room. She’s smart. I didn’t know hate until this very moment.
“I came for my things. I thought you were away.”
