Page 36 of Losing the Forbidden
“Do what you should have done six years ago. Fight for her, Ben.”
“What about you?”
“I’m a big girl.”
Pulling her into my arms, I drop a kiss to the top of her head. “I’m so sorry you got dragged into this.”
“It’s my fault. I should have stopped it before it started.”
“You weren’t to know he was using you.”
“Maybe not, but I knew nothing good could come of it. I need to talk to Jenny.”
“I think that’s a good idea.”
“Really?” she asks, pulling back so she can look at me.
“Yeah. If we’ve got any hope of keeping any of this, we all need to be on the same page. No more lies. No more deception and bullshit.”
“I couldn’t agree more. She’s going to hate me.”
“I think she’ll be more understanding than you expect. After all, how do you think he managed to worm his way in here in the first place?”
“Motherfucker.”
I was only a kid when they got together. I have no idea how it all happened and what Nick’s intentions were. They could have been totally honourable and he could have loved her, but knowing him now, I highly doubt it.
“I need to find Lauren.”
“She said she was meant to be seeing Danni this afternoon. She’s probably gone there.”
“Where’s there?” After getting the address, I go to leave but stop at the main door to the office. “Erica?”
“Yeah?”
“Why are you here on a Sunday?”
“Someone’s got to try to keep this place from going under.”
“Has anyone told you that you’re a little bit awesome?”
“Yeah, every now and then.” She tries to make it sound light, but I hear the sadness in her tone. Somehow, I think every now and then might be pushing it.
“Well, you are. I’ll be back to help, promise.”
“Just go and get your girl, Ben.”
“She’s not fucking here. How many times?” Danni asks, standing her ground at her front door.
“You’re lying.”
“I’d do anything for Lauren. I’d lie for her time and again if I needed to, but seriously, she’s not here.” Not buying her excuses, I barge past her. “Come in, why don’t you?”
I find two people sitting on her sofa, but other than that her flat is empty and my stomach drops.
“Happy now?” Danni asks when I join her and her friends back in the living room.
“I’m sorry,” I mutter, regretfully.
