Page 136 of Double Daddies
“Nora, little bit. Are you safe?” Elijah asks.
“Yes, sorry. I was talking to a friend,” I rush out. “Umm, do I have to tell you why I need to go there? It’s a vacation?” It comes out more like a question, and tears pool in my eyes. “Shit. Sorry. I’m not in danger.”
That I know of.
Mateo had gotten really angry the other night when we got home, but he hadn’t physically harmed me. What if I brought it up again or he saw the books I read? Would he do it then?
“I’m pleased that you aren’t in any danger. I do need to know why you need to come so soon. It was one of the questions that you forgot to fill out,” he gently says.
My breathing picks up when he says that. Should I be truthful and tell him that two people close to me are humiliating me and that I need to get away for a little bit?
“Breathe, little bit,” he gently says.
I suck in a deep breath and slowly let it out. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper. “I… This …this was a mistake. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t.” His voice is short. “Don’t you dare apologize. You’re okay. Just take your time and tell me why.”
I close my eyes and take several deep breaths before opening them. Lainey is still looking at me, so many different emotions written across her face. I smile and give her a thumbs-up.
“I just need to get away from everything. I… Some things have happened, and I just need a breather from everyone around me,” I whisper honestly, turning my back to Lainey.
Sure, I didn’t tell him why I needed to get away, but he doesn’t need to know that.
“Nora, who are you talking to?” Lainey is standing immediately behind me.
I scream and turn around, placing my hand over my heart as I stare at Lainey.
“Nora?” Elijah asks over the phone.
“Who are you talking to that is so important? Hang up so we can talk. We only have a little time left.” Lainey points to our stuff at the table.
“It’s work,” I lie. “It’s really important and can’t wait. I’ll only be a couple more minutes. You go sit down and order another drink for both of us. Sweet tea for me with a little ice, please.”
Lainey stares at me. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. It’s really important. I might have to leave the country for a couple of weeks,” I say, lying once again.
But I can’t help it. I don’t want her to know where I am planning on going and have her tell my boyfriend, her brother. I don’t want them to show up.
“Leave again?” Lainey asks. “I don’t know how Mateo is going to react to that. You just got back a week ago.”
“I know, but no one else can do it. They know I have a connection with people and they want me to go. It also helps that I’m a girl. Everyone else is a super tall, intimidating guy.”
“Fine. I’ll go get our drinks, but you owe me,” Lainey replies before turning around.
How do I owe her?
“Lying isn’t nice, little bit,” Elijah says.
“Shit. I forgot you were on the phone,” I whisper. “It was necessary.”
“Tell me about it.”
“I can’t.”
“Little bit,” he growls.
“She’s one of the reasons why I’m trying to get away. I can’t have her knowing.” I close my eyes and take a deep breath.
