Page 16 of Playing With Secrets
Melanie answers Dori’s question like it’s old news. “I saw a message Julie sent Jamison on his phone.”
Mel makes eye contact with our server and waves him over. Dori scoots forward so she’s on the edge of her chair.
“What were you doing with his phone?” She glares at Mel. “Don’t you think that’s intrusive?”
Just in time, the server stops by the table and saves us from further destruction. We all order another drink, even Dori. This time, when she does, I can’t stop myself.
“Dori, that’s enough with the wine,” I growl.
This has got to be the most unhinged dinner I’ve ever attended. We’re a bunch of lunatics with no self-control over our emotions.
“I’m a big girl who can make her own decisions. If I want wine, I’ll have it. Now, let’s get back to the previous discussion.”
She’s scowling at me as if she’s about to slink across the table like the demonic creature from the movieThe Ringdid when she crawled out of the TV. It’s enough to freak me out into half submission.
I grip the arms of my chair. “I understand, but you’ve been sick for the last few days. Wine won’t help.”
Aiden shocks me with his advice.
“Jami’s right. If you blew him off all weekend and didn’t do any work that needed to get done, the last thing you should be doing is drinking. You’ll end up sick again. I know how much the success of this app means to both of you, so take it easy on the alcohol.”
“You always take Jami’s side.” She shoots Aiden a dirty look.
“Because Jami doesn’t fight me on things. He listens to my guidance.” Aiden picks up his fork and plays with his remaining food.
“No, that’s not what Jami does. What he does is let you control him and every decision he makes.” She marches right back into the line of fire.
“Dori, Jami’s a man with a mind of his own. He doesn’t need me to control him. He’s got enough self-restraint. You’re the reckless one of the bunch, so you can’t blame me for trying to give you some solid advice. One day you might take it like Jami does and save yourself a lot of heartache.”
Aiden keeps his eyes trained on her as if waiting to fight her if she comes back at him.
I can’t stand seeing her like this when she knows I’m the chickenshit in this situation. “Take it easy on her, Aiden. I’m far from perfect, and you’re pushing her buttons. I’d like to enjoy the rest of the night and it’s headed in a bad direction. Let’s drop it.”
He glances around the table and then relaxes. “Sorry, Dori. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“Thank you. I accept your apology. I don’t want to spend our time together arguing over silly things.” Her voice cracks, and her eyes get red like she’s about to cry.
Her emotions are all over the board. If it’s not another sign she’s pregnant, I don’t know what is. And the thought of telling Aiden is enough to ruin my appetite.
Somehow, we made it through the rest of the dinner without any more hiccups.
I’ve left Aiden at my place for the day. He thinks Dori is working at the office and needs time to focus, given ourupcoming launch. I hope he’s squared away long enough for the time we need.
This next part is going to be tricky. I rattle my knuckles against Dori’s door. After last night, I pray with my entire heart she opens it.
As it swings inward, she comes into view. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m taking you to your appointment.” I place my foot in the doorway so she can’t jam it shut.
“You and Melanie set me up. I should’ve known this would happen.” Dori’s shoulders square.
“Don’t blame her. It was all my idea.” I stare at the woman I’m desperately in love with. “I want to be there if you’ll let me.”
She glances at the floor and considers it, then relaxes her stance. It’s a good sign. She takes in a bouncy breath like she’s holding herself together by a string. She nods without looking up.
“You have a right to be there. Let me get my purse and a jacket.” She turns and grabs her belongings off her kitchen counter.
We walk to my car in silence. There are a lot of things we should discuss, but we’re both just trying to remember to breathe.
