Page 66 of The Secret We Keep
There’s a knock on my door, but I ignore it. Probably just next door, wanting me to turn down the TV. I do, still with my phone in my hand.
FIVE SUGARS?
Morgan: It used to be six
Because dropping one teaspoon makes all the difference?
Morgan: Of course
As your friend, and as a health professional, I’m telling you now that five sugars is REALLY BAD FOR YOU
There’s another knock which has me looking towards the door. “Who’s there?” I call out, but no one answers.
Morgan: Is that what we are, Paddy? Just two friends?
My fingers are moving across the screen with one hand as the other opens the door, mistakenly before checking the spy hole.
Wearing black heels, transparent tights held up with suspenders, lacy underwear and big, full, round breasts pushed up high on her chest by her matching bra, she leans against the frame of the door. Thetrench coat covers her full length to anyone behind her, but to me, she holds it open, giving me a full show.
Shit.
Living with regrets
Paddy
Forasplitsecond,I debate pretending that I haven’t seen Hannah standing on my doorstep.
Shut the door, you idiot.
But my thoughts arrive too late.
Hannah presses her hand flat to my chest and pushes me back into my flat, closing the door behind her with a flick of her wrist.
Inhaling a steady breath, I back up, reminding myself that I hurt this woman. Took away something from her that I can never bring back. She may be on the brink of doing something she’ll regret, but despite everything, deep down, I still feel sorry for her.
“What are you doing here, Hannah?” My voice is steady. Unwavering. Completely unaffected by her half naked body.
She looks me up and down, teeth sinking into her bottom lip. Letting her coat slip off her shoulders, her long legs glide seductively my way before she cranes her neck. “I think you know, Paddy.”
The words,I’m guessing it didn’t work out with your new fella,are on the tip of my tongue, but I rein them in, swallowing my irritation. I sigh heavily, turning around and giving her my back.
She sucks in a breath, but what does she want me to say? Our relationship ending had been her decision. I just went and added fuel to the already lit fire.
“I’ve missed you, Paddy.” The light sounds of her heels clicking against my wooden floor edge closer. “Seeing you earlier made me realise that I shouldn’t have thrown that all away.”
A laugh bubbles up in my throat. I shove my hands in my pockets, keeping my intentions clear when I turn to face her. “That’s the first time you’ve admitted what you did,” I tell her.
She rocks back on her heels, glaring at me. Then she plasters on a fake smile, eyes turning flirtatious. “It took two to end what we had. I played my part. You played yours.”
“Played my part?” I question, ignoring her small step forwards.
I can tell by her tight jaw that she’s finding this hard. “Yes,” Hannah confirms, letting the trench coat hit the floor in her attempts to distract me.
I take another step back, not wanting her to get any closer, but come to a stop when the backs of my legs hit the coffee table.
Hannah’s lip twitches and one of her eyebrows raise. “We’re both to blame for not making this work.”
The reflection from the TV hits her glossy lips. “Let’s not forgetwhythis didn’t work,” I say firmly, not pushing the blame of my actions onto her, but wanting her to finally apologise.
