Page 10 of Inferno
“What? I thought he changed his mind about accepting the surgeon position because he wanted to stay in Atlanta with you.”
“He did. But then the clinic’s head of neurosurgery came back to him about working on a major research project. Grant’s participation in the groundbreaking study would bring so much publicity to Atlanta General that they agreed to loan him to the Mayo Clinic for four months. Grant asked me to join him here, and I agreed.”
Prissy was stunned. “What about your job at the hospital?”
“I resigned.”
“What?”
“I would have done that eventually anyway,” Celeste hastened to explain. “Since I’m starting my master’s in nursing program next fall, Grant wants me to be able to concentrate on my studies and not have to worry about working. Far be it from me to argue with the man who will be paying my tuition.”
Which Sterling was unable to, Prissy thought. “Congratulations,” she drawled sarcastically. “Looks like you found your Sugar Daddy.”
Celeste sighed. “Don’t be like that, Pris. You know how much—”
Prissy cut her off. “Does Sterling know you’re in Minnesota?”
Celeste’s prolonged silence gave Prissy her answer.
“I don’t believe this,” she hissed. “The ink on your divorce papers is barely dry—you haven’t even changed your last name yet—and you’ve already relocated to another state with Grant?”
“I haven’t relocated—”
“What about Michael and Marcus?” Prissy demanded. “How the hell are you supposed to spend any time with them if you’re living in Minnesota for the next four months?”
“I’ll work out an arrangement with Sterling,” Celeste said defensively.
“The same man who doesn’t even know where you are?”
Celeste heaved a frustrated breath. “Look, I didn’t call to argue with you, Pris. I called to invite you to have dinner with me while you’re in town.”
“I don’t think so,” Prissy said flatly.
“Please, Pris,” Celeste entreated. “I really need to see you and explain some things to you—”
“It’s too late for explanations.”
“What do you mean?”
“You could have confided in me a long time ago that you and Sterling were having problems, but you didn’t. You could have told me this past summer, whenIwas pouring out my heart toyouabout my issues with Stan. But you didn’t say a damn word.”
“Because I was ashamed!”Celeste burst out desperately. “I was ashamed of my behavior, I was scared of losing my family and I was afraid that you wouldn’t understand what I was going through! And considering the way you’ve completely shunned me since the divorce, can you really blame me for not confiding in you?”
“Don’t youdareput this back on me!” Prissy spat furiously. “You’rethe one who’s been keeping secrets for God only knows how long.You’rethe one who cheated on your husband and got caught.You’rethe one who walked out on your children—yourchildren, for God’s sake!—to be with a man you barely know. So don’t youdarepoint any fingers at me, because the only one who’s to blame for our broken friendship isyou!”
Celeste was silent for so long that Prissy wondered whether she’d hung up on her.
She waited tensely, the receiver gripped tightly in her hand.
After what seemed an eternity, Celeste spoke. “I really don’t want to have this conversation over the phone, Pris. Let me take you to dinner while you’re in town.Please.”
Prissy swiveled toward the office window, too angry to enjoy the scenic view of the Rocky Mountains in the distance.
“I miss you, Prissy,” Celeste said plaintively. “I miss being able to pick up the phone and talk to you anytime. I miss gossiping about our coworkers and our favorite celebrities. I miss swapping recipes and discussing our boys’ latest antics. I miss your friendship. And even though you’re upset with me right now, I know you feel the same way.”
Prissy swallowed tightly, wishing she could deny it. But she couldn’t, because the truth was that shedidmiss Celeste. Over the past sixteen years, Celeste had become the sister Prissy never had. She’d been her matron of honor, and had been present for the birth of all five of Prissy’s children. They’d shared everything with each other—or so Prissy had always believed.
But she’d been wrong. Celeste wasn’t half the woman she’d thought she was, and the way she’d betrayed her husband and children was unforgivable.
