Page 69 of Adrift

Consequences?

What consequences? I remember thinking about that word long after she sent me the text stating it wasn’t meant for me. It’s not like I was close enough to her to ask for an explanation, and she didn’t owe me anything, so I knew I’d have to let it be, but still, it bothered me anyway.

I wonder if she told Darian whatever it was she wanted to tell him. Who was that text intended for anyway, and what were they hiding? My gut tells me I wouldn’t like the answer if I ever found out.

My thoughts go back to Darian and how heartbroken he seemed last night–more vulnerable and crushed than I’ve ever seen him. He’d mentioned vaguely the first night I was here that all was not what it seemed between him and Sonia, but last night was the first time he’d confided in me, giving me insight into the level of his sadness about his marriage with Sonia and a fresh perspective on the text staring back at me in my hands.

Should I show it to him? I have no other information or proof that confirms my suspicions–that my sister may have been cheating on him. Would it do him any good to know that? And what if it isn’t true? What if I’m falsely accusing someone who can no longer speak for themselves?

What use would it serve to show this to him but to rip him open even further? How does this text change anything for him besides shatter whatever peace he’s tried to find by rebuilding his life without her?

Sonia is gone, having left behind this red herring in the form of a text that has the potential to be absolutely nothing or something that throws Darian’s world off its axis. Why dig up an old grave? It would accomplish nothing.

She hurt him in life, why let her hurt him in death?

I’m working through my thoughts when my phone buzzes in my hands.

Melody: @Rani, why have you been so quiet lately? Is it because you’re too busy having earth-shattering orgasms? Please tell me you’ve let that hot-ass brother-in-law of yours ‘paddle your kayak,’ if you know what I mean.

Bella: I just snort-laughed out loud. Seriously, almost spit my coffee.

Melody: LOL! But seriously, what’s happening over there? How are Darian and that Liam guy? Quite the love triangle you’ve got going on, and you’re not doing a good job keeping us abreast!

I roll my eyes, padding over to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my crusty eyes. I wipe my mouth after rinsing before picking up my phone again.

Me: There’s no love triangle . Liam and I are just friends. He’s one of the nicest people I’ve met, but I can’t see him as anything but a friend. But . . .

I leave the text to go change, knowing it’s going to drive my friends crazy that I haven’t finished that last thought.

As suspected, when I pick up my phone again, having put on some lipgloss and mascara, I see a stream of irate messages. I giggle while reading them.

Melody: But? But what??

Bella: Hello? Rani!

Melody: Is she seriously leaving us hanging like that?

I make sure I have everything I need in my purse before I respond.

Me: Sorry. I figured I’d get changed and keep you guys in suspense.

Melody: Asshole.

Me: Hehe! So, Liam and I decided to be friends, but I did tell him I’d introduce him to a friend of mine. I was thinking of you, @Melody. I don’t know, I really think you’d like him.

Melody: Would we make cute babies?

Me: You know I’d already thought about that, and the answer is a solid yes. A little version of you with curly red hair!

Bella: Oh, you know she’s sold.

Melody: Well, what are you waiting for? When are you introducing us?

I giggle again, going down the stairs and pulling on my sneakers. Both Darian and Arman don’t seem to be home, so I decide to grab coffee from the nursing home kitchenette.

Me: Let me talk to Darian and see what he thinks about having you guys over here one weekend.

Melody: Don’t think I missed the fact that you conveniently left out any mention of Darian paddling your kayak.

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