What She Didn't Know (What She 1)

“I worry that she’d hate me, yes.” Her voice was small.

I chose my words with care. “I’ve always thought that what Lynn didn’t know wouldn’t hurt her.”

She nodded. “I suppose.”

“So, you’re going to see Charlie today?”

“Yeah,” she said on a heavy sigh. “I’m going to see Charlie. She doesn’t come home often.”

“I can’t remember the last time.”

“You were thirty-two.”

“So, four years ago. That’s a long time.” Excitement prickled under my skin, although I tried to push it back.

“The first time you ever met her, what was that like?” Ash asked.

“She’s not like most women,” I hedged.

“You talk about women like we’re all pussies that are exactly the same.”

I jerked my head around. “I do not. I never have. Don’t you dare accuse me of that.” I caught her chin again, forcefully this time, and jerked her head so she faced me. She winced, but I didn’t let up. “I’ve never disrespected you.”

“You do,” she said quietly. “Every time you leave me and go back to Lynn.”

An ache began in my chest. “I didn’t know you felt that way.” A sudden and fierce melancholy pricked at me. “I’m sorry.”

“Maybe we should stop this thing we’re doing.” She glanced at me askance.

I stared into her eyes. “Maybe we should.”

“Maybe we should,” she whispered. She shook her head, like she was shaking cobwebs from her brain. “Lynn would be hurt.”

“Lynn will never know.”

“You can’t be certain of that. Even Shelly mentioned it last night.”

“Shelly mentioned what?” I stared hard at her.

She rounded her shoulders, folding into herself. “That I shouldn’t stay here while Lynn is gone. She says it’s asking for trouble.”

I nodded. “Tell Shelly thanks for her concern.” My voice was harsh and full of nothing but antipathy.

“You don’t want to piss Shelly off.”

I snorted. “So everyone tells me.”

“I should get my stuff.”

I followed her into the bedroom and reclined on the bed. “You’re coming back tonight, right?”

She shook her head, and my gut clenched. “Probably not.”

I sat up. “Why not?”

“I have a bunch of shit I have to sort out in my head, okay? I just need some space.”

I pointed to my chest. “From me?” That was absurd.