Conceal

“I don’t know.”

“Life?” I ask, and he nods.

“That works. To life.”

I lift the glass to my mouth and take a sip. I’m not much of a drinker, but after today, I welcome the feeling of warmth that pools in my belly.

We both take a sip, and then I place my drink down.

“So tell me about these sandwiches?”

“What’s there to tell? They are turkey and cheese.”

I burst out laughing at his description. “Wow, you should write food reviews. You’re very eloquent.”

“I am, aren’t I?”

I reach forward and grab one of the “turkey sandwiches” and take a bite.

“Well, crappy description and all, it’s delicious. Did you make it yourself?”

“Yes. I placed the turkey on bread and added mayo. It was super hard.”

“You have skills,” I retort.

“That I do.”

Cue the smirk.

“So,” he starts and then stops. “Are we going to talk about the big elephant in the room?”

“The turkey sandwiches?”

“Nope.”

“The fact we had sex?”

“No. Not that either.”

“Oh, the fact that my deranged husband is trying to kill me?”

“Ding. Ding. Ding. That’s the one.”

I place my sandwich down and cock my head. “Do we have to?”

“I kind of think we have to. As I’m sure you know, I have a certain skill set, but to use it, I need to know everything.”

* * *

I told him everything I knew, which, unfortunately, wasn’t very much. The only thing I had to offer was my first and last name, the company’s name, my husband’s name, and the fact that I was from Madison Bay, Michigan. All the other details that probably would have helped were stored on my computer back home. Which, like an idiot, I left behind that fateful night.

We stayed up late even though I didn’t have that much to tell, and eventually, after I’d told him all I knew, he took me home, leaving me with a soft kiss and a promise that he would call me today.

This morning, the early sunlight gleams in, making my eyes open. Although I’m tired, I feel more relaxed today than I have in a long time.

It feels like a large weight has been lifted from my shoulders. I know I have a long way to go before I feel safe, but knowing I have someone to discuss it with is comforting.

I didn’t realize how hard and lonely and isolating it’s been this whole time. I stretch my arms out and then stand and head to the bathroom. It’s Sunday, and I’m sure Maggie is still sleeping. Tiptoeing into the bathroom, I wash my face and brush my teeth. I try to be quiet, but when I step back into the living room, I’m met with Maggie.

She’s giving me a sly smile. “So . . .” she starts with a large grin on her face. “Where were you last night?”

I open my mouth to tell her, but then I shut it. I’m not sure what to say. I want to tell her the truth, but a part of me thinks I shouldn’t mention it yet because she will be in danger if she knows.

Instead, I tell her enough not to send any red flags up without completely lying.

“I—” My cheeks feel warm, and I’m for sure blushing at this point.

“Oh, my God. You have to tell me!” she exclaims. “You don’t even have to say anything for me to know you got some.”

“Jeez, Maggie.”

“Tell me.”

“Fine.” I laugh. “Fine. I was with Jax.”

“Jaxson Price?”

“The one and only.”

“Did you . . . ?” She trails off.

“Yes.” And with that, Maggie jumps up and down like a lunatic.

A big, giant, excited lunatic who is having a party because her friend got laid.

“You’re super strange.” I giggle.

“I am. But you got some, and this is cause for a celebration.”

I walk closer to where she is and cock my head to the side. “How do you figure?”

“I was starting to worry about you.” Her voice sounds serious now as she nibbles her lower lip. “I didn’t . . . I know you have things you haven’t wanted to tell me, and I would never pry, but I’m happy to see you happy.”

“Thank you.”

“Come on, enough of this sappy shit. I’m hungry and want breakfast. Let’s grab some food.”

“Sounds good.”

Maggie stands from the chair and heads into her bedroom. It doesn’t take her long to reappear, but this time, she’s wearing sweats and sneakers and ready to go get food.

Fifteen minutes later, we’re sitting across the table from one another with two gigantic stacks of pancakes in front of us. We eat as if we don’t have a care in the world, and even though we do, I still feel more at peace than I have in days. So much so, that I have none of my disguises on.

As I’m telling some PG stories of last night, the picnic, etcetera, we continue to eat.