“Because I can't bear being second choice to him.”
“It's not like that,” I say.
“We've dealt with enough tonight. I don't want to get into that.”
I nod.
“Do you promise?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say, “but I want something in return.”
“I don't think I'm up for it tonight.”
“No, not that. I care about things besides fucking you,” I say. “You have to promise not to talk about Ryan.”
“Not even a little bit? About how awful he is?”
“Not even a little bit.”
“I can do that.”
“All week,” I say.
“I don't enjoy talking about him.”
“Me either,” I say.
“Then why are you with him?”
“We're starting now,” I say.
And, somehow, we both know it's time to leave.
Chapter 26
I watch the stars on the drive back to Marina Del Rey. The closer we get to civilization, the further the stars recede into darkness.
We drive into a residential neighborhood. Quiet streets lined with little houses. There is something familiar about them. Then Luke pulls into the driveway of a house I recognize. It's a charming little thing, blue and white, with an overgrown yard. It's the house he took me to that day I found him on the grass. That backyard must be the place where we first kissed. Where I knew I was powerless to deny the hunger I felt for him.
“I lied before,” he says. “This isn't my friend's house. It's mine. Well, mine and Samantha's.”
“But you have a condo in our building.”
“I live in the condo,” he says.
It's dark and quiet inside. Luke turns on a light in the living room. It's such a normal living room. A big, soft couch. A flat screen TV. A stack of bookshelves.
“So, what are you doing with a house no one lives in?”
“My dad insisted on fronting the money for our down payment. Said no wife of mine was going to live in a crappy apartment in Mar Vista. I thought he was finally softening. Turns out he was guilty he was fucking her.”
“So, you're rich enough to throw money away on two mortgages?”
“She'll buy out my half eventually.”
“How much did you inherit from your father?” I ask.
“Miss Summers, didn't your parents teach you any manners?” he asks.