Tempt (Dark Odyssey Club Fantasies 2)

If I wanted to be a prick I’d say goodbye right here at the door because I really don’t feel like talking to her, but I think better of it and invite her in.

She walks inside and it reminds me of the first time she saw the place. she liked it because of the way its decorated. She liked the garden and pool and wanted to get a dog.

As I look at her I wonder what my life would have been like if we’d stayed together. I think I would have tried to be happy but I don’t think I would have been. No one would have known any different though.

“I heard about Rachel, is she okay?” she asks searching my eyes. I know she can see the bruises on my face. They’re hard to miss.

“I don’t know. I’m still trying to find out.”

“She’s a strong person. I’m sure she’ll be okay.”

“Yeah.”

“I won’t stay long. I just needed to know… maybe I just needed to hear you tell me I was right. I was right about the two of you wasn’t I?” she asks.

“Yes. You were right.”

“So it’s her? You’re in a relationship with her?”

“Yeah.”

Marie blows out a ragged breath and brings her hands together. “Were you ever with her when you were with me?”

The question throws me. I’m crazy stupid if I didn’t know that’s what she thought the whole time I met up with Rachel.

“No.”

“Is that the truth? I know you don’t owe me anything. We aren’t together anymore and you don’t even have to answer my questions.”

“I would never cheat on you, Marie. I never did and I never thought of doing so. I was with you and in my head we were together.”

“You loved her though.”

“Marie, please… there is no point asking this. Yes I did. However, I’m not an asshole who would have cheated on you.”

“Thank you. I guess… I just needed to know if we got married if it would have ended because of her.”

“No. It wouldn’t have.”

She reaches out and touches my cheek. “Thank you. Take care of yourself Dante. I don’t think I’ll be seeing you again for a long while.”

“You take care too.”

She leaves and even though she puts on a brave face as she walks out I can see the tension in her shoulders.

When the door closes I know it means goodbye forever. I won’t see her ever again.

I know too that things worked out exactly the way they were supposed to in regards to us as a couple.

I reach for my phone and dial the hospital ward Rachel is staying on. Earlier the phone rang out. this time someone answers.

“Northwestern Memorial how can I help you?” says the nurse.

“Hi, I’m calling about Rachel Bradley. She was admitted last night into the Rose ward. Can you tell me if she’s okay? I’m… I’m her boyfriend.” It feels so strange to call myself that. There’s something freeing about it though that offers some alleviation to the secret I carried for so long.

“Let me just check.”

“Thank you.”