Reed's Reckoning
“Reed, you can be mad all you want, but I couldn’t stand by and let that woman take advantage of you. I did everything for you to make sure you got what you deserved. Look at you now. You never would have made it to your level if you were strapped down with a kid. And I couldn’t let her sink her claws into you so I took care of it for you. You should thank me.”
“What the fuck? Did you know she was pregnant?”
“I had a suspicion. I heard her on the phone one day making an appointment at the clinic. I knew I had to save you from throwing your career away.”
“Alex, are you ill? I mean it. Do you have a clinically diagnosed condition?”
Her eyes flash and she stares at me shocked. “Of course not.”
“Then what the hell is wrong with you? Masterminding a painful split, bringing my sister in to your web of deceit, following me around all these years, tracking me here and stalking me?” My voice is a little louder than I meant and people turn to look at us.
“You should be thanking me. I’ve been patient too, making sure I would fit into your life and be the perfect wife to you.”
“Wwwhhhhhaaattt?” She is certifiable.
“I’ve been very patient with you. The humiliation I’ve endured since college is over. It’s time we move this thing forward. I can deal with the kid, but I am sick of waiting.”
My head spins with confusion and pure confusion. “Humiliation? Move this thing forward?”
“Yes, Reed. The constant rejection in college was embarrassing. Especially after the night we shared at that party. I’ve done what I need to do to be seen as your equal and now it’s time you fulfill your end of the bargain.”
“Again, what the fuck?”
“Don’t you remember? We talked for hours that night. You explained what was needed from me to be the perfect woman in your life.”
“Night at a party? Talking for hours?”
“Yes, Reed! The night Cara came Spring break of your senior year.”
“You mean the night you manipulated your way into breaking me up with the love of my life? The night you wrote a bullshit note leading me to believe Ari left me? The same night I drank myself into an oblivion with nothing but Ari on my mind?”
“No! You told me things that night meant for me only. You weren’t mourning her at all.”
“Yes, Alex I was. I don’t remember anything except feeling the burn of whiskey and thinking of how to find her the next day.”
“You’re lying! You told me the woman that would own your heart would be beautiful, smart, and share your dreams. She needed to understand your job and be able to handle the demands. You wanted a family as soon as possible. I’ve done all that, Reed; I’ve even made it so we can have a baby as soon as you’re ready!”
“That wasn’t you! It was Ari. She had everything I wanted.”
“No! You kissed me and then I held you while you slept. I promised you I would become that woman.”
“You mean I passed out.” I reach in my wallet and throw some money on the table to cover the cost of the coffee we ordered. “I’m done here, Alex. You’ve obviously held onto a delusional dream for years. I’ve never had feelings for you and you caused extensive damage in your quest to land something that was never yours to begin with. I want you to stay away from my family and me. Stop your vendetta against Ari. Quit following me. Don’t come near anyone I love again.”
“You don’t mean that. You can’t. You walk away from me you’ll regret it. I’ll ruin your reputation. Surely she can’t be worth all you’ve worked for.”
“If you think that then you really do need professional help. Stay away from us.” I try to reel my anger in as I stand up and start to walk away. My phone chimes with a text and Trey’s name flashes across the screen.
T— Something’s up. Photographer setting up on corner facing door.
“How can you do this to me Reed Matthews after all this time?” she yells after me and I turn to see her crying openly with people staring at us. A few people grab their phones and start taking pictures. “All these years I’ve been here for you and now you just walk away? What about the baby we could be having?” Murmurs fill the small diner and people look at me disgusted.
I keep walking trying to control my temper. The photographer across the street, starts snapping pictures. It hits me, she set me up. I pull out my phone and text Luke and Trey telling them to meet at my house in twenty. Then I drive by the McDonalds to make sure Ari and Davis are still there. I relax a bit when I see her SUV in the parking lot, but wonder if I need to start thinking about protection.