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Were you?
My fingers pinched the stem of my glass as I watched Becky. Her beautiful face was marred by superficial concern. A hint of a smile played on her lips.
“How long was she a prostitute for?”
I glanced at her.
Becky rearranged her expression into sympathy, and I turned toward the fire. “At least a few months.”
“So what are your plans?”
I needed her to drink.
I shrugged. “Go back to Tennessee, I guess. I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead. I’m tryin’ to keep it together for Jack’s sake.”
“This too shall pass.”
I smiled, raising my drink. “Amen.”
We clinked glasses, and she finally brought the rim to her lips. She drank. I bit my inner cheek as she swallowed.
“I can’t tell you how thankful I am for your friendship,” I murmured, my throat tightening. “You were the only person I had. You helped me so much with Jack, and by lending me your ear. I appreciate you seeing me off.”
Becky softened, a genuine warmth replacing the uncertain mask. “You’re not just a friend. You’re family. And you know I’d do anything for you and Jack.”
“Speaking of family, how’s Travis been holding up with you comin’ out here in the middle of the night? Must be tough on him.”
Becky hesitated, her smile faltering. “Oh, he’s fine. He understands.”
“Does he? I mean, drivin’ out here, in this weather. It’s a lot to ask of someone, even for family.”
Becky shifted uncomfortably, her gaze darting to her purse hanging on the coat rack. “My husband knows how important you are to me. He’s very supportive.”
I nodded. “He sounds like a great guy. Always looking out for you. I wonder…”
“What?” she whispered.
I leaned forward. “I wonder if he knew the whole truth about you.”
Becky’s hand tightened around her glass. “I don’t know what you’re getting at.”
“I’m sayin’ that secrets have a way of revealin’ themselves. Sometimes they put people we care about in danger. Like Travis.”
She blanched. “What are you saying?”
I stood up. “I think you know what I’m talkin’ about.”
Becky stood too, her wine glass abandoned.
The cozy refuge against the storm now felt like a battleground. Becky clenched her fists, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
“I’m on your side.”
My lip curled. “Your midnight drive out here makes me curious if you were more scared of what I might do than how I’m holdin’ up.”
Becky’s eyes widened. “You’re my friend. I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“Or did you want to make sure that your husband stays buried?”
