The same regrets in a vicious cycle, like a movie that plays to the end only to rewind and play again.
For me it was worse because I spent every night replaying the moment Lilah testified, convincing myself she’d betrayed me.
Then I’d hear that voice.
The girl reading stories in the dark.
The voice that somehow kept me sane.
Is it really a coincidence it was her? Her father worked at this university. She attended it. She worked for one of my father’s companies.
She may have fled after giving her testimony, but my father still kept his hands on her life.
Just like I have.
Do I think he’s capable of taking away everything I love? Yeah. Absolutely.
I drum my fingers against the bar and watch Charlie make her way across the room.
Lilah drops onto the stool beside me and takes a sip of her martini. “She looks like she goes fishing for rich men every weekend. No offense, Axel.”
He snorts. “We all have reasons for doing what we do.” He watches Charlie for a second longer.” She overcompensates for so much. I used to think it was cute. Sexy even. Now...” He shrugs. “Now I think she’s just as desperate as the rest of us.”
“For what?” I ask. He’s suddenly being very introspective for Axel, not that I’d say that out loud.
He smiles to himself. “Love. Truth. Belonging.”
I blink as the realization dawns when I stare down at his empty glass. “You drunk, bro?”
“No.” He rolls his eyes.
Lilah laughs. “So, he’s high then.”
Axel bursts out laughing. “I’m neither, you assholes.” He leans forward. “She’s really putting herself out there for you guys.” He shakes his head. “That’s real friendship.”
I make a gagging noise. My dad’s arm slips around Charlie’s waist. It’s moving lower. Way lower.
“She could be his daughter,” I mutter.
Lilah shudders. “I think that’s the point.”
Axel makes a face. “I know. I know. Either way, once we expose him, that’s it. The list, your dad, everything. There’s no taking it back.”
I glance at Lilah. “And you’re sure?”
She lifts her chin. “I never asked for your shield.” She reaches for me. “I asked for your hand. That still available?”
I let out a slow breath. How did I get so lucky? “Yeah.” I lace my fingers through hers. “Yeah, it is.”
She squeezes once. “Good.” Then she downs the rest of her drink. “Now you two take pictures while I think happy thoughts so I don’t stab my father with my heel for touching my best friend.”
I do my best to ignore the scene.
“Oh, damn,” Axel says.
“What?” I jump to attention.
“He went for it.” Axel laughs and slams his hand down on the table. “Crazy bastard.”
