Page 131 of Pretty Thing

His face is the most serious I’ve seen of him.

I think that’s all he’s going to say, and I don’t want to push anymore than I already have, but then he takes a deep breath and continues.

“June was sleeping and didn’t get up for work. Felix didn’t notice. Neither of us did. By the time Felix got home from work, he found her still in bed. She just never woke up. We’ve both had a lot of loss, but Felix buries it and tries to move on. He hates talking about any of it. I guess what I’m saying is…if he said that about Sam, give him a chance to explain. I’m sorry if I started shit between you two.”

“No, it’s not you. How are you supposed to know?”

It’s quiet for a few minutes. I’m at a loss for what to ask next. So I point at the computer.

“We better get to work.”

Matt hesitates like he wants to say something else, but then nods and starts the training. I’m barely able to retain any of the information.

Why did Felix lie?

When Felix gets back with lunch, I act as normal as I can, but my mind races and I can’t eat.

By the end of the day…I’m…I’m not sure what I am. Angry maybe, but more hurt than anything else.

Matt got the hell out of Dodge, and I don’t blame him.

“What’s going on,” Felix asks as I lock the front door. “You haven’t even looked at me since lunch.”

He finishes sanitizing his station, and I know I can’t let this go any longer.

I take a deep breath and prepare myself for the answer.

“I need to know the truth, and Felix…don’t you dare lie to me.”

He sets the cleaning supplies aside and stands up.

“What is it?”

“Did Sam die in the car crash, yes or no?”

He puts his hands in his pockets and looks down. He’s going to say no. He’s going to admit that he lied. I shake my head.

“Felix…why the hell would you lie to me about that?” I hold up the necklace he gave me. “You gave me this to signify everything we lost that day, and it’s all bullshit.”

His head snaps up.

“No, it’s not.”

I cross my arms. “From where I’m standing, it is.”

Anger bubbles inside of me. Has Kris been right all this time? Has Felix been duping me?

“Eden…”

Felix steps forward, but I back away and shake my head. His hands drop, and he sighs.

“Matt told you?”

“Yes, by accident. He had no idea he was telling me your great big lie. So don’t be mad at him. I want the truth right now.”

He walks over to one of the waiting room chairs and sits down.

“I was scared to tell you the truth.”