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“Yep, when my company found out about the situation, it triggered a clause in my contract. We weren’t eligible to be in their employment if our debt ratio was above a certain level. His debt put me way over that level, and I got fired. It didn’t matter the circumstances behind it. I lost my job, had to sell our condo, and just about everything that we owned, but I cleared all the debt—just barely. I thought I was going to be able to get back on my feet, and then my mother passed, and here I am. Without a job, barely any money in the bank, and having to start over. In just over a year, I went from my dream position to hell, all because Jeremy couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.”
I wasn’t sure what to say, but I knew if Jeremy were alive, I would have kicked his ass.
Chapter Seven
Faith
Iwould blame my loose lips on the alcohol. I was waiting for Peter to say he heard enough and jump off the couch to storm off. Why would he believe me when Jeremy had been his best friend? Although from our earlier conversation, Peter had been interested in me too way back when. What did that mean now?
After hearing his thoughts, part of me sincerely wished that things had been different. Would Peter have done something like that to me? No, he had divorced his wife after he caught her being unfaithful; he wouldn’t have cheated on me. Although, if I had been with Peter, I wouldn’t have Luke.
Peter kept shaking his head as if he were unable to comprehend or accept what I’d said.
“I’m sorry, Peter. I know Jeremy was your friend, and it’s probably hard to imagine him doing any of that, but it’s the truth. It’s too crazy for me to have made up.”
Peter grabbed my hand. “I believe you, Faith. I do not doubt that what you are telling me is the truth. You know, I pretty much stopped talking to Jeremy a few years ago because I got tired of his life-is-about-me attitude. It got to the point that it was out of control. I can see him doing this. What I can’t understand is how he could have done it to you. Jeremy loved you. I know how much he loved you.”
“It was the brain tumor, Peter. It changed him. Made him even more narcissistic than he was. In his mind, he wasn't doing anything wrong.”
“You act as if you have forgiven him.”
I shrugged. “He’s dead, Peter. Why should I hold a grudge? I forgave him for his adultery and his other family. What I don’t forgive him for is ruining my career. I couldn’t care less if I received money from his life insurance. Luke got enough to help with college; I just wish that he hadn’t destroyed everything I built.”
“Does Luke know he has a half-brother?”
“No, he met Tripp once. Margaret and I met at the park, and the boys played while we talked. She told me that she had known about us. She said she never wanted to break up our marriage and never asked him to leave me. She was happy with the little time she got with him and the money he gave her to live a comfortable life.”
Peter’s features turned dark. “I can’t believe he did that, tumor or not. He gave that other woman everything you should have had.”
“Maybe.”
“You guys were together since you were fifteen. That’s over half your life that you were with him, Faith. How are you not upset?”
“I was upset, Peter, but I got over it. I have more important things to worry about now. I need to figure out what I’m going to do. I have to find a job and a new place to live.”
“Didn’t you just put Luke in school? Don’t you think it might be a good idea to stick around here for a little while, Faith? You have a house to live in, and I can help you get it fixed up. You can find a job around here; it might not be your dream job, but I bet you can find one. You and Luke could get back on your feet, grow some roots. You might find that you like this small town now after years in the city, and if you don’t, then get the house fixed up, sell it, and move then.”
“I don’t know about liking this town, but I get what you’re saying.” I took another sip of my wine, finishing my glass. “I guess I feel like a failure, and I can’t imagine what people would say if they knew what happened with Jeremy.”
“No one needs to know,” he replied. “As far as anyone knows, Jeremy died from a brain tumor. No one has to know anything else unless you want to tell them. I’m sure as hell not going to say a word.”
“Yeah, I guess. When was the last time that you heard from Jeremy?”
“At least a year, maybe a bit longer. Come to think of it, it was an odd letter. Jeremy was talking about all the great things that he had accomplished in life. I remember him talking about a lot of random things. I guess that makes sense now, knowing he died from a brain tumor. I never replied to it; I guess I should have.”
“In the end, he was very random with his thoughts and his words. It was kind of sad to see the brilliant and vibrant man dissolve and change so much.”
Peter put his hand on my knee. “Faith. I’m sorry you had to deal with that.”
I shrugged. “I was his wife; it was my responsibility to care for him.”
“Bullshit. That guy treated you like crap, tumor or not. You deserved so much better. Tell me what I can do to help you?”
I eyed him for a moment and then set my glass down before I shifted to my knees, taking his face between my palms. “Make me feel something, Peter.”
His lips parted as I pushed him back to the cushion and climbed over his lap. I ran my fingertips over his short beard, pressing tender kisses along his jawline. “Make love to me, Peter. Give me what I have fantasized about for so many years.”
“Jesus, Faith,” he breathed out before he took hold of my face and brought our lips together in a rush. I clung to him, melting into him as his hands drifted over my back and hips.
