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“What happened between you two?”
“Nothing.” I straighten up and finish my wine. “He went on to med school, and I got married.”
“When did you see Rob again?”
“The night I left my husband.” The encounter is vivid in my mind. “Rob and Arthur helped me.”
My body ached as I had dragged myself to my brother’s doorstep. Arthur’s horrified expression when he saw the extent of my injuries is forever seared in my brain. I begged him not to call the cops. But he insisted. I refused to go to the emergency room. So he called Rob.
The cops took my statement while Rob tended to the cuts on my arms and the bruises on my face. He never said a word. I could see how desperately he wanted to ask what happened, but he kept his mouth pressed in a thin line. Cold fury burned in his eyes. Both Rob and Arthur wanted to kill the bastard for what he had done to me. Their argument remains fixed in the darkest part of my psyche.
I push it aside and smile at Kate.
“It’s okay, Marcy.” Kate hugs me.
It’s only then I realize I’m crying. I snatch the napkin and dab my eyes, cursing when the white linen comes away smeared with mascara. “Damn expensive shit should be waterproof.”
Kate pulls away. Her tender gaze searches my face. “I’m sorry you had to go through such hell.”
“Thanks, hon.” I force a smile. “I’m stronger now because of it.”
She knows the details of that night. Arthur told her. But even after ten years, I can’t talk about it. I don’t want to talk about it.
“You always give Rob a hard time.” Kate treads carefully with her words. “Do you really hate him?”
Her question lingers, turning over again and again as I inspect it with curiosity. Do I hate him? No. But I don’t want to examine the other emotions left behind. “No.”
“Then why are you so mean to him?”
“Because he irritates me.” I exhale sharply.
“Why?”
“I don’t know.” I twist the napkin in my hands. “He just gets under my skin. I don’t like it.”
Kate nods, understanding. “Maybe it’s about time you two find some common ground. I don’t know. Maybe you could be friends.”
I scoff. “Rob and I aren’t friends. Never will be.”
“Why?”
“We have nothing in common.”
“How do you know? Have you had a conversation with him that didn’t end in one of you getting stitches?” She chuckles.
“No, and I’m not interested in being friends with Rob.” It’s true. Friendship is the last thing on my mind when it comes to Rob. I want more than that...
Nope, I’m locking that door right now. Not even entertaining those thoughts. I’m done with relationships.
“Then why are you upset that he snapped at you?”
Well, fuck. Isn’t that the ultimate question? I toss the napkin on the table. “Because he’s never done it before, and I’m worried he might go postal.”
Kate’s shrewd gaze fixes on me, and I pointedly ignore it.
“Are you going to be okay at the wedding tomorrow?” she asks.
“Yeah.” I flag down the waiter and order another glass of wine. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
