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“Just relax,” he said, pulling her back to him. She fell onto the couch.
“I definitely need to get some fresh air,” she said, but he held her, smoothing her hair with his hand.
She didn’t remember falling asleep. But when she woke up, she could tell by the angle of the sun that she’d slept for a while.
“Hi, sleepy head,” Brent said.
Sandra sat up with a start. “Oh my God, what time is it?”
“Almost four,” he said. “You must have needed the rest.”
“I’ll be right back,” she said, and headed for the bathroom again.
Meaning to freshen up for her journey home, she was confused because her clothes were in disarray, her T-shirt awry, her capris twisted around her legs.
Brent was waiting for her, not hiding his eagerness for her to get on her way. “I’ll see you Monday, okay?” He held her hand as she started walking to the door.
“Okay, sounds good,” she said. “Again, I’m so sorry.”
He pulled her to him again and kissed her, and she allowed it, frustrated but relieved. She could leave with her ego intact. When she got outside, she remembered he’d picked her up in Brooklyn and she was going to have to get home on her own.
Years later, on the beach that night with Kassandra, the memories still stung.
“He raped you!”
Nodding, Sandra looked out over the black sea. “I figured it out on the way home that night, once the confusion passed. I had to make up a story for my son that was more palatable. Plus, with my history, who’d believe me? And Brent was murdered that night, as well. What a mess. I couldn’t very well accuse a dead man of rape, could I?
“One major piece of the puzzle that I didn’t tell you is that I was living with a firefighter at the time. I tried to pass the baby off as his,” Sandra said, bursting out laughing. “He knew right away Brent wasn’t his.
“Kassandra, I totally understand Tony because I’m cut from the same cloth. I’m proof that people can change. I’d never cheat on Andy. I’d rather die first.”
“Oh, dear. I’m so sorry you went through that. How awful.”
“So yes, I have this little boy whose father I didn’t love. I loved Jack, and knowing I have his grandson made it easier. And he’s the sweetest child. Brent Senior was messed up because of his father, I’m sure. I hope my little Brent will be a better man because of Andy. I must have some good genes in there somewhere. My parents were upstanding. Nothing like I was.”
“All young people make mistakes.”
“Did you?”
“No. Well, maybe getting involved with Tony. We have yet to see how that will play out.”
“Kassandra, I have to admit that I want you to forgive him so we can grow our friendship. No matter how dedicated a person is, you’re almost always forced to take sides in a breakup.”
“I know. But right now, I’m in a daze. Tony might not be capable of fidelity. He claims they were only together a few times in the past year. But that doesn’t mean much to me right now.”
Sandra looked up. “We’re at your house.”
“I don’t feel like seeing Tony yet. I’ll walk you back.”
They didn’t speak for a few moments.
“What are you going to do?” Sandra finally asked.
“Right now, I think I’m through.”
“Wow, Kassie.”
“I know. He still has his condo up in the Hamptons, and I have my dream of living here, having coffee on the terrace every morning, looking at that stretch of beach.”
