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“Mum’s just…” He pauses again. “She thinks Dad’s having an affair.”
“What? That’s ridiculous.” I laugh as Drew remains silent on the other end of the phone. “He wouldn’t do that.”
“I know you…” Drew pauses again as if choosing his words carefully. “I know you and he are close. But he’s not perfect, Maddy.”
“I know. But, come on. This is Dad.” I wait for Drew to agree, but he doesn’t. “Why would you even think he would do that?” I whisper, my stomach knotting painfully.
“Mum found hotel charges on his credit card.”
“So? He uses them for work all the time when he’s working cases.”
Dad’s job in the police regularly takes him away.
“And condoms in his wallet.”
“But—” The air leaves my lungs. Mum’s gone through the menopause. We laughed about all the hormones and how men have it easier. “He wouldn’t, would he?”
“I hope not. But Mum seems convinced.”
“Oh, God.” I rub at my temples with my free hand.
“I didn’t want to tell you while you were away. Mum’s not making any decisions yet. She said she wants to think it over.”
“I can’t even… Shall I come home? Does she need me to? I can talk to Logan, I’m sure he can help me get a flight or…”
I think about the look on his face as I screamed that I hated him. He looked shocked. Like he had no idea. I mean, how could he not? I think it’s damn obvious. And I threw those slippers at him. My stomach clenches. Too far? I did go raving bitch on him.
I doubt he’ll help me now even if I beg.
“No. I didn’t tell you so that you’d come back early. And that’s the last thing Mum wants. She’s so happy that you got a full-length feature. It’s what you wanted.”
“Even if it’s about Logan?”
“Especially because it’s about Logan.”
“Don’t tell me Mum’s part of his fan club too?”
Drew chuckles. “She’s seen the kid she fed chocolate spread sandwiches to on play dates become a world-leader in his field of expertise. She’s just excited for him.”
The thought makes my heart clench. Mum’s always been the first to tell us she’s proud of us. And growing up, she was always looking out for our friends, too.
“Are you sure she’s okay?”
I don’t want to believe Dad would cheat. There’s got to be an explanation. People don’t do that to someone they love. And he loves Mum.
“She will be.” Drew sighs. “Mum’s been unhappy awhile. This isn’t the first time she’s suspected Dad. This might be the start of something better for both of them.”
“What? She hasn’t. She’s never told me that.”
“She wouldn’t.” Drew’s voice is heavy. “She wouldn’t want either of us worrying about her. She’s made it work for the family.”
My stomach sinks. How have I been blind for so long? I thought they were happy. They were never into public displays of affection. But they never seemedunhappy.
“Look, don’t worry about it. Nothing’s going to change overnight. Mum said to tell you to enjoy the rest of your trip. She’s loving the photos you’ve been sending.”
“I’m glad.” I smile weakly. “I’ll send her some of Rome. We did some sightseeing today.” I can’t muster the same usual joy about the wonderful places I’ve visited.
“Great, do it. She’ll love them. Listen, sis, I’ve got to go. Tan’s about to start one of his end of the day boring-ass roundups.”
