“Haven’t you seen her pictures from Paris?” I say. “It almost makes me wish I was there.”
“I’m worried about her. Something’s not right.”
Crap. He needs to let this go. “I’m sorry this is painful for you, Darren. You’re a great guy.”
I wave at him again and get walking before he can say anything back. I don’t really breathe until I’m home, dropping the shopping bag on the floor in the foyer and staring at myself in the antique mirror. What was that all about? What does he know? Like me, I’m sure he’s seen all of Cassie’sfun on his phone. He might be jealous but there’s no reason he should be worried. These thoughts play in my mind over and over as I make myself an egg on toast. I sit at the dining table and stare into the distance, letting the food go cold. Was it fear I read in his eyes? But why?
His face keeps haunting me as I pace the room, replaying our brief conversation. If anyone suspects Olivier and Cassie had a less-than-perfect marriage, this could create a real problem. But what did Darren say, really? Maybe all the pretty pictures of the newlyweds got to his head. I can’t blame him.
And then, when I think my nerves can’t take it anymore, that I’ve twisted my brain into too many knots, something truly bizarre happens. I hear a key inserted in the lock, the latch releasing. I rush to the entrance as the front door opens, the hinges squeaking angrily.
Someone’s home.
Chapter 30
Cassie
Now
Taylor stares back at me, her mouth hanging open. The honeymoon was supposed to last two more days, so of course she wasn’t expecting me so soon. It’ll seem odd, but as long as I stick to my story, I’ll be okay. God, Ihaveto be okay.
“Surprise!” I say, my voice all croaky.
If she notices it, I’ll blame it on the air-conditioning on the plane. It was so damn cold in there. Or maybe I felt frozen inside because of everything that happened.
“You’re here.”
It could be the bad lighting, but Taylor looks like the color has been drained from her, like life has left her body. She still doesn’t move, blocking my way.
I push my suitcase against the wall. “I came back early.”
Captain Obvious over here, but I need to distract her from the fact that my legs are still shaking. They have been since I walked out of that room.
Taylor’s eyes dart behind me, to the front door. “Alone?”
I can’t help but look back, even though I know the answer. I mean, I closed the door behind me, so use your brain, Taylor. But I don’t say that because I need her on my side. Shehasto believe me.
“Yes, alone. Can we sit down? I’ve had a long trip, but I need to talk to you.”
I walk into the living room, not turning back to check if she’s following me. It’s Taylor—of course she’s following me. She does what I tell her to do. That’s always been our thing.
I take off my sneakers and cross my legs in front of me on the couch, but Taylor remains standing, staring down at me.
“Sit, please.” I can’t keep the irritation out of my voice.
“Where’s your husband?” she says, once again looking toward the entrance.
As if Olivier might be about to walk in.
“I said I needed to talk to you.”
She studies me coolly, and for a moment, I think she’s going to make it harder than it needs to be. But good old Taylor can’t afford to hurt my feelings, especially now she knows I own the house outright.
“So tell me.”
She sits down on the armchair as far away from me as possible, her butt only half on, as if she wants to be ready to escape.
“Yes, well, I was about to. Here’s the thing… Olivier and I broke up. Or what do you call it when you’re married?”
