She laughs under her breath. “There’s a lot more that goes on at bingo than just gambling. The gossip I’ve heard over the years about everyone in this city…It would knock your socks off. Bea Ricci, Steven’s grandmother, never missed a game.”
“So she told you? How did she know?” I’m stunned that my grandma never told anyone, even her own kid, my dad.
She nods. “Yep. Three years ago, before she passed away, she let it slip at our bingo table. I didn’t mention it to you or your father because it wasn’t my business to tell, dear. I knew when you were ready, you’d come to me.”
I am seeing her in a whole new light now. I’ve always been so close with her, but now, the bond seems to grow even stronger. She pulls me in for a tight hug, rubbing my back as she reassures me that everything will work out for me.
“So what do I do now? Steven didn’t even respond to me when I told him. He just left…”
“Well,” she starts. “If Steven truly loves you like he says he does, just give him a few days to process all this. Remember, you’ve had four years to process. It’s only fair to give him a little bit of time to come around.”
She has a point. I guess I didn’t think about it from his perspective. “You’re right.” She pats my knee and stands up off the couch.
“I know, darling. Now, let’s get some dinner for Damian, and then we can dive into that wine in the fridge.” Laughing, I follow her to the kitchen as she readies a few pans on the stove.
I don’t know what I’d do without her support right now. I can’t even focus on my normal routines with Steven whirling around in my thoughts.
After dinner, Damian settles in for the night, and I lie back in my bed, thankful that this awful day is coming to an end. It was a disaster, but I’m glad the truth is out in the open. Now, I have to worry about telling my father.
Sighing, I roll over to face the little window that looks out over the front yard. Light snow falls from the sky, casting miniature shadows as it passes the streetlight.
Maybe my life isn’t going to collapse around me like I thought it would. Maybe now, we can move past this and start a life together…
Pulling my phone from my sweatshirt pocket, I pull up the message thread between Steven and me. Maybe if I reach out to him, he will come around like Grandma said. If not for me, for our son.
Becca:I’m sorry that I lied to you. I understand if you don’t want to talk to me, but I really hope you can forgive me one day.
Hitting send, I set the phone down on the nightstand and close my eyes, wanting this all to be just a nightmare.
If only it were that easy.
