“That’s because you break a wine glass every time you use one,” Marla giggled, kissing her husband on the cheek.
“I don’t want to leave Morgan,” Lucas protested.
“I’ll keep her company,” Craig offered.
Lucas seemed bothered. He didn’t want to go with Marla. That was apparent. But why?
“Okay then.” Lucas kissed me. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Craig took Lucas’ vacated seat.
“I’m really glad you and Lucas have gotten together. He’s a good man. He doesn’t always think so, but he is.” Craig’s affection for Lucas was clear in his voice.
“You two are close aren’t you?” I asked.
“He’s had my back since day one. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him and vice versa,” Craig stated with absolute certainty.
“You guys seem like a big family. I didn’t expect a team to be like that,” I told him.
Craig looked around the room at the people assembled. “We are like a family. A dysfunctional family, but a family nonetheless.” He gave me a sweet smile. “And I hope we can count you as part of that family now.”
“Oh I don’t know. Lucas and I aren’t that serious,” I protested.
Craig put his hand on top of mine. “He wouldn’t have brought you here if he wasn’t serious about you. Just be patient with him. He can be a frustrating sod, but his heart is in the right place.”
Ten minutes had passed since Lucas and Marla had left the room. “Can you tell me where your bathroom is?” I asked Craig. He pointed to a door just outside the dining room.
I thanked him and got up. But I didn’t go to the bathroom. I wandered around until I found the kitchen. It was empty.
I had a sinking in my gut.
Where were they?
Then I heard rustling. Something fell to the floor. I followed the noise to a partly closed door. I pushed it open and I forgot how to breathe.
Marla had Lucas pressed against a line of shelves. His head was turned away from her but her hands were on his face. In his hair. There was lipstick on his chin. And there was a familiarity in the way she touched him. She had done this before.
“Are you kidding me?” I laughed bitterly.
Lucas looked stricken. “Morgan, this isn’t what it looks like.” He shoved Marla out of the way and tried to reach for me but I backed up.
Marla wiped her mouth and straightened her clothes. “Hi, Morgan,” she said, flipping her hair behind her back.
“You have lipstick on your face,” I told Lucas, pointing to his chin. I sounded so, so cold. He wouldn’t know how my heart was breaking.
“Fucking hell, tell her I didn’t do anything, Marla. This bitch never gives up. She launched herself at me. I swear to God, Morgan. I told you, there’s no one else. You said you believe me,” Lucas pleaded. He tried to grab my hand but I evaded him.
Marla didn’t say anything. She looked from me to Lucas, her eyes hard. Then she stomped out of the room.
“I want to leave. Now,” I told him, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Morgan, please,” he cried, his eyes bright. “Nothing happened. I’m telling you the truth. I can’t stand that slag. I don’t see what Craig sees in her.”
“Poor Craig. He was just telling me how you always have his back. He has no idea you’re messing around with his wife behind his back. You’ve made a fool of Craig and me. Now take me home.”
“No,” Lucas replied.
“Fine, I’ll call a cab.” I turned to leave the kitchen and he grabbed my arm. “Let go of me right now.”
