“You’re kidding.” He shifts toward me on the bench.
“No. They booked us a family cottage in the Poconos starting tomorrow night and... well, what do you think?” I stop myself from telling him about the dinner reservation for just us for tonight. I’m not sure why. Maybe see if we can make it through this afternoon’s truce.
While pulling one leg over the bench, he twists more fully around so he can look right at me. “I’m confused.”
“I know.” I chuckle while screwing up my face. “It’s almost like they’re trying to get rid of me.” Because of course they are. But at this point, I’m relieved to not be playing amateur detective, and maybe if we can pick up Reid and get away with Erika, we can all find our way back. And I’ll tell Clint about Lucas. This time I really will.
“That’s not what I’m confused about.”
I nab one of the last two donut holes and dunk it in the dark chocolate sauce. My throat makes a little mewl sound.
“Why did your face look pained when you told me about the cottage? Is the thought of going away with me a chore?”
I stop breathing. What just happened?
“I see it. All I have to do is look at you and I know.”
“Know what?”
“Exactly. All I get are whispers of disgust on your face and distracted moments.”
“Unfair.” I shake my head. “You’re the one who wanted a break. You’re the one who wanted space.” I slam down the sugary mess without taking a bite and then grab the stack of napkins.
“Meredith—”
“No, I’m out of ideas. You’re punishing me for something you’re feeling. I can’t...” I swallow hard against my lunch threatening to come up.
“Finish your thought, Meredith.” Clint’s jaw clenches shut, probably as tightly as his mind.
“I can’t keep beating my head up against your brick wall.” I scour my hands with a handful of napkins.
Clint grabs his lunch. “We’ve found something to agree on.” Without looking at me, he rises from the picnic table.
I slump and lower my head into my balled-up fists.
For the first time, I honestly question if Clint and I will make it.
29
AS WE WALK BACK TO THE CAR,a library of unsaid words stacks up between us. My phone pings with a text from Alyssa, who almost always emails.
Temor and I have something. Are you in the office this afternoon?
I glance over at Clint, who seems to not be paying me any mind.
Wasn’t planning to be. Might be taking a few days. Something important?
The dots dance for a bit before her response appears.
We can talk by phone but better in person.
Even without knowing what they’ve found, I somehow know this is the pivot. A weight settles across my stooped shoulders. This is when I either embrace Betsey’s extortion or I stop. I turn to Clint here and now and tell him. I let him rail. Maybe only one of us goes to the cottage. But I take away Betsey’s power. If the data is legitimate and it points to something illegal with our investors, I can quit. I can manage the collateral career damage, and we can survive the quake.
Or I can plow headfirst and confront Betsey with the truth.
“Honey.” My voice breaks.
He stops and turns, looking not at me but at the park.
