“What?” The word falls out of my mouth, flat and stunned.
“The night you met Pete, I was supposed to meet him, but I was sick. It was Rob’s party—he invited Pete forme.He said he thought we’d hit it off. But you met him instead. And when I finally did meet him, you two were already dating.” She’s so matter-of-fact, like it’s a perfectly rational explanation for betraying me two decades later.
“Have you been harboring that bombshell for twenty years? You never said a word. And seriously, Erin—you mean to tell me you destroyed a thirty-year friendship over a man youmighthave hit it off with twenty years ago?”
Her eyes harden. “I don’t know what your problem is. You left him. You don’t want him. You’ve moved on. Everything comes easy for you. You had it all, Liv—a great husband, amazing kids, you could stay home and do whatever you wanted. But no, you had to cry about not getting enough attention. Thenwhen you told me you were leaving him, I figured…” Her mouth twists into a cruel, humorless smirk. “It was my turn.”
Each word lands like a strike to the chest. The air around me slows, now heavy and warped, like I’ve stepped out of my own life.
As if this isn’t enough, she goes for the kill. “But fuck no. Now you’ve got some thirty-year-old hottie drooling all over you. Seriously, Liv, what is your problem? Do you think you’re the only one who gets to be loved or admired?”
“Erin, that’s enough,” Pete’s voice booms behind her, startling both of us. She jolts, color draining from her face, fear flashing across her features as she slowly turns to face him.
“Pete.” She shakes, most probably shocked to be caught, revealing her true self.
Before she can say anything else, I jump in. “I’m here for Paige’s uniform.” My tone is neutral, but inside, a storm’s raging.
“Liv…” Pete’s voice softens. He steps closer. “I wanted to tell you. Are you okay?”
I almost laugh.Am I okay?
He’s been making blatant advances on me for months while sleeping with my so-called best friend. Still, I won’t give him the satisfaction of seeing how deep this cuts.
“I’m fine. I just want the uniform.”
He exhales in relief, nodding. Maybe he thinks he’s dodged a bullet. “Liv, please come in and let’s talk.”
“Pete, I think we should talk, but I’m already late for court,” Erin chimes in, oblivious to the added tension between us.
He looks over my shoulder at her, but I refuse to acknowledge her. If they think I’m talking to them, together, they are sorely mistaken.
“I wasn’t talking to you,” he snaps, running a hand harshly through his hair.
Erin inhales a sharp breath and gasps. “Fine,” she spits back, the retreating clip of her heels sounding behind me.
Scowl firmly in place, I cross my arms and avoid his gaze. Bowing his head, he nods and disappears into the house.
I was shocked at his tone with Erin. He was angry. He wasn’t this way often while we were married. His anger only shows when he’s been pushed to his limit. It takes alotto get him riled. Drew is like him in that way, and thinking about our son stokes my anger and a burning desire to protect him.
When Pete returns with Paige’s bag in hand, it hits me like a freight train.
Our son.
“Drew.” I prepare to tear into him as this is what has come between father and son. Drew must know. God, what if he walked in on them?
Though just saying our son’s name is enough. Pete’s expression falters, guilt spreading across his face like a stain.
He exhales hard and looks away, the truth written all over him. My stomach twists.
“You better fix this with him. Now. I don’t care what you have to do, but you fess up to your douchebag move. Own it and let him off the hook. This has been eating him alive. I’ve seen it—I just didn’t know what it was. Fix. It.”
“Liv, I will. I promise.” He drags a hand through his hair, remorse carved deep in every line of his face. “Goddamn it, I’m so sorry. I was lonely, and she came on to me. I’m not putting it all on Erin, but?—”
“Stop.” I can’t hear another word. I shudder at the thought of their excuses. “Just stop. Make things right with Drew. That’s all I care about.”
Taking Paige’s bag, I turn away. He calls after me, but I’m done. He can talk all he wants about loneliness and temptation,but his dick didn’t just fall into her. He made a choice—so did she.
By the time I reach my car, I’m shaking.
