“You think that’s what I’m worried about, finding somewhere to live?”
As if I hadn’t spoken at all, he said, “I hope I can trust that you won’t create a scene over this. I don’t need to tell you how important it is that this stays between us.”
“Are you for real?” What did he think I was going to do, go to the tabloids?
“In the meantime, I’ll be staying at Serena’s.”
“Is this about me meeting up with Nick?” I asked frantically. “Because he’s gone, Robert! He’s dead—decapitated! So, if you think I’ve gotten back with him, or that we hooked up, you’re way off. The only reason I saw him was to getyourfangs.”
“This has nothing to do with him.”
“Then what is it? You can’t end things over the phone with no explanation!”
“I’ve said all that I need to say.”
“Please! Wait?—”
“Goodbye, Olivia.”
Click.
7
Igasped as if I’d been slapped.
This was real. This was actually happening.
Robert didn’t want me anymore.
“Olivia?” Liz placed a tentative hand on my arm but took it away mighty fast as I spoke.
“Oh, hell no,” I snarled. “He doesnotget to hang up on me like that.”
I was going to call that disrespectful jerk back and get some answers. I didn’t consider myself an entitled person, but I felt I was owed an explanation beyond what essentially boiled down to:It is what it is. Deal with it.
The call failed to go through. I tried again. And again.
“What, did Robert and Serena use a burner phone? Did they throw it off a cliff after Robert dumped me?” I seethed.
“It’s a private number,” Liz pointed out, annoying me with her sensibility. I provided her a dour look and she fetched me a glass of wine. She set it down in front of me like a peace offering. “I still can’t believe it.”
I took a few angry gulps. “That makes two of us.” I swiped a tear off my cheek with my sleeve.
Liz sat back in her chair while I pounded wine and felt sorry for myself. When my glass was empty, I poured myself another.
“Man, I really thought Robert was one of the good ones,” she lamented.
“So did I.”
“Do you think it’s possible that Serena is behind this?”
“She obviously is. I mean, she didn’t twist Robert’s arm into leaving me, but she played a big part in our relationship ending.”
Liz shook her head. “That’s not what I mean. Don’t you think it’s kind of a strange coincidence that on the same night Nick was murdered Robert goes missing?”
I snorted bitterly. “What are you suggesting?”
“I have no idea, but she’s a crazy bitch. The timing is weird, is all I’m saying,” Liz said in ayou don’t need to bite my head offkind of voice. “What about the signs of struggle you found?”
