Danny bursts out laughing. “Is that what you’re worried about? That I want to steal her from you?”
“Sure. Hailey’s MY wife.”
“You’re too funny. Let me call Drew to cancel tonight’s dinner. I won’t leave Hailey alone.”
“Who’s Drew?” Jeremy asks.
I already know his answer.
“My partner. Sorry, but I thought you knew.”
“I had no idea! I thought you wanted...yeah...I thought you wanted to take Hailey away from me.”
Danny laughs, but it’s is a fake laugh. We’re getting into trouble. He already knows, but he wants to risk it all.
“Don’t worry. Usually, my life is private, but this is an exception. Hailey is my best friend, and I didn’t want her to tell you.”
“Don’t worry, I understand why you want to keep it secret. Thank you for your help. Make yourself at home, Danny.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, love, then I’ll tell Mom not to worry that we already have the problem solved.”
“Of course. When are you coming back?” I ask.
“I should be home tomorrow night or the next morning at the latest.”
“All right. Be careful and come back soon.”
“Sure, love. I love you!” he says.
We end the call, and Danny smiles at me.
“You’re completely crazy!” I say. “Christ, Danny, what went through your mind? Do you realize that if he finds out the lie, we’ll both end badly?”
“Don’t worry, baby, he won’t find out.” He comes over to hug me.
“Danny, I’m still a married woman. We won’t cross the line. None of our actions must, in any way, interfere with my marriage. If Jeremy suspects, even the slightest, that there may be or may have been something between us, we’ll end up six feet underground.”
“Hailey, don’t overdo it. You’re just scared, and we won’t cross any limits. I promise you.”
“I’m not exaggerating. I know what Jeremy might be capable of.”
“Baby, breathe. Calm. Everything will be fine! Nothing will happen.”
I want to believe him. I have to.
We go to the sofa and talk a little, then I fall asleep.
A delicious smell awakens me.
The doorbell rings, and my eyes widen.
“Hi, there. You must be Jeremy’s mom. I’m Danny.”
“A pleasure. Yes, my son told me that I would find you here. Where is she?”
“She’s resting on the sofa. She was tired.”
