“No,” he says. “I won’t give up on you.”
I wonder if he can see the goosebumps on my arms, or hear the deafening thump in my chest.
“You’re sleeping with the husband, aren’t you? This is Grace Frost’s house. You’re breaking up her marriage.”
“No—”
“Liar!” He shakes his head like a disappointed father. “Come home. You have to. Or?—”
From behind Neil comes another voice, loud and confident.
“Or you’ll what, exactly?”
Neil jumps like a startled deer as Bradley strides across the room and places himself between me and Neil. He’s freshly shaved in a neat white button-down and slacks. A single lock of wet hair curls across his forehead.
“Brie, are you OK?”
“She’s fine.”
“I’m not talking to you. Brie? Who is this?”
“My ex,” I say.
“Ah, the ex. What are you doing here, ex?”
“Neil. Neil Rotman.” It’s remarkable how quickly he’s established his composure. He extends his hand. “Pleased to meet you.”
Bradley squints at him like he’s poison, then turns back to me. “What should I do?”
“I want to make sure she’s safe,” Neil says.
“She’s safe here,” Bradley replies quickly. “At least, I think so. Brie, are you safe?”
“Yes,” I say.
“I’m here to take her home,” Neil says. “We have a life together.”
“Is that right, Brie?”
“Of course—” Neil says.
“I’m not talking to you. I won’t say it again.”
I open my mouth to explain, but I can’t. Not when he’s so close. “I want him to leave.”
Bradley looks at me for a moment, then turns back to Neil. “Time to go.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I do.” Bradley gives Neil a shove, causing him to stumble towards the door. “You know the way out.”
Neil regains his footing and gives Bradley a mirthless smile. He’s slightly taller than Bradley, but much more out of shape. “Do you know who I am?”
“I’m getting a fair idea.” He takes another step, and Neil instinctively moves backwards. Despite his best efforts to hide it, I can see fear in his eyes. “If I see you on the property again, I’ll call the police. Out!”
Bradley walks across the room, and Neil retreats outside and down the path.
“I’ll be back,” he shouts. “I’m not giving up on you, Brie!”
