I let out a small gasp. That was it? A million other horrid, haunting, psychotic ideas had gone through myhead. This was nothing. I crawled across the bed and wrapped my arms around him and pressed my chest to his back.
“Oh, love. I don’t care. I’m sure it gave me a summer of peace. Did he say anything interesting?” I leaned around and kissed his cheek.
“He’s coming back today.”
I stiffened.
“Oh.” I pulled away and frowned. So this was why he seemed so upset. "I guess I should go home then."
"Is that the plan? Go home?"
I sighed. "That's not what I meant. I just... need to rip the bandage off. Get this done and over with." I pulled on his shoulder to fall to the bed, and then swung my leg over him, straddling him. I bent to kiss him. "Then we can ride off into the sunset."
He didn't seem convinced, and if I were being honest with myself, I wasn't either. My hands shook as I got dressed and started downstairs to leave. My palms were clammy, and I thought I could throw up. If I moved fast, I was sure I would.
I called for Tuth to take me back, and when they came through the door an hour later, Neal appeared out of nowhere.
"I thought maybe it was smarter that you don't go alone," my cousin explained. I hugged them tightly and thanked them.
"Yes, why don't we all go?"
Everyone's attention turned to the cold, chilling voice. Gatsby, dressed in a gorgeous fitted suit, his hair slicked back, and looking every bit like the billionaire he was, came down the stairs. His eyes were hard, and almost dead looking. A shred of unease slid down my spine.
Was this Gatsby or Emile?
Which would be worse today?
I nodded, and we agreed to take separate cars. Gatsby and I rode silently to the other side of the lake, where we parked and waited for Tuth and Neal. I'd spent the ride trying to figure out his intentions for coming today. It was hard to distinguish the difference between Emile and Gatsby when he was like this. It wasn't an actual psyche split, the two. I had no doubts that the love of my life was mentally cognizant. He didn't dissociate. There weren't really two men inside him; there was one, just fighting to not be so vulnerable.
If only he'd tell me why he had to shed Emile, why he keeps that door locked. If he'd let me in, maybe I could help him.
Tuth and Neal pulled up beside us and we went inside together, none of us saying a word. We sat in the living room, waiting for Max to arrive. I sat with Tuth, while Neal sat with Gatsby on the other side of the room, attempting to converse with him. Gatsby gave them nothing. He sat stiffly, back straight, hands gripping the arms of his chair, glaring at the open doorway.
With every minute that passed, the tighter my stomach grew. I couldn't do this. What was Max going to do? Where was he? It had been hours since we’d gotten here, and still Max had not appeared. I stood suddenly.
"I need to go," I announced.
"Go where, Daisy?" Max's voice came from the door and I let out an involuntary yelp, covering my mouth.
"Max, you're home." I swallowed the nerves.
"Yes, and so are you, finally. How was your vacation?"
I tightened my lips and blinked rapidly. "What do you mean?" My words came out high pitched.
"I think we all know. Hello Tuth, Neal." He nodded tothem, working through the room. "Gatsby, interesting to see you here."
Neal stood. "Gatsby is my friend."
"I'm sure," Max said curtly. "It's about time for dinner. Shall we eat, Daisy?"
"Um…" My heart was beating out of my chest. I couldn't think. Tuth, Neal, and Gatsby all stood. I shook my head at Max. "Alone? That wouldn't be polite to ask them to leave," I argued nervously.
"I didn't realize you cared so much about proper etiquette," Max taunted. "Our staff hasn't prepared food for guests."
"Why don't I host?" Gatsby blurted. Everyone turned to him. He adjusted his suit jacket and nodded to Max. A slow, false smile spread over his face. "I'd love to haveyoufor dinner."
Something about his words made Max react. "Like hell I'd ever eat at your house." He looked around the room, and it was clear that no one was leaving. He scowled. "If everyone wants to eat, let's go out. I can get us reservations."
