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“Do you want some aspirin?” I ask.
“I’d appreciate that, and for what it’s worth, I love you. I wasn’t lying.”
With a sigh, I leave to get Foster aspirin. Afterward, I call Lana to see how the twins are doing. I can hear Zane in the background.
“What’s going on?” I ask, trying to distract myself.
“The boys are walking,” Lana reports. “They just started a couple of days ago.”
“How exciting.”
“And scary. Now I have to watch them like a hawk.”
“I could stay and help.”
Lana pauses, then replies, “Are things okay over there?”
I want to tell her everything, from start to finish. A year of holding it inside is grating on me, but instead, I lie. “Things are fine, but Foster is working long hours. It’s lonely here at night. Maybe I can stay a few nights.”
“That sounds like things aren’t going well.”
“They are,” I insist.
Lana sighs, softening her tone. “I don’t mean to imply anything, but you know my history with your brother.”
“I do, but it’s not like that.”
“Then tell me how it is. Are you upset with him?”
I hesitate. “No. I understand Foster is needed at the office.”
“But it doesn’t make you happy because you’re newlyweds.”
“Well, that and other things. I could use some time with my nephews. I don’t see them nearly enough.”
“You’re welcome to stay over a few nights if you would like. I’d love to have you here; you know that.”
Another lie tumbles from my mouth when I respond with, “Foster is leaving for a business trip on Monday. I could stay over for a few days after that.”
“What about work?”
“I’m the boss’ wife; I can do whatever I want. If I don’t want to come into the office, I don’t have to.”
Lana whistles. “The life you lead.”
“Money isn’t everything.”
“Don’t I know it. I was once led down that path.”
Before Lana married Zane, she was married to a much older man, a billionaire. He treated her poorly, thinking that his money gave her the security she wanted, but it never assured her the love she needed. What she needed was my brother.
“Money doesn’t mean much to me. I love Foster.” I wince because I’m growing uncertain about whether I love my husband the way I once did. “So is Monday, okay?”
“You can stay if you don’t mind sleeping on the couch in Zane’s office unless you want to share the nursery.”
“The couch is fine. I can’t wait.”
After we hang up, I hunt through the closet for a small black suitcase that would hold a few day's worth of clothing. Foster shows up at our bedroom door just as I am zipping the case.
