Page 59 of The Bad Husband

How could I miss the pre-planning of such a big party? Why had nobody told me a party of this size would take place in this house?

It looks like an anniversary.

Something that requires a lot of planning.

He said she wouldn’t come back this week.

Not only had she come back, but they’re celebrating something, although neither of them is in the house.

Would’ve killed him to tell me about this party?

“Hi,” I say, approaching Livia. “What are we celebrating tonight?”

She brings her focus to me.

“It’s just a summer party,” she says, amused. “You’ll get used to these.”

I hope not.

I can’t get used to the rapid development of events around here, Damon West’s little secrets, Henrietta’s sudden departures and unexpected returns, the fact that I can’t understand these two people’s dynamic.

I push my eyes over the food.

“What time is the party starting?” I murmur, convinced I’ll need to head out.

“Seven.”

For sure, I won’t spend the night here, watching Henrietta fawn over Damon West.

I make a quick calculation in my head––there’s food here for about fifty people, and then my phone rings.

I tap the screen and swing it to my ear.

“Change of plans,” I say to Keira, who, impatient as always, had thought it was a good idea to call me first instead of waiting for me to call her. “We’ll go out.”

Livia catches that.

“Why don’t you invite your friend over?” she says.

“Who was that?” Keira asks at the other end of the line.

“Livia. There’s a party in the house, and you’re invited. I’d rather go out, though.”

Livia touches my arm.

“Don’t be silly. You and your friend will have fun tonight.”

“Let me call you back,” I say to Keira and hang up.

“I don’t want to impose,” I say, truly wanting to avoid being part of this.

I see it more as a predicament than as us having fun. I know a lot of people will be here. I know no one will pay attention to Keira and me. But seeing Damon and Henrietta together after what happened last night?

No, thank you.

On the other hand, I’m sure that watching them interact with other people might help me understand what their story is.

“There’s no imposition. This is your place, too,” Livia says naturally, and I wish I could believe her.