AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I stand and clutch the counter, wondering what the women I love and admire would do in this situation. My mother would attempt a balancing act. Grandma Lydia would tell Valentina. But what eventually sways me is that if the shoe were on the other foot, I don’t have to guess what Valentina would do. She would tell me.
I would want to know, and she has a right to know. Her family—Rafael, especially—has no right to destroy her marriage.
“Do you love Marco?” Her answer could save me from stabbing Rafael in the back—because that’s how he’ll see it.
“Of course I love him. What kind of question is that?”
Maybe the other day had nothing to do with Marco. Maybe I’m drawing inferences that are ridiculous. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe. But in my heart, I know the conversation he had before he left the apartment was connected to this, and I know his mood when he returned was connected as well. As much as I want it to be different, I’m certain it’s all linked.
“What do you know, Lexie?” Her tone is desperate now, and it tears at my heart.
I sigh, thinking about the possible ramifications for Valentina’s relationship with Rafael. She’s going to be furious with him, especially after the way he behaved about the art gallery. I’m worried about my relationship with him too. I don’t think he’ll forgive this easily—maybe not at all. I know this isn’t about me, or it shouldn’t be, but it’s painful just the same. So painful.
She has the right to know. She would tell you. It’s true. She would tell me.
I glance at her swollen eyes. She deserves better from her family. And she sure as hell deserves better from me.
“I really don’t know anything. But on Wednesday, Rafael got a call, and he mentioned Marco’s name. I don’t know who he was talking to.”
“What did he say?”
“I couldn’t hear. He took the call in the other room, and then you called to invite me to your parents’ house for dinner and we talked for a few minutes. When he came back to the kitchen, he was—tense.” And his jaw was ticcing.
“Tense?”
I shrug. “Edgy.”
“Lexie, I never thought that you would compromise our relationship, compromise me, for a man. Especially one who isn’t in it for the long haul.” Ouch.
She’s hurt and confused, and angry. Her words, every single one, are daggers to my soul. They’re especially painful coming from her—she’s sweet and kind, and I doubt she’s ever even squished a bug, let alone hurt someone she loves.
“I’m trying to remember, Valentina, and I’ll tell you everything I know, but don’t act like this should be easy for me.”
I’m choosing Valentina over Rafael. My relationship with her over my relationship with him. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.
I start to cry. “I realize my relationship with him is new. But I’ve loved him for a long time.”
“I’m sorry,” she coos, coming around the island and wrapping her arms around me. “I love you, Lexie, but I’m trying to save my marriage. We just got started, and it’s already slipping away.”
“I’ve told you everything I know about the call. Everything. He left the apartment shortly after.”
“Do you know where he went?”
“I don’t. I assumed he was downstairs in his office. I don’t even know why I assumed that, but I did.”
“There must be some reason. Think back, Lexie. Think.”
I do think back. But there really is nothing. “I don’t remember, Valentina. Maybe he told me he was going downstairs. I just don’t remember.”
“What about when he got back? Did he say anything?”
“He was wound tight and—”
“And?”
And he tore off my nightgown like a man possessed and cuffed me to the bench. Then edged me until I agreed to get on my knees for him.
“He was in a mood. Like something happened.”
