He purses his lips, holding back.
“It’s okay if you want to talk about her.”
“It doesn’t feel appropriate. This is about us.”
“We don’t have to pretend she doesn’t exist.”
“She’s in denial. In public, she’s keeping up appearances, but behind closed doors, she’s a mess. She wanted to accompany me on this trip.”
“Why?”
“She thinks if she can make amends with you, I’ll change my mind about the divorce.”
“Is that true?”
“No.” His answer is adamant and steadfast, not a hint of reluctance.
I snap my mouth shut before I can pry into something so intimate.
“You can ask.”
“It’s none of my business.”
“If it’s on your mind, ask. I made peace with my decisions and you deserve answers.”
Now my curiosity is running wild. One thing I know is whatever he has to say has nothing to do with our reunion.
“You and Karen have been married over thirty years. It can’t be easy.”
“Our marriage hit the rocks twelve years ago.”
“Twelve years ago?”
“That’s when I discovered her first affair. Right before your senior year.”
“Oh my God, who was she sleeping with?”
He quirks an eyebrow quizzically. “Does it matter?”
“No, I guess not. But why? I thought you had a great marriage.”
“That makes two of us. She blamed it on my hours at work, the pressure of being an executive wife, Natasha graduating and leaving for college.”
I note not one of those things included me. “Those sound like a bunch of bullshit excuses.”
“They were. What it boils down to is she wasn’t happy. She somehow convinced herself that life in public service and politics would be the solution. I forgave her and saved my marriage. Politics had always intrigued me and it came easy. Getting involved locally came with a renewed excitement.”
“Wow, I thought my senior year was great because we all connected without the drama of Tasha. Guess it was that political excitement,” I reply sarcastically.
“It was awesome because we connected. It was one of the best years of my life. My God, Poppy, I witnessed my beautiful daughter take hold of her world and crush her goals. You became my inspiration. If you could chase your dreams, so could I. It’s what finally prompted me to step back from the grueling hours and work commitments. I made sure I was alongside you every step of the way. That’s why I went to Mrs. Canon and tried to get involved in your pursuit of scholarships. Finances weren’t an issue and weren’t holding you back.”
“That’s what you meant in the hospital?”
“Yes.”
“Unfortunately, I was blind to the reality until it was too late.”
“Why are you telling me this now?”
“Grady brought me to my senses. If we have any chance at starting fresh, the truths must come out.”
“You said Karen’s first affair, did she have others?”
“At least two that I’m aware of. The political bug may have been infectious, but the world captured her. While I wanted to make a difference, she discovered a playground of power. Natasha rode that same high. I was stupid to think running and winning the Senate seat would bring things back to normal. My only solace was you were untouched and safe in North Carolina. Then I met Isaac and my protective instincts lit on fire. Evin probably told you how I let that play out.”
“Getting my heart stomped on and humiliated was a life-changing experience.”
“I’m not proud of my decisions nor my handling of things. But as you said, it eventually led you to Evin.”
I suck in a breath, narrowing my eyes. “You don’t get to throw my words back at me. You did not know how my life would pan out.”
“I knew, no matter what happened, you’d be better off without the people we had become. From the day we walked away, your protection became my priority.”
“Why didn’t you give it up? Let me be me? Speak up? Do you know how hard I worked? The mental and physical pressure I put myself through? Why didn’t you help me then?”
“Because I’m weak and you deserved much more. I couldn’t take the chance Natasha and Karen would blame and punish you if I walked away. It wasn’t until the Presidential conversation that I’d had enough.”
Many times over the years, I’ve thought about what I’d say to him if given the chance. Right now, my mind is blank space. Screaming, crying, clawing out, and blaming him will change nothing.
My grievances were buried a long time ago.
Hearing of Karen’s long-time infidelity and pursuit of power gives me a new outlook into their lives.
“I’m sorry about your marriage, Marco. When are you filing for divorce?”
“Not until after leaving office.”
“That makes sense. Less talk and controversy.”
“It should be an easy dissolution. We’ve already worked out the arrangements. She’ll get the house in Virginia and our finances are settled.”
“She’ll get the house? Where will you live?”
“Thought you already knew.” He grins coyly. “I’m coming to Charleston.”
“That’s very presumptive.”
“You could never give me any more than today and I’d stay close. You building this life is all I ever wanted.”
An unexplained warmth ripples through me, but my attention turns to the elephant-stomping coming from the stairs. We both turn and there’s a split-second to see Evin’s nuclear expression before my body is jerked protectively behind Marco.
“What’s happening?” Marco shuffles back a half step, his stance covering me and blocking my view.
“We’ve got a problem.” Evin comes to my side, his eyes so hard and sharp, fear seizes my insides. Hatred like this could only mean one thing.
“Tasha…” my words are drowned out.
“Shit, let me go.” The smarmy voice of familiarity slithers in the air, sending my stomach plummeting and my anxiety spiking at the same time.
Evin’s jaw ticks, and when my fingers lace with his, there’s no reaction.
This pisses me off.
She doesn’t get to ruin this day.
She doesn’t get to waltz into my building and taint it.
She does not have the upper hand any longer.
I nudge the two men, creating a sliver of space to slip through. It takes effort not to gasp at the image of the woman standing there.
She’s always had a gorgeous figure, but now she’s skin and bones, her curves gone. Her complexion is washed out and her eyes hollow and bleak.
“Good God, what happened to you?”
Evin's hand turns into a vice around mine, and Tasha’s already agitated state turns lethal.
“Are you… are you on drugs?”
“Fuck you.” She struggles against Grady’s hold.
“Poppy,” Evin growls, trying to tug me back.
“Tasha, why are you here?” I try again, noticing her twitch.
“Because I’m done with all this bullshit.”
“You need to be more specific.”