Page 11 of Polly

“That’s great. Where are you planning on staying?”

She narrowed her eyes at him, but answered normally. “I planned to spend time with you so I’ll stay at our place.”

His eyes widened. “Oh, I wish you’d called first.”

“Why?”

“I’m having it fumigated right now. A neighbor has a roach problem and I want to keep them out of the house. They said it would take several days to ensure the fumes leave.”

Her heart sank. Another lie.

She noticed nothing unusual about his expression. He almost looked like he believed he spoke the truth.

“Where are you staying? A hotel? I’ll stay with you,” she said.

He shook his head. “I’m crashing on a buddy’s couch.”

“Then let’s rent a hotel room together. I want to spend as much time with you as I can while I’m here.”

“My buddy’s actually moving, and I said I’d help. It’ll be easiest if I stay there. I promised him and all.”

Every word made her stomach upset. She felt the telltale gurgle and swallowed, trying to hold back the vomit.

She swallowed hard and said, “Oh. Well, if it’s that big of an inconvenience... I can stay with my parents.”

He nodded. “That may be best.”

Her heart dropped. She cleared her throat. “How was your work trip?”

“Great! David gave a big presentation and got a huge pat on the back from Martin when we got back. I have to do a huge project for Mr. McDaniels now that we’re back and it will take a lot of time.” Grady reached across the table and grabbed her hand. “I’ve missed you. I love you.”

Nausea overwhelmed her; she tried to keep it under control. He was lying. She knew because all the people he named worked at his old office, the one that said he no longer worked there.

“Grady. I—”

A shout interrupted them and a plate of spaghetti plastered against the front of Grady’s shirt. Polly pulled her hand from Grady’s and watched a young, dark-haired man, who she’d seen working as a server earlier, shout at Grady.

“How dare you? I knew there was a reason I never liked you!” the man shouted.

Grady’s face went ashen. “Mark, it’s not —”

“It is what it looks like!” The man turned to Polly. “Who is he to you?”

She swallowed. “Umm. Grady is my fiancée.”

“See!?” The man turned back to Grady. “You’re such an asshole.”

“What’s going on?” A man who appeared to be the manager asked, walking up to their table.

“This slimeball is married to my sister. Since college. They have three beautiful kids, and here he is on a date with his fiancée!”

The man pulled out his wallet and flashed a professional family portrait of Grady smiling with a woman and three kids.

Polly’s gaze landed on Grady, who watched her with wide eyes. Her eyes flicked to his hand. A barely noticeable tan line where a wedding ring would be.

Her eyes filled with tears.

“Is this true?” she asked.

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