Page 199 of Unhinged

Simone finally pulls into the driveway, parking next to my truck. Awesome, because I’d plow her car to get out of here.

I rub my eyelids to rid the urge to fucking cry. I’ll do that shit later.

I can’t stand still. I put my hands on my hips and wait for her, but then cross my arms before putting them back on my hips. When Simone walks in, she’s hesitant and pale.

“Where you’ve been?” I ask, trying to sound nonchalant but probably come off as a pissed-off lunatic, which I am now.

With a limp but wobbly smile, she says, “Hi, swizzle stick. I saw Candi. I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Well, when I thought you’d be… I texted you, but you didn’t answer.”

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t feeling great.”

“Uh-huh.” I watch her closely as she removes her coat. My eyes fly to her stomach as I see her in a new light. She wore a fucking bikini last night. “The flu? A cold? Your period?” Fuck. She didn’t get it this week. How could I have not noticed? Son of a bitch.

“My stomach.” Simone winces as she takes off her shoes.

“Get well soon because Val’s here, and we’re going to dinner with her and Amos.”

For three seconds, her smile is genuine. “She is? Oh. I’d love to see her, but I don’t feel like going.”

“Why not?”

“I just told you. Candi took me to urgent care, and I didn’t go back to work.”

“I hope you’re okay,” I say, not knowing who I want to strangle more. Her or myself.

“I am. I just want some water, a shower, and to lie down.”

“Yeah. You seem to be good at lying all over the place.”

Instead of arguing with me, Simone is quiet and avoids eye contact as she goes to the kitchen. I follow Simone, studying her tight olive-green skirt, and not for how her ass looks this time. How in the hell can she wear it? I don’t understand.

Simone reaches for a glass, and I watch every move she makes. She fills it at the fridge and sighs. “What?”

“Oh, nothing. Right?”

Simone side-eyes me as I perch my wrist on the kitchen entryway. “Why are you acting like this?” she asks in a dead tone.

I shrug when she glances at me. “Acting like what?”

She takes a drink and then sets down her glass on the counter. “Something’s wrong. Just tell me.”

“You first.”

“I had a shitty day. Can I just please have a hug?”

I laugh. “Why?”

“Do I need a reason to hug my husband? I…I need you. Can that be good enough for now?”

Simone stands feet from me, looking pitiful. It’s all a good act, but she’s lying to my face. I cross my arms, clearly not interested in being close to her. I can’t fall for the lies when I’m here for the truth. “What did they tell you at the urgent care?”

She sighs and looks at the floor. “The tea I’ve been drinking made me sick.”

“Uh-huh. How?”

“I… It gave me… Can you just…? Greg…”

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