Page 67 of Lesson Learned

This time, I wouldn’t sneak out in the dead of night, full of shame and regret. I’d stay and drink my fill of every reaction he can stir in my body. Follow any instruction until I please him the same way he pleases me.

As I drop into sleep the connection my mind sought earlier finally finds the right socket, lighting my brain into full wakefulness again.

Marnie didn’t tell James about the dress, but he knew. Not only that I’d borrowed it but that I couldn’t return it.

The part of me that wants to go to sleep tries to dismiss it. He must have seen me wearing it and knew it wasn’t hanging in her room any longer. A simple solution.

He knew it was torn.

I sit bolt upright, the drinks I swallowed earlier now burning again in my throat.

The only people who knew that were Marnie and Conner. Neither one of them told him, I’m sure of it.

My world feels like it’s closing in on itself.

Is he bugging Marnie, somehow? Is he like a covert online advertiser, listening in through her phone no matter where she goes or who she talks to? Ready to spring a surprise because he’s studying her all the time?

I snort at the idea. Pure fantasy

Then how the fuck did he know?

Maybe it’s not such a fantasy after all. The guy’s such a psycho, it’s not that much of a stretch to think he might spy on his girlfriend, twenty-four seven.

Now I have a new secret to hide, I’ll have to be more careful. Not just in what I say to Marnie while James is there, but what I say to her anytime.

With my skin still buzzing lightly from the shock, I toss and turn, willing my mind to calm down, to get some rest, trying to find the path back into sleep.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

CONNER

Once I leavePatrick’s I run around town, trying to find everything I need, wanting to have one perfect day, a perfect chance to impress.

Tomorrow is about me and Paisley, enjoying ourselves without the interference of school or work. A nice, relaxed day to explore and learn about each other without pressure.

Hopefully, a joyful day.

Once I have everything set, I relax in the lounge with a glass of whiskey and a meal delivery on the way. I send a text through to Paisley, wondering if her phone’s still playing up. I should order her a new one but after her reticence to spend my money today, don’t know if she’d accept.

The store charge shows she barely bought a thing. The dress, but probably only because I ordered her to, and a dozen pairs of shoes, but only one of them designer. I never got to the jewellery store, never got to take her shopping for lingerie.

As I sit after my meal, I come to a decision. I want Paisley to be my future; it’s time to let go of the past.

With the help of some boxes from the garage, I pack up all the items from Saski’s side of the wardrobe. Once done, I manhandle them into the boot of the car and send a text to my driver, adding a chore to drop them off to the nearest Sallies store.

I take my wedding photo out of its frame and tuck it safely in a drawer, replacing it with one of me and Patrick. A snapshot from a few years ago, where neither of us is smiling but at least we’re not scowling at each other.

When I sit on the couch again, I feel a thousand times lighter. I phone half a dozen stores with enquiries, and line up some treats for tomorrow that make me feel a sense of accomplishment far stronger than what I’ve managed in my actual job.

All night long, I wait for morning. All morning, I wait for the time when Paisley will get here. Rather than risk being seen collecting her from school, I send my driver in a different vehicle than usual.

Paisley sent a response, so I know she saw my text. There are just a few minutes of me pacing the halls, then I hear the vehicle pull in at the gate.

“Hey,” I greet her, leading her into the lounge. “It’s so good to see you.”

Her eyes sparkle with joy as she looks at me. It’s been so long since a woman stared with genuine affection rather than just appreciation for my physique, I’m caught off guard by the responding glow.

“What’s the plan?” she asks, then teases, “More tv watching?”

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