Page 22 of Flawless Lyric

Since Micah isn’t here yet, I question whether to lock up for lunch or wait until he arrives. Grabbing my phone, I decide to send him a text. Right before I hit send, the bell above the door chimes. My smile’s evident as I glance up, only to deflate when Jeff’s standing there.

“Novalee stopped by this morning to let me know about her change of plans. Have lunch with me so we can discuss it.” Either he did a great job of covering up his bruise where Micah hit him or it wasn’t as bad as I thought.

I swear he can hear my heart pounding. Afraid that Micah will open that door at any minute. As much as I don’t want to go anywhere with this man, I need to leave before Ruth and Micah get here. The sooner the better.

“I agree, but I’ll meet you at the restaurant since I can’t be late getting back to work.” I don’t bother closing down my computer. I throw my phone inside my purse and walk to the door.

“You don’t trust me to get you back to work in time? Seriously, Lyric? Whatever. Meet me at The Bistro.” I breathe a sigh of relief as he walks out the door and I lock the door behind me.

By the time I’ve reached my car, he’s just pulling out of the parking lot. That’s how pissed he is that I didn’t get in the car with him. And the reason I want to be in a public place when I have this discussion.

I wait until the coast is clear before pulling out, and that’s exactly when Micah turns in. He’s frowning and doesn’t understand why I’m leaving when I was excited about seeing him again today. Holding up his phone, he mouths, “Text me, Beauty.” I just nod as I pull into traffic. Afraid to be late.

Why did I think after my divorce I wouldn’t need to deal with Jeff’s bullshit anymore? How naïve was I in believing my life would be somewhat normal? Will that ever be possible? Yeah, maybe if I move to a foreign country that doesn’t have the internet.

Ten minutes later, I’m pulling into The Bistro. Jeff’s car is here, but he’s not in it. He must have gone in to grab us a table. I’m just thankful that he didn’t arrive at the office five minutes later. Ruth would have surely found out about Micah and me right then and there. Jeff would have made sure of that.

“I’m meeting someone here. Table for Montgomery?” At the thought of enduring an hour with my ex, I begin to tremble from head to toe. I doubt I’ll be eating much of anything today.

“Oh, yes. Your husband just arrived. Please follow me.” I don’t bother correcting her because what’s the point? When I see him sitting at our old table, I realize my mistake by agreeing to meet him here.

9

MICAH

“You haven’t hearda word I said, have you, Micah?” No and I feel terrible. My mind is with Lyric, wondering why the hell she left when she knew I was going to be at the office today.

“I’m sorry, Mom. I’ve been waiting for a very important text that hasn’t come yet.” I purposefully put my phone on vibrate so I’d know when she sent it. Nothing, and it’s been two hours!

“I understand all too well. It’s like the old saying, “A watched pot never boils.” In my business, it’s something I do all the time. Which causes me to wonder how many years we’ve wasted just waiting.”

“Exactly. How about we do lunch again next week and I promise to hang on to your every word?”

“You’re so sweet, but it’s not necessary. It’s my fault since I’ve kept you long enough. I’m sure you want to catch up on a million and one things while you’re on hiatus. Just remember, we’re having a pig roast at the house in a few weeks. Everyone’s going to be there so feel free to take a plus one.” I’d love to, but knowing my mother, she’s already invited Lyric.

Mom insists on paying the check since she invited me. I’ve learned a long time ago not to argue with this woman because I will lose every damn time.

Bending down, I give her a kiss on the cheek and pull her in for one of my famous hugs. “Thanks for lunch. I’ll stop by the house sometime before the pig roast.”

“Dad and I would really like that since we don’t see you often enough. Your siblings are a whole different story. It’s summertime so you know all of them are hanging out by the pool. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to invite you to lunch.” Guilt of the worse kind eats away at me. Mom and Dad are getting older and time’s so precious.

“I know, and I’ll try to be around more often before I’m too busy recording our new album. Love you, Mom.”

“Love you more, sweet boy. I hope you receive your text really soon to set your mind at ease.” Who’s the sweet one? Mom is.

After saying our goodbyes, I sit in my car and stare at my phone. No text messages or voicemails from Lyric. Nothing. Should I be worried? Did something happen to Novalee? I’m curious because Mom mentioned she never, ever, leaves her laptop open. She always shuts it down before locking up.

One thing’s for sure, I can’t go back to the office to check on Lyric since Mom’s heading there right now. Maybe I’ll wait until it’s time for her to come home and then cut her off at the pass. Meaning her driveway. Fuck. Novalee could be there and then she’d be suspicious. Fuck it. I’m texting her now.

Me:You’re killing me, Beauty. I watched you drive away, and I haven’t heard from you yet. I’m conjuring up all kinds of crazy thoughts about what could have happened. Are you able to text or call? Anything so I know you’re safe.

I can’t take it anymore, so after fifteen minutes I ram the car in drive and head to the office. Fuck it. I’m going to make up some lame excuse why I popped in just so I can see her. That’s what you get for not answering me, Beauty. Ready or not, here I come. Consequences be damned because we know there’s no such thing.

I wracked my brain on the drive over here trying to come up with some tangible excuse for being here. I got nothing. Not a damn thing. Help a guy out here. Her car’s in the lot and I’m desperate to find out if she’s okay. I’m seconds away from getting out of my car and busting through the front doors when my phone vibrates. Please let it be Lyric.

Beauty:Sorry. I was on the phone with a client. I’m fine. We can talk later.

Oh, thank fucking god. It’s short and sweet but just knowing that she’s okay sets my mind at ease. It also gets me off the hook because I seriously had no idea what I was going to say after walking into the building.

---