Page 127 of David's Love

“It’s a long story, and I don’t have time right now to explain. I did it the old way. I just saved it up. I’ve been working for a while.”

She leafs through a book, brand new one hundred bills falling away.

“That’s a lot of money, Elizabeth.”

“For a lot of debt,” I say, leaning to her and kissing her cheek. “Use it to pay off some of those credit cards, or all. I need to go now.”

I pull away from her.

“What about your debt?” she tosses at me while I make a beeline for the door.

“It’s been taken care of. Don’t worry about it. I’ll call you when we land so you know I’m okay.”

“Okay,” she says in my wake, her voice heavy with disbelief.

That wasn’t a lie.

He wiped off my debt with the strike of a pen and put some money into my bank account so I don’t stress over everyday living from now on. But I can’t tell her that, or she’ll have a panic attack.

One thing at a time.

Clutching the stash of letters in my pocket, I exit the house, smiling.

Now, let’s wait till I can actually check what’s inside.

I should’ve done this a long time ago.

Maybe it’s nothing, and I fret over nothing.

Who can tell?

25

ELIZABETH

The opportunities toread Anna’s letters have been slim so far.

The flight was enjoyable and uneventful.

I read and slept for a few hours while he chatted with his people.

Last night, we slept embraced, and this morning, we left the hotel together.

I’m so stressed out he might stumble over that information that it’s essential to sort this out.

At least find out what’s in it.

And then, the opportunity arises when I expect it the least.

He goes to a meeting after lunch while I return to our hotel suite.

My hands tremble as I push the door open and walk in. The rooms are in perfect order, with a basket of goodies on the table. I pick up a cookie and take a bite before rushing to shed my clothes, shower, throw on a robe, and return.

I dig the ziplock bag out while finishing my cookie.

“Finally…” I murmur, running my fingers over my mouth to brush off a few crumbs.

Damnit.

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