Page 50 of David's Love

I don’t know what to do.

Stammer? Come clean? Lie like it’s an Olympic sport?

He’s not just interested in the scribblings of an aspiring writer. He’s most likely curious about something else.

And that something else escapes me.

I know it has to do with David. It must have to do with him. I see no other reason for asking me that.

He’s not really interested in an answer, either.

He set me up and wanted to see how I’d react. That’s why I think he got what he had hoped for.

If this is about David, and it must be, he’s not interested in me as much as he is curious about my role in his business partner’s life and how it may affect his business.

It’s always about the business, isn’t it?

Oh, I so wish Chloe would show up already.

But what is it?

What has clued James in?

And what makes him think I might have something to do with David?

What if he’s bluffing and acting on a hunch, and I’m giving myself away?

I struggle to come up with the best answer, but somehow, I open my mouth and speak.

“You must also know she has inspired me?” I toss at him. Again, I can’t read anything on his face. “Writing this book is still on my bucket list, but it won’t happen anytime soon. My muse is flimsy, to say the least,” I try to joke.

“Well,” he says, flashing a smile and swiftly wrapping it up. “Never give up. I’m sure it will be a success,” he adds before smoothly tearing away from me while my heart falls back into place and starts throbbing normally again.

ELIZABETH

Me:Where are you?

I push send and wait for a few moments before typing another message.

Me: Chloe?

A few moments pass while I empty my glass of wine.

Finally, she responds.

Chloe: I’ll be there in a few.

“What?”

Me: I’m ready to leave.

I’m overly dramatic, but I need her to come out.

Chloe: Not yet.

“What is wrong with her?” I mutter to myself.

She sounds like she’s talking to someone else while shooting me these cryptical messages.

---