Page 193 of The Liar's Reckoning

I even, in a ridiculous moment of self-sabotage, turned my location sharing with him back on. I have no idea whether he ever checks it, but I suspect he does, or at least he used to.

As much as it might have felt like he broke up with me and never looked back, I don’t believe that anymore. I think he regrets it every day.

I think it might even haunt him.

Once I’m done with all my business on the computer, I pour a drink, send a text to Christian for the first time in months, and open up the gallery on my phone.

I delete the videos I made of Graham. Then I go into the cloud, find them again, and delete them again. I was never going to use them. My capacity for revenge is limited, I guess. Or I’m a complete moron. Jury’s still out.

Chris texts me back, saying he’d love to have me over for dinner.

I tell him it needs to be just us, and he takes a while to respond to that.

Finally, he does, and as I read it, I go from jealous to disappointed to resigned.

Chris

I know you blame Gibson for what happened, and I understand. He blames himself, too. You might be the shittiest friend ever but I still consider you one of my best. It would mean something to me if you gave him a chance. He was in an impossible situation and you of all people should understand how good at manipulation Marianne was. And if you need more convincing, I suggest you hear us out. The offer stands to come for dinner. But it would hurt him for me to see you knowing you specifically didn’t want him there. And he and I don’t do that. We’re a package deal.

Me

Fine, I’ll come dinner.

Chris

Great. How does tomorrow night sound?

Me

What time?

Chris

Eight.

Me

I’ll be there.

When the conversation ends, loneliness settles in. I try putting on some music, look up dogs in the Florida shelter, and drink some more.

I’m able to distract myself for a little while, but intrusive thoughts from yesterday keep cropping up, and I grow restless. And horny.

My body isn’t much interested in my hand, though. It’s got a man in mind.

In another capitulation, I unblock Graham’s number. Then I sendhima text.

Me

You’re unblocked. Congratulations.

Graham

It’s embarrassing as hell, but that text got me hard.

Like a fool, I smile.

Me

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