Page 16 of Corrupt Idol

Despite Lynne gushing about how tasty breakfast was, she ate only five bites before she needed to lie down. She helped Dad get Lynne settled and hung her bedsheets on the back clothesline to dry while she tossed her parents things in the wash and started a new load. She cleaned up the kitchen and saw Jesse standing on the driveway, greeting some friends who stopped by to welcome him home. Nothing had changed.

You could have stopped me anytime. All you had to do was tell them what I was doing to you. Why didn’t you?

He knew damn well why she hadn’t told anyone. Why did he make it sound as if she encouraged his advances, as if shewantedhim? She tossed the dishes in the sink with more force than was necessary and was instantly contrite when Dad appeared in the hallway with a frown.

“Sorry,” she mouthed.

He shook his head and disappeared back into their bedroom. She washed the dishes, put away the food, and then snatched the car keys. She tiptoed to her parent’s door. Dad sat up in bed reading beside Mom who had her head on his lap. The scene tugged at her heartstrings. He peered at her over his glasses.

“I’m going out,” she whispered.

“Where?” he asked in a low voice.

“I’m gonna run to the store. Do you need anything?”

“No. Do you need money?”

She did, but she wasn’t going to take from him. “No, I’m good. I’ll see you in a little bit.”

As she walked out of the hallway, Jesse came through the front door with his friend, Blaine.

“Violet!”

She smiled as Blaine wrapped her in a hug. She caught a glimpse of Jesse’s narrowed eyes before she pulled away.

“I see you even less than Jesse,” Blaine said as he stepped back to take her in. “How you been?”

“Good. And you?”

He puffed out his chest. “Four kids.”

She blinked. “How is that possible?”

Jesse snickered as Blaine said, “Two sets of twins.”

“Oh my God!”

Blaine shrugged. “They’re a blast. You should come over. Allison hasn’t seen you since high school.”

“Maybe I will,” she said even though she wouldn’t. “It’s good to see you.”

“Likewise.”

She used her thumb to point to the garage. “I’m heading out. We’ll catch up later?”

“Sure.”

As she made her escape, she saw Jesse usher Blaine toward the living room and start after her. She tried to slam the door in his face, but he stuck his combat boot in the opening and shoved his way in.

“What?” she snapped as he loomed over her.

“Where are you going?”

“To the store. Is that against the law?”

“For what?”

She bared her teeth at him. “None of your business.”

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