Page 21 of Enemies, Lovers & A Valentine's Baby

He stares at her in a way I can only dream of having someone look at me.

If Sue can be cheated on, what hope is there for the rest of us?

Meeting my own cloudy eyes in the rearview mirror, I run a hand through my hair. Grabbing the drinks, I finally step out of the car and take short strides to the front door. I raise my free hand to knock, but it opens before my hand makes contact with it.

Sue tries to put on a brave face, but her cheeks are pale and her hair looks like it hasn’t seen a brush since yesterday.

“I was wondering how long you were gonna sit in that car,” she says, glancing gratefully at the pack of alcoholic beverages in my hand as I make my way in.

“I wasn’t sure what exactly to bring, but I figured we could both use a drink. Or six.”

“Thank God. It feels like years since I've had alcohol. We both stopped once we decided we were seriously trying to have a baby.” Her voice cracks as she opens a can and gulps the entire thing down.

I feel my eyes moisten. Kids were next on their list, and it breaks my heart to think that this dream might be in jeopardy for them.

“Speaking of Greg, where is he?” I ask, trailing behind her into the kitchen.

“Went back to Denver first thing this morning. For ‘work,’” she says, voice breaking as she takes another deep swig of the beer.

“Sue…” I trail off, unsure of what to say.

She’s hurting, and there’s nothing I can say that’ll take the pain away. Not unless I can prove that her husband isn’t cheating on her.

“God, how could I have been so stupid? All these years. I should’ve known. Men will be men. That’s what my father used to say to my mother,” she says bitterly. “I don’t know how I managed to convince myself that mine was different, but here’s proof of how wrong I was,” she chuckles sadly, downing another beer.

“Who knows how many women there have been over the years?” She’s practically hysterical now. “God, Lila, how long do you think it’s been going on? We’ve been trying to have a ba—” She stops as deep sobs rack her body.

I pull her into a hug. “I’m here, honey.” I gently comfort her, running my hands up and down her back. “We don’t know anything for sure.” I try to reassure her.

She takes in a deep, shaky breath, swiping at the tears on her cheeks. “I know he’s been sending huge sums of money to some woman in Denver. What other explanation could there be?” Her voice rises several decibels, yet trembles at the same time.

“I don’t know, honey,” I say softly, wishing I could give her the answer she needs.

“Here I am thinking my husband is out working hard to take care of the family we’re trying to grow, and instead he is out there screwing some other woman.”

“You don’t know that.” I say again.

“Oh, don’t I?” She laughs incredulously.

“What else do you think he’s doing when he’s gone for a week at a time? ‘Cause I bet you a thousand bucks, it’s not working.”

“Have you spoken to him about it?” I ask softly.

“And say what? Who’s the slut you’re seeing in Denver?”

“Sue,” I say, trying to keep her from going down that road.

“That’s exactly what she is, Lila. There’s no way she doesn’t know he’s married. He literally can’t take his wedding ring off since he broke his finger, yet she’s still taking his money and screwing him on the side. To hell with his family,” she says, throwing her hands in the air.

“I don’t know, Sue. It’s just—we could be wrong about all of this.”

“Why are you so unwilling to accept the truth, even when it’s staring you straight in the fucking face? You’re supposed to be my best friend, so why are you taking his side?” she yells. “I would think that you out of everyone would be on my side after what happened with Seth. You should know that sometimes there is no happily ever after,” she says sharply.

I wince, and I immediately see the regret in her eyes.

I’ve never seen Sue this upset. I’ve never heard her use a swear word in my life.

“I’m so sorry, Lila, I didn’t mean that.” She comes over and gives me a hug. Tears roll down both our cheeks as I hug her back.

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