Page 57 of Absolution

She blinks, startled. “No. I swear, Jackie, I didn’t know.”

I nod, once. Dryly. “Thanks.”

Cory leans forward, elbows on his knees. “Jackie… I’m sorry.”

I set my wine down slowly, deliberately. “I can divorce Kyle.” My voice is quiet, controlled. “But what about you?”

He looks up at me, confused.

“You were my family,” I say. “You were supposed to be onmyside.”

“Iamon your side.”

“No,” I whisper. “You’re not. If you were, you would’ve told me.” My throat tightens. “God, Cory… you’re mybig brother.”

He breaks then, visibly. His voice rasping, “Jackie…”

“Get out.”

He doesn’t move.

I stand. “Get out of my house.”

His eyes are glassy as he rises, blinking back the tears that slip down anyway. He nods once, like he’s too ashamed to argue. Then he walks out.

I don’t sit down.

Not yet.

I just stand there, breathing like I’m drowning, until I finally glance at Marianne.

“Go with him,” I say, quieter now.

“I can stay,” she says, voice soft. “If you want me to-”

“I wanna be alone,” I say. “Please. Go before he drives.”

She hesitates for just a beat, then walks over and pulls me into a hug. Tight. Real. Her hand rests at the back of my neck, like she doesn’t want to let go.

Then she does. And she runs after him, shutting the door behind her.

I don’t move. I just lower myself back onto the couch and I sit there, wondering how I’ll ever survive this.

This betrayal.

Not just his.

Theirs.

Chapter Eighteen

Kyle

“Well, son,” my father says, swirling his black coffee, “how about you and I go swing a couple of holes this morning? There are some clients I’d like you to meet.”

I glance up from my plate. “I told you; I’m not moving here.”

He waves that off like I’m joking. “Then let me kick your ass in front of them.”

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