Page 6 of Deep Waters
Vi’s eyes narrowed. Like she’d had her doubts about him but never wanted to say.
“Simon and I weren’t much of a couple,” I admitted. “I’m not sad. Our relationship served its purpose. It was more about protection than any romantic feelings.”
Anya frowned. “It’s okay if it hurts. My ex was a rat bastard, but our breakup was still hard.”
“I was never in love with Simon,” I said gently. “And he was never into me either.”
Anya wrinkled her nose. “Weren’t you together for, like,years? Why?”
“He needed a girlfriend, and I needed a break on rent at the shop. Plus, we’d always been good friends.”
“But why— Oh.Oh, he’s gay,” Anya said.
Vi nodded slowly, like she’d already put the pieces together. Maybe she’d always suspected. It wasn’t like I’d ever giggled and swapped confidences about what it was like to kiss him. I could only hope she wouldn’t be hurt.
“Sounds like you got a raw deal—playing the at-home wifey while he whored around on the side,” Lucy said.
“Harsh, Luce. And you don’t know that he cheated.”
“I wouldn’t call it cheating,” I protested. I’ve always known we weren’t a real couple, just playing one on TV.
“But not wrong either,” Vi said, frowning. “Why’d you finally end it?”
I lifted one shoulder. “He got out of the service this week. He and his fiancé are eloping.” I glanced at my watch. “Possibly as we speak, in Hawaii.”
Lucy’s expression devolved into pure outrage. “And he didn’t even invite you to the wedding? Rude.”
I snorted. “I’ve met Alan. He’s quite nice. They make a cute couple. They didn’t need me as a third wheel. Anyway, I’m sorry if I’ve misled you all. It wasn’t malicious. I was just protecting Simon.”
Vi’s face softened. “Rae, you don’t owe us an explanation. Yes, I wish you’d told me sooner. But I get it. You were trying to protect someone. You’ve always done that.”
Lucy snorted. “Yeah, well, next time you fake-date a guy, I at least want to meet him.”
Anya squeezed my hand. “I have no room to talk,” she said quietly. “We love you. Lies and all.”
I blinked, caught off guard by the warmth in her voice. Some small part of me was bracing for judgment. For distance. My throat tightened.
“Did Zach know?” Violet asked, eyes assessing.
“No.”
“Huh,” she said thoughtfully. “Did he go off?” She grinned.
“A little bit,” I admitted.
“Well, the C Street House curse lives on…”
“What curse?” Anya asked with an arched brow. “This is something I feel I should know, as your roommate.”
Violet chuckled. “Every roommate I’ve had since moving into this house has fallen in love and moved out within a year.”
“I haven’t gone anywhere yet,” Anya protested.
Violet rolled her eyes. “It’s only a matter of time before you and Drew move in together. His gig at the B&B won’t last forever.” She turned to me. “I was going to see if you wanted to be my new roommate. I figured we’d have fun, and you’d be perfect: you’re already in a long-term relationship.”
“I don’t understand. I’m not in love. Just the opposite. Simon and I just broke up.”
“Which means Zach knows you’re free.”
