Page 264 of The First Time
"How did you two end up married?"
"I've embarrassed Blake too much already."
Blake is still red. It's amazing. I can hardly believe that he's capable of any kind of shyness.
I lean closer and lower my voice to a whisper. "I won't tell."
"It started off as sex. It was about the only thing we had in common. We got caught up in the passion. Then I… well, Blake knows this story. I got pregnant. It was a surprise, but it was wanted. I'd always dreamt of being a mother. We married immediately. Things were different then. People didn't have children out of wedlock." She finishes her last drop of champagne and moves towards the nearest waiter.
Blake fusses over Meryl. He takes her glass. Shoots her a concerned look.
She shakes her head. "I'd better let you go, dear. I'm sure Blake wants to show you off."
"Likely."
She studies my expression. "I wouldn't fault you if you were after his money or his looks."
"I… Uh… It did start that way. Physically, I mean. But Blake's…" I look at Blake in the hopes he can rescue me from this conversation, but he's still finding another glass of wine. "He's wonderful."
"Really? He's always seemed… uncompromising."
"Sometimes. But I… I trust him to take care of me." At least that's not a lie. Not technically. I trust him to get me off. And that's taking care of me. In a way.
"Be patient with him. His father wasn't a good man. It's no excuse, but…" She shakes her head as she falls into her thoughts.
Blake arrives with two fresh glasses. He hands one to his mom and one to me. "Give us a minute."
I nod. "Of course. It was lovely to meet you."
Meryl nods. Neither of them speaks until I turn, and even then, it's too quiet for me to hear.
Even so, I can tell they're talking about me.
I can tell they're sharing a secret.
