Page 67 of A Seaside Escape
‘Yes.’ He looked up at her. His eyes filled with sorrow and regret. ‘I’m so sorry.’
‘Did Mairi know about Alice and your marriage?”
‘Aye… she did. She wasn’t bothered by it but she was such a free spirit… I know you’re not like that.’
What the hell did he mean by that? And why was it okay to tell Mairi and not her? ‘We were supposed to be friends and it never crossed your mind to tell me?’
‘I was scared you wouldn’t be with me if I told you.’
‘Well, you’re right. I won’t have an affair with a married man, Greg. I think you had better go now.’ Mallory’s fists clenched as she spoke.
Greg slipped his boots on. He didn’t fight. He didn’t protest. He just looked longingly at her. ‘See, I told you I wasn’t good enough for you.’ His eyes glazed over. ‘I never told you because I don’t think of her as my wife.’
‘No, but sheisyour wife, regardless. It’s a pretty huge thing to keep from someone you’re supposedly in love with, don’t you think? What else haven’t you told me? How many more lies will I uncover? I nearly slept with you! How can I trust you now?’
His lip trembled. ‘I don’t love her, Mallory, I loveyou. I don’t feel anything for her. Not even hate anymore. I’m apathetic when it comes to Alice. If I could go back in time and tell you everything, I would. She’s no doubt wanting to cause trouble and I don’t want any of it.’ A sob broke free from his throat, obviously, his heart was breaking too. ‘The sad thing is that yesterday I had a glimpse of you and me together; the whole nine yards; a proper future. And I loved it.’ His expression was pained as he sighed. ‘I hope that maybe someday you’ll forgive me for keeping the truth from you. Please don’t move away. Not because of me.’ And with that, he left.
