Page 50 of Playing With Secrets
She stands and moseys back to the window, hiding tears in her eyes. “That’s the problem. Dori and I process together. We’ve never held things in.”
“And you’re sure that’s happening now?”
“Yes. She used to call or text to ask me about how she should respond to a message from you. Now, if your name comes up, she’s tight-lipped. It’s like you’re no longer a topic we can discuss.”
“Dori and I aren’t on great terms. If she’s not talking about me, it’s likely because there’s nothing left to say.” I rise to my feet and lean against the edge of my desk.
Mel glances at me over her shoulder. “Why are you two on bad terms?”
“We had a huge disagreement.” I run my hand over my chest to relieve the pain in my heart.
“About what?”
“Dori turned to Hunter when she could have leaned on me.”
“What did she need to lean on you for?” Mel's brow creases as she studies me.
I realize Dori hasn’t told Melanie anything about being pregnant. Dori’s dealing with it all alone because she wouldn’t tell Hunter or Aiden.
I don’t know why I didn’t think of this before, but this is what she does. She cuts people off and hides away so she can figure out how she feels. My stomach bottoms out.
She tried to handle her grief on her own the first time she miscarried and she fell into a deep depression. I wasn’t there for her then and I’m not there for her now.
How could I be so insensitive?
This is typical of her. She pretends she’s fine to the outside world when inside, she’s crumbling.
It becomes clear to me she needs me more than I thought. She’s buried her pain and it’s going to reach up from wherever she’s hiding it and take hold of her without mercy.
“Mel, what Dori’s dealing with is for her to share, but the issue between her and me is she loves Hunter more. Look, this isn’t about me. This is about you. Just talk to her and behonest about how you’re feeling. I’m sure she’ll open up if you do.”
“I hope so because I miss my best friend.” Mel stares at me like I have the magical answer. “What if our friendship isn’t what it used to be?”
I’m done with this serious conversation. I need to focus on how to help Dori, so I flip the weight of it all.
“Look, if your friendship with her never gets back on track, you can always do what I’ve done.”
“What’s that?”
I gesture to the window. “Pack up and go on to greener pastures. I find an opportunity that will help me hit my next goal and run with it. It’s worked out for me so far. This last move could be questionable, but I’ve learned a lot about myself.”
“Are you thinking about leaving after your contract is up?”
“Possibly. I want my happily ever after. I’m ready for it, and if it’s not here, it’s somewhere out there.”
“So you’re saying we can run away anywhere we want, leave all this behind us, and find our happy ending?” She signals with her hand around my office. “Is it really that easy?”
“It can be if you want it bad enough. We can do anything we want. Who’s stopping us? Once my contract duties are completed, I can move anywhere in the world.”
Mel smiles. “There’s nothing keeping me here. Who knows? It could be fun.”
“You two can’t be serious.” Dori’s appalled voice fills the room.
Melanie and I turn toward the doorway. Dori’s face is pale and she’s struggling to catch her breath. Melanie and I trade a glance.
Dori gasps. “You are serious. You two have been dating behind my back and now you’re talking about running away together. How could either of you do this to me?”
CHAPTER 13
