Page 31 of Cross My Heart
“Anytime…and, Dex? Don’t go crazy and do something stupid. Just because she has wine with Jamie tonight, in your house, doesn’t mean anything is going on between them.”
I can’t tell if he is laughing at me, but I growl and hang up on him anyway. Immediately, I start flipping through the feeds on the home cameras until I find them in the kitchen. She has her feet curled under her on the stool. Her hand is on his arm and she is laughing. My gut clenches as I call her.
“Oh, hey, Dex. Everything okay?” She asks without a care in the world.
“Are you on a date?” I ask without preamble.
The confusion is written on her face as she answers, “What? What are you talking about?”
“Jamie. Are you on a date with Jamie? You didn’t tell me Jamie was a he, not a she,” I bite out.
I’m watching her on the video feed when I see her roll her eyes to Jamie.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me. Answer the question,” as soon as I say it, I wish I could take it back.
Her head swivels all around the room until she lands on the camera above the cabinet. Her voice is low and heated. “Are you watching me?”
“Damn right, I’m watching you! Now answer the question. Are you on a date with him in my house?” I’m not sure if it’s hurt, betrayal, or anger she hears in my voice, but none of it is enough to tame her rage.
“You psycho creeper!” She states lividly. Her emotions take over and she can't control herself. “It is none, you hear me…NONE of your business if I’m on a date. I told you, Iaskedyou if I could have friends over. You told me this was my home too. You have no say in who or what I do!”
“Lanie…” I realize she has hung up on me. I glare back at the monitor and find her giving me the finger as she drags a chair over to the counter. Before I can blink, she has ripped the camera from the wall.
FUCK! I call her back but she doesn’t answer. A few minutes later, I get a text.
Lanie: I am too mad to answer your call right now. If you have a question about the kids, then ask it via text. I will not answer your calls. We will talk about this when you get home.
Dexter: The fuck we will, that is in 4 days! I want to talk now!
Lanie: I don’t. Do you need anything concerning the kids?
Dexter: Lanie, don’t push me.
Lanie: Yes or no, Mr. Cross?
Dexter: Ms. Heart, I’m furious.
Lanie: Good. Me too. Tate will call you tomorrow. Goodbye.
She doesn’t answer my messages for the rest of the night, so I finally give up. He better not be touching her, or I will break his legs. Knowing there is nothing else I can do right now, I finish up work.
In the next few days, there is very little communication from Lanie. She texts me pictures of the kids and answers direct questions about them when I call. Most of the time, when she answers, she immediately puts Tate on the phone.
Finally, my deal in London wraps up. I head to the airport, calling Trevor on my way.
“Hey, Dex, congrats on the deal! You must be so relieved?” He says, pride evident in his voice.
“Yeah, I am. Thanks. Have you been by the house lately?” I ask, unable to focus on anything but Lanie.
He laughs while answering, “I was there yesterday. Lanie has everything covered. Why?”
“She is pissed at me about the cameras, I kind of messed up. I lost my shit when she had a guy over and let slip that I could see her rolling her eyes at me.” I tell him.
He laughs heartily, “Yeah, I know. Jamie and I had a good laugh about you yesterday.”
“What the fuck! Are you friends with him too? Jesus, can’t anyone be on my side? Why does everyone have fucking eyes for my girl?” I growl.
He goes silent, “Your girl? What are you saying, Dex?”
