Page 26 of The Secrets We Keep

Wow... I can’t believe I was brave enough to spit that out.

I push my hair back over my shoulder and reach down quickly to retrieve my keys that I dropped. Upon standing back up I look at Chet, he looks shocked by my words. Good. He takes a step sideways, so I step forward toward my door. I just need to be able to get inside and away from him, except before I can get the key in the hole to unlock my door, he grabs my wrist causing me to shriek as every bone in my body goes rigid.

“I mean it. I’ll end you.” His voice is laced with venom and his glare alone is enough to make me sick.

I slowly nod, trying to keep the tears at bay. I don’t want him to see me breakdown. He lets me go, straightens his shirt, and walks away. I swallow the lump in my throat and somehow manage to insert my key and unlock the door. I can’t get in fast enough. Once in, I shut the door, locking it immediately. Sliding down to the floor, I take several deep breaths. It is then that I look down at my hands and realize they are shaking. I let the tears come then. They come fast with no signs of stopping. One would think I would be all cried out by now, but no. My phone buzzes causing me to jump. Fuck! I pull my phone out and see a text from Landon, what impeccable timing he has.

Who was that guy outside your door?

Seriously? Is he stalking me too? I don’t bother with a reply. My mind can’t handle it.

Chapter 13

I decided not to go to work. Sam was understanding and for that I’m glad. I haven’t left my condo. I’m afraid to leave. I don’t know when or if Chet is going to pop back up. I drag myself up off the couch where I’ve been since last night. I need coffee, ASAP. Heading into the kitchen I start the pot. It’s almost 9:30 and I need to come up with some sort of plan. Maybe move… again? Start fresh… again. I could forget about Landon. Forget how he made me feel alive. I could also lose Sarah again. Thinking about losing her hurts. I just got my sister back. Regardless, there’s Chet. Standing smack dab in between us. He’s like a sore that doesn’t go away. The coffee beeps, alerting me that it is ready, pulling me from my thoughts.

By the time noon rolls around I’ve got four places to consider moving to. This time around I’m doing my homework. I’m satisfied with narrowing it down. Feeling somewhat accomplished. My phone goes off, making me jump. I have received a text from Jessy. Shit! I forgot about our lunch plans. I call her, not bothering to text back. She deserves a phone call.

“Hey you! What happened?” Jessy answers immediately.

“I’m so sorry! Really… things have been more than hectic.”

“I see. You forgot about me. I even went to your work and your boss told me you called out.”

“I did. It’s a long story. Why don’t you come over. I’ll make us some lunch and explain everything.”

Am I ready to explain everything? Maybe telling her my problems will give me another point of view.

“Okay. I think I like this new plan. I’ll bring wine.” Jessy says.

We say our goodbyes and as I pull out stuff to make lunch, I feel both terrible and relieved at the same time. Terrible that I forgot and relieved that I might finally get some advice on the mess I have in front of me.

Jessy arrives about 30 minutes later and sure enough with a bottle of red moscato in hand.

Smiling, she says, “I thought you might need a glass or two."

I smile, pulling her in for a hug. "Thanks girl. You truly are awesome."

Jessy makes herself right at home. She takes off her shoes and tosses them by the door then sets about opening the wine. Her hair is piled on top of her head without a care in the world. She really is the friend every girl should have. I pull out two stemless wine glasses. Best invention ever by the way.

"The salad is ready." I pause before continuing. “Greek salad, I'm just warming up some bread to go with it."

"Sounds delish, and sounds like you want to avoid something. Now spill."

Jessy wastes no time. She is ruthless, yet another reason I've grown to love her.

Chewing my lip, I debate on where to start. I want to tell her about Chet, but I'm scared. I look up at her. She must notice my stalling because her hands move to her hips and her eyebrow is drawn up.

"Well,” Jessy states, "Get to talking."

Pulling out the bread, I exhale and find the small ounce of bravery I have left. I’ve put this off long enough.

"My real name is Eleanor, not Evie. I changed my name after running from my past."

Jessy says nothing. She's busy chewing her food. She nods for me to continue, so I do.

"I was a real estate agent and worked alongside my sister Sarah's fiancé, Chet. One night I caught him with another woman in his office."

She gasps, shakes her head.

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