Page 26 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

My mind was racing with different thoughts. I was so lost and didn’t know what to do anymore. I took a glance at Vina. She was talking, but I wasn’t paying attention to any words leaving her lips.

I should tell her. I couldn’t do this anymore. I was scared things would spiral out of control soon if I didn’t ask Vina for help.

Tell her, tell her, tell her.

“Vee,” I called, shutting her up.

“Yes?”

“I have … I have something I need to tell you,” I said and fiddled with my fingers.

Can I trust her? What if she panics and tells someone?

“Chloe? I’m listening,” she said with a scrutinizing stare. She took a sip from her herbal tea and waited for me to speak.

“Tristan is back,” I said and paused, needing another moment to build up the courage to tell her the truth.

“I know. What did he do? Be honest with me, Chloe. You know I will go to jail for you.” She looked serious.

“Relax. It’s nothing. I thought you didn’t know.” I forced a smile.

“Is that all?” she asked, not looking convinced.

“Mmhmm. Yes.” I nodded.

“Is he bothering you?”

“No,” I replied sharply.

“Do you still have feelings for him? You can tell me. I won’t judge.”

“No! Of course not.” I laughed.

“If he tries anything stupid or bothers you, let me know,” she said with a deadly yet lovely smile.

“I have some work to do,” she said, stretching her back and moving her neck side to side. She’d been working long hours. “I’ll be in my room.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek and smacked my ass.

I watched her as she walked away. I was very close to telling her, but the doubt at the back of my head that kept telling me not to trust her stopped me.

***

I was surprised to see Daniel, Malva, and Donia walk into the diner during my shift. They smiled at me as they walked to the counter. I took a short break and joined them at an empty booth.

“Sorry about your job. It’s been boring without you. I swear, Mrs. Carter was searching for you during the last staff meeting,” Donia said, and I laughed.

“It’s fine. I was sick of the job anyway. I was expecting it. Surprised I lasted that long.”

“If you’re looking for another job, I know a place,” Daniel offered.

How sweet.

“No, not yet.”

There was a lot on my plate right now. I felt like the Greek god that was punished to hold the globe on his shoulders for eternity. I needed to find a solution soon and clear up the mess I had made.

Why do I always fuck things up?Everything was going as I’d planned until the Sanchesters returned like a bad curse that followed me around.

Daniel and Malva filled me in on everything that had happened since I’d left. I wasn’t the only person fired. Some lady named Amara had been caught stealing from the room she was cleaning.

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