Page 35 of Sweet Lies

“Yeah. Can we walk around downtown for a few? Take a look at a few restaurants?” I ask.

He raises an eyebrow. “You wanting to avoid it as long as possible?”

“Yes and no. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Chicago. I want to wander. I’m as ready for later tonight as I’ll ever be.”

I was telling the truth. The last time I was here, I was a child. Dad had business and took us all with him; Mom shopped and took us around the city. It’s a happy memory.

He shrugs. “Fine. Let’s go.”

There’s a chill in the air, and the sun is setting earlier. Signs that a new season is near. I’ve always hated the cold though—once it sets in my bones, I can never break free.

I try not to dwell on all the changes that are nearing. I know Andre is leaving soon without him having to tell me. He’s been pulling away from me a little more each day. That’s why he’s pushing me. He knows his time is running out. I need to convince him to let me go with him. I could be of use to him now.

There’s a comfort in the silence as we walk along the street, passing all kinds of people. There are happy couples holding hands, with shopping bags dangling from their arms, and businessmen in tailored suits who walk briskly down the street, needing to be somewhere and already five minutes late. But most people seem to just be enjoying the night, walking along like us.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you in a suit,” I say, swinging my arms.

“That was more your brother’s position than mine. It’s more about camouflage than standing out in my line of work. Elijah needed others to know who he was, while I need them never to find out.”

I nod and we continue down the street.

“Let’s try that.” I point to a brick building with twinkling outdoor lights across the street. The sign hanging above the door reads Azzaro’s, and the large windows let us see inside.

“Come on.”

I pull him forward so we can gaze in at the candlelit diners. The food looks amazing from what I can see—I can practically smell the bread and dipping oil calling my name.

Distracted by the food, I fail to notice when Andre goes stiff as a board. Glancing up, I follow his gaze and instantly regret it.

They’re laughing about something, and I have the urge to find out what’s so funny. Instead, I just stand there breathing deeply, simply watching. They’re sharing a bottle of red wine, and I wonder if I’m part of the conversation. If they’re speaking about the good old days before everything turned to shit. I wonder if they even think of me or if I’ve disappeared from their minds while they still haunt my world.Claire and Elijah are alive and well.

Claire takes a sip of wine, leaving very little. She reaches for the bottle and adds a generous amount to the glass, making it half full once more. Elijah closes the menu and puts it to the side before topping up his glass. Then his phone lights up with a text.

I’m amazed I can see that small detail this far away, but it seems as if I’m laser-focused.

He slides the phone to Claire, and she quickly reads it before nodding.

The server sets more bread in front of them, and I watch as they both take a slice before dipping it into the oil.

Suddenly, Claire stands, and I dare her to look back at the window. The desire to view the shock on her face is overwhelming, and I lift my fist to tap on the window before thinking better of it and dropping it back to my side.

She moves to a table a couple of meters away and greets an older couple. They both appear happy to see her and rise to give her a slight hug. The older woman appears to have difficulty standing for longer than a moment. Her husband assists her back into her seat before offering Claire a spot, but she waves the offer away and points out Elijah at their table. They speak for just a moment before she returns to Elijah. They have built roots here, it seems, far away from me. Far away from our past.

It wasn’t a fast feeling. It wasn’t intense. The rage was slow, burning as if it had always been waiting there for something to release it. It burned low but bright; it took on new life and consumed me.

They left me to rot.Fuck them. Damn them to hell.

Stepping away from the light of the restaurant, I let the anger and darkness feed on itself till there is nothing left. They’ll pay for leaving me behind.

I no longer care what either of them would do. I already know my plan. It’s as easy as breathing. Tonight, a new Rebecca has been created. Claire and Elijah will pay along with the rest of them.

Andre turns, and I know what he’s seeing. He’s seeing everything about me shift and reform.

“Bec,” he starts, stepping forward. “Let’s go inside. I’m sure there’s an explanation. It would help if you saw them. Tell them you’re alive.”

The laugh comes out as bitter as I’d hoped. “Let’s go.”He tries to grab me, but I move out of reach. “I want to go. You said you would have my back—well, have it now. I want to go.”

“Go where?”

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