CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

LILY

That was one of the longest days of my life. Then his parents wanted to know everything, too

I thought my family was exhausting, but his is on steroids. They hashed everything out. It was kind of nice how they went back and forth. His mom was the one who got the final word. It’s surprising. I’m used to my dad’s heavy-handed ways when it comes to my family. It doesn’t help that he is a lawyer and hates to lose in an argument. I guess my mom is somewhat of a pushover when it comes to my dad. But that’s the way they are.

I like Blake’s parents. They don’t judge me. I thought they would hate me after they found out that Ted was the one who took Blake. But they didn’t. I was surprised because I still blame myself.

After everyone leaves, we have a chance to get some much-needed sleep. I lie on my side waiting for Blake to come and lie down with me. I went to bed in my comfy sleep shorts and T-shirt. Blake walks out of the bathroom in his black boxers. I’m not surprised when he gets into bed and pulls me against him, to where my back is pressed against his chest.

"I was really scared today,” I whisper to him. “I don’t want to think what could have happened."

I was afraid to say it out loud. I’ve been able to keep it together, but now, in his arms, I can’t stop the tears from falling.

He wraps his arms around me and holds me close. "I love you. I’m not leaving, okay?"

I nod, and my tears slow down. I know I heard him correctly.

I turn my head a little so I can see him. "I love you, too. I don’t know what would happen if Ted––"

He doesn’t let me finish my sentence but stops me from talking with a kiss.

"This is Ted’s fault and no one else’s," he says.

I snuggle deeper into him and drift off to sleep. Feeling safe and loved in his arms.

* * *

Though I went to sleep happy knowing Blake said the words I’ve been wanting to hear, I wake up filled with dread because I remember Blake promised my dad we would come and see him today.

I know he wants us to go and see my parents first thing today. I’ve been avoiding this talk since I skipped out on my wedding. How the hell do you tell your parents that your sister has been sleeping with your fiancé? I hate my sister for what she did, but I’m almost grateful at the same time, which is warped but true.

Marrying Ted would have been the worst mistake I’ve ever made. My sister and I had been close for a long time until only a couple of years back when she started to hate my guts. I don’t know what happened, but it was sudden. I tried to talk to her about it, but she would just walk away. I figured it was something she had to work out and things would be back to normal eventually, but they never did. She seems to truly hate me and my parents. Over time, I gave up trying to find out the reason and went on with my life.

Blake walks into the bedroom.

"Great, you’re already up."

I don’t respond. I give a little groan and throw the cover over my face.

He laughs at me. I’m not a morning person, that’s for sure.

He walks closer to the bed and pulls the covers back so he can see my face. I glare up at him through slitted eyes.

"It’s too early."

He learns over and gives me a kiss.

"I have to go to work, but I’ll be back before lunch so we can go and visit your parents."

"Great," I mumble.

He laughs at me as he walks out of the room. I roll over and go back to sleep. I hate morning people.

* * *

The ringing of the phone finally wakes me up. I figure it’s Blake calling to check on me.

I’m fully awake when I hear my sister’s voice on the other end.

"Lily, can we meet?" I’m shocked but totally awake now.

"Where?" I ask her, heading to the bathroom.

"Starbucks. A block from your apartment. Twenty minutes?"

She hangs up before I can say anything more. How strange. I hurry about and get ready. Call Blake and tell him I’m meeting my sister in case he gets back before I do. He doesn’t answer, so I leave a message.

I head down the street to see her, wondering how she knew where I’ve been staying. Maybe Dad told her. Then again, I don’t think Dad knows where Blake lives.

I’m ready to walk through the door when my phone rings. It’s Blake.

"Hey, Blake. I can’t talk long. I’m meeting my sister."

"Where are you?"

He sounds upset. I wonder what’s going on.

"Starbucks by the apartment."

"I’m on my way. Don’t leave with your sister."

That’s weird. I’m standing right in front of her now. She is smiling at me and is acting a little too happy.

"Okay, see you soon."

I hang up and sit down across from her. There is a drink waiting for me.

"I got you your favorite cappuccino," she tells me.

I’m grateful. I need this to wake up. I take a couple of sips and look over at her. She is watching me, doesn’t take her eyes off me.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"I know you haven’t told our parents about me being the one sleeping with Ted," she gets right to the point.

"I plan on seeing them today and telling them everything."

I take a couple more sips of my drink. Instead of waking me up, it’s making me feel bad, almost dizzy. My phone rings again. I go to take it out of my purse, but Violet snatches it from my hands. "You don’t need this."

She looks at me with a smile.

"You don’t look so good," she says. "We better get out of here before you become sick."

She helps me out of my chair and out the door. I can barely keep my eyes open. I don’t know what’s going on. I can’t keep track of my thoughts. Violet helps me into a car, and then I black out. When I start to wake up, I’m still in the car. We are out in the country. I roll my head to see that Violet is driving us. I wonder where we are going. I want to say something, but I can’t talk. I fall back asleep.

I wake up again. This time, I’m lying across the hood of a car. We are at the summer cabin. I always enjoyed coming here. I wonder why Violet brought me out here.

Someone is in the boat house. I don’t see Violet. I struggle to sit up on the hood of the car. What is wrong with me? Why am I so sleepy?

I hear cars approaching and look down the road. There are flashing lights. I don’t know why they are here. Did something happen? It’s too much for my brain to handle right now. I lie back on the hood. Maybe one of them will tell me what’s going on. I fall back asleep.