Page 74 of The Second Dance
“We were having an affair.”
My thoughts are struggling to coalescence. “It’s not an affair if he’s divorced, Becca.”
She meets my gaze. “It started long before that.”
“How long?”
“I think the first time was when we all took that family trip down to Florida.”
The family trip? That was when I was thirteen.
My voice comes out strangely emotionless. “Up to when?”
“Up to about fifteen minutes ago.” She says with a humorless laugh. “Your daddy dearest thought tonight would be a good time to tell me he’s not ready for anything long term.”
“Did my mom know?”
“Not at the time.” She shakes her head. “But she knew about the others.”
“There were others?”
“Oh, honey. Surely you knew? I would have thoughtsomeonein this town would have told you what your dad’s like.”
I stare at my bourbon, like the answer might be at the bottom of that glass. “I don’t understand. Why would she put up with that?”
“Because she didn’t want to give up that perfect life of hers.” Becca says. She pastes on a brittle smile. “I guess I was the final straw.”
I stare at her. “I guess you were.”
“I never set out to hurt her. You have to believe me.”
“I don’t have to do anything.” I push away from the bar. “If you’re looking for forgiveness, you should be talking to my mom. If it’s absolution you’re after, go to a priest. You sure as hell aren’t going to get it from me.”
I walk away, the veil completely pulled away from my eyes. Everything I thought I knew about family, about marriage and commitment, crumbles at my feet.
These fucking adults.
The games we play.
Do we ever outgrow it?
42.
Andy
Sometimes, if you want a job done right, you just have to do it yourself.
I’ve got my dad’s pickup parked along the street at the Arboretum. It’s packed full of bird houses and posts.
Technically, the county maintenance department was supposed to install them. But they couldn’t get around to it until the end of April.
And my sorry ass is stuck in Silver Bend until the project is finished.
So, yeah. I decided to just do it myself.
Technically, I won’t be completely alone. The Thorne County Bird Watchers Club is sending a volunteer. But I’ve done mail campaigns aimed at that group and I know they’re geriatric at best.
So, me and a random old duffer are supposed to install fifty bird houses and feeders throughout the grounds.
