Page 56 of Don't Lie to Me
He rubbed his tongue across the inside of his cheek that I had just smacked, and still – he said nothing.
Asshole.
“You’re an asshole, Jack.”
As I turned to leave, I saw, what I thought was a flash of fear, or panic flicker through his eyes.
“Emma,” he said, his voice hoarse.
I paused, hoping he’d stop me from leaving. That he’d tell me he was being a jerk and that he was sorry. Then we’d sit down and calmly talk about what was going on, what was bothering him so severely.
The flicker in his eyes disappeared as he took a deep breath, rolling back his shoulders and standing straight and tall. He shook his head, and said nothing.
I was a naïve, foolish girl.
I pursed my lips and swallowed my tears. I wouldn’t let him see how much this affected me. He had given me a job, my lifeline when I needed it the most, and then made me fall in love with him.
Only to rip it away when the first sign of trouble appeared.
A bone-chilling silence filled his apartment as I picked up my bags and purse for the last time. He said nothing, gave no showing of an emotion as I walked away from him.
Tears erupted once I was finally enclosed in the safety of his elevator doors.
I was just walking into my apartment with Logan and Penny when my cell phone went off. I ignored it, knowing it wasn’t Jack. Not that I was expecting him to call, or text, or fucking apologize for the way he manhandled me.
The only people who texted me were Macy and my parents, and I didn’t want to talk to either of them for fear I might lose any hold I was maintaining on my emotions; however small it was at the moment.
I paid Penny and began running Logan’s bathwater, thinking about dinner and trying as hard as I possibly could to forget my nightmare afternoon with Jack. More tears would come, I was sure after Logan went to bed, but I didn’t want him to see me upset.
“Come on in the bath now, buddy,” I called to Logan once the tub was filled. He happily jumped in and once he began playing with the water toys, I braved my phone.
It was from Marcus. I smiled reading his text.
Can’t stop thinking about Logan. Can I see him tonight? I can bring dinner.
I wasn’t in the mood for company. Especially Marcus. I also hated the idea of telling him no. He had so much fun with Logan the day before.
I checked my watch and realized that I was starving and hadn’t eaten anything all day. I also didn’t feel like cooking. I also really didn’t feel like company and the thought of having to put on a fake smile for Marcus tonight was totally unappealing when I felt like throwing up. On the other hand, if he was there, he could take care of Logan while I wallowed in my self-pity and anger.
“Hey, it’s Emma,” I said when he answered. I smiled at Logan as he splashed in the bubbles and played with his cars. “Hey Logan, do you want to see….your dad?”
Logan’s smile lit up, full of hopefulness. “Can I?”
I heard Marcus’ laughter through the phone. “Have I mentioned how much I fucking love being called a dad?”
I shook my head. “Maybe once or twice. But you’re really going to need to start watching your language, you know.”
“Shit. Oh…crap. Yeah, I keep forgetting. Anyway, can I bring you guys some dinner tonight and spend a couple hours with him?”
I smiled at the hesitancy in Marcus’ voice. He seemed so vulnerable and like maybe he had as crappy of an afternoon as me. Plus, Logan was excited. There was no way I was going to be the one responsible for wiping the smile off Logan’s face.
“Not a problem. I’m finishing up Logan’s bath, but we’ll be here.”
“God, thank you, Emma. Seriously, you don’t owe me this, but I’m so fu….freaking grateful for you giving me this chance.”
“Yeah, well just don’t screw it up,” I replied, not even half-joking.
I practically heard Marcus’ teeth grind together through the phone and I almost regretted the warning immediately. All day yesterday he had acted like the guy I remembered – the good guy - before everything went to shit. Deep down, I knew he was a good guy, and one of the reasons I’d agreed to elope and hadn’t been afraid of having a child with him.
