I swing open the door. My lungs stall as my stomachhits the floor.
Chapter 50
SLADE
I park in front of Krissy’s townhouse. The street light reflects off my windshield while I watch the sunrise, waiting for her to get home from work.
I could have continued to lie in bed and think about Sarah telling me that we need to be careful, but I did that all night, and I’d had enough.
So, I wait for the other most important woman in my life to tell me if she’s ever going to forgive me.
Headlights flash in my rearview and slow as they get closer. She pulls into the short one-lane drive.
I climb out of my truck as she gathers her stuff from her car.
“Seriously, Slade. It’s been a long night, and I’m tired.” She shoves her car door closed with her hip.
I tuck my hands in my pockets. “Just five minutes, Kris.”
She heads to her door, not even glancing at me. “Slade, I don’t have anything to say right now.” She twists the lock and steps inside.
I follow her in as she sets her things down and finally turns toward me.
“Just what? Say what you need to say so I can go to bed.” She crosses her arms, looking as tired as I feel.
I should have prepared for this. I should know what I want to say, but I don’t. Telling her I need her forgiveness seems like one more selfish request.
My stomach clenches tight, and I exhale, admitting the thing that’s stuck with me since she stormed out of the shop. “I think you were right.”
She stares at me.
“Part of the reason I didn’t tell you was because I didn’t want to face it all over again. But. . .I also couldn’t stand to take anything away from how you remember Mom.” I pause. “I knew it would hurt you.”
“Hurt?” She scoffs and shakes her head. “It’s all one big fat lie. I was such an idiot.” She huffs a laugh. “No wonder she always avoided questions.” Her eyes meet mine. “Butyoucould have told me.Youmade the rule that we never lie to each other.”
The force of her words slams into me.
“I didn’t lie.”
She rolls her eyes. “Keeping the truth from me is equivalent.”
I can’t even defend myself.
“It was him that day at the shop, wasn’t it? He brought Sarah to get her car.”
I nod, having no doubt she’s spent hours researching Griffin Macavoy. “She works for him.”
She shakes her head as it falls forward. “I’m so stupid. I just thought you were pissed another man was helping her.”
Krissy stares at the floor. “Does she know?”
“Yes.” I look at my boots, knowing I am about to make things even worse. “I went to see him,” I admit softly.
Her gaze locks on mine.
“Once, after I found out Mom was sick. I wanted him to talk to her. See if she’d continue treatment. Then again, recently. Sarah’s ex is petitioning for custody of Ollie and Frankie. Macavoy has seen us together. I had to be sure he’d help her if she asked. Not refuse because of me.”
She lifts her chin. “And what? We’re still nothing more than their dirty little secrets?”
