Confusion

By Linda Burson

Marcy has choices to make. If she finally tells everyone about her tragic past, she’ll heal and eventually move on— but she is still missing a large piece of the puzzle.

Liam finally gets the information he’s been waiting for, and from that Marcy discovers another secret about her past.

Brad deals with the aftermath of his revelation about his father and makes a shocking and difficult decision for him and Marcy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Class Act Books
• Release date: Dec 14, 2015

Book preview

Chapter 1

After kissing a sleeping Brad, I depart his apartment building. With the medicine he took for his injured hand, he should be asleep for some time. Even though the reason we’re spending this time together is because he broke his finger from punching my bedroom wall, we’re getting along well and enjoying each other’s company.

I know I told Brad I was going for a walk and shopping, but after strolling storefront windows a while, I determine it’s a good time to go see Liam. Since he didn’t answer my text, it’s possible he might be in a compromising situation again, and I don’t want to cause a problem for him if he is. I remember the last time I was wondering why I hadn’t heard from him, he was being stabbed from a stakeout. Since he’s planning on us meeting Monday for another late night excursion into the dark, violent world of the criminal element, we should talk. I don’t know how close he thinks he is to finding the murderous Michigan Five Gang, but I’m certain we’re not done getting the information we need. I can’t help but feel sad that the longer it takes to find these depraved felons, the more time Liam has to concentrate on the horrible nightmare of his family’s violent deaths.

I walk a couple of blocks more enjoying the cloudless day before hailing a taxi to 44th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue. Liam always says never give the exact address. Have someone drop you off at a different place from where you’re actually going. It’s amazing how paranoid he has made me, but I suppose I should be paranoid considering what we’re doing is illegal, though in my mind destroying wicked people doesn’t feel wrong.

Exiting the cab, I walk the last few blocks to Liam’s apartment. As soon as I’m near his building, I remember I still have the keys he had given me last weekend when I stayed with him. This is good because I know he won’t answer the bell if I ring it. He said no one should ever be visiting him without notice, so he won’t answer the door. I text him and he doesn’t respond, which means he’s probably not home, and I can let myself in and wait.

Unlocking the front door, I walk up to the second floor to #218. Unlocking that door, I nudge it open because suddenly I feel like I’m intruding. What if he’s in the bathroom and doesn’t have his phone with him and I’m just walking in? I suppose I don’t belong here alone since I told him I couldn’t be in a romantic relationship with him anymore.

I don’t see him and the bathroom door is open, so unless he’s in his bedroom, he’s not here. As I set my purse and jacket down, I hear a rumbling of voices. The sound is strange. In a prudent manner, I walk back toward his bedroom. The noises are definitely coming from there. Shit, does this mean he’s here? Why didn’t he answer his text? I observe the door ajar so I cautiously peek around the corner. My eyes just about explode out of my head. I can’t believe it. Liam is flat on his back with a dark-haired woman on top of him and they’re having sex. I want to throw up. The son of a bitch couldn’t even wait three days after I told him I couldn’t sleep with him anymore to screw somebody else. I shake my head rapidly from side to side in disbelief.

"You bastard! At least now I know how much you’re in love with me," I yell.

Liam startles and turns his gaze in my direction. Before I turn to run out, I see him throw off the woman and yell my name.

I hear her speak. What the hell’s going on, Liam?

He grabs hold of my arm just before I can open the front door to leave.

Marcy, baby, please. It’s not what you think.

Gee, Liam, I thought a line like that was only used in movies because a woman would have to be a total moron to not understand that! And don’t call me baby! I shout with tears pouring down my face.

Marcy, I’m in love with you that’s why I did this stupid thing. You hurt me so much I couldn’t stand it anymore. I just wanted to do whatever I could to try to get you out of my head.

How did I hurt you so much? All I said was I couldn’t see you anymore in an intimate way. I wasn’t sleeping with Brad, and I couldn’t sleep with you.

"You are having sex with him," he says with scowling eyes.

At this time, the girl in the bedroom comes out in Liam’s shirt. She asks if he’s coming back or if she should leave.

You know what, sweetie? I say sarcastically, You stay, I’m leaving. I don’t know what you think you know, Liam, but we’ve decided to abstain just like I said you and I had to. So why is it you’re so sure we’re having sex?

Because I heard you, damn it! he shouts.

Aha, I thought so. You big jerk! I found your damn bug in my purse. Everything you heard after my strap broke was said on purpose to get back at you. You have a lot of nerve spying on me you, you...

Wait a minute. You knew? You said all that stuff to punish me? Oh, Marcy…

"Don’t oh Marcy me."

He grasps both of my arms and tries to pull me close to him.

Are you freaking kidding me? You’re standing here naked with...with her all over you and...just don’t touch me!

I pull away and run out the door. He calls after me, but I ignore him. I sprint down the stairs and out the main entrance and keep running until I’m at least three blocks away. I’m crying, and I don’t quite understand why. I mean, I’ve decided most likely I’ll stay with Brad, especially since he apologized to me and admitted he made a big mistake when he broke our engagement, but I still can’t help my emotions. Obviously, I still love Liam—love him enough to be upset by him being with another woman.

I need to call my mom. I can’t go back to Brad’s apartment this upset. I pull my phone out of my purse, and I see my burner cell ringing. I push ignore. I just can’t speak to him right now.

Mom, I say crying.

Marcy. What’s wrong, honey? What’s happened?

Mom, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I think I’m choosing to stay with Brad, but Liam upset me so much. I caught him with another woman.

She asks me to calm down and start at the beginning. I take a few deep breaths and tell her what happened.

I don’t know why I love this man so much. He seems to have such a hold on me, and I don’t understand why.

Marcy, sometimes we can’t explain why the heart wants what it wants. It doesn’t mean it’s wrong, it just means we get confused. You need to incorporate your mind. Use your intelligence to logically figure out why you feel so connected to him. The heart will lead us astray, but our hearts combined with our reason helps us decipher what the right answer is for us.

I keep thinking staying with Brad’s the right choice, but seeing Liam with another woman made me absolutely crazy, Mom. How could he do this? He’s supposed to be in love with me!

That’s probably because it was too soon. You never expected him to behave this way, and he disappointed you. Marcy, you would’ve expected him to move on eventually with someone else. You just didn’t think it’d be today. That’s why you’re upset, not because of making the wrong choice, but because you haven’t had enough time to release him. I’m sure he’s still in love with you. That’s why he did what he did. He was hurt. He reacted by having sex with someone else. That’s not usually a good decision, but when a heart’s broken, it does stupid things sometimes. He wasn’t thinking clearly. He just wanted to hurt you back, not intentionally, but deep down inside, he was so distraught, he thought being with another woman was somehow going to punish you and maybe punish himself for losing you.

So, still being in love with him isn’t a bad thing?

No, honey. Still being in love with him is a very normal thing. A part of you will always love Liam, but when you start building a life with Brad, the part that loves Brad will increase so much that it’ll overpower the feelings you have for Liam. It doesn’t mean the love you feel for him goes away, but your feelings for Brad will be so great that you’ll think they dissipated. As I said, this isn’t going to happen today. Unfortunately, it would’ve been easier had you not caught him with another woman.

I wish I hadn’t caught him either. Seeing him like that with someone else was very upsetting, and I thought maybe I wasn’t ready to let him go. Then when I think back over the moments I’ve had with Brad this week, I realize I can’t live without him. Thanks Mom, I’m sure you’re right. I never expected him to behave this way. I know he’s been with a lot of women in his past. He freely admitted this, but he said he was glad that was over.

Marcy, it was over because he thought he had you, but when you let him go, he reacted the only way he knew, and that was to go back to his old behavioral pattern. I’m sure whoever commits to this man, he’ll be very faithful to them. He sounds like a perfect gentleman and treats women with the love and respect they deserve. He won’t have trouble finding someone eventually, but you letting him go is only fair to him. You can’t hold onto him if you’re making a commitment to another man, and reacting in a jealous, angry manner is telling him you still care.

But I do, Mom. I told you, I can’t help it. If he would’ve only waited until I was out of his life. This just isn’t fair.

Marcy, life isn’t always fair…you know that. You can’t be selfish. If you love him, then you need to let him go.

How can I tell Mom that I can’t let him go? We have something we started and it has to be finished. We’re still going to see a lot of each other. That’s something she doesn’t know. I thought he’d keep busy with his obsession for justice and wouldn’t have time for other women, or I suppose I didn’t think about it at all. I don’t know. I just know I’m still angry with him, and I’m going to make sure he knows it whether it’s right or wrong. My burner cell is ringing again. I don’t think he’s going to stop calling me until I answer.

Mom, I’m getting another call. I’ve got to go. Thank you for always being here for me. I love you.

I love you too, sweetheart. Trust yourself and your decisions.

I take a deep breath and silently answer my burner.

Marcy? Marcy, I know you’re there. I can hear you breathing. Where are you? Please let me talk to you.

I don’t think we have anything to discuss right now.

Baby, yes, we do. Please, let me see you. Please, where are you?

I’m on the street.

I know that. Tell me where, or come back here.

I don’t want to see your...

She’s gone, Marcy. No one’s here but me. Please come back.

I don’t know. I think it’s a mistake. You’ve obviously moved on and that’s what I need to do. I’ll meet you Monday. Just tell me where and when.

I haven’t moved on, Marcy. I love you more than you know. I’m sorry for my behavior. It was wrong. I can’t take it back. I behaved like a child—I know that. You said on the phone you weren’t having sex with Brad, but then I heard you talk about it, and I went crazy. I went to a bar and got drunk and picked up the first woman I knew I could fuck. I’ve only ever made love to two women in my life, Marcy, and you know one of them is you.

Please stop saying that.

It’s true and you know it. You know me better than anyone else.

Liam, this is just too painful right now for both of us. It’s all too new. We need to step back and stop torturing ourselves. You and I seem to know how to do this so well. Please tell me where to meet you Monday and what time.

Okay, but this conversation’s not over by any means. Meet me here at 10:00 p.m. You can’t meet me where we’re going. It’s not a safe neighborhood. I’ll take you there. I’ll be driving my car.

Okay, I’ll be there at 10:00.

Marcy? he asks.

I’m quiet.

I’ll be alone the rest of the weekend, and unless you tell me we’re completely over and you’re certain, I’ll never touch another woman. I give you my word.

Liam, I have no right not to allow you to be with whomever you want, but I just don’t understand how you could want to so quickly. I even told Brad we should uphold our promise to abstain, and I’m in love with him. He’s been a part of my life for well over two years. He asked me to marry him. It’d make sense to be intimate with him and much more difficult to stay away from each other, but after everything he and I went through this last month, he knows it’s the right thing to do. I’ll be honest with you though. I did have sex with him, not that it was entirely my choice. He was so angry and enraged when he found out about you, he went a little crazy. This was a Brad I didn’t know.

Did he hurt you, Marcy?

No, Brad would never hurt me. Instead, he hurt himself and my wall by punching multiple holes into it, but you may already know that because of the bug you planted which is another major issue I have with you, buddy.

Yes, I’m aware that’s going to be a problem between us. I missed all the wall punching and yelling. You must not’ve had your purse with you then. I take it he decided to make a point by having sex with you to prove you belong to him?

Yeah, you could say that. He freaked me out at first because he was angry and emotional, but I know I could’ve stopped him if I wanted to.

I see.

Look, I need to go now. This phone battery is dying and I’m going to have a hard time charging it in front of Brad considering it’s not my normal phone.

You’re staying with him?

Yes, because his hand is bandaged and he can barely do anything, but I’m not sleeping with him...anymore.

Okay, Marcy. I’ll see you Monday.

Bye Liam.

Marcy no, please.

Oh yes, all right, see you Monday.

I’m afraid Brad will be waking up, so I need to get going. I didn’t even decide on dinner yet. It’s already 7:00. He’ll wonder what I did all this time. I don’t have any bags, so I couldn’t have gone shopping. Just then, my phone rings. There he is calling me.

Hi Brad. I was just on my way back. Did you sleep well?

Hey sweetie, yes, I did. I’ve been up for about an hour. I had a few phone calls to make. Did you decide what you wanted for dinner? I’ll order it here, and it should be delivered by the time you get back.

Whatever you want is fine with me. If you want to get Chinese. that’d be good. I haven’t had that in a long time unless you have.

No, actually, I haven’t. I’ll do that. How long before you’re back?

Probably about fifteen minutes. I love you.

Love you too, Marcy. Bye.

I’m pleasantly surprised. Brad didn’t say a word about me being gone for a long time or ask me where I am. He was loving and sweet. This is a refreshing change.

I grab a taxi back to Brad’s apartment on the Upper West Side. As I enter the lobby, I see the Chinese delivery person coming out. This is good, the food was just delivered. I enter the apartment a few minutes later and Brad’s in the kitchen trying to unpack the food with one hand. I laugh at him.

Okay my one-arm bandit, go sit down and I’ll take care of it.

He greets me with a hug, kiss, and full teeth smile.

I’m glad you’re back. I thought ordering out would be easy, but I’m still having problems opening the cartons. What am I going to do without you next week?

I don’t know. I guess you’ll just learn to appreciate me more, I tease.

Oh, trust me, Marcy. I appreciate you much more now than I ever have before, he says with a serious tone. He walks over to me as I’m dishing the food onto plates and adds, And I’m not referring to my injured hand."

He softly touches my cheek and stares deep into my eyes. I know what he means, he doesn’t have to elaborate. He’s thinking about how he could’ve lost me to Liam, and possibly how he might still. I kiss him on the cheek briefly.

Go sit down so I can bring you your plate. It’s going to get cold. I wink at him and he takes a seat at the kitchen table in the corner.

So how was your walk? he asks.

Uh, it was good. Sometimes, you really need to do that to get a perspective on things, I reply as I think about how I stumbled upon Liam having sex. I called my parents to talk to them.

Oh? How they doing?

Good. I think just concerned about me.

They probably hate me right now. His voice cracks and he lowers his head.

No, Brad, not at all. They don’t hate you. They understand we have some issues to resolve, and they know we’ll figure out whatever we need to. I’m fortunate. My parents are incredibly understanding.

I’m glad, he sighs. I thought they may not like you still seeing me.

That’s not true. Besides, even if they thought it, which they don’t, they’d never presume to tell me how to live my life. They know ultimately it’s my decision, and whatever decision I make, they’ll stand by me. They’d never lie to me about how they feel about a situation, but they’d never tell me it’s their way or the highway.

I can see that. My parents are the same. I know they just want me to be happy. That’s why I’m certain your suggestion of talking to them about the DNA tests is the best idea. I know it’ll be the hardest thing for them to handle, but I also think they’ll be happy I finally broached the subject with them. I’m aware it’ll break their hearts initially.

Yeah, but once they process the initial shock and emotion, they’ll come to grips with it and move on maybe even better than before. Their marriage may even become stronger.

I love how positive you are, Marcy. That’s one of the things I’ve always loved about you. Even when you’re struggling, you think it’ll get better and you try to handle it. That’s why it took you so long to get therapy for your anger. I know you kept thinking you’d resolve it on your own. That part of you is the stubborn part, he smirks.

I’m aware I can be stubborn, but I finally saw your point of view, and now I’m getting better, a little at a time.

Yep, you certainly are, and I’m proud of you. You know it?

Yeah, Brad, I know it. I appreciate you telling me. It means a lot. I can’t restrain the love that permeates my tone.

Chapter 2

The next two days we don’t do much. I cook for him and help him shower. We stay strong and remain as platonic as we can. We’re affectionate but nothing too intimate. Touching warmly, holding hands, or kissing lightly is as far as we go. We spend a lot of time talking and reminiscing about our first encounter and the holidays we spent together. We even recount the first meeting we had two years ago with our families.

~ * ~

It took longer to meet our families than we would’ve liked. Because of it being my first year in business, I couldn’t take any time off during the holidays so I didn’t spend any of them with my family. Brad didn’t go home either so he could spend them with me. I remember being nervous about meeting his parents. I told him they weren’t going to like me because I kept him away from them for all the holidays that year. He told me not to worry about it. He was a big boy and they understood.

He had met my family first. We drove to the Philly area the week before the 4th of July holiday in 2010. We took a week off work and made the drive on Saturday, June 26th so we could spend half of it with my family and the other half in Jersey with his family.

As soon as we pulled into the flower-lined driveway, a familiar sense of warmth filled my pores. Everyone came running outside to greet us including my little dog, Slippers. I’d only seen my family twice in the last year when I’d visited them in April during one of Brad’s business trips and when they came up to see my house and the café in September the year earlier. I had missed them so much.

My sister Katie, being incredibly strong for her age, picked me up and bounced me up and down. After hugging and kissing my mom and dad, I introduced them to Brad. He gave them his adoring smile and charmed them immediately. He shook hands with my dad, and my sister and Mom gave him a hug. Slippers sniffed at his leg and then barked up at him. He bent down, scooped her into one arm and she tried to kiss him when they were nose to nose. Jeez, he even charmed the love out of my dog!

Brad, they said, We’re so happy to finally meet you. Marcy has told us all about you, so we feel like we already know you.

She speaks of you so often, Mr. and Mrs. Jenson, that I feel like I know you as well.

Now, now, Dad said, "Enough of that Mr. and Mrs. Jenson stuff. You call me Tom and my wife is Mary. Well, come on in. Let’s start this holiday."

My dad’s always ready to open the liquor cabinet and pour everyone a drink. My parents love to entertain. My mom’s a great cook and my dad’s king of the grill. Since it was a beautiful, hot sunny day, the pool was open, the backyard was all set up for entertaining and my mom already had appetizers ready to carry outside to the patio tables. Dad, of course, had his barbeque tools ready for whenever it was time to grill.

Now, you kids get yourselves comfortable. Put your suitcases in your room, Marcy, and come out and have a drink with us, Mom ordered.

Brad had looked at me with wide-eyes showing his surprise by my mom’s comment about the suitcases. Your parents are okay with me staying with you in your room?

Yes, my parents don’t have a problem with us staying together in one room. We’re both adults. I have my own home and they know we’re always together. They want me to come home to be happy and comfortable, not make it awkward for me. Why, would your parents have a problem with us staying together?

Oh, no, not at all, but then I’m their son not their daughter. I’m not sure how they’d feel if I were. I guess I’ll never know since I only have brothers. I’m glad your parents don’t mind. I’d hate to sleep apart from you for five days.

We’ve slept apart from each other for five days at one time before.

Yes, Marcy, but not when we’re in the same house.

Oh, excuse me…what was I thinking.

He grabbed me and kissed me and told me my parents seemed really great. We headed out to the backyard and everyone was already sitting out there.

Dad invited Brad over to his make-shift outdoor bar that was sitting at the end of the patio under an umbrella and said, Brad, what can I make you? Come on, don’t be shy. Give me your drink order. Dad always fancied himself a professional bartender on the side.

I’ll have a beer, sir, Brad said.

Now, Brad, a beer? We can do better than that. You can have a beer anytime. Let’s make one of my summertime hurricane drinks. You’ll love it. A nice hot, summer day like this, it’ll be refreshing.

Now, Thomas, if Brad wants a beer, you give him a beer, Mom said.

No, he doesn’t want a beer. He’s just being polite and trying to be easy. I’m going to make him one of my famous cocktails. Besides, Marcy told us all about their vacation to the Caribbean, remember? She said they made drinks like that their whole vacation. This is like a vacation, so mixed drinks it is.

I looked at Brad and he was grinning with that oh so charming natural grin. It seemed like the bantering made him feel right at home. I shrugged my shoulders as he continued smiling. He was fine and enjoying himself.

All right, Mr. Jen— My dad started to say not to call him Mr. Jenson but Brad corrected himself, Tom, I’ll have whatever you’re having.

My dad had a huge smile on his face and started his concoction. He looked like he was on an island having the time of his life in his Hibiscus printed button down shirt and khaki shorts. Mom shook her head, waved her hand in the air which was her way to express there was nothing to be done with him, and walked away. My sister Katie giggled and ran up to the bar next to Brad.

Dad, what can I have? she asked.

For you, my sweet one, I have a special concoction I’m going to whip up. Just you wait and see.

Katie looked excited and Brad smiled down at her. I could see her swoon up at him. It didn’t take long for him to charm my little sister.

Mom, Katie asked, Can I put my bathing suit on now?

Sure honey, you go right ahead. Marcy, why don’t you and Brad put your swimming suits on, too? The pool is nice and heated, and Dad spent all morning cleaning it to perfection.

I sure did, Dad agreed. It’s crystal clear.

Thanks Mom, Dad. I think I will. I’m getting a little warm. Brad, you want to get your swimming trunks on? I asked him.

Sure, let me just taste this wonderful drink your dad’s making here for me. I nodded at him with a smile and headed into the house with Katie.

Marcy, Katie whispered to me, He’s so handsome. I really like him, too. He’s so nice.

Thank you, Kat. I’m glad you like him.

Do you love him? she asked me.

I looked at her, put my arm around her shoulders as we climbed the stairs, and answered with

Yes, Katie, I do, very, very much. I squeezed her and she looked happy. Do you have a boyfriend you haven’t told me about my little sister?

There’s one boy I really like. He likes me, too. You might even get to meet him. Mom said I could invite him over, but I have to wait until you and Brad were here for a couple days first.

Oh, I see. Well, I tell you what. Let’s see what Mom and Dad’s plans are for tomorrow and maybe after dinner if they have nothing planned, we can consider going out for dessert or even a movie, and you can invite him to come with us. What’d you say to that?

Oh yay, thank you, Marcy. That’ll be awesome!

She gave me a massive hug and off we went to our rooms to get our bathing suits. As I was about ready to clip my bikini top, Brad came walking into our room and tried to help me clip it, or so I thought. He actually unclipped it.

Hey, what are you doing? I almost had that.

"I know and now you don’t. He grabbed my breasts and cupped them with his hands and gently kissed each one.

No time for this, mister, I said to him.

I know, he said, I’m just showing you what I’m going to do later. He gave me a wink and a quick kiss and helped me put the top back on.

You’re such a tease, Mr. Preston, I snapped at him, but with a smile. Just for that, you may not get to do anything later.

We’ll see, he smirked, and smacked me on my behind.

I yelped and gave him the evil eye and backed out the door.

See you in the pool, he said evilly.

When I had returned to the patio, Dad had made us all drinks. Brad’s was full.

Why is Brad’s drink so full? I thought he already had some of his, I inquired as I reached for mine.

Your father filled it up again, Mom said rolling her eyes. I think he’s trying to get him drunk to see if he can get any information out of him.

Dad, you are not? I retorted. Do you think he’s hiding something, Father? I teased.

Of course not, but when someone indulges in one of my famous drinks, sometimes, I can get a little information out of them that they might not be willing to share normally.

Oh Daddy, Brad has nothing to hide. Trust me. I’ve been dating him since the beginning of October. He’s an open book.

No one’s a complete open book, Marcy. Trust your ole man on that. I’ve heard all the stories. People will tell you anything you want to hear when they want a loan.

Yes, Daddy, I know. I promise you, Brad has nothing to hide so go ahead and give him all the drinks you want.

See, Thomas, Mom said, I told you. I told your father he was being silly, but you know, Marcy, it’s a father’s prerogative to always try to protect his daughter.

I know, Mom. That’s okay, Daddy. I love you, and I appreciate you looking out for me. I gave him a big hug and kissed him on the cheek. He seemed quite pleased with himself. But I guarantee you have nothing to worry about. Just then, Brad came out from the French doors looking as sexy and fit as ever in his dark royal, yellow, and white printed swimming trunks. Even my Mom gave me her look of approval.

She walked beside me and whispered, Hell Marcy, there’s certainly nothing wrong with him physically.

I know, right? I whispered back as we continued past each other. All of a sudden, Mom and I saw Dad stand up straight and suck in his gut a little. Mom started to laugh so she darted through the French doors into the kitchen saying something about food. I turned, holding in my laughter and walked toward the pool making sure my back was to both of them. I heard Brad thank Dad for refilling his drink. This made me laugh even more. My poor baby, if he only knew my father was trying to loosen his lips. I wondered if the real information my father wanted to find out was how serious Brad was about his daughter and if he had any intentions of marrying her. So, I decided if my father could get this information out of Brad, it wouldn’t be so terrible.

I finished my drink as I breathed in the scent of my mom’s fabulous roses that surround the patio. As I set my glass down on the table, Dad offered me another one.

Sure Dad. I’m just going to take a dip first. I walked back toward the pool and before I knew it, I was going into the water full force with someone on top of me. It took me by utter surprise. I came up sputtering and coughing, and there was Brad with a big grin on his face, quite pleased with himself for catching me off guard. My dog was barking, and my dad was shaking his head with a smile. My eyes widened and I gave him my look to kill.

Oh mister, you’re dead. Are you trying to kill me? You scared me to death! I started to go after him and he took off swimming. Holy cow he was fast. I knew I wasn’t going to catch him that way, so I’d have to play it coy. How long can you keep up with those laps, Mr. Preston, before pure exhaustion sets in? Slippers, sic him, go on get him!

I have plenty of time to rest in between Ms. Jenson, and Slippers loves me. She won’t bite me, will ya, Slippers?

Slippers, you’re a traitor. You wait ’til I catch you, Bradley William Preston. You’re going to pay.

I can’t wait, he said austerely.

Oh, you’re so smug, aren’t you?

He laughed.

I can’t wait to wipe that smug look off your face. I decided I needed to pretend to let it go. I’d get Katie to help me later, but I needed him to think I was over it. Come on, Brad. I’m teasing. Come here.

He looked at me skeptically.

I promise. I’m not going to do anything. I don’t want you staying away from me the whole time because you think I’m going to retaliate.

He cautiously came toward me. I don’t trust you, he says.

What are you going to do? Stay away from me for the five days we’re here?

No, he grins, Just until you seem to be over it.

Okay, sweetie, I’m over it.

He swam to me and as I reached up to put my arms around his neck, he backed up. I pulled him close to me and kissed him warmly on the lips.

There, does it look like I’m not over it? I asked him.

He wrapped his arms around me, held me tight, and kissed me lovingly. I’m sorry, baby. Are you all right? I didn’t mean to scare you.

Shit, I thought, stop being nice to me. I want to make you pay. He picked me up in his arms like a baby and carried me around, swooshing and turning as he went. He was so playful it was endearing. Suddenly Katie jumped in and swam up to