What Have You Done?

By Gregory Payette

From the outside, Peggy appears to have the perfect life. She loves her husband and lives in a nice house in a pleasant neighborhood.

She doesn't ask for much.

But Peggy's world is shattered when her best friend shares a devastating secret Peggy didn't want to hear.

• Language: English
• Publisher: 8 Flags Publishing, Inc
• Release date: Feb 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393058892

Book preview

What Have You Done?

PEGGY LISTENED TO LEONARD Cohen and prepared her husband Peter’s favorite dish: Veal Marsala with peas. She moved around the kitchen as she sang—although a little off key—Love Calls You by Your Name.

Peter had recently been promoted. So Peggy planned to surprise him with a nice dinner. She didn’t love to cook, but it was better than cleaning.

Ever since Peter had started making more money, he insisted she stay home and take care of things around the house. She didn’t want to quit her job but, as Peter had told her, it was important she support him and his career.

The phone rang. Peggy wiped her hands on her apron and answered on the third ring. She looked at the clock.

Hello? she said without looking to see who it was. She expected it to be Peter.

Peggy? It’s Barb.

Barb was Peggy’s best friend ever since they’d met when Peggy and Peter first moved into the neighborhood.

Barb didn’t say hello or ask Peggy how she was doing, as she normally would. I need to talk to you, is all she said.

Peggy looked up at the clock again, the phone up against her ear. Aren’t you coming for breakfast in the morning? We haven’t done that in a long time. It’ll be nice to—

We have to talk today. Right now. It can’t wait.

Peggy pulled open the oven door and peeked inside. I thought Peter’d be home by five. He must be held up at work. Peggy smiled into the phone. I made him veal marsala with peas to celebrate his promotion. He loves peas. She was quiet for a moment. I wanted to make this a special evening. With somewhat of a giggle, she put her long fingers with her polished nails