The moment he closed the door behind him, Holly was finally able to take relax. Her hands trembled, and her knees were weak from fear.
Jane sighed. “You know I can’t be with Frank now.”
“Oh, Mom.” Holly’s heart wrenched for her mother.
“If I continue to date him, he’d find out eventually, sweetheart. I’m doing this for you. It’s for the best.”
“I don’t want you to do this. Frank makes you happy.”
“A sacrifice I will pay, gladly, to keep Jamie safe from the Peterses claws.”
“Maybe I should just talk to Jake.”
“Are you insane? One look at Jamie and that family will tear you apart.”
“He didn’t want her. Bernie said I’d have a case if it came to that.”
“Is that what you honestly believe? They’ve practically rented this entire place out. Do you know how much this cabin runs for per night? And it’s not even as posh as the ones they’re staying in.”
That didn’t appease Holly one little bit. She wished Bernie were here, because Bernie would tell Jane that not everything could be bought with money. However, Holly knew the life the Peterses could give Jamie would be a leap up from their crappy apartment and her busy schedule. But there was no way in hell she’d let Jamie be raised by someone like Kate.
Her mother was right. She couldn’t tell Jake, and Frank could never find out. She’d done everything she could to raise Jamie to be a sweet and caring little girl, and she’d taught her to be loving and good.
The Peterses money could do irreparable damage to the bond between herself and Jamie—they might turn her against her own mother—and perhaps, Jamie might change into a spoiled brat.
Holly didn’t want her daughter to hate her, and that’s what would happen if she spent any time with the Peterses.
She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “You’re right. I won’t tell him.”
A knock sounded on the door, and Holly’s heart leaped into her throat. When Frank left, he’d taken a set of keys with him so they wouldn’t have to wait up for him.
Holly looked worriedly at her mother, who gave her a reassuring smile as she got up to answer the door
“Bernie,” her mother sighed upon seeing who their visitor was. “Do you think this is a good idea?”
“No, but it’s the only way.”
“What’s going on?” Leo demanded, clearly frustrated. “Who is she?”
“Someone important, Leo.”
“Babe, you need to tell me what the fuck is going on. You humiliated me back there.”
Jane shook her head. “Bernie, what did you do?”
“I went off on Jake. But don’t worry, because Leo won’t say a word to him when he understands why after he hears the whole story.”
“Bernie, you shouldn’t—”
“The whole story about what?” Leo interrupted.
Holly’s lips twitched. Good old Bernie hadn’t said a word about her to Leo.
“Look, Jane. We need to leave soon, and Leo has to understand why.”
Holly walked to the door and opened it wider.
As soon as Leo’s eyes took her in, his face went slack at the same time all color drained from his skin. “Holly?” The word was uttered barely above a whisper, as if he thought she was some kind of apparition.
She nodded and waved her arm, indicating they should enter. “Come in before someone sees you.”
When neither Leo nor Bernie moved—Leo was still in shock, and Bernie was focused on her husband—Holly grabbed Bernie’s arm and pulled her inside. Leo seemed to snap out of his daze and followed suit, but his eyes never left Holly.
“Don’t look at me like that, Leo,” Holly muttered, closing the door behind him.
“Don’t look at you—”
“Shhh,” Bernie hissed, pointing to a closed door behind her.
Leo looked over in the direction she was indicating, and then glanced back at Holly, the shock still clear on his face “What’s going on?” he questioned as he walked over to what looked like a bedroom.
“Leo, please don’t,” Holly begged, taking a step toward him, but he was a giant of a man and reached the door faster than she could reach him. He opened it and gasped.
“Leo, please—”
“Holly, is that who I think it is?” he ground out in a whisper, taking a few steps back.
“Yes, but you don’t understand,” Bernie told him. “Baby, Jake lied, and he never took into account that she would actually leave.”
Leo frowned, shaking his head from side to side. “No…this can’t be.”
Holly snorted. “I spoke to him that day. I wouldn’t have run if I hadn’t spoken to him.”
“No, Holly. Jake was a mess for months!”
“Keep your voice down! You weren’t there, so believe me when I tell you that I spoke to him, Leo. I loved him with my entire heart.” Her voice broke. “I wouldn’t have left him if I knew I’d be able to change his mind. But he wanted me to get an abortion, and I am not someone who would ever consider that. Leo, I almost died.”
“One did,” Bernie said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“What?” Leo’s eyes flashed with confusion
“You need to listen to Holly’s version of that day, babe. I’m begging you. She isn’t the monster in this story. Your best friend is.”
Leo glanced over at Jamie’s sleeping form, then allowed Bernie guide him over to the couch.
Holly closed the bedroom door before taking a breath. She walked over and took a seat, and then launched into her version of events. When it became too tough for her to continue, both her mother and Bernie took over.
It was evident that it was hard for Leo to take in, but he let them talk, not once interrupting. His fists clenched and unclenched, and his leg bounced agitatedly.
When they were finally done telling him all that had transpired, including Romy’s death, his body shook with silent tears.
He sniffed and collected himself. “I’m so sorry, Holly. That must have hurt like hell.”
Holly looked down to floor. “It still does.”
“Were they identical?”
She nodded, and a heavy silence settled in the room.
Leo sighed, rubbing his face with one hand. “I have to be honest here, Holly. None of this is making sense. He was in surgery that day.”
“Yeah, hence why no goodbye, or an apology. Only those stupid nine words.”
He shook his head at his wife in denial. “But he searched for her...”
“Because at the time, he didn’t think she would run. He knew she’d die without his father’s shake, that she would die if she kept the baby. Which, by the way, I told him she would keep.”
“No, we need to hear him out.”
“No!” both women stated simultaneously.
Leo slammed his fist on his knee. “Holly, you need to tell him.”
“Are you insane?” Bernie’s voice rose. “What do you think will happen when he discovers she is still alive? Leo, a baby died because of all these lies. He has all the money in the world. You said it yourself, mountains and mountains of it.”
Holly’s stomach turned again.
“He’ll take her away, and I’d rather die than have Kate get her hands on that little girl,” Bernie said, nostrils flaring with her rage. “He fucked up knowingly, and fucking ignored us for a year. He tried to make us feel guilty for something he did.”
Leo closed his eyes, still shaking his head.
“I know why now. Jake couldn’t look us in the eye. That’s why your friendship is so strained. It’s not our fault, it’s his. He’s not worthy of being your friend if he wants you to feel guilty for his mistakes, babe.”
Leo swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down, but then he nodded. “Okay. I’ll go pack.”
“I’ll be there in a few, okay?” Bernie said, then turned to Holly. “Holly, you need to pack. I said mean things to Jake. It’s a wonder he hasn’t phoned yet.”
>
Holly tugged on a strand of her hair. “What did you say, Bernie?”
“Just that he deserves every bit of unhappiness in his life.”
“Oh, fuck.”
“I didn’t mention anything else. Just that he’s a liar. It’s why he isn’t here, why he hasn’t phoned. He knows he lied and I caught him out. It’s going to be fine, I swear. Go pack.”
“I’m already packed.”
“Everything?”
Holly nodded.
“Well, you’ve always been great at leaving in a rush. I’ve got to give you that. Mind helping us?”
“Sure.” Holly smiled. “I won’t be long,” she said to her mother. She just hoped that Leo wasn’t going to do something stupid.
* * *
JAKE
* * *
He sipped at his drink as he tried to decipher Bernie’s words. Why would she wish him unhappiness? What lies was she talking about?
He didn’t like any of it.
His mind went to Holly for a fraction of a second before he pushed any thoughts of her away. Bernie would’ve said something if Holly had gotten in touch.
“Are you okay, my boy?” Frank, his godfather, pulled up a chair next to him.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Anything I can do?”
“No. To be honest, I took a chance in inviting Leo and Bernie. Bernie and Kate have never gotten along, and things between me and Leo aren’t what they used to be. I don’t think we’ll ever get that back.”
“Why don’t you go talk to him? I know Leo is your best friend.”
“Used to be.”
Frank raised an eyebrow. “Why did Bernie say those things?”
“I don’t know. She says stupid things when she’s angry. I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”
“Well, you know where to find me if you need my help.”
“Sure.” Jake smiled, then turned and touched Kate’s arm. “Sorry about the disruption.”
“It’s okay. At least now we know who not to invite to any future gatherings.”
Frank smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. Jake figured he was probably concerned about his girlfriend. Jake hadn’t met her yet, but according to his parents, she was nice. The traveling must not have agreed with her as she’d left during dinner to go lie down.
No one in his family had met the rest of Frank’s ‘instant family’ yet; his girlfriend’s daughter, her husband, and their kid—they’d probably make an appearance tomorrow.
A few minutes later, his mother strolled up and squeezed Kate’s shoulder. “You okay?”
“Yes, I’ll live.”
His mother faced him, her lips pursed.
He busied himself with his drink. “What now?”
“With all due respect, we did warn you about bringing Bernie here.”
“Mom, please, she is my best friend’s wife. What was I supposed to do?”
“She’s raving mad, Jake.” His mother shook her head. “She tried to break up our family.”
“What?” Kate spat.
Jake groaned. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Fine,” Kate acquiesced. “But you will make it up to me tonight for this little mishap.”
Mara laughed and planted a kiss on his cheek. “You’ll be okay.” She winked at Kate before leaving them.
“Why would you invite her if she tried to break up your family? Also, how did she try to do that? She’s Leo’s wife for crying out loud.”
“Kate, please. I just said I didn’t want to talk about it. Forget that my mother said anything. I’m surprised she brought it up. Leave it alone.”
“You know I don’t like secrets.”
“Then ask Amelia, I’m sure she’s dying to relay that story. I’m not.” When his phone rang, he patted his pocket and fished it out. Leo’s name flashed on the screen.
“Bud, you okay?” Jake asked as soon as he answered.
“Don’t bud me. We’re leaving, Jake. I never want to see you again. Bernie didn’t think you even deserved this call, but I know if I didn’t lay it out for you, I’d keep hearing from you. Delete my number.”
“Leo, wait. What on earth is going on?”
Leo chuckled, but it soon turned into sobs.
“Dude, are you crying?”
“All this time…fuck, Jake. You’re the monster. You lied to me, and then made me feel that it was all my fucking fault.” His voice cracked. “You were my best friend. This, these lies are why we are not where we used to be.”
“Bud, what are you talking about?”
“Don’t play that game with me. You know what you did. You lied four years ago. Delete my number.”
Jake heard Bernie yelling at him in the background before the line went dead.
Lied to him four years ago? Leo had to be talking about Holly; that was the only major thing that happened back then.
“Jake?” Kate called, her tone laced with annoyance.
“I’ve got to go.” He pushed out of his chair and stormed away.
“Jake!” his mother called him after him, but he didn’t stop.
In fact, he began to run.
He had no idea which room Leo and Bernie were in, but there was one thing he was sure of—Holly was at the center of whatever was going on. Had she phoned Bernie? And if so, when? Tonight?
Coincidence, or fate?
It had to be divine intervention. He was on the verge of proposing to Kate. And now it seemed Holly was stepping back into his life the night before his intended proposal.
His heart fluttered in his chest, and his stomach turned. He wanted to throw up.
“What did she tell them?” he asked himself out loud.
He rushed up to the concierge desk, startling the receptionist.
“Please, I need the room number for Leo and Bernice Stutton.”
“Just a second. Oh,” she said, “they just called to say they’re checking out.”
“Don’t check them out. I need their room number.”
“It’s 211, sir,” she said with a flirty smile.
“Where is it?”
She gave him the directions and he took off in a sprint.
* * *
HOLLY
* * *
“What did you do? What did I tell you?” Bernie yelled. Luckily, their son, Sam, wasn’t here to hear his mother scream like a banshee.
“I’m sorry. I’m not like you. He’s my fucking best friend. Was my best friend. I needed to spell it out for him. But don’t worry, I didn’t mention Holly.”
“You didn’t have to. Mentioning four years ago was more than enough. Jake isn’t stupid. He can put two and two together, idiot. You better go pack your shit now, because I’m pretty sure he’s on his way.”
“On his way? You just told Holly that the reason he wasn’t here was because you caught him in his lies. Now you think he’s coming here? Why?”
“Because I didn’t give him a fucking time frame on the damn lies he told, Leo!”
Holly clutched her hair in her fists. She shouldn’t have come, she should’ve stayed behind with her mother. Now, the odds were good that she’d be seeing Jake tonight. She couldn’t be here. She needed to leave. “I have to leave.”
“Babe, if you leave, you will run into him. I’m sorry. Just let us deal with it. I promise he won’t find out about Jamie.”
“Bernie…”
“Trust me. I’ll tell him she died. I’ll make him feel the fucking pain we all do.”
Leo stared at his wife in disbelief.
“Don’t you dare look at me like that.” She pointed at Leo without taking her eyes off Holly.
Bernie went to the mini fridge and pulled out three beers. She handed each of them a bottle, then twisted the cap off hers and gulped half of it down in one go.
She looked at Holly, who was standing rooted to the spot, looking panicked, while fiddling with the beer bottle.
“Sit down. He might not even show. He knows what he did.”
Bernie glared at Leo. “Get him the hell away from here,” she whispered.
Leo strode to the door and yanked it open just enough to slip out, then quickly closed it behind him.
“What the fuck, dude?” Holly heard Jake saying. The voice she hadn’t heard in four years, the voice that wrenched her heart apart. She closed her eyes and took a shaky breath.
“What the fuck? Are you serious? You made me feel as if I was the biggest fucking jerk on this planet when you pretended I didn’t exist for an entire year. When all along, it was you! Friends don’t do that, Jake. What happened? Did you get cold feet?” Leo’s voice boomed through the door.
“What? No! You were there.”
“Yeah.” Leo started clapping. “Here’s a round of applause for you for your brilliant fucking performance.”
“Dude, talk to me as I’m beyond confused. She phoned Bernie, didn’t she?”
“Yeah, she did,” Leo lied.
Holly’s eyes widened. She hadn’t thought Leo would straight out lie to Jake.
“Thank heavens for miracles,” Bernie whispered.
Holly held her finger in front of her lips and scowled at Bernie, who shrugged.
“Give me her number,” Jake pleaded with Leo.
Leo laughed. “No way in hell. You lied to me, Jake.”
“I did not fucking lie!” Jake sounded hysterical.
“Holly phoned you that day, Jake. Bernie told you that if Holly got confirmation from you regarding an abortion that she would up and leave.”
“What?”
“Don’t give me that what the hell are you talking about look,” Leo said. “Why did you go looking for her? To make sure she carried through with it? So you wouldn’t feel guilty?”
“Make sure she would do what? Leo, I went because I wanted to talk her out of it, but that clearly didn’t fucking happen. Why now? Fuck!” Jake yelled.
Bernie looked at Holly with concern.
Holly couldn’t believe her ears. Jake sounded like a mess. “Bern…” she whispered.
Bernie shook her head. “It’s an old act, Holly. Ignore him. He acted worse that day.”
“She told you what happened?” Jake asked.
Luck Page 4
