“I know it wasn’t an affair and that it was just sex. Dane, erm, he called your name out during sex, and I don’t even think he was aware that he’d said anything. When he got drunk one night, I asked him about you and that was how I found out. He doesn’t remember, but Dane during drink can’t keep any secrets at all. I hated you for a long time. I hated who you were, what you were to the club, and I wanted you gone. I did. You fucked my husband, and he liked it. He wanted to do it again, and I know in my heart it probably did happen again. When I finally met you, I had this big elaborate speech prepared, and now I can’t even remember what it was. The first time you saw me you didn’t have a clue who I was, and you were just so nice. You were sweet, and then when you discovered who I was, I knew that you were ashamed, and I thought to myself, that is punishment enough. Then of course Dane left and everything else happened.” Lucy took a deep breath, and Teri stared down at the floor.
“You must hate me so much. I know I hated myself.”
“I always expected you to say something. I don’t know, rub it in my face or something.”
Teri jerked up. “I’m not cruel. I never wanted to sleep with a married man. I never told you because I didn’t want to hurt you.” She stopped, closing her eyes, trying to contain the tears. “This was my burden to bear, not yours. I had no idea that you knew. Would you li
ke me to leave? I don’t deserve your friendship.”
Lucy shook her head. “No. I don’t want you to leave. I know you have suffered, and even though I went through a great deal with Dane, I wouldn’t change what happened. I found Lewis. I have three beautiful children, and you are my friend, Teri. You’ve barely looked at me.”
“I don’t love Dane. I have no right to look at you.”
Lucy shrugged her shoulders. “I only hope he realizes that he has great kids. I punished you, Teri. I made sure that I ate at the diner, that I was there for you to see me. I even made sure I was there with Dane before he fucked off to whatever he was doing. I got what I wanted, and every time I saw you flinch or look guilty or ashamed, I was happy.”
Teri said nothing.
“Don’t feel guilty anymore. I love Lewis. I’m about to live my life with him. Dane, he promised me once that he would never break my heart. I knew he would, but I didn’t listen to my own advice.” Lucy cupped her face. “I forgive you.”
“Why are you forgiving me?”
“Because I don’t want to hate you. I tried that, and I don’t. I’m happy with Lewis, happier than I ever was with Dane.” Lucy picked up a box. “You’re a good woman that got caught up in some drama. My advice though, don’t go screwing another woman’s man. Some people may ruin that beautiful face of yours.”
Teri smiled. “Thank you.”
Lucy left the kitchen, and Teri turned toward the kitchen sink.
“She’s right,” Dane said, coming into the kitchen. She didn’t turn around to look at him. Grabbing ahold of the edge of the sink, she cleared her throat.
“What are you doing in here?”
“I knew you were here and I wanted to see what Lucy would say.”
“You heard what she said.”
“I did. I had no idea that I had done that, or that I was so drunk I told her the truth. Ryan was so young and I made a mistake.”
Teri closed her eyes and swallowed past the lump in her throat. She had been a big mistake. The irony was, it wasn’t the first time she had been told she was a big mistake.
Face your fear.
Turning to look at Dane, she couldn’t believe that there was a time she was convinced she had loved him. He was not the man she had ever imagined. He was a cold bastard, selfish, who only saw the means to his own ends.
She shook her head. “You’re pathetic, you know that.” Teri laughed. “With what we did, it made me feel like a fucking homewrecker, and that wasn’t me. It never was, and yet I became that when I slept with you a second time.” She shook her head. “You’re right. This was a big mistake, thank you so much for putting me out of my misery.” She grabbed a box and glared at him. The chains of the past finally broke away and she felt euphoric. “I’m stronger than you and I no longer have to deal with that shame. I am done. I’m a fucking bitch, a whore, and you know what? I’m going to make sure that I don’t have to deal with that kind of shame again.” Pushing past him, she headed out into the sunshine and handed the large box over to Lewis, who loaded it on his truck.
Finally, after ten years of guilt, she may be able to finally live again, to try to find her own happiness.
****
Skylar giggled as Leo turned the hose pipe on her. She wore a pair of shorts, and was running away when Paul caught her around the waist.
The Dirty Fuckers MC was having a party and it was Sunday. There was loud music, and food on the grill. Several of the townsfolk had turned up, including the town principal and her man. Skylar had also gotten a chance to meet Richard, Chloe’s lawyer boyfriend. He was a little scary, and he had made her nervous. Chloe didn’t seem nervous with him though.
“Hey, let her go,” Kitty Cat said, rushing toward them. She grabbed Skylar’s arm, and then threw a water bomb at Leo, and it smashed, wetting him.
Letting out a little scream, Kitty Cat ran with Skylar around the side of the building.
“What is going on?” Skylar asked.