Kenna’s heart sank as she trailed Liza to her car and peered into the open trunk. It was filled with several of the same boxes and the sight sent her thoughts spinning like a weather vane. “Are you going somewhere?”
Her large, kind eyes brimmed with apology.
“I’m leaving.”
Kenna laughed but Liza’s expression remained. Waiting for the reality to sink in. “You can’t be serious.”
“I can’t do this anymore, with your creepy boyfriend coming and going. Not after everything you’ve told me. Sometimes when he stops by, you aren’t even home. I don’t feel safe here.”
Her throat closed up. Dayton had been coming by when she wasn’t there? The trunk slammed shut, making her jump slightly. She followed Liza to the driver’s side door.
“I can’t afford this place on my own.”
Not only that, but she knew people wouldn’t be lining up to take Liza’s place. She’d slept with the school shrink and had become the joke of the university. Of the town.
Hand furled around the door handle, Liza whispered, “I’m really sorry, Ace.”
Kenna stood in the parking lot, going numb from head to toe as she watched her back out of the space and drive away from the complex.
30
PRAYERS
Days of begging and pleading had produced a most miraculous result. Dayton’s presence beside her in one of St. James’ pews at Wednesday evening Mass.
Though he was a reluctant parishioner, he blended in among the rest. He had grown up in the church and he understood the rituals, knew the routines. Kenna’s chest fluttered each time he bowed his head, the epitome of stoicism as he mumbled along with the prayers. His hand laced through hers as they sang Gloria and the setting sun illuminated the stained-glass windows, bathing the nave in warm light.
The scene was ordinary, everyday, yet Kenna found it hopelessly romantic. For the first time in months, she felt safe and secure. Her mind was at ease with Dayton at her side as the priest delivered his sermon.
“Thanks for coming, really. It means a lot,” Kenna said as they rose and exited their pew.
His hand found her lower back, gently guiding her along. His breath tangled in her hair. “Anything for you.”
They emerged in the aisle and she turned to face Dayton, producing a tired smile all the while wishing she had more to give.
Professor Scott and a woman she presumed to be his wife approached them. Her dress was taut over her slightly rounded stomach.
“Man, I must be hallucinating.” A wide grin brightened Professor Scott’s face. “I’d love to hear how you managed to get him through these doors because I’ve been trying for years.”
“Iwasraised Catholic.”
“Exactly. Raised. That doesn’t mean you stay that way.”
“Hello to you too, Nate.” Dayton adopted a sardonic tone. She always expected it to be accompanied by an eye roll but it never came. “Charlaine, this is Kenna.”
While she hadn’t minded being introduced that way to Carmen months earlier, the plainness of this introduction displeased her. Not ‘my Kenna’ or ‘my girlfriend,’ just Kenna.
Did she want the distinction of a title?
Something that defined their relationship, that web of sex and lies and indecipherable feelings neither of them could adequately decode.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Charlaine said.
“Oh.”
It was all she could think to say yet it made her sound like an idiot. She knew the Scotts were close friends of Dayton’s and she resented the fact that she’d already embarrassed herself in their company.
“We’re heading to dinner. Would you like to join us?”