Page 93 of Storm in a D Cup

‘Yeah, well, I figured I could use the time off.’

Off from Marcy, was the message, but he let it hang in the ether.

‘Who are you going with, the guys?’

‘Yeah, minus Bob. He’s got the flu.’

I smiled. ‘You love your little group, don’t you, Dad?’

‘Yeah, they’re good guys. We all have our problems but the minute we get into the car the fun banter starts and it’s like we’re on holiday, you know?’

‘That’s good. I feel the same way with Paul and Renata.’

‘Honey?’

‘Yes, Dad?’

‘I heard.’

‘Yeah. I figured as much.’

‘Do you want to talk about it, sweetie?’

‘No. Yes. What am I supposed to do, Dad? I’m being humiliated, and publicly, too!’

‘Erica. Do you love Julian?’

I groaned. ‘That’s not the point. It’s not right to continue loving someone who’s hurt you.’

‘Isn’t it?’ he echoed. Meaning that if he could still love Marcy, in his own way, then I could forgive Julian.

‘But look what he’s done to me. He’s got another kid. While I was trying to get pregnant. He asked me for another kid, and I was ready to go through all the necessary steps. No, that’s a lie. Iwentthrough all the necessary steps. And he goes and cheats on me? Am I supposed to accept that, Dad?’

‘Did he admit to cheating on you? Because I won’t believe it for a single moment. Your husband is a solid man, honey.’

I rubbed my forehead in exhaustion. ‘He denies it, but I saw the footage.’

‘Maybe you saw what you wanted to see.’

‘You think I wanted to see my husband’s hands on my rival?’

‘She’s not your rival, Erica. She’s just a poor flake who’s trying to get by.’

‘By stealing other women’s husbands. Did you know that she hired Paul to plan her engagement party?’

‘Who’s she getting engaged to?’

‘To Julian. I’m sure of it. It was a secret, not even Paul knew. And I guess the news of a biological daughter just swayed everything in her favor…’

‘Erica, I love you to the moon and back, but you’re talking a lot of nonsense. Forget about the news and the tabloids. They feed on lies. Just concentrate on your husband. And talk to him. That’s all the advice I can give you.’

I bit my lip. Dear old Dad just didn’t understand. He was probably resigned to unconditional forgiveness. ‘OK, Dad. We’ll see how it goes. I’ll keep you posted.’

‘You do that.’

‘Say hi to Marcy and everyone for me.’

‘Will do, hon.’