Page 118 of The Temptation of Truth

I should have texted him an apology.

It never should have gotten to this point, but my mind has been on other things. On otherpeople. Now, I have to deal with the fall out. If I don’t, it will only get worse, so I unplug the phone from its charger, force a smile I don’t feel, and accept the video call.

“Hey Bra?—”

“Where the fuck have you been, Aurora?”

I flinch at the way his voice booms through the room. His face is already beet red and furious, and I frantically punch thebutton on the side of my phone to lower the volume out of habit. I’m alone, but I still don’t want anyone to overhear.

“I’ve been work?—”

“You’ve been ignoring me!”

I shake my head. “I haven’t. You haven’t called or texted?—”

“I shouldn’t have to! I shouldn’t have to chase my wife around like a fucking dog. You let that bitch berate me, and then you ignore me for three fucking days.”

I wince. “She’s not a bitch?—”

“You are coming home. You are getting on the next flight out, and you will make your uncle pay for it. If you don’t tell him, I’ll call him and demand it.”

My breath catches in my throat. He can’t talk to Uncle Wade. Uncle Wade can never know about Brady. About how hereallyis. He can’t know how bad I’ve let it get. I shake my head rapidly and start to beg.

“No, please, I’m sorry. You can’t call Uncle Wade, Brady. You can’t. He doesn’t?—"

“Shut the fuck up, Aurora. For fuck’s sake, just shut up. Do it. Now. Or I’ll do it for you.”

He hangs up, and I just sit there, staring blankly at the screen until it goes dark. I don’t move, I barely breathe, until the screen lights up again.

It’s my alarm reminding me of my session with Brynn in ten minutes. She’s got a course-mandated test today, and I have to monitor to make sure she doesn’t cheat. Despite everything that’s just happened, the thought makes me want to smile. As if that child would ever.

Slowly, I stand from the bed and get dressed. I go to the en suite bathroom and splash water on my face. I take two ibuprofen, then step onto the terrace to stare at the ocean. I count to 100. I inhale the briny air through my nose and exhaleit slowly through parted lips. When I’m certain I can socialize without crying, I leave the room and head down to the kitchen.

Just as my feet hit the last stair, my phone buzzes again. When I check it, it’s a soothing balm, and the relief makes my eyes well with tears.

Mabel Rossi

Can’t wait to see you here.

She sent a picture of what I can only assume is the VIP section at the venue, and her hand is extended in the bottom of the frame, pointing to the barricaded section of seats. Her nails are a shimmery midnight blue, and her shiny bangle bracelets sparkle atop her colorful tattoos.

She’s just a girl who likes pretty things.

I smile as I type out my reply.

Me

Me too. See you soon.

“Hey! You’re getting a late start today.”

Looking up from my phone, I’m shocked to see every member of Caveat Lover spread out in the open concept living room and kitchen, with Callie’s bright smile directed at me.

“Oh. Um. Yes. I was up late last night.” My cheeks flush, but I push forward. “I thought you had a long day today?”

“Heartless does. They’re filming all the Sydney shows, so Hammond is running a tight ship. Me and the guys get the day to lounge.”

“Oh. I forgot about the filming. Uncle Wade mentioned it when he picked me up from the bus station, but it must have slipped my mind.”