I feel like I’m choking as I hear the woman speak. I know my face has lost all its color.
“I remember feeling worried for her and wanting to reach out and help. When I spoke to Sally and Matthew, they said they hadn’t been able to get in contact with her since the accident. They didn’t know where she was, and it seemed like she didn’t want to stay in touch with them. Back then…you know, there was very little you could really do. I had my own family to raise. Three kids and no husband. So, I guess I just got busy and hoped for the best for her. I had no idea she gave Reed up to social services.”
While the woman speaks, I can feel my hands shaking. So it is true. Annie Silvers may still be alive, but she definitely didn’t die at the hospital. I look over at Reed, and he catches my eye.
I don’t know what to do. What to tell him. I wish I knew what he wanted to hear.
When I look at Reed now, all I can think about is what I know about his mother. Sally and Matthew are fussing over the dinner and Reed is helping them set the table. It’s just going to be the four of us tonight.
Reed touches my hips as he moves around me or gives my back a gentle stroke. This is the dream, isn’t it? To be surrounded by such warm, lovely people and have the full attention and admiration of a handsome man.
Even though I know it isn’t real or permanent, I’m just trying to soak it all up while I can. In a few hours, this will be over.
Everyone is talking animatedly as we sit down around the dining table. Sally has gone all-out and cooked up a fabulous meal for us with three different main dishes and multiple sides.
Reed is talking to her, discussing what he enjoys cooking. Matthew is watching them with happiness and pride.
I want to say something. I have an urge to demand that they stop speaking so I can tell them all that I learned about Annie. I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep this bottled up inside.
“The next time you’re here, you should do all the cooking!” I hear Sally declare. Reed is grinning, and I wish he wouldn’t. I find it amazing that he can be so calm and casual about the lie we are living.
I shift in my seat, and he looks over at me. Maybe he can sense how uncomfortable I am now.
“I’m not sure when we can visit again; we both have work and not many vacation days left,” Reed says.
“You can come down any weekend you want, honey,” Sally says.
“And then there’s going to be our summer plans!” Matthew adds. The couple looks at each other with satisfaction. I am beginning to feel sick.
“You’re not eating much,” Matthew says, looking at me.
“I think I ate too much at the farmer’s market,” I say with a sigh. Reed is watching me like he knows exactly what is going through my head. I have to try very hard not to meet his eyes.
We sit at the table for some more time until everyone is done, and then we put the food away and help with the dishes. From the outside, this scene looks like an ordinary family moment.
Matthew offers Reed a beer but he turns it down, saying he wants to be fresh for the next morning’s drive.
We say our goodnights quickly and go up the stairs together to the bedroom. As soon as the door closes behind us, he pulls me into his arms and kisses me.
I know I resist. We need to talk, but I am no match against his kisses. He is able to completely overpower my senses, and I give in easily.
His hands are all over me. On my hips and my butt and up my back. He’s tugging at my top, trying to pull it over my head.
“Do you have any idea how difficult it was for me today? Watching you everywhere. Having to act normal and make conversation with other people, when all I wanted to do was kiss and touch you.” His voice is a low murmur against my cheek.
I am already undoing the buttons on his shirt. I throw it open so I can touch the hardness of his torso. Chiseled and perfect abs. His soft beard scratches my cheek