He smiles as I hand him the money. “Have a very good evening.”

“Thanks. Drive secure.” I take a deep breath and get out of the cab.

Because the taxi pulls round to go again down the lengthy drive, its headlights flash proper at my mother and father’ bed room window. It’s simply after ten, which in New York, the evening’s simply getting began, however on a ranch, it’d as nicely be final name. For so long as I can bear in mind, my mother and father have been up earlier than dawn, getting a head begin on the day. I suppose it doesn’t matter if the automotive’s shiny lights woke them as a result of I don’t have a key to get inside, so I’d must wake them anyway.

Proper earlier than my foot hits step one, the porch mild flicks on. I freeze, mentally making ready myself for what’s about to occur. Too unhealthy no quantity of preparation might management the flood of feelings that hit me the second I see my father’s face via the display screen door. God, he appears a lot older.

“Can I enable you, miss? For those who’re lookin’ for Clayton, I’m sorry to say, you’ve obtained the flawed driveway. It’s the subsequent one over.”

For a cut up second, I really feel like I’m sixteen once more, repulsed by the truth that my father assumes I’m one in all my brother’s many girlfriends. I swear, that boy won’t ever quiet down.

Right here we go.

“No, Daddy, it’s me.” I make my manner up the steps to the entrance porch.

“Presley?” He rapidly pushes the display screen door open and steps exterior. “What are you doing right here? Why didn’t you inform us you have been comin’?” He appears over his shoulder. “Annie, get out right here! Presley’s right here.”

My mom arrives simply as I’m eradicating my hat. She slams a hand over her mouth to stifle her gasp as I flip my face into the sunshine. My eyes transfer over to my dad, the place equal components rage and confusion twist his options.

“Presley Anne, what on God’s inexperienced earth occurred to you? Did you get in some type of accident?” My father steps ahead and reaches for my hand. Out of behavior, I immediately recoil, taking a step again. I don’t miss the damage and disbelief in his eyes once I do.

I cling my head in disgrace. I hate that I’m so jumpy round males—I’ve been this manner for years—however ever since Sebastian first… nicely, let’s simply say I’ve realized to draw back from the alternative intercourse. Particularly males who’re as imposing as my father is.

“I’m sorry… I… uh… I didn’t imply to—”

“Honey, come inside,” my mother insists. “I’ll make some natural tea, and you’ll inform us all about it.”

I nod as soon as, following behind them into the home.

My dad pulls out a chair on the similar kitchen desk the place I ate hundreds of breakfasts. “Sit.”

Nostalgia slams into me as I go searching and understand nothing has modified. Not one. Rattling. Factor. The black and white checkered valance nonetheless hangs above the massive window over the sink. My mom’s shiny pink KitchenAid mixer sits on a little bit rolling cart within the nook. The picket plaque I made for Mom’s Day within the fifth grade is proudly displayed on the wall, declaring Anna James “The Greatest Mother Ever.” An enormous Thermos sits on the butcher block countertop subsequent to the coffeemaker, able to be crammed to the brim with French Roast proper earlier than my dad will get to work on the ranch. I don’t even understand I’m crying till the primary drop hits my hand.

I dab at my eyes, hissing once I contact a sore spot. Fortunately, I can open the lid totally now, however the discoloration is so extreme, it’s not a lot of an enchancment.

My dad runs a hand via his salt and pepper hair. “Presley, honey, I’m attempting to be affected person right here, however I would like you to start out talking earlier than I lose my rattling thoughts.”

My mother sits within the chair subsequent to mine and gently reaches her hand out. She’s eyeing me like a cornered animal, going good and sluggish, telegraphing her intentions. When her delicate fingers lastly wrap round mine, I hiccup a sob which, sadly, appears to launch the floodgates. I begin crying uncontrollably, weeping for I don’t even know what at this level, however I can’t appear to cease. I’m undecided how lengthy I sit there bawling. On the similar time, my mother whispers phrases of assurance in my ear earlier than my tears are all dried out. My eyes are much more swollen, making it more and more tough to maintain them open.

“Please,” I sniff. “I’m simply so drained. God, so, so drained. I promise I’ll let you know the whole lot, however I actually need some sleep.”

It’s been a protracted, very long time since I’ve had a restful evening, and it feels prefer it’s all catching up with me without delay.

“After all, honey.” My mother stands. “I’ll simply go put some contemporary sheets in your mattress actual fast, and you may get some relaxation. We saved your room for you, Pres. Simply in case you ever determined to go to.”

I shake my head, guilt nagging at my conscience. “Don’t fear about altering the sheets, Mother. I’ll be high-quality.”

She nods. “Okay, sweetheart. No matter you need. There needs to be a few of your previous garments within the dresser if you happen to’d prefer to make your self extra snug.”

“Thanks.”

I duck my head and slowly make my manner up the lengthy staircase. I can hear my mother and father speaking, however they’re so quiet, I can’t make out what they’re saying to one another. I in all probability don’t wish to know proper now anyway. My whole physique aches, so each step is daunting. Once I lastly attain my previous bed room, I flip the knob and step inside. I don’t hassle turning on the lamp. There’s sufficient moonlight filtering via the sheer curtains to see the mattress, and even when there wasn’t, I’ve each inch of this room memorized. From the little bit I can see, nothing’s modified in right here both. I step out of my denims and crawl below the covers, sighing in reduction as I hit the comfortable mattress. It takes me a minute to discover a snug place with my shoulder, however as soon as I do, I go to sleep so quick, I don’t even bear in mind closing my eyes.

* * *

After only some hours of stressed slumber, I awakened. My bodily discomfort triggered me to wake, however my mind’s incapability to close down is what’s conserving me that manner. Rattling, I actually ought to’ve crammed that prescription earlier than leaving the hospital, but it surely’s too late now. I couldn’t stand tossing and delivering mattress any longer, so I made my manner all the way down to the previous swing on the entrance porch, wrapped in a giant blanket to keep at bay the early morning chill. I had hoped the repetitious movement would make me sleepy, however to this point, it hasn’t helped. My mother and father needs to be up quickly anyway, on the lookout for solutions, so it’s in all probability a misplaced trigger.

I stare at my telephone for what feels just like the thousandth time this morning. I do know I shouldn’t have been stunned, however I used to be. Shocked is extra prefer it. Sebastian has put me via a lot through the years—greater than I might ever want on my worst enemy—however I by no means, and I do imply by no means, thought he’d cheat. There’s an excessive amount of at stake if he have been caught. He’s up for reelection quickly, and if this obtained out, it might create a large scandal. One that might considerably tarnish his valuable picture.

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