Twisted Secrets by Amy McKinley

Author:Amy McKinley [McKinley, Amy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781951919016
Publisher: Arrowscope Press, LLC
Published: 2021-01-07T00:00:00+00:00

Late that night, a knock sounded at my door. I knew that impatient two-knuckle rap. I stood in my pajamas with my palm resting against the bolt, unwilling to open it.

“Riley, it’s Charles.”

The remorseful tone to his voice told me I wouldn’t need to call for reinforcements. I responded by telling him to go away. He wouldn’t. Instead, he begged me to hear him out. I wouldn’t open my apartment door. I slid down and leaned my forehead against the cool wood as he unburdened his soul. The only concession I would give him was listening.

“I told her.”

His wife. My heart slammed painfully against my ribs at his confession.

“I got a lawyer and filed for divorce. We sat on the couch in the living room and talked. I can’t stop thinking about you, Riley. You’re the one I want to spend the rest of my life with, not her. You don’t know what it’s like, living with her. I’m not happy and haven’t been in a long time.”

I didn’t ask what she’d said or if she was unhappy too. I drew my knees to my chest and wrapped my arms around them. This isn’t what I wanted.

“Are you still there?” His voice was hoarse with emotion.

“I am.” I closed my eyes against the futility of his plight and my unknowing hand in destroying his marriage and shattering another woman’s world.

“I haven’t been myself and took my frustrations about my situation out on you. It wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t fair. You had no idea what I was dealing with. I won’t make that mistake again.” He cleared his throat. “Come back to me.”

“I can’t,” I whispered, unsure if he would hear me through the thick barrier of the door between us.

“Graduation is right around the corner. There won’t be anything stopping us,” he pleaded. “The divorce… she said she wouldn’t contest it, if that’s what you’re worried about. Please, Riley. We’re good together.” There was a wealth of pain and desperation in his voice.

Tears ran unchecked down my cheeks. “No, Charles.” He would keep pressing me. I had to get through to him. “Our relationship was built on a lie. There isn’t any trust. I would always question why you were late or if there was someone else. It will not work, nor am I willing to try.” And somewhere along the way, I fell out of love with you.

“I need you.”

“I’m sorry.” I pushed away from the door, farther from where he sat on the other side. “Please go.”

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