Squirrel & Swan Wicked Things by M. D. Archer

Author:M. D. Archer [M. D. ARCHER]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: SWARM Publishing
Published: 2023-06-11T00:00:00+00:00

REBECCA WALKED FROM her car over to Crave, the large café and restaurant near the Morningside train station.

“You don’t look so good,” Hilary said before Rebecca had even sat down.

“Thanks.” She rolled her eyes. “Back in a sec.” She went up to the counter. “Flat white, double shot, please,” she said to the barista. “Oh and one of those croissants.”

“What’s going on?” Hilary asked as she returned to her seat. “You only ever eat croissants when you’re upset.”

“Oh Hilary. I’ve been an idiot.” With tears in her eyes, Rebecca finally told her friend the whole awful truth. Hilary listened sympathetically for the duration, and afterward, Rebecca felt a lot better.

“How awful.” Hilary patted her arm. “And you think this Derek guy is responsible?”

Hilary had not passed judgement on Rebecca’s adulterous behaviour, and for this, Rebecca was grateful.

A loud buzzing sounded as Hilary’s phone rattled against the table. She glanced down. “Sorry, it’s Eric. I’d better take this.”

“Sure,” Rebecca dropped her gaze to check her own phone. Nothing new. No messages or Facebook posts. That was something, at least.

“Hello, darling,” Hilary answered, turning away a little as if attempting to shield Rebecca from the conversation.

Rebecca found herself cringing at Hilary’s tone, her attempt at conveying a carefree, everything-is-fine vibe. But was this for her husband’s benefit, or for Rebecca’s?

“What’s up? Yes. I’m, uh, I’m… pardon? No it’s not….” Hilary sighed. “Fine. I’m with Rebecca. I’m helping her with a—” she broke off to glance at her friend then shook her head. “A work issue. What? Yes. I won’t be long. I’m sorry, but she needed a shoulder. No, I don’t. Listen, I’ll talk to you later? What? Yes, I can pick it up on the way back. Fine.” Hilary disconnected and angrily shoved her phone in her bag.

“Everything okay?” Rebecca said gently.

Hilary shrugged.

“Why did I get the feeling you didn’t want to say you were with me? Does Eric not like us hanging out?” She smirked. “Am I a bad influence.”

“Sort of, yes.”

Rebecca’s mouth dropped open. “What?”

“He knows you know. About his affairs, I mean.”

“Why on earth did you tell him?”

“I don’t know, it popped out. I guess during lockdown we were forced to spend more time talking. It was actually good in some ways.”

“Good for you.”

“But now he feels as if you’re judging him. As if you’re telling me to leave him, or something.”

He’d be right about that, Rebecca thought, but didn’t say.

“Ironic, given your, uh, situation.” Hilary gave her a weak smile

“Yes, the irony isn’t lost on me, but I’m a little concerned by this, Hils. He doesn’t want you to have friends? You know that’s what abusers do, right? Try to get their victims away from support systems.”

“He is not abusing me.”

“What about emotionally? Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure. He cheated on me. There’s a big difference between that and emotional abuse. He’s not… what’s the word? Gaslighting me, or anything.”

“Okay, fine. But if he starts, you’ll tell me, won’t you?”

“Fine.”

“You promise?’

“I promise.”

For a moment they were both silent.

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