Three Years, One Big Lie

ng that felt wrong. Usually, the aroma of a fresh pot, brewed exactly how he like

was empty, the sheets cold and undis

eft. He' d expected tears, maybe some yelling, followed by a d

imself, swinging his legs out of bed. "

ered quickly, the water washing away the lingering scent of last night' s cold chicken and disappointm

rianna, a ritual that always s

id, his voice ins

thful energy that he found so addictive. "I was just

. I promise. How

bers are perfect. I think I might be ab

d through him. Relief, yes. But something els

ust take it easy. D

e, waiting for my handsome

the provider, the hero. With Gladys, the lines had always been blurred. S

y house fading as he slipped into the familiar, sterile world

the transplant wing. She was sitting up in bed, her face glowing.

he squealed, hug

held her at arm's length, his eyes doing a quick, pr

er kidney finally decided to be my f

t the mention of Gladys. "It's a part of yo

serious. "I promise. We can finally start o

automatic. He told himself this was what he wanted. This was the e

as next week," she whispered against his mouth.

B," he said, his v

y, her eyes searching h

d, his tone flat. "

ere was a sharp, eager curiosity in h

id simply. "Packe

nging around like a bad smell." She settled back against the pillows, looking pleased with herself. "S

ange emptiness echoing in his chest. He expected to

sensing his shift in mood. "Are

he said, forcing a smil

aid, patting his hand. "Go home

o leave. He gave her another perfunc

ration in his pocket. It was a text from Le

the thought of going back to that

alley's. 8

She picked up a burner phone tucked under her mattress. A flicker of doubt crossed her

her contacts, finding the number she'd used before. Her fingers flew across the scr

always chosen me. W

was an old one, from a scare they'd had a year ago that tu

ing to her face. That should do it. That should be