Chapter 7
IZZY
“What do you think?” I ask Grandma, turning my head so she can see both earrings.
She smiles slowly. It clearly costs her effort. But her joy is genuine. It’s like Dom’s here, and he’s the one making her smile.
“Beautiful,” she whispers. “Oh, what a picture you make! How did you afford those? They look expensive.”
I shift awkwardly in my chair, picking at the fabric on the arm. “They were a gift, actually.”
“A gift?” She perks up, though her eyelids are heavy and much of her old light has gone. “From who?”
I shrug. “Just a guy. It’s nothing serious. But today, he sort of stood up for me. And I liked it, Grandma. A lot.”
“But?”
I laugh quietly. “How do you always know when there’s a but coming?”
“It’s one of my superpowers,” she says, voice growing quieter. I’ve almost exhausted all her energy.
“But it’s complicated,” I say. “Very, very complicated.”
Grandma’s eyes glaze over. Sometimes she gets this look like she’s going to—gulp—go. But the doctors have said she has a year, at least… but what will her life look like? She’s already getting weaker, slower, less like herself.
“Sorry?” Grandma murmurs. “Did you say something?”
“No,” I say, gently patting her hand. “Get some rest, Grandma. You deserve it.”
I wait until she falls asleep, then kiss her on the forehead. In the parking lot, I sit behind the wheel of my car, knowing I have to call Aaron back. He’s called me four times this evening, and he’s showing no signs of stopping.
I remember how Dom stood up for me earlier. He told me no one else is allowed to touch me. Which is insane. We’re strangers. And I’m going to ruin his life.
Wiping tears from my eyes, I call Aaron.
“You’re starting to make me mad, girl,” he spits. “What have you got?”
I have a copy of what was on the drive, not that I understand its significance. What if I gave him the files that show the offshore accounts, the possible tax avoidance, or fraud, or whatever else it is?
“It’s only been a week,” I reply. “You can’t expect me to produce gold like that.” I snap my fingers.
“Silly girl,” he hisses. “I could call the hospital this very moment, tell them to end the care. Is that what you want?”
“Grandma asked about you,” I lie. “She said she misses you and wants you to visit so you can play Scrabble. She knows you let her win, but she doesn’t care. She likes you, Aaron. She loves you.”
There’s a pause. For a moment, I think he’s going to soften up a little. But then he laughs nastily. “Don’t try to pull on my heartstrings. I don’t have any.”
He hangs up without barking another order at me, so maybe he does feel bad. A little. As much as he’s capable.
At home, I debate sending Dom a text. I want to thank him for the earrings, but I’m also aware that I’m giving him the wrong message.
As far as he knows, he’s involved in a risky, fun romance.
Or the beginnings of one. I never planned on seducing him when Aaron forced me into this role. It’s just so easy to like him.
I’m staring down at our message thread when I see three dots appear, meaning he’s typing a message. Butterflies swirl in my belly. The dots disappear, then reappear.
I’ve always tried to be independent. Never relied on a man. But I can’t ignore the fact that I felt special when he came to my defense.
The dots vanish and don’t come back. Just send the message, Dom! Maybe he thinks he’s gone too far or that he’s just as bad as Kenny. Maybe, maybe, maybe…
I pull my hair loose from its bun, remembering what he said about it being messy and sexy. Tussling it a little, I tuck it behind my ears, then go to the nearest mirror, snapping a selfie before I can think better of it. I send the photo to him with the message.
Izzy: These are beautiful, thank you. But I do kind of wish they were sticking a little, so you had to put them on for me.
He sees the message immediately, then replies.
Dominic Vale: They look stunning. Just like you.
Izzy: Thank you. You didn’t have to do that, though.
I sit on the couch, crossing my legs, a silly, reckless smile on my face.
Izzy: I don’t need special favors.
Dominic Vale: It’s not about what you need, Izzy. It’s about what I wanted to do, and I wanted to give you a gift. Don’t overthink it.
Of course, he has the luxury of saying that. He can only see parts of the puzzle. God, I feel sick just thinking about that. I need to stop this somehow, but what about Grandma? Maybe if I came clean to Dom, he might help me.
No, that’s dreamland thinking. If he knew I was only in his company to destroy it from the inside, he’d hate me, rightfully so.
Izzy: Well, thank you. It means a lot.
Dominic Vale: You’re welcome. How’s your grandma today?
Izzy: I’m touched you’d ask. She was alert earlier, for a while at least. There isn’t much I can do except visit her and be there for her. But it never feels like enough.
Dominic Vale: I’m sure you’re doing great. Do you have anybody to help? To visit her when you can’t?
That sick feeling returns. Lies stacked on lies.
Izzy: I have an uncle, but he’s never been supportive. Only ever looks out for himself. But yeah, he visits her sometimes.
Dominic Vale: I’m sorry, that’s all you have. You deserve better than that. A support system. Family to help you through these tough times.
Izzy: It’s fine. It’s life. It’s just the way it is. I can’t do anything except put one foot in front of the other.
Dominic Vale: Amen to that. This might sound strange because we only met recently, but I’m proud of you.
I blink back tears. I need to stop this, but I can’t.
Izzy: There’s something I need to tell you.
I type, then quickly delete. Instead, I say something else.
Izzy: I need to get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Dominic Vale: Sleep well. I know I won’t.
Izzy: Why not?
More dots appear, then disappear.
Finally.
Dominic Vale: Because you’re there and I’m here.
I put my phone face down, smoothing my hands over my stomach. Soon, Aaron’s going to lose his patience. If he ever learns something is going on between Dom and me—whatever this is—he’ll know I have access to more information than I’m letting on.
God, family is complicated.