Chapter 68
BACK HOME AT THE HARRISONS’. After the craziness of the day, it really does feel like home. Hailey is being super-nice. She actually offered to make me dinner. Okay, it’s just cheese and tomatoes on whole wheat. But still.
I’m taking it easy, as the EMTs suggested, curled up on the couch under a blanket with the dogs on either side of me like bookends.
I’m pretty relaxed, all things considered.
But then I realize that I have to tell Metcalf what happened.
Just as the EMT guy was checking my vitals, he finally answered my Loxton texts with a vague, snarky Yes, know all about it.
No explanation for why he waited so long to reply or whether they’d ever spoken.
So I text now: Car accident today. Definitely somebody following me, slammed into rear, major damage to Amber’s car.
This time, he texts back quickly. With anyone else, I’d expect a warm, touching message asking if I’m okay, was I hurt, is there anything he can do. But Metcalf is not anyone else.
Here’s what he wrote: WHY were you driving Amber’s car?
Me, responding: She’s been away. Left Ben. Took baby.
Him: WHY didn’t you tell me this before??
I can think of several answers.
Because you never want to hear about anything but Ben and made it clear that anything else was useless information.
Because I didn’t think you’d give a damn about a wife’s unhappiness.
Because you’re basically a single-minded prick with zero compassion for anyone or anything, and I hate your guts.
Instead, I write: No particular reason.
Then I add, By the way, in case you’re interested, I survived.
He doesn’t respond.