#Chapter 52 – A Stiff Drink

I practically tumble out of my closet, feeling nauseous and gasping for air all at once. Part of my mind knows that this is an over-reacting, but my body is in panic, totally not knowing how to respond to this news.

I make my way into the bathroom and splash water on my face, seeking to calm my body down. “It’s okay,” I whisper to myself, trying to convince myself. “It’s all going to be fine.” Still, my hands shake in the water that runs from the tap.

Making a snap decision, I stride back into my room, grabbing my phone.

Evelyn: Hey, I need to meet. Same old spot?

My leg shakes as I stare at my phone, waiting for a reply. As soon as it comes back in the affirmative, I’m out my bedroom door.

I quickly crack the boys’ door to peek in at them – good. They’re still watching their show, their eyelids beginning to droop. I nod, close the door, and fly down the stairs, grabbing my purse before heading out.

“Matthew, Frank,” I say to the Betas by my front door. “Would you mind keeping an ear out for the boys in case they need anything? I need to –“ I shake my head, trying to put the words together – my thoughts are moving faster than my mouth. “I need to step out for a minute.”

“Anything you need, ma’am,” Frank says. “Do you mind if we call extra Betas down for patrol, if you’re not here? Place someone in your living room? We’re not taking any chances.”

“Whatever you need to do,” I murmur, already heading down the front steps. Then I’m in my car and on the road pretty much before I know what’s happening.

“Babe,” Delia wraps her arms around me from behind. “You didn’t even reply to any of my follow-up texts or calls. Is everything okay?”

“I’m sorry, Delia,” I say, closing my eyes and savoring her hug. “I didn’t even look at my phone.”

She slides onto the stool next to me, where a cold glass of chardonnay is waiting for her. I’m already on my second glass of Southern Comfort and lime. The liquor is doing its job on my fried nerves – I really am feeling significantly steadier.

“Tell me everything,” Delia says, leaning forward on the bar and lifting her drink to her lips.

boys,” I say, sighing and looking up at the

boys?” she asks.

of it is,” I turn my head here to look into her pretty russet eyes, “that Amelia betrayed Victor, betrayed me,

place a hand on my arm.

the boys, about

going along with

up the ceremony – he’s going to claim them as his sons soon. He told me that Amelia betrayed him and I think

Usually, this would make me put my hackles up. But from Delia, my oldest friend? For so long, my only friend?

Victor has betrayed me, he met with my father, and

suddenly confused. “If he didn’t tell you, then

gathering all his secrets like a little squirrel stowing nuts for winter. I bite my lip for a moment, considering – should I tell her? No, not worth it. No

I say, waving my

“The one you’re dating?”

to her suggestion. “He got wind of it from Victor’s side and let me know what was going on. But either way, Victor is making decisions about my life – about my children – without even telling me

for the first time in this mess. I hurriedly wipe them away. “He’s all upset

comfortingly for a moment and then, hesitant, says, “is

eyes. “Are you kidding me, Delia? Of

you seen him since then? Have you given him a chance to tell you about

before going all the way to my childhood home?

her chair, nodding. “Okay,

frown at her, but let her

through to ensure that they do. If he felt, suddenly, that his lineage and his children

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