Page 100 of Checkmate
“I didn’t…” he cleared his throat and Erica could see him scrambling for an acceptable answer. One that didn’t make him the bad guy. “You haven’t got the full story.”
“So, tell me, Alex. Tell me what parts I’m missing that make any of this okay?”
“Just… Just give me a minute to collect my thoughts.”
He moved away from the group and poured himself a strong drink from Bill’s alcohol cabinet. He knocked it back and stared at nothing. Without warning, he launched his tumbler at the wall, smashing it to pieces as he cursed under his breath. Liv jumped and tightened her hold on Josh’s arm while Josh tensed, ready to spring into action.
“Temper, temper,” Lottie said, provoking him further as she moved to her mother’s side. “It’s okay, Mum. Don’t let him upset you.”
Bill had yet to react, quietly seething. Like Erica, he was watching Alex.
Throwing his glass was just one sign of his mood. His usually perfect hair was a mess with the number of times he’d run his hand through it. He looked agitated and uncomfortable. He was sweating. All the while, she could see the cogs turning while he desperately searched for the right words.
Yeah. He had nothing.
“It was just sex,” he muttered, avoiding her gaze. “I don’t love her. Hell, I barely even like her.”
It was as if his words had sucked the oxygen from the room. Everything went silent as Erica’s ears seemed to ring in an otherwise soundless vacuum. There it was. Admittance. The truth.
The end of her marriage.
Time seemed to slow down as his words repeated over and over in her mind. Her body felt like it wasn’t hers anymore, as though she was floating above them, watching the scene unfold.
In the corner of her eye, she saw Josh move and Liv try to hold on to his arm. He shook her off and crossed the room in a blur. His fist connected with Alex’s face, the sound of which was enough to bring Erica back down to Earth with a bump.
“You fucking scumbag!” Blood poured from Alex’s nose, staining his crisp white shirt with spots of bright red.
Erica couldn’t find it in her to care.
“Jesus, Josh, what the hell, man?” Alex held his nose, tipping his head back.
“Oh, you’re fucked in the head if you think that’s the only punch I’m going to throw.”
“Josh, that’s enough,” their father said, finally standing. “I think it’s time for you to leave, Alex.”
“Erica, baby,” Alex said, ignoring anyone but her. He dropped to his knees and reached for her hand. “You gotta believe what I’m saying—”
“I don’t believe a word that comes out of your lying, cheating mouth.” She pulled her hand from his grasp, throwing his phone at him. “Your girlfriend needs your attention.”
“She’s not my girlfriend! She’s just… It’s not. Erica—”
“I asked you to leave, Alex,” Bill said, raising his voice this time. “Out of respect for my wife, I’m asking you politely. But if you do not get out of my house within the next minute, I’ll break a bone for every tear you’ve made my daughter cry for you.”
Erica felt her heart swell with love for her father, but his threats fell on deaf ears as Alex still knelt in front of her.
“Erica, please. Please listen to me.”
She stared down at him, the need to comfort him overwhelming her. It was instinctual, second nature. Luckily, the doorbell rang to bring her to her senses and remind her the festivities weren’t quite over.
“Oh goodie,” Lottie said, unable to hide her glee as she ran to the door.
“Alex, you’re making a fool of yourself now,” Debra said. “Come on, son. It’s time to go.”
“I’m not leaving without her.”
“I’m not really sure that’s your choice.” Everyone turned to look at the new voice as Lottie ushered Marcus into the room. Erica couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face.
Oh, she really needed to see him.
