FrenchQuarter.htm by Alexander Lacey (good fiction books to read TXT) 📗

Her mother dropped into worry mode. “Is he all right? Nothing’s happened, has it?”

Both questions were debatable, but Liz decided to stick to the script she’d created in her mind. “Mom, a few nights ago I discovered Todd has been lying to me for nearly two months. Instead of working late all those nights like he claimed, he was really going to a strip club and…paying to go into private rooms with the strippers.”

Saying something like that to her ultra-conservative mom had been challenging, and now her mother stayed silent, not responding.

Liz took it as her cue to go on. “I originally thought he was cheating on me, but I think this is just as bad, maybe even worse. When I confronted him, he told me he’s still attracted to other women, and apparently, can’t resist acting on it. So…I’ve broken up with him. The engagement is off.”

Finally, after another long pause, her mother found words. “My God, Liz, are you sure this is true?”

She took a deep breath before answering. “Yes, because I saw it with my own eyes.”

“Well…perhaps you two can work through this somehow. Maybe counseling? I hear many couples find counseling helpful.”

Although one part of Liz had been certain her parents would be horrified by Todd’s deception, another part of her had almost expected this. Her mother was in denial, just as Todd had been when she’d broken up with him, so she kept things simple and to the point. “No, Mom, it can’t be worked out. Things are completely over between us. I know this will make for an awkward situation with his parents, but you and Dad will just have to deal with that as best you can. I can’t be expected to marry a man I don’t love, a man who lies to me, just to keep the families happy.”

On the other end of the line, her mother let out a long sigh. “Well, this is a lot to swallow, Liz.”

“Believe me, I know.” And I can’t imagine your reaction if you knew what I’d been doing over the last few days.

When her mother still seemed stuck for words, Liz took the initiative to end the conversation. “Listen, I’ll give you some time to fill Dad in, and then we can talk again. Fortunately, we don’t yet really have any specific wedding plans to cancel, so that’s a blessing. Basically, we can all just go on with our lives. Hopefully, Todd’s parents will see the sense in that and it won’t cause any business troubles.”

“Liz, does this mean you’ll be moving back home?”

The question took Liz’s breath away. It was a natural one under the circumstances, yet it hadn’t once occurred to her to return to Maryland. In fact, she’d enjoyed being in New Orleans more the last few days than she had the prior six months since her arrival. Summoning her voice, she said, “Um, I’m not sure yet, but…I might stay here. I’m starting to like it here.”

* * * * *

“Want me to go with you?” Lynda asked when Liz announced she was going next door to pack her things. “He’s home, you know. His car’s in the driveway. I just checked.”

Liz appreciated the offer, but turned it down. “I can do it myself. And I wouldn’t want him to think I was the least bit intimidated by him, because I’m not. Besides, maybe he’ll be calmer about this now that a little time has passed.”

“If you’re sure,” Lynda said. “But remember, I’m here if you need me for anything.”

Liz thanked her, then steeled herself and walked boldly out the door toward the house she’d recently just begun thinking of as home. It was bigger than they needed, and more ostentatious, but Todd had wanted it and Liz couldn’t deny its appeal. It was a lovely place. Strange, she thought, approaching the front door, for awhile she’d actually envisioned herself raising children in this house. At the moment, children were as far off the radar screen as Todd himself. It was as if her entire world had somersaulted, but she wasn’t sorry. She didn’t miss her plans for the future; in fact, she was rather enjoying the unexpected, the thrill each new day suddenly held. Her experiences with Jack were molding her into an almost entirely new person—a person she liked much better than the old, go-along-with-what-everyone-else-wants Liz.

That thought strengthened her resolve as she let herself in.

No sign of Todd yet, but the scents of coffee brewing and bread toasting told her he was likely in the kitchen—that he’d slept late and was just now starting the day even though it was after noon. It occurred to her that if she were quiet enough, she might actually manage to go upstairs and pack what she needed without even running into him. Even if he was calmer now, it wasn’t as if she really had anything else to say to him. With that thought, she slipped off her heels for quieter travel, heading for the steps.

Once upstairs, she changed into fresh undies, a short, casual skirt and a stretchy pullover top. Then she found a large duffle bag and filled it with clothes—work clothes, casual clothes, shoes, underwear. She made a point of taking every ounce of lacy lingerie she owned, and the few sexy nighties she possessed, as well—thinking they’d come in handy with Jack. Just the thought of him fueled her, made her realize how anxious she was to get out of this house, how anxious she was—already—to see him again tonight.

Moving into the bathroom off the master bedroom, she packed cosmetics and toiletries, everything she’d need to get by until a more official move could be arranged. Returning to the bedroom, she knelt to put the items in her bag, zipping it shut. Turning, she found Todd standing in the bedroom doorway.

His eyes were bloodshot—a hangover, she guessed. He wore old gym shorts and a T-shirt that told her she was right about him just now getting