Behind the Mask

Chapter 28

Marissa's POV

The last several weeks have been amazing. The guys had been taking me out on individual and some group dates. It was fun getting to know them each, but it also made me feel guilty that I was still hiding so much from them. But how do I tell them about my secret life - will it even matter? I want so badly to believe this will last. I hummed as I looked at the computer screen, rereading the email for the fourth or fifth time. A knock at the door pulled me out of my trance. "Hey, Rissa, can we talk?" Chloe asked, poking her head in slightly.

I felt my stomach tense, but smiled, "Sure Clo, come on in." I grabbed some water from the fridge and offered it to her, but she declined so I opened it and took a sip as she spoke.

"I wanted to apologize for the other day. I shouldn't have been so rude to Mr. Taylor and as for Jackson, well, I'm so sorry, Rissa. I had no idea what he was doing," she kept wringing her hands and finally broke out in tears, "Oh Rissa, I don't know what I'm going to do. He... he's been so moody and I'm pregnant again. I'm scared," she confessed.

I quickly came around the table and put my arms around her shoulders, "Shhh, it's okay, Clo, we'll figure it out together. We just need to focus on you for now, okay?" She nodded and hiccuped. "Where are the boys?"

"At the sitter. Jackson is out of town with a client, I think. It's the second trip in less than a month." She looked up, wide-eyed, "You don't think he's having an affair do you? I mean, that would explain the change in behavior. Oh, gods..." she began to sob again.

She's not wrong. It would explain the behavior, but at this time, it really doesn't matter. "Clo, let's not worry about that right now. How about I come over tonight and help out with the boys? We can talk and figure out what you want to do."

"Can we come to your place?" she asked, "I mean, what if he comes home early?"

"Of course, that's a great idea," I said. "Pack PJs for the boys and we can make it a sleepover." She hugs me again, mumbling her thanks, then leaves. I jump when my phone rings and open it without even looking at the caller ID. "Hello?"

"Marissa?" my father's voice comes through the speaker.

"Yes, Father, how can I help you?" I try to keep the venom out of my voice at the unexpected call.

"Can't a Father just call to check on his girlie?" he asks and I almost choke. That man hasn't called to just check in my entire life.

"Sorry, Father, you just caught me off guard. I was just dealing with something here at work."

"Well, I was hoping to talk with you about your mother."

My breath catches, "Mother? Is everything alright?"

He pauses, "Well, not really. She's been rather depressed as of late, and, well, it got worse when she didn't get to see you last time. Marissa, can you come to see her? I know you don't really want to be around, but this isn't about us, it's for her." I was stunned. Never in my life has my father asked me for anything and he sure as hell has never asked anything on someone else's behalf. "Marissa?" he said.

"Oh, yeah, I'm still here. I have a few things going on here, but what about the first weekend in November? That's only a few weeks from now, would that work?" I waited for him to answer, hoping he wouldn't push for sooner. Gabe had gone to so much trouble to help with the office party and now Chloe, well, I needed to be here.

"That will be fine. Why don't we keep it between us and you can surprise her when you get here, okay, girlie?" I cringed at the nickname, but quickly agreed and hung up the phone. Well, fuck this has turned into the most bizarre Wednesday of my life so far.