Shattered

•Twelve•

NOW

"Rob said you were gone most of the day yesterday.  Do anything interesting?"  Trish rolled up her jeans mid calf before soaking her feet into the pedicure tub.

I did the same and sat back, getting comfortable.  "Just rode his bike around town."

I woke up early and rode the bike to Tom's before she and Rob were awake.  I played with Sammy and let him out twice before riding back.  I'd even gotten a shower in before Trish was out of bed.

"So, did the groom show up?" I glanced over to Trish, raising my brows.

"Oh," she laughed, "Yes, he did.  The wedding was awesome!  Probably the best one I've done so far."

I tried to listen to my sister-in-law as she described the wedding, but my thoughts trailed back to Tom and the picture I'd found of us.

I wasn't sure what to do.  I thought about texting him, but what would I say?  Hey, went snooping and found a photo of us kissing, what's up with that?

All I knew for sure was that we were very much seeing each other.  New questions arose and I was dying for answers, but I'd have to wait for Tom to return home.

"Have you spoken to Jack?  Earth to Chrissy," Trish laughed, nudging my arm.

"Sorry," I chuckled, rolling my eyes.  "Yes, he called last night.  He should be back in town by eight.  He wants to take me out of town next weekend.  Little getaway to reconnect, I guess."

"Aw, Jackie boy... that's so sweet.  You deserve it.  As long as it's not Friday night... it better not be.  I told him I was planning a surprise party for Rob!  Did he mention it to you yet?  Probably not.  Ugh."

Chatting with Trish gave me some major whiplash sometimes.  I smirked and shook my head.  "No, he didn't say anything, but I'm sure it wouldn't be until Saturday at the earliest, since he has work."

"True.  You're probably right.  But nag him about it for me, will you?"

"I promise," I laughed.  "Is it Rob's birthday Friday?"

Trish nodded, beaming.  "The big four-oh!"

My phone chirped and I carefully pulled it out of my pocket, being sure not to drop it into the tub below.

"Is that Jack?"

I nodded, lying, as I unlocked my phone to read the text.

Tom: We're out of the tournament.  I'll be home sooner than expected.  How is everything?

I replied:
Everything is great - Sammy is happy.  When do you think you'll be home by?

Tom: 4ish or so.

"Everything okay?" Trish watched as her feet were scrub raw by the pedicurist, wincing.

"Yep.  When we get back, if you don't mind, I'm going to go on another bike ride before Jack returns.  I don't have a bike and I had a lot of fun yesterday."

"Yeah, sure!  Have at it."

•••

It was a quarter after two by the time we pulled back into the drive of Trish and Rob's.  I asked Rob for permission to borrow his bike again.  He looked at me like I had two heads.

"Of course it's fine," he replied, as if it was obvious.

Sampson and I were in the backyard playing fetch when Tom arrived back home.  I took a deep breath, still unprepared to confront him, but desperately needing to.  Sammy ran off to the front yard once he realized Tom was back.  I followed, giving Tom a wave before sticking my hands into my back pocket, just to have something to do with them.