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“Forgive ME?” I repeated

I called for another round of drinks He didn’t stop me The momentary distraction calmed us both down a bit

“Look, I know I did things too,” he said “Bad things But three guys, Claudia?” He looked hurt Anxious “Three guys at once?”

Our entrees arrived Garrett went right to eating, eager to change the subject I pushed the food aroundto

“I’ll delete the photos,” he said, and I was suddenly hopeful “But only after you coain between us”

I let out a shuddering sigh Picked at soetables

“Oh, and after you quit that stupid side job you’re doing at that house, of course”

Again, I alo off… wanted to say a thousand things about loyalty and fidelity and control Again, I sed it But it was getting harder and harder

“Let’s eat,” I said, not wanting to fight him on the subject I knew in my heart he’d never delete the photos That he’d always hold onto them no matter what, just to have that power over me

We ate, this ti one He talked about work His friends His family…

Like always, he never asked

Halfway through our entree he started fidgeting I could see it was about to happen I reached intoalready there, then checked the few es I had

“You talking to the guys?” Garrett asked snidely from his side of the table

“No,” I countered “Work”

“Whatever”