Lynn and I were sitting in an Italian place near my apartment, sipping glasses of pinot grigio and waiting for our Caesar salads to arrive.
“Jason and I are renewing our vows for our anniversary,” I said, “and I’m thinking about doing it up. Maybe the Rainbow Room, with a band and a champagne fountain. The works. What do you think?”
It was the first time I’d seen my sister since her return from Florida a couple of days earlier. She’d come in to the city to meet with her lawyer about some real estate business, and suggested we meet for lunch, so she could catch up on my marital drama. I tried to beg off. I worried that Aidan might ambush me again, the way he had at the spin class. On the other hand, I was too keyed up to be alone, and dying for the comfort of Lynn’s company. I had half a mind to tell her about Aidan anyway, to get her advice.
“Renewing your vows? Are you sure?” Lynn said. “When I left, you were on the verge of divorce. I come back a week later, and everything’s roses? Shouldn’t you wait for the reunion to take before you throw some big expensive party?”
“I thought you’d be happy for me.”
Lynn flicked her blond hair back over her shoulder. Her deep tan and coral lipstick clashed with the grim expression on her face.
“I want to be happy for you, sis, but I’m not sure that’s justified yet. I’ve been hearing some gossip that I hope isn’t true. I didn’t want to have to repeat it to you,” she said.
I knew what was coming.
“You don’t have to repeat it,” I said.
“Because you already know what it is.”
“I can guess. I know you play tennis down in Boca with that—what’s her name?”
“Andrea Grassi. She’s friends with your girlfriend Stacey.”
“Stacey’s not my friend.”
“Apparently not, since she talks behind your back something awful. Anyway, I told Andrea it was impossible. That she must be misinformed. Am I right?”
Lynn gazed at me intently. I kept my expression neutral.
“Caroline?”
“Hold on.”
The waiter was walking toward our table, carrying our salads—mine with shrimp, Lynn’s with chicken. We waited while he worked the long pepper grinder. I loved the food here, but today I had no appetite. A large plate-glass window faced the street, and I sat where I could look out, constantly glancing over Lynn’s shoulder, scanning for him. He’d been following me. I hadn’t seen him yet today, and I was praying he was gone. That he’d given up, lost interest in me. But what if he hadn’t? This man was a killer. I knew that from what the police officer told me. Manslaughter. It could mean anything. And Aidan Callahan was now focused on me. My nerves were taut, my stomach unsettled from the stress. I worried every minute that I would turn around and see him behind me.
“Tell me what you heard, and I’ll tell you if it’s true,” I said, once the waiter was gone.
“I heard, you got yourself a boy toy. A bartender named Aidan who goes to spin class with you. And he’s a hunk and a half. But obviously this isn’t possible, right? A few days ago, I was holding your hand while you sobbed about your rat of a husband.”
“Aidan followed me to spin class. I didn’t bring him.”
“He’s real? I can’t believe it. What the hell is going on, Caroline?”
“Nothing’s going on. I’m not cheating. Not exactly, not currently.”
“Whoa, a lot of hedging there, babe. Listen, let me say up front, if you did it, I understand. Jason cheated first.”
“Jason didn’t cheat. He told me all about it. She’s a—a work colleague.”
“The Russian tart in the leather skirt? Please. You can’t even say that with a straight face.”
“It’s true.”
“Don’t tell me that. I saw her.”
“Well, I believe him. My marriage is fine. Stacey Allen should shut her trap.”
“If your marriage is so fine, who’s this bartender, and why did he follow you to spin class?”
“Okay,” I said, glancing around the restaurant to check one last time that nobody I knew was present. I lowered my voice. “You have to promise not to tell.”
Lynn eyed me with interest. I took a swig of wine and then a deep breath.
“Cross my heart,” she said.
“Not even Joe.”
“I won’t tell my husband, promise,” Lynn said.
“Thank you. Now. You remember how I was when you left?”
“You were a wreck.”
“It got worse from there. I found out Jason drained the bank accounts.”
“Shit, you’re kidding me. That prick. I told you to go to the lawyer.”
“I did. I actually filed papers. But then I withdrew them.”
“Why?”
“It’s a long story.”
“Did he put the money back?”
“Some. Not all of it. But he’s going to.”
She made a clucking noise. “Why would you trust him at this point? With everything he’s done?”
“I’m choosing to trust him. I mean, it’s Jason. Twenty years of marriage, right?”
“I guess. He always seemed like a good guy.”
“Yes, he did. Anyway, in the middle of all this mess, you were in Florida, I was freaking out—”
“Oh, so it’s my fault now?”
“I’m just explaining. I was really upset. There’s nothing to drink in the house, nobody to talk to. I go to the bar in town.”
“Which bar?”
“The Red Anchor.”
“Oh, I’ve been there.”
“Yeah, it’s halfway decent, and it was open. I had to get out of the house or I’d go crazy.”
“Wait a minute, are you talking about that guy, blondish hair, built, looks like Brad Pitt?”
“Brad Pitt? Really? I don’t see that.”
“Come on. They’re like twins. He’s freaking gorgeous. You didn’t—?”
“I did. I was drunk off my ass. It was a one-night stand. And I regret it terribly.”
Lynn threw her head back and laughed. “Oh, my God. I didn’t know you had it in you. Seriously. How was it?”
“How was it? It was a huge mistake.”
“Uh, hello, that’s not what I’m asking.”
I leaned forward. “I know what you’re asking, but this isn’t funny,” I said. “It’s not some schoolgirl prank. It’s a nightmare. We did it once. I told him goodbye, and now he won’t leave me alone. He’s been following me.”
She sobered instantly. “Is he blackmailing you?”
“No.”
“How much does he want?”
“I said no. It’s not about money.”
“What then?”
“He’s, like, obsessed with me.”
“That hot bartender—obsessed with you?”
“Yes.”
“No, really.”
“Is that so implausible?” I said, huffily.
“I mean, you’re a beautiful woman, Car. But aren’t you like twenty years older than him?”
“More like fifteen. Look, I agree, it’s weird. It’s freaking me out. The first time I tried to get rid of him, he slammed his head against the dashboard of my car till it was bloody.”
“Holy shit, really? Is something wrong with him?”
“I don’t know. But that’s not all. Then he starts turning up in the city. Telling me he can’t live without me. After a one-night stand, can you believe it? I thought it would be a big nothing to a guy like that.”
“What did you say when he showed up?”
“I told him to stay away from me, or I’d go to the police.”
“Good for you. And did he? Stay away?”
“No. I’ve seen him a bunch of times since then. He follows me, always at a distance.”
“That’s so creepy.”
“I know.”
“You should go to the police.”
“Here’s the thing. I did, after the spin class. And they told me unless he hurts me or threatens me with a weapon, it’s not a crime, and there’s nothing they can do.”
Lynn put her fork down. I could tell she believed me now.
“I’m worried about Hannah,” she said.
“Hannah? Why? It’s me you should worry about.”
“If this guy is a psycho, how do you know he won’t go after your daughter?”
“Because this has nothing to do with her,” I said, and sighed with irritation. “I swear, you’re obsessed with Hannah.”
“Somebody needs to be. You don’t think enough about how your actions affect other people.”
“Thank you for your concern. But I can take care of my own daughter,” I said, coldly.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you.”
Well, she had. Lynn didn’t have kids of her own, so she’d glommed on to my daughter. The two of them were thick as thieves. Despite everything I did for Hannah, not only did she prefer her father to me, she preferred her aunt. Kids act out against the parent who provides the tough love. I understood that, but it still hurt my feelings. I resented their tight bond, and I didn’t need Lynn acting like she knew what was good for Hannah better than I did. But Lynn couldn’t let it go.
“It’s just—” she said.
“What?”
“How do you know he’s not violent?”
I wanted to confide in her. I really did. By making this about Hannah, she’d made it impossible. I couldn’t tell her about the manslaughter without risking having her do something crazy, like telling Hannah about my affair.
“Since I threatened to go to the police, he’s kept his distance. Stop worrying.”
“But you said this guy’s still following you.”
“No. I said he did follow me, but now I think he won’t bother me again.”
“That’s not what you said.”
“Lynn, back off. Let’s talk about something else. Renewing my vows. How to celebrate Hannah’s birthday next month. Visiting you in Florida this winter. I don’t want to think about Aidan Callahan anymore. I’m done with him.”
“I hope he’s done with you, too.”