Page 67 of Mercy
I sigh, “Then why the look?”
He laughs, “I was only realizing that my girl has expensive taste, baby. That’s a ten-thousand-dollar bottle of wine.”
I gasp, “Why the hell did you spend that much on wine?”
He shrugs his shoulders, “It’s only money, baby.”
How much fucking money does this man have? I sit at the table and pour myself a glass of expensive wine.
“Do you have a job other than a doctor? I mean, I know doctors can make good money but to spend so much on a bottle of wine and say it’s only money.”
“Are you asking me how much money is in my bank account?”
I shake my head, “No, of course not, I would never,” I stammer.
He laughs, “I have made several well thought out investments, all legal. I bought my first house when I was twenty-two. I have been smart with my money, and it’s paid off tremendously. I’m a wealthy man, Mercy. But also, I don’t throw it around needlessly. However, I like to enjoy the finer things in life, like wine.”
I nod, “Okay.”
Picking up my glass, I sip the wine, “Wow, this is really good.”
We eat our food mostly in silence, probably because of me. I’m preoccupied with tomorrow's coffee I have with Nash, and I’m feeling a little guilty about not telling Liam. But I know if I tell him, he will try to stop me. I need to know that I’ve done everything possible to help Nash. I understand Liam’s concern. But how could I possibly not try to help him and keep a clear conscience? I can’t. This is non-negotiable, I have to do this.
“Is everything okay, baby girl?”
I nod, “Yeah, everything is fine,” I flash him a smile that I expect him to realize is fake. But he doesn’t say anything, so I’m relieved.
“Mercy, I need a promise from you that Nash won’t be there on Friday.”
“Friday?” I say, trying to buy time to think.
“You said, Jessica wanted to take you for drinks. Does this involve Nash?”
I shake my head, “Nash won’t be there, Liam. I’ll make sure Jessica knows not to invite him; I promise you.”
“Thank you. I’m trusting you, baby girl.”
I swallow the lump in my throat. Fuck, I feel like shit right now. If he ever finds out about tomorrow, he’s going to hate me. But I have to do what I think is right. I hate lying to Liam, but I have to try to help my friend.
I get up and start clearing the dishes from the table. Liam comes up behind me and wraps his hands around my waist. “I’m not trying to control you, Mercy. I only want to keep you safe and right now he’s not safe. It’s not that I don’t want you to be friends with him, but it can’t happen until he gets help. Please understand, baby girl.”
“I do,” I say, but this is breaking my heart. Nash has been my friend since kindergarten. Honestly, it kind of pisses me off that Liam thinks I’ll just stand back as my best friends life fucking detonates.
“There’s a few work-related things I need to do in my office. I’ll be in bed with you shortly.”
“Okay,” I say, as I fight the tears threatening to fall.
He squeezes me tighter, “I’m sorry. I love you; I can’t risk anything happening to you.”
Kissing my neck softly, he sighs and walks away.
After I finish cleaning the kitchen, I head to the bedroom, and for the first time ever, I’m glad Liam isn’t here with me. I can’t stand the guilt; I try to brush it aside as I get undressed and climb into bed.
I fall asleep quickly and I don’t know when he came to bed but he’s here now. I pretend to be still sleeping so I don’t have to talk to him. I’m terrified he’ll do what he always does and read me like a book and know something is going on. He kisses my cheek and whispers, “I love you so much, baby girl. I’ll see you at work.”
He leaves and I let out a breath once I hear the front door close. I climb out of bed and get ready to meet Nash before going to work.
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