Betrayal

Chapter 2

1 Week

Lola is more than relaxed as she lies in her beach chair. I'm beside of her in my own chair, watching as Dominic swims laps in the pool. He already went out for a run with Warren this morning before I woke up to him showering.

Now I'm bored. He's tried to get me into the pool more than once and I've refused, saying I don't feel like it. I'm sure at some point I'll have to tell him I don't know how to swim. It's not really something that needs to be kept secret. I'm sure a lot of people don't know how to swim.

"I should have brought some books with me," I mumble as I continue to watch Dominic. "I don't know why I didn't pack any."

Lola grumbles, then sighs.

"My dad has a huge library in his office. Go get a book."

I smile at her lazy her voice seems. She's practically asleep, baking in the sun, getting a tan on her already tan skin. Her blonde hair is going to get even blonder, too, I'm sure.

"I can't just go in his office and take his stuff."

"Yes, you can. He's probably in there, anyway. Go ask him."

I sigh and look up to the sky. Another cloud free day. Quiet, aside from the waves crashing on the beach, the water lapping at the sides of the pool, and the music that Lola has playing over the speakers. So not really quiet at all.

"Stop being a shy bitch and go ask him for a book. He isn't going to bite you."

As I slide off of the chair I slap her arm easily.

"Where you going?"

I stop at the doors and look back to Dominic. He's at the side, wading in the water, looking across the patio at me.

"To get a book from your dad. I want something to read."

He smiles.

"You should get in the pool. It's a beautiful day. The water feels so good."

I force a smile.

"Maybe later. Where is his office, Lo?"

"It's next to yours and Dom's room," she says without looking at me.

I go inside, across the house, upstairs, and stop at the cracked door. I hesitate for a moment, then knock.

"Come in."

I open it and peer inside. Warren is standing behind his desk, wearing dark rimmed glasses, smoking a cigarette, and smiles when he sees me. Every time I've ever seen him, he's had a cleanly shaven face, but now it looks as if he's in the early stages of growing a beard. And his hair is a wavy mess, sticking up every which way, as if he's just woken up and hasn't run a brush through it.

"Oh, hi, Ali. Something I can do for you?"

I clear my throat.

"Lola told me I could come up here and get a book. If that's alright with you."

His smile grows and he motions at the overflowing bookshelves along the far wall.

"Of course. Take your pick."

I step in then, walk slowly across the room, and let my eyes roam over the shelves. They're so tall he even has a ladder. Between some of the books are statues, photographs, knickknacks. A college graduation photo of him and Rebecca holding their diplomas catches my eye, along with a wedding photo. They're beaming, grinning, and seem so happy. They go well together. A photograph of Lola as a baby, which I've seen before, makes me smile.