lies lies lies || book three

chapter sixteen

The three of them sat on the couch. Ana and Jack spent the first ten minutes observing the apartment where Laney first spent the night before Morgan gave her a famous Tennesse tour. She hadn't expected Jack to drop everything but he did and he brought Ana too.

As she explained the situation, she made herself a mocktail with grapefruit soda and some juice while serving Jack and Ana some wine. She knew Morgan would get the notification that she was in the apartment but she didn't care. She would be out of here in two days when he probably would come trying to hunt her down.

"I'm so sorry Laney. He is a piece of shit," Ana said sipping her wine.

Jack nodded before momentarily pausing, "Did you ever call the guard in the video?".

Laney shook her head, "No. Why?".

"Well didn't he lie on the phone?" Jack asked for clarification.

He was right. Bean did lie over the phone. Was there a plan all along? Did Morgan plot New York's confession with Bean before showing up? The thought of that fueled her resentment to another extent.

She picked up her phone and got ready to call Bean, ignoring the multiple calls and texts from Morgan.

"I can get you a good lawyer," Jack spoke as he took Laney's email and began typing away.

If these weren't good friends, she would have none. Ana and Jack always had her back no matter what type of situation she was in. It was in moments like these that she wished that she had never left Lipton and that she could relive moving to Nashville for the first time.

"Wait," Ana spoke as Laney's finger hovered over the green button, "We need to plan what you'll say".

Grabbing a notepad, Ana began scribbling down some questions and handed them to Laney. Taking a deep breath and revising them, Laney pressed the button.

It was a few rings later that Bean had picked up, "Laney?".

"Bean! How are you?" Laney casually greeted him making Ana confused.

"I'm good Lane. Just enjoying my time off with the family. What's going on?".

"You lied," she blandly said, "I saw the video. I was there when he called you. Why did you lie? Did you guys plan this out?".

Bean sighed over the phone before cautiously speaking, "Look Laney, I'm sorry. I sat him down after and had an intervention with him. He told me he would go sober. He told me he regretted it as soon as it happened and I believe him. He seriously threw out the Jack we had as soon as he saw it. He was devastated so much that he flew out to you despite me saying not to".

She took a deep breath as he continued to speak, "He was crying and shaking. I'd never seen him like that prior to when he cheated the first time. He never had problems when he drank so I'm not sure where this came from. He loves you a lot. He was asking for you drunk and I kept reminding him where you were. He wanted to surprise you in New York and got on that plane in tears. Wouldn't even let me go with him".

Laney stayed quiet for a moment taking in the reactions of Jack and Ana as well before Bean added a question, "What happened?".

Laney explained the situation and how she was in his apartment in Nashville now to which Bean mentioned his Morgan would probably go there in two days.

"I know I'm going to find a place to stay. I might just move back home. Thanks for telling me the truth Bean. I don't know if he needs to go to AA or what but he took it to another level," she said.

"Of course Laney. He really loves you. I think he was serious this time," Bean replied, "I'm not asking you to forgive him but just know that he regretted it".

With that, Laney hung the phone up. Jack showed her the email that he had gotten back from a lawyer saying that divorce papers would be handed out tomorrow. Ana had been rubbing Laney's back as she began to turn red and rant about how Morgan was a drunk idiot who needed help. In the middle of her rant, she stopped mid-sentence as she recalled when he promised her that he would change.

The begging in his voice. The voice that cracked as he reached out saying it wasn't his fault. It was nothing but lies. How she asked him not to embarrass her. His bloodshot eyes. The misery under eyes. Maybe it was internal guilt.

She winced at the pain in her stomach as she snapped back to reality. "You should stay with me," Jack said, "Remember when he punched me?".

For the first time in the last 72 hours, Laney was able to laugh. The recollection of the three of them eating hot dogs and Jack saying hi before Morgan swung at him made her chuckle.

"I'm a pregnant woman. I'm not putting my pregnant physical and emotional baggage on you Jack," she kindly declined.

He shrugged, "It won't matter. Just stay for a few days until you get your own place. I'll ask my parents if the building has anything left".

Laney gave him a hug, "You are too kind. Thank you".

"I'll keep you company after work," Ana added, "I'm kind too".

Laney gave her a hug too as she began to tear up, "Love you guys, by the way it's a girl".

Both of them began to cheer as they started to pitch baby names. Writing down names and throwing them into a bowl, Laney stirred the bowl around. Pulling out the hat she began reading names.

"Rose is a no"

"Eve? I don't need her being bullied"

"Amelia is cute... Laney and Amelia," she put that paper to the side.

"Jackette? Jack what?" she laughed.

"The female version is Jackie or Jacqueline," Ana corrected Jack before taking a swig of her wine.

"Brooklyn is cute... Laney and Brooklyn. Is Brooklyn a bitch name?"

"Huh?" Jack asked confused.

"Does it sound like a bully's name?" she clarified her question.

"100%," Ana slightly slurred making Laney groan as she threw out that option.

"Eloise, that's one of mine. What do you think guys?" Laney asked them.

"Eloise and Laney... how about Elle?" Jack asked making Ana nod in agreement.

Laney scribbled that down before placing the sheet on the side table, "Isn't it funny how this is how I pick my daughter's name?".

"Evelyn," Ana blurted, "Evelyn and Laney".

Laney nodded, "Ok wow I really like that one. Also, I think I'm going to call it a night guys. Thanks for coming and helping".

Ana nodded as she got up and collected her things. Jack looked at Laney, "I'll drive her home. Call me tonight if you need anything. I'll be expecting you or dragging you out of her by tomorrow night. Love you so much" he gave her a hug.

Laney gave a weak smile and nodded before Ana gave her a hug, "Love you so much, Lane".

With that, Laney shut the door and broke down in tears. He could have been here for her. He could have been picking out names for her. Instead, he betrayed her again. She missed his touch and his overall presence.

Staying in this apartment alone for a night was going to be more difficult than intended. Memories came lurching into her head as she climbed into bed and stared at the ceiling. From her spending her first night here and him taking care of Mia's flight to him revealing the house plans to Laney, the emotions came surging back to her. All she wanted was him in this moment. She wanted to hold him while she slept. She wanted to wake up next to him. But instead, she clasped the pillow that smelt like him while she wept herself to sleep.