In Memoriam ✓

Chapter Fifteen: Please Please Please

Mallory

Reid's dimples were precious. Every time he smiled, it made me smile. Initially, I was reassured by his sweet nothings and reassurances of safety. We were his primary focus. He loved me, and I loved him. Wasn't that enough?

No. My mistrust grew steadily as we talked. My insecurities were bubbling to the surface, because the secrets in Reid's eyes were far from my reach. He knew Brent, and avoided eliciting that information to me.

I brushed my loose hair over my shoulder, reining in my thoughts as I smiled at my date.

My unease was catalysed by Brent's appearance at Cleo's apartment earlier.  My gut said that Reid would orchestrate further plans with Brent. When Reid decided to act on something, he never wasted time. 

So when he left Capulet's, I was going to find out what Reid was up to. But I couldn't do it alone.

I ran my fingertip over my lipstick-coated mouth, setting down my glass. "I need to use the bathroom, okay?"

Reid's eyes traced my lips. "Sure." he replied casually, tilting his glass back. I got up from my seat, straightening my dress as I walked to the bathroom. When I was locked into a cubicle, I dialled Cleo.

"What's up?" Cleo said casually when she picked up.

"I'm sorry about how I've behaved with you, Cleo. You deserve a better friend." I admitted. I felt bad throughout my entire date with Reid because I disrespected Cleo. The thing with Brent eclipsed all my prior thoughts of apologising.

"It's okay. You know I don't want anyone but you, Mallory. You're my platonic soulmate of nearly twenty years. If Reid hurts you, then I'll go knock some sense into him." she affirmed.

I felt a lump growing in my throat and I smiled. For once, my tears were coming from a source of happiness. "Thanks, Cleo. You know I'd do the same for you. But for now, I need your help."

"Help with organising a girl's trip? I'm on board." Cleo agreed enthusiastically. I could practically hear her rubbing her hands together in the background.

I giggled, toying with my necklace as I agreed, "We can schedule that in. But first, I need to follow someone."

"I hope you've thought this through." Cleo told me seriously.

I tilted my head. "I promise I'll explain, but for now, I have to get Reid out of Capulet's."

"What does Reid have to do with this?"

I cleared my throat awkwardly, staring at the colorless stall door as I admitted the truth. "I might be having brunch with him, at this current moment."

"What!" Cleo exclaimed. I heard the faint rustle of a chip packet on her side. "Why am I learning this now?"

"It was a very impromptu decision. But there's more important things to talk about. Brent came to your apartment, Cleo, and he approached me once he saw me leaving." I rushed out quickly. Just thinking about him was painful.

"What the hell?" I heard Cleo move on the other lin. Her voice became urgent. "What did he say?"

"He shouted that I was his property and grabbed my arm. Reid found out about it when we were eating." I suppressed a harassed sigh and leaned against the wall, closing my eyes as I said, "Now he's going to do something stupid, or he'll finally reveal what he's hiding from me. I need to know, Cleo."

"Or you could just ask him?" Cleo mumbled over the phone. "You know, you could communicate. Like normal people."

I rolled my eyes as I disagreed, "I don't think Reid would be honest if I asked him outright. He already hid the fact that he knew Brent before he met me. This is the only way of finding out the truth."