Unexpected

Desperate Attempts

When I pull up to the Scotch Mansion, I park right in front of the garage door. I grab some of the cardboard boxes from the backseat of my truck. Daniel ran back to his house to get a fresh set of clothes, so it’s just me for the time being. I lock my truck and follow the stone path to the backyard. As I approach the back deck, I hear the shouting.
“It’s a lie, Peni. A desperate attempt to get money.”
“Then why aren’t you denying sleeping with her?”
Of course they are talking about me. I stop in my tracks so I don’t interrupt them. This also allows me to eavesdrop.
“I don’t understand why it’s so important to you that I deny these ridiculous claims.”
“I want to know if you cheated on me or not!”
“You are constantly sleeping with other men. I don’t see the problem if I sleep with a different girl for once!”
I hear what sounds like a sob followed by Peni’s shaky voice.
“So you admit that you slept with her?”
“Yes! I slept with Skye Knight. Are you finally happy?”
“No.”
A door opens and then closes and I wait a second before walking towards Andy’s room. Peni is seated on one of the deck chairs, a hurt expression on her face. I quicken my pace, walking right by her. She doesn’t address or confront me and I’m glad.