Page 13 of No More Lies
“You still think it’s more than just trying to make partner?”
“You should have seen her face. She’s exhausted. And her eyes... I’ve never seen her this sad before, but she won’t talk to me. I don’t get it.”
Jerry topped them both up and handed Dex the keys to Steve’s truck.
“You can leave the truck here overnight, it’ll be fine,” Jerry said.
“Thanks. We’ll swing by tomorrow and get it when this one can walk straight.”
Jerry chuckled and walked away. Steve felt embarrassed for having to leave it here at all. For his team leader coming to get him.
“Dex, we just got back. Go home to Kelly. I’ll be fine. I’ll get an Uber.”
“Not happening. Where’s Megan and Diane now?”
“Diane was at the office. She might be home by now. Don’t know.”
“And Megan?”
“Staying the night at Diane’s folks. I’m picking her up at nine tomorrow to go for pancakes.”
Dex glanced at his watch. He knew it was late, maybe close to eleven.
“Finish up your coffee. You’re coming home with me.”
Steve turned to face him. “Like hell I am. I’ll be fine. I’ve stopped drinking. I need to go home, so I can talk to Diane.”
“No, not tonight. Talking to her in this state is not going to end well. You’re coming back to mine. Sleep it off. I’ll make sure you get to pick Megan up on time. Then you can decide how best to talk to your wife again.”
Steve opened his mouth to argue, but Dex cut him off.
“Please don’t make me pull rank on you.”
Fuck, he wasn’t going to win this one. Maybe Dex was right. Sobering up and some sleep might make him see things a little more clearly.
“Kelly’s going to be thrilled,” he said dryly, as he staggered a step getting up off the stool.
“Kelly will understand. You ready?”
“Guess so.”
***
DIANE WAS STILL AT the office when she got Dex’s text.
Hey Diane, Steve had a few beers, he’s going to stay at mine. He’ll pick Megan up in the morning. Dex
She had called her mom earlier to speak to Megan, so already knew Megan was spending another night there. Now she understood why. Steve must have left here and gone to the bar.
She was still reeling from what he’d said. A part of her was angry, he was accusing her of putting work before family when his job always came first. However, his job was saving the world, so how could she complain? But ever since they met, she had made accommodations for him. His career demanded sacrifices not just from him, but from her and Megan, too. She’d accepted that, but it was hard dealing with so much alone, and not wanting to worry Steve because what he did was so dangerous. The last thing she would want is for him to be distracted. Her problems never seemed worth mentioning compared to what she imagined Steve faced on a regular basis.
Diane had been dreading going home. Now, at least, she could go and get some sleep, undisturbed. She got in the elevator and rode down to the parking garage. How she wished she could go home and snuggle next to her husband, let him make love to her again. The impromptu sex this evening had been as incredible as it always was with Steve, despite them not being in a good place. Sex with Steve was so damn hot. Not that she had anything to compare it to, but she didn’t want to. He would always be all the man she needed. Wanted. Loved.
Tears threatened again as the elevator doors opened and she stepped into the dimly lit parking garage. Her high heels clicked on the concrete as she walked toward her car, keys already in her hand. Something Steve had imprinted on her brain.
Never walk to your car alone without having your keys in your hand. Fumbling in a purse to find them, standing next to your car, is an open invitation for carjackers, or worse.
He had then proceeded to show her how she could use the keys as a weapon. She shuddered at the thought, but she had listened and taken his advice every day since. He was always so protective of her and Megan.