Page 162 of Wicked Promises
Guilt that I harbored all this unnecessary anger, that I wasted years of my life festering in it. But if I hadn’t, I might’ve moved on from them. From Margo.
“You should forgive yourself, son.” Keith stops in front of me. “If you need forgiveness from me, you’ve got it. But… I never held anything against you.”
I suck in a deep breath. I was less nervous negotiating a price for this place than I am talking to him. “I am guilty for believing their lies. If only I had?—”
“No.” His hand lands on my shoulder. “You were ten. Innocent in all of this.”
“Margo got into her dream school.” I pull out the acceptance letter. “Robert and Lenora intercepted it so I could surprise her. But it’s going to take us away from here.”
His eyes fill with tears. “My baby girl got into college?”
“Full ride scholarship and everything,” I say, handing him the letter.
He turns away and slips it from the envelope, reading it silently. His shoulders move as he takes a deep breath, and he turns back around with a smile. “You grew up.”
“I did my best under the circumstances.”
Keith pats my shoulder. “Thank you. Seriously. Not many people would go to the lengths you have, first securing me a job, and then buying an apartment and not charging rent?”
“Buying the whole damn building,” I correct. “And I was kind of hoping you’d be my building supervisor, seeing as how we won’t be around…”
He laughs. “It’s the least I can do.”
“Do you ever wonder if you’re making the wrong decision?”
He narrows his eyes. “I hope you’re not referring to my daughter.”
“No, no. Just…” I gesture around. “Maybe I should try to separate myself from him.”
“It’s okay to miss your dad, Caleb.” He looks away. “But it’s okay to recognize his faults and want to do better.”
That’s true.
We’re both bad at heart-to-hearts, apparently. But besides Josh, he’s the only one who’s ever been close to a positive male role model.
“He was a good man. He helped me out, too, after my mother cut me off. We hadn’t spoken in a few years, but he was glad to offer his home to Amber, Margo, and me.” He exhales. “I forgave him for sleeping with my wife. He told me a few weeks before hedied. It wasn’t you or Margo who ruined the ruse—he died when your mother decided it was time.”
My breath comes out shakily. “Margo had said as much. That you knew, and she didn’t tell.”
He nods. “I wasn’t aware of the extent of her memory block, or what you knew or didn’t know. It’s only good to uproot the past if you’re prepared to deal with the trauma.”
“Margo wouldn’t have been ready if she didn’t talk to you.” I grab the keys I had left on the counter for him. “I have one last thing I want to ask you.”
MARGO
I shift each and every way, analyzing myself in the mirror.
My hair is longer. My skin clear and glowing. My makeup is flawless.
And yet, something feels… off.
“The dress,” Riley says from the doorway.
I jump. Caught staring at myself like a fool.
“Huh?”
Riley chuckles. “The dress doesn’t match the vibe. Which is fine—I brought you one.” She holds up a plastic bag covering a black dress.