Into You by Danielle Sibarium

blonde silk hair before, I realized her attention was focused solely on Carter.
    I watched the woman’s full pouty lips turn up ever so slightly in the corners. I glanced at Carter rubbing his hands nervously on his trousers. Things were beginning to make sense. Carter obviously had a relationship with the doctor’s lovely, young daughter. That's what he'd been trying to tell me.
    “Look what the cat dragged in.” Leaning seductively against the side of the door, she held the knob in one hand, the other arm rising up along the door’s edge, exposing her very large diamond engagement ring.
    Carter cleared his throat, “Hi, Jamie.”
    “You know each other?” I asked, angry with myself for asking such a ridiculous question. Obviously they knew each other. I’d never seen so much nonverbal communication take place between two people.
    “Yep.” Carter answered, his voice cracking. “Jamie and I go way back.”
    “Ja mie, is it? Hi. I’m Elizabeth.”
    I extended my hand eager to break the awkward tension, hoping I’d be able to make the best of an uncomfortable situation.
    “Oh, you mean you don’t know Mrs. Penbrook?” Carter asked incredulously.
    I tried to remain calm and composed as this new fact came to light. I felt the room swoosh around me as I understood Carter had been invol ved with Dr. Penbrook’s wife.
    “No. We haven’t met.” Jamie offered me a smile, all the while keeping Carter in her sights.
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I answered hoping to keep my voice steady, wishing I could find a crack in the wall large enough t o hide in.
    Laughter rang into the foyer from somewhere beyond the grand entrance. I couldn’t help feeling like the laughter was somehow directed at me and the complexity of the situation. The universe was laughing at me. Immediately I dismissed the notion, recognizing paranoia as it poked its head out of my subconscious. Feeling sick to my stomach, I wished I'd taken Carter up on one of his earlier suggestions ins tead of attending the party.
    “Come in. Make yourself comfortable,” Jamie suggested.  “The other guests are in the back. Carter can show you the way.” She motioned to a hall on her left side.
    “Thank you.”
    I took a step forward realizing I couldn’t turn back and retreat to the car. It was a matter of saving face at this point and I wouldn't let Jamie think she got the better of me. I had to salvage this evening somehow.
    Carter stayed put. He didn't move an inch. With my eyes, I beseeched him to step inside. Angry that he blindsided me, I reminded myself he came to be with me, not to catch a glimpse of Jamie. We'd get into it later, but for now, we had to keep moving forward. I reached out for Carter’s hand since he appeared unable to move, hopi ng I could urge him forward.
    From the corner of my eye I noticed Jamie smiling. A frightening chill went through my body as I realized the smile wasn’t a gesture of kindness but a show of Jamie’s malicious intent.
    “I’m sure your father will be happy to see you,” Jamie said walking away.
    The words hit me like a bomb in a crowded mall. The room started spinning as I swallowed hard focusing my thoughts on what I’d just heard. “Your father!”
    “Liz,” Carter said sheepishly. “I can explain . . .”
    “No. You can't." How was Carter Brooks Dr. Penbrook's son? "Besides, it’s a little late for explanations, don't you think?!?” I shouted in a loud whisper.
    "I tried to warn you . . ."
    “Warn me? You told me your father was dead.”
    “I know. I’m sorry.”
    “Sorry doesn’t cut it!” I ran my hand through my hair. “I’m working for the man and you never bothered to mention he’s your father!”
    Carter opened his mouth to say something, but closed it before any sound came out. His eyes looked remorseful, but at the moment, I could care less about his remorse.

    Chapter 18
    Carte r
    Unable to speak or move, I shoved my hands in my pockets. If no one could see my