A Shock

Eric: I thought Karl would be thrilled to see that reggae band, one of his favorites, playing at a local club. Great band, intimate venue, what more could you ask for? But he begged off, saying he had something else to do. I have a hard time buying that story about a lightning trip to Auckland. It just doesn't sound right.

Our relationship has deepened over the past few weeks, and while I do trust him, I know he’s lied about things, or . . . maybe it’s more that he doesn’t tell me everything. I’m not really sure why I have the urge to drive out to his place, I suppose the secrets are just becoming too much.

The sun has set by the time I pull into his yard and see with a sinking heart that his new truck is parked outside the garage. And there’s a motorcycle beside it that isn’t his. One last chance for this to be all right, as I carefully open the barn door, hoping the Harley isn’t there.

( But it is and the feeling in my stomach becomes outright nausea. )