Scandalous by Missy Johnson

tell me what’s going on eventually.”
    She lowers her gaze, a sad smile on her face.
    “I got a letter from my Dad. I kind of freaked out.”
    “Not surprising,” I reply. Wow. I knew enough to know he had never really being on the scene for most of her life. “What did he say?”
    “The usual crap you’d expect. He’s sorry and he wants to get to know me.”
    “Heavy,” I murmur. “No wonder you freaked out.”
    “I called you because I got scared. The letter was hand delivered, which means he’s been to my house. I wasn’t ready to deal with that.”
    “And Roman?” I ask.
    “I have no idea where he is,” she laughs bitterly. “We haven’t been getting along great lately. Kinda like you and Mia, I guess.”
    “Mia and I have actually been working things out,” I mumble. Though if she finds out I’m away with Beth that will change. “I fucked things up, but I’m doing my best to fix them. I just hope I’m not too late.”
    Beth eyes me for a second before she responds. “So, you’re sure that’s what you want? A life with Mia?”
    I nod. I am sure. It’s like I’ve finally figured out that relationships were hard. They don’t just work without putting effort in. Mia is a great girl and I love her more than anything.
    “After Ivan, I blamed myself for so long for not being there for you. I still do.”
    “But there wasn’t anything you could’ve done,” she protests, reaching for my hand.
    “I could’ve been there for you. I swore to myself I’d never let you down again, and I think it became an obsession. I shut everything else out so I could make sure I was able to protect you if you needed me.”
    “I don’t need you to protect me, Coop. I just need you to be my friend,” she says softly. “I’m glad we had this talk. I was worried about you.” She leans over and hugs me. I kiss her cheek.
    “So, you and Roman? What’s going on there?” I ask, curious.
    She groans and slumps back in her seat. “Oh I don’t know. Everything? He’s so secretive. Late nights, moody…if I didn’t know better I’d be worried that he is cheating on me.” She turns to me and narrows her eyes. “I even caught Scarlett trying to mount him.”
    I snort, which earns me a glare. “You’re kidding me. What did you do?”
    She shrugs. “He told me she came onto him, and I believe him. She’s a skank. I want to punch a hole in her face,” she growls. “I just wish I knew what was up with him.”
    “I’m sure he’ll tell you when he’s ready,” I say. “I’m just going to give Mia a call and let her know I’m okay.”
    I walk through to one of the bedrooms, closing the door behind me. I send a text to Mia, then scroll through my contacts until I find Luke’s name. I’d forgotten about him until I’d heard Beth speak about Roman’s odd behavior.
    “Hey dude, I was like just about to call you.”
    I chuckle at his enthusiasm, wondering what gear he was on at the moment.
    “Any information on my friend?” I ask hopefully.
    “Sure do! He’s a dick.”
    “I knew that much,” I say, my voice dry.
    “No, as in he’s moonlighting as a private detective. He’s had lots of contact with a guy named Carlos over the last month. Maybe a client?” he suggests. “I can send you through all the information I have if that helps?”
    “Great, thanks man,” I say. I hang up and check my messages for a reply from Mia. Nothing. I sigh, running my hands through my hair as I think about what Luke told me.
    Do I tell her or not? If she finds out I had someone follow Roman she will fucking kill me. On the other hand, if she finds out from someone else, the consequences will be so much worse. I’m over lying. To everyone.
    Taking a deep breath, I walk back out to the living room. Beth smiles at me. Her head is resting on the arm of the sofa and she’s stretched out. She looks exhausted. I hesitate, and she picks up on it immediately, sitting up.
    “What’s wrong? Is everything