Read DREAM for Free Online Page B

if we would eat out tonight.”
    “I figured after a long day you’ve had that you would want to come home.”
    “This isn’t my home.” I correct him.
    “It’s our home.”
    I scoff. “I don’t think so, but if it makes you feel better to say that, then fine.”
    Gable sits his fork down and stares at me. “You’re very off-putting. Have I done something wrong?”
    I arch one eyebrow at him. “Do you really want me to answer that?”
    “Outside of how our marriage started? I figured we would get to know each other before you passed judgment on me. Your father told me you were a good judge of character.”
    I look away from him. Dad always said that about me, and it makes me miss him. Even though I’m still mad at him for this stupid arrangement, he’s my dad.
    I take a deep breath. “You’re right. I apologize. I shouldn’t be so quick to judge you.” I told myself earlier I was going to show my true colors, but that doesn’t mean I have to be a total bitch. No matter how much I dislike this situation, I put myself here, and I need to live with it, make the best of it, and then figure a way out of it.
    “Apology is accepted.” He returns to eating.
    The silence becomes unsettling and extremely uncomfortable. I’ve never done well with the quiet. Not that I’ve ever wanted it very loud, either. I always liked simple cocktail parties. You can walk a room and socialize, drink your wine or champagne, and enjoy the atmosphere.
    Misha comes back in and takes our plates away. A moment later, she brings the entrée of chicken, rice, and steamed broccoli.
    “You said you did research on me. What did you find out?” I can’t stand the noiseless room anymore. I might as well figure what he knows about me.
    “Well,” Gable cuts into the chicken. “You were active in the community and sports in college and studied hard. You graduated at the top of your class, and you’re an only child.”
    “That’s it?” I’m sure he knows more than that.
    “Oh, and you like to take a lot selfies .”
    “I tend to do that a lot.” I take them for no one else but to have them for me. I did a lot of traveling on my own. I love exploring and this past summer I took pictures everywhere I went.
    “However,” he studies me closely. “For someone who loves their phone and social media a lot, I haven’t seen you post anything about our marriage yet.”
    I shrug. “I know.” In fact, I knew too well. My phone’s battery quickly died when the news hit of our marriage. Everyone wanted to know about it, but I said nothing. “You said all that needed to be said in the press release.”
    Gable stares for another moment and then turns back to his food. “What did you find out about me?”
    I stop mid-chew.
    “Now, come on, Dream. Do you expect me to believe you didn’t check up on me?”
    “Actually, I didn’t. Dad did, and I read the file.”
    “And…” he presses just as I had.
    “It stated you had a brother, and you started your company from the ground up at twenty-five. Plus, you’ve only had one long-term relationship and there really hasn’t been anyone since them. So, what happened to her? Did she get too old?” I quip at him.
    “No and I can’t believe that’s all you found.” His voice is firm.
    “I told you I didn’t find it, Dad did.” I tell him, again, in the same tone he used on me.
    “Is there anything you want to know?”
    “Who was the girl? Why isn’t she your wife?”
    He pushes his plate away and rubs his chin. I can tell he’s thinking deeply on how to answer and it makes me more curious about her.
    “She was someone I deeply cared about, but our lives went in different directions.”
    “What a boring and politically correct statement. What’s the real story?” I know then there’s more to it.
    “That is the story.”
    “Growing apart?” I watch him, but he doesn’t divulge anything else. “Fine, if that’s what you want to stick with.” I pick at my food some