But they’re under my mattress, if you care to see them.”

Michael says, “Nicki? What was it you wanted to tell us? Jess said it was important.”

14.

I STOP NIBBLING my bottom lip long enough to say: “Michael, I’m sorry to do this today, but after what happened last night, I’m no longer comfortable being around you. I can’t marry you. I’m breaking off the engagement.”

“You bitch!”

Alison says, “Real classy, Nicki. Thanks for putting the cap on our special day.”

“I don’t appreciate your sarcasm, Alison. Your son raped me last night.”

“Shut up!” Michael shouts, “or I’ll fucking kill you!”

“How sweet of you to say, Michael. But your days of intimidating me are over. I’m sorry for the timing of that announcement, and for what else I’ve got to say.”

Jess suddenly comes to life: “I’ll tell them: Nicki and I are driving to Louisville this afternoon to move her things from Michael’s apartment.”

“Bullshit!” Michael says. “You’re not taking anything without my approval.”

“Really Michael?” Jess says. “Like I’d let her take your shit? Like she’d want it in the first place? You should be thankful she’s willing to tell the insurance guy about the rope around Daddy’s neck instead of filing rape charges.”

“I never raped you,” he says to me. “Not even close.”

Jess says, “Mom, are you okay with me and Nicki going to Louisville? We’ll spend the night, come back tomorrow, and she can meet Mr. Blass and tell him about the rope.”

As if I’m not even here, Alison says: “I’m sure Nicki can move her things out of Michael’s apartment without your help. Also, I see no reason for her returning to Lexington. I’m sure our family has had quite enough of Nicki Hill for one lifetime.”

As I study Alison’s cold, angry face it’s hard to imagine she was ever warm and loving to her husband. But she had to be, back in the day, or she never would have gotten that magnificent diamond on her finger. I try to picture her caught in the throes of passion screaming: Oh God! Oh…Oh YES! Oh! Fuck me! Fuck me! FUCK me! Oh…I’m…I’m cumming! Oh God! Oh, Oh my GOD!

“I don’t have a ride,” I say.

“Neither does Jessie,” Alison says, “which is another good reason she should stay here.”

I shrug. “I guess I can call a cab. What about Mr. Blass? I’m still happy to tell what I know. Maybe it’ll help you with your case.”

“I suppose if Mr. Blass wants to talk to you badly enough he’ll either pick up the phone or drive to Louisville.”

“Okay. By the way, you’re welcome.”

“If your story’s true, I shouldn’t have to thank you.”

Michael says, “Lock my apartment when you leave, and don’t bother returning the key. I’ll change the locks when I get home.”

“Fine.”

Jess says, “I’ll help you pack your stuff.”

“Thanks.”

As we enter the elevator, she laughs. “Omigod, Nicki! You were amazing!”

“You stole my panties?”

She grins. “Yup. But didn’t you love the way I wove it into that story about Daddy?”

“Very impressive. But those are my favorite pair. I spent weeks looking for them.”

“Next time we meet I’ll wear them and we can swap.”

“You mean with whatever I’m wearing that day?”

“Yup.”

“In other words, I’ll always be short a pair.”

She laughs. “Exactly.”

We exit the elevator, walk to the room, and I hold the key card in front of the door knob till it clicks. Once inside I say, “You stopped me from telling them about us. Why?”

“If I admitted I loved you they’d think I stole your panties, not Daddy.”

“You’re not upset what this blatant lie will do to his reputation?”

She laughs again.