#nanowrimo excerpt: Diamonds, Lies, and Alibis

Despite the melodrama, magic was definitely in the air this evening: even Erykah and Ryan were feeling it. Drunk off of champagne and the promise of a new beginning, as the ball began to drop, Ryan leaned over and whispered in Erykah’s ear, “You know I will always love you, right?” And in that moment, Erykah knew he would. She was sad to feel herself think, If only I knew how to forgive you …

But tonight was not about having serious talks about the future they would never have. Tonight was about enjoying each other, enjoying a happy evening for once in a year full of drama and pain, and having a great time. She kissed Ryan as the clock struck midnight, and even though it had been a long time since they had kissed, the fireworks were still there. They forever would be. “I will always love you, too.”

———————

Suddenly, Kylie burst into the guest room, her face stained with mascara streaks and tears. Matthew was right behind her, and he looked angry. “Ryan, tell him it was all your fault!” she cried. “Tell him!”

Erykah looked at Ryan, confused. Ryan himself looked like he wasn’t sure what was going on.

“Tell him,” she repeated. “Tell him you came onto me.”

“What in the world are you talking about?” Ryan looked at Erykah, and he didn’t blink and he didn’t break Erykah’s icy gaze, which was now staring him down, holding him to whatever truth he was about to reveal. They could have entire conversations without speaking, and this was no exception.

Erykah had a flash of anger as she thought back to almost 5 years ago, when she first lost all of her trust for Ryan. That’s what you get, she told herself now. That’s what you get for trusting him again.