Instead of taking the bus home from Millie’s as was her routine, Trent gave Mae a ride home in his Audi. He kissed her forehead, said he’d see her tomorrow probably. She surprised him by saying she might stay at his place tonight.
“Tonight? Your uncle is home during the evenings on weekends, isn’t he?”
“Yeah.”
“He won’t allow it, and he’ll be home to see that you’re gone. Remember what he said? He’s pretty upset right now; you should stay with him for a while.”
Mae was sure something was up. Trent never turned down the opportunity of Mae staying the night at his place. He was always horny and she was always willing, not for the pleasure (it was too quick to be very pleasurable) but to make her boyfriend happy. And though he was right about Uncle Matthew disallowing her to stay out tonight, she wanted to test Trent, and he failed the test miserably. His response validated her concern. Something was up. And that something regarded Eddie. Trent knew where he lived now. She hoped Trent was being truthful when he said he just wanted to rough him up a little. But in her heart of hearts she wasn’t so sure. She didn’t think he’d kill Eddie. Trent wasn’t that kind of person. But would she be that surprised if he did? Say by accident? Underestimating his own strength? He was insanely strong for a guy his modest size. A baseballer with the strength of a footballer. No, she wouldn’t be surprised, not if there was a fight and Eddie pulled a weapon and it came down to either Eddie dying or Trent dying. If that was the case, Trent would kill Eddie. She didn’t think for a second that Eddie or anyone could best Trent. He was too smart, cunning, and strong to be defeated in a brawl. She didn’t like this situation one bit. Her guts were all in a tangle. She should have minded her damned business at Millie’s, should not have spoken of Eddie to Trent. What was she thinking?—telling him where Eddie can be found? Duh! She couldn’t believe she could be so stupid, have such poor judgment, and for what? Winning Trent’s approval? She had said Eddie probably read her diary. That seemed absurd now. How would he have gotten into her house to read it? And why would he? No, that didn’t happen. In fact, now that she was home, she’d find her diary and confirm that.
“Okay,” she said. “I’ll stay home tonight. Promise me you won’t do anything bad tonight. Promise me, Trent.”
“I swear.”
“Can’t you just leave it alone? The whole Eddie thing? I bet he didn’t read my diary. I’ll find it right now to prove it. Timothy was probably right: this is the wrong Eddie. Don’t risk getting hurt or worse over an assumption. Please?”
“Mae,” he said sternly, “let it go. You’re worrying for nothing. I’ll call you later. Bye.”