Chapter 3

Later that morning, I told Mark I was feeling a little better.

I needed to know what he was really up to.

His band, "Mark and the Drifters," sometimes practiced in Mike's garage.

Mike was his drummer, his best friend, his alibi.

I told Chloe I was going for a walk to clear my head.

I walked towards Mike's house, keeping to the back alleys.

The garage door was open a crack. I could hear them talking.

Mark's voice, not charming now, but sharp, annoyed.

"...she's dragging her feet about the license. Said she had a headache."

Mike grunted. "Women, men. Pre-wedding nerves."

"Yeah, well, I need that license. The festival committee wants to see 'family stability.' Pastor Thompson's been dropping hints. If I'm married, with his blessing, that scout is more likely to take me seriously."

My stomach twisted. He didn't even pretend to care about me.

Then Mike's voice, lower. "What about Jessica? She called again last night. Crying."

Mark sighed, a long, put-upon sound.

"I know, I know. She's saying she's pregnant. Again."

Pregnant. Again.

The words hit me, even though I knew about the first child.

This was new. This was happening now.

"Man, you're playing with fire," Mike said. "If Sarah finds out..."

"She won't find out," Mark snapped. "She's head over heels. Thinks I'm God's gift. Once I'm married, once I get that record deal, I can handle Jessica. Send her more money, whatever. Sarah doesn't need to know anything."

He didn't love me. He never had.

It was all a lie, a stepping stone.

Just like in my last life. The pain was familiar, a dull ache in my chest.

But this time, anger came with it. Cold, hard anger.

Chloe's face flashed in my mind. Her fear of David.

But Mark was a different kind of monster. A smiling, deceptive one.

I backed away from the garage, silent.

He thought I was head over heels. Good.

Let him keep thinking that.

I walked back to the community hall, my mind racing.

Chloe was sitting on the steps, looking small and worried.

"Mom? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, honey," I said, forcing a smile. "Just needed some air."

But I wasn't fine. I was furious. And I had a plan.

Mark wanted to use me, my family.

He wanted to look like a settled family man.

I'd give him a performance he'd never forget.

But first, that marriage license.

I called Mark. "Feeling much better! Ready for the courthouse when you are."

"Great, babe! Knew you'd perk up. I'll swing by in thirty."

Time to set the first part of my plan in motion.