Chapter 13: Paul - What Did I Do?

The answer to Steph’s question involved a series of events that took place starting Saturday—a week before the big wedding. Paul stumbled onto the truth.

Paul was tending bar Saturday night at the club. An old friend, Thad Higbee, stopped in for a beer and to say hi to Paul. The place wasn’t too busy, so they had a good visit. Near the end of their time together, things took a turn Paul never saw coming.

“Dude! It’s so good to catch up.”

“Paul, it’s been way too long.”

“Hey, I’ve got next weekend off and no plans. Do you want to go fishing on Saturday like old times?”

“I’d normally jump at the chance, but I’m in a wedding next week.”

“Really? Anyone I know?”

“I don’t think so. He’s a guy I met in college—Linc Addington.”

Paul’s blood ran cold. He knew Thad well and didn’t think he’d hang with some scumbag nerd.

“Addington. I think I heard of them. Isn’t that some rich family that lives just outside of town?”

“Probably the same. Linc is pretty well off.”

Paul had a sudden sinking feeling he wasn’t getting the truth from someone, and Steph was the most likely culprit. He knew some things she said seemed off. He had to test the waters. He had to get Thad to tell him more about Linc.

“Someone told me that the son is a real brain, but an even bigger scumbag.”

“You’ve been told wrong, dude. It has to be Linc because he’s the last of the Addingtons. Linc is the sweetest guy in the world and one of the smartest guys I ever met. He’s rich, for sure, but he uses his money to help people and is even planning on giving up like half of his money to help kids, children’s hospitals, and the like.”

“You sure? I heard he has some really sick perversions and a hell of a sexual appetite!”

“Man—you really got the wrong guy. Linc is still a virgin and will be until about... , “ he pretended to look at a non-existent watch, “ ... about this time next week. And I know that for sure.”

Paul’s head was spinning. They exchanged their current contact info and said goodnight. ‘What game was Steph playing with me—on top of what she was doing to Linc?’ He went home and flopped into bed, but sleep would evade him that night.

His thoughts ran amuck. ‘Steph is one hot woman. I really love her in the sack. But if she can plan something like what she’s doing to that guy she must have a real nasty streak. Why didn’t I see it? And she’s obviously playing me too. Can I really help her go through with this? It sounds like this Linc guy is someone I’d really like. Damn, the bitch. I didn’t see it before—she’s making me into someone I don’t like much—not much at all.’

He was glad Steph didn’t text him. He wasn’t sure what he would do.

By the morning Paul knew exactly what had to be done. He placed a call to Thad.

“Paul! I didn’t think I’d hear from you this soon. What’s up?”

“Dude, I’m feeling sick about something I’ve got to tell you. It’s not a phone type of conversation. Can you meet me for breakfast?”

“Now?”

“When I tell you why, you’ll understand.”

They met at a nearby diner and Paul told Thad the whole story. He showed him all the text messages, and a few X-rated selfies Paul and Steph had shared.

“Damn, Paul. I didn’t think you would be the type of guy who would do this!” Thad was obviously pissed on a lot of levels.

“Really, Thad, I’m sick about this. I laid awake all night beating myself up for being a real scum. I gotta make this right.”