I started the car, pushed the gear into reverse, and slowly backed up. Another streak of white, then the car shuddered and lurched. Not thunder this time, but an impact. Harsh high beams reflected off the rearview mirror, blinding me. I hit the brakes, though the car was already pinned in place, then turned around in my seat and put the car in park.

I couldn’t see who I had hit, who was now blocking me in. Until the red of Cody’s truck cut through the rain. I barely made out his figure approaching, pause to check the fender damage, then head toward my driver’s-side window.

My mind fumbled for an explanation for why I was heading out, in the middle of a raging storm, late at night. I didn’t have time to come up with anything as Cody showed up at my window, raindrops swirling around him like glitter in the headlights.

“Are you crazy? Where are you going in this weather?” he demanded.

“I thought you were working late.” Deflection, my father had always taught me. A useful tool.

“My general manager offered to close tonight.” Of course Cody would accept the offer rather than take the overtime pay. “So? Where you going?”

“Out.” My brain remained blank.

“Okay. Why are you acting so secretive?”

“I’m not acting secretive.”

“Fine, then let me park and I’ll join you.”

I couldn’t exactly say no as he was already sprinting back to his truck. A minute later it was parked beside me and he hefted himself through my passenger side door and fidgeted with his seat belt.

“So where are we going?”

I had two choices. Lie and figure out a random place to go, wasting more precious time. Or tell the truth and just take Cody with me. I knew the truth could destroy me. It could rip my marriage apart, turn my family against me, cost me everything I loved. But I had no other choice, if it could save Vera. Truth, it was.

“Cody”—I turned my shamed gaze on him, pleading silently for his understanding—“I haven’t been honest with you about something. A lot of somethings, actually.”

I couldn’t push the confession out. It hurt so bad, ripping my throat.

“Okay…” Worry spread across his face. “Whatever it is, I’m here to help.”

His assurance fed me courage.

“Before I tell you this, I need you to know I would never do anything to hurt your family. You all mean everything to me. It was a stupid one-time mistake…and now I’m terrified I’m the reason everything happened with Vera.”

“Oh my God. You’re having an affair.” Cody stared at me, lips parted in a stunned O. “Is it with Oliver?”

“Wha—? No, Cody! I’m not having an affair. Why would you think that?”