Chapter 15 She glanced back at the master bedroom . That test was still sitting there , like a bomb waiting to go off . She got in the car , uneasy . Even back at the apartment , the weight hadn't lifted . The test wasn't the real issue ; it was the sex tapes . She couldn't even imagine what would happen if those ever got out . " Jo " Elnora's voice had been sharp on the phone , but now it softened when she saw her face . " Did that guy hurt you ? Just tell me who he is . I'll take care of it ." " No. It's just the breakup hit me harder than I thought . I need a little time ." Elnora paused , thinking. A love like that did leave its mark . Her own scars hadn't faded , even after all these years . She pulled Josephine into a hug . " Okay . I won't push . Just get Chapter 15 some sleep . " They lay side by side , each lost in her own thoughts . Neither of them realized they were thinking about the same man . Elnora was up early the next morning . Josephine woke up , still groggy , and saw her already dressed and looking sharp . " Nora , why didn't you sleep in a bit ? " " There's an energy expo today . That's part of why I came early . It's the weekend . Sleep in if you want . Don't wait for me at lunch , I'll probably be back late ." Josephine suddenly remembered Raymond had said he was going to the expo too . That meant he wouldn't be home , and she might be able to sneak the test out today . Just before heading out , Elnora asked , " Hey , mind if I take your car ? " Josephine's stomach dropped . If Elnora ran into Raymond at the expo , she might find out about them . But Josephine couldn't say no to something like that . So she said , " The keys are on the shoe cabinet ." " OK , and I ordered breakfast for you . Don't forget to eat . See you later . " As soon as Elnora left , Josephine texted Raymond , " Monty, Nora's taking my car to the energy expo . I think you're going too . Just keep it quiet , okay ? " Josephine figured he'd be even more eager to go now . Elnora was his first love , the woman he couldn't have . To get back at her , he'd stooped so low . He must've loved her so much to hate her like that . They said men never forgot the first woman they truly loved . The thought made Josephine's chest tighten . She wasn't jealous of Elnora ; she just hated herself for falling so easily into Raymond's trap . His reply came fast , " Sure . Don't worry . " After breakfast , Josephine stepped out of the apartment and Chapter 15 froze . Raymond was standing by the elevator , cigarette in hand , looking perfectly put together . She blinked . " When did you get here ? " He stubbed out the cigarette and walked over . " Saw your sister drive off , so I came up ." Josephine couldn't help wondering if he was here for Elnora . " You're not gonna invite me in , Jo ? " " I've got somewhere to be- " He cut her off with a kiss . He lost interest and let go , his eyes lingering on her face . " My sweet , good girl acts like she needs a lesson . " Raymond always knew exactly when to say things like that . Back when she loved him , those words would've stopped her breath . Bad boys had their charm , and Raymond played the part to perfection , But now , with the love gone , the words felt hollow . " I really do have to go . Aren't you heading to the expo ? Nora had already left ," she said . Chapter 15 " You haven't slept next to me in two nights . I missed you . Stay a little before you go , yeah ? " It was early . Did he really mean sleep ? But when Raymond made up his mind , she rarely had a choice . And if she pushed back , he'd start to wonder . The old Josephine had always been soft and obedient , after all . She opened the door and let him in .