Chapter 4 That’s What My Girlfriend Likes
'MOMENTS LATER'
Andrew Lock sat comfortably behind the wheel of his black Chevrolet SUV, one hand draped lazily over the steering wheel as the other tapped lightly against it, keeping time with the hip-hop track pouring through the speakers. The bass thumped through the cabin, vibrating into his chest as Brooklyn’s streets unfolded ahead of him.
He swayed his head slowly, shoulders moving in rhythm, lips humming along to the beat.
“What else could I have possibly asked for?” he murmured, a wide, satisfied smile spreading across his face.
Traffic crawled, but Andrew maneuvered through it with ease, slipping into gaps effortlessly, confident, relaxed— untouchable.
“The bitch lost her memories,” he said aloud, the smile never leaving his lips. “Completely wiped.”
He chuckled softly, glancing at his reflection in the rearview mirror. The man staring back at him looked calm, victorious.
“The way she looks at me now,” he continued, shaking his head in disbelief. “So innocent. So clueless.” His grip tightened briefly on the wheel. “She has no idea.”
The car rolled forward, tires humming against asphalt.
“And we’re gonna keep it that way.”
His jaw clenched suddenly, his smile fading as another image forced its way into his mind— Maggie’s face that night. Her rage. Her tears. Her threats.
“You dare threaten me with divorce,” he scoffed, his fingers curling tighter around the steering wheel. The music faded into background noise as the memory replayed vividly. “You thought you could take my son. Take my career. Ruin me.”
His face contorted with anger, lips pulling into a sneer.
“You should’ve died,” he hissed, eyes darkening. “Fool.”
For a moment, the car felt too small, the air heavy. Then, just as quickly, the anger melted away, replaced by a slow, cruel smile.
“And now,” he said softly, almost lovingly, “I get to punish you.”
He leaned back into the seat, shoulders relaxing again.
“All those days you rubbed it in my face,” he continued, voice dripping with resentment. “‘Your father made you who you are, Andrew. Without him, you’d be nothing.’” He laughed, sharp and humorless. “Those days are over.”
His smile widened.
“Now it’s my turn. I get to belittle you. Talk down on you whenever I want. However I want.”
The car drifted slightly to the left.
“Tables have changed.”
A loud honk blasted beside him.
“Hey! Fool!” a driver yelled from the next lane, glaring at Andrew as he sped past. “You’re drifting out of your lane!”
Andrew snapped back to reality, jerking the wheel slightly.
“You’re the fool!” he yelled back, rolling down his window just enough to bark the insult before watching the car disappear ahead of him. He scoffed, straightening the SUV back into its lane.
“Idiot,” he muttered.
A few minutes later, Andrew slowed as he approached a red light. The SUV came to a smooth stop. He leaned back, exhaling slowly.
That was when the thought hit him.
“Why don’t I branch at the supermarket?” he said to himself, eyes lighting up. “Get a few bottles of wine for tonight.”
A grin stretched across his face.
“Amelia’s gonna love it,” he added, nodding. “I’ll get her favorite. Pinot Noir.”
The image of Amelia waiting for him— smiling, excited, pleased— flooded his mind. The celebration they’d planned. The laughter. The victory.
He closed his eyes briefly, savoring the anticipation.
“Couldn’t have asked for more,” he whispered.
Then another thought surfaced.
“I should probably pick up Pete first,” he said, glancing at the time on the dashboard.
His mind countered immediately.
“That wouldn’t be fair,” he muttered. “Keeping him waiting long hours after school.”
He frowned slightly.
Then his lips curved again.
“He can wait.”
The traffic light turned green.
Andrew didn’t hesitate. He turned the wheel, changing course toward the supermarket.
Minutes later, the SUV rolled into the supermarket parking lot. He parked, shut off the engine, and stepped out, straightening his jacket as he headed inside.
The automatic doors slid open.
“Welcome! Thanks for shopping with us!”
Andrew’s gaze flicked toward the voice. A petite woman in her early twenties stood near the entrance, wearing the store’s uniform, a polite smile on her face.
He nodded briefly as he passed her.
“If you need any assistance, let me know!” she added cheerfully.
Andrew took a few steps, then stopped. He turned back.
“Actually,” he said smoothly, flashing a charming smile, “I might need your assistance. Where can I find the wine aisle?”
Her smile brightened.
“Follow me, sir.”
She led the way, heels clicking softly against the tiled floor. Andrew followed, hands tucked into his pockets, eyes scanning the store casually.
They stopped at a long aisle lined with bottles.
The assistant gestured professionally. “What kind of wine are you looking for, sir?”
“Pinot Noir,” Andrew said without hesitation. “That’s what my girlfriend likes.”