I can’t help but think back to a time when my love and I had the same thing. “So, what happened?”
“Mom showed up to the penthouse one night, going on and on about how Laurie will forgive me, and our wedding will be the wedding of the century. Well needless to say, I had left her in the bedroom, hoping to get mom out of the condo quick. Well it wasn’t quick enough for her not to have heard everything that got said. She called me a liar, a cheat and ran out. I went after her, but she hopped in a cab and I lost her. I went to her job and she had given her notice by phone. Fuck!!! I am losing my fucking mind, Cord, trying to find her, but she keeps evading me.”
I can see the despair on his face, and it hits me that I understand. The only difference is, I know where my love is. Physically anyway. “So, did you go to her place?” He gives me the look.
“Of course, I did. She left. Her landlord said that she left, gave her thirty-day notice and had someone else come to pack up her stuff.”
“Well shit. Do you need me to get Carl on it?” He is my best investigator.
“I already called him. Gave him her name, last place of employment and address. Damn it. Give me something to take my mind off this. What did you want to see me for?” not sure if I should say something or not, I hesitate. “Cord don’t treat me like I'm losing my fucking mind. It may be true, but I don't need this coming from my best friend. What did you need?”
“I need to know if now’s a good time to put my house on the market.”
“You and Phillipa are thinking of moving?” he asks, his interest peaked.
“More or less.” I tell him trying not to give too much away at this point. Should have known it wasn’t going to work.
“Cord what is with the vague answers. What’s going on?”
“Nothing, Dun. Absolutely nothing and that is the problem. I can't reach her, and it has been four years. I mean four fucking years of just existing. Maybe, we should get out while we can. You know. Maybe we thought we knew what love was and as idealistic twenty somethings, we had no clue. Maybe we are not meant for each other.” Wow! That is the first time I have ever said that out loud. But now that I have, I can’t help but think, it might be what is best. For her especially. Me… I will never find someone I love more than her. I will die a single lonely old man.
“Are you fucking shitting me right now, Cord. Here I am chasing what the fuck you two have all around this city, and you are trying to convince me it is better for you to walk away from it? What the hell is wrong with this picture?” well hell when he puts it like that. “No! I will not fucking help you leave your marriage, you dumb ass. What happened to the Alpha that took the girl from the quad and never let her go?”
“God damn it, Dun. Don’t you think I have tried? I have been doing nothing but trying. Two weeks ago, I took her out, practically kidnapped her. We had a great time, which led to an even greater time at home and the next day, by the time I came home, it was like nothing had happened. She won’t fucking talk to me, Dun. We have tried therapy, couples’ retreats, everything. She is gone man. I don’t know if I can get her back.” whispering that last part, I can’t help but feel like a pussy when I feel a single tear fall.
“Look, I am your best friend for a reason. I won’t let you make rash, stupid decisions. Go home and fix this, Cord. What you two have is special. Not everyone finds it. Hold on to it and don’t let go.” He gets up and I can’t help but wish there were something I could for him.
“Wait, Dun. You never told me her name. This mystery girl. Who is she?” he stands there, the agony visible and palpable on his face he turns to me.
“Her name is Lailani. Lailani Moore.” No fucking way. It can’t be.
“When did you say she left?” I get up and grab my jacket.
“Two weeks ago. Why?” he asks, wondering why I am acting like a madman. But I probably am because everything now makes sense. “Cord?
“How do I say this? If you are talking about the same Lailani, she is Phillipa’s best friend.”
“Bullshit. Can’t be. We would have met before this... right?” Ordinarily, I would agree, but her situation is unique making her usually unable to make it to any get together we have.