“No.”
All right then. This was like trying to pull teeth with tweezers.
“You’re no longer in the Navy?”
“No.”
“Did something happen and you can now only give one-word answers?” she said with exasperation.
He leaned forward slightly. “Nope.”
Ouch. That stung.
“What about your wife?” she asked bravely.
“Don’t have one.”
She took a step back, surprised at that. What had happened?
“You were engaged.”
He stiffened and she knew that she’d made a mistake. “How’d you know that?”
Shit. What could she say that didn’t make her sound like a desperate stalker? “I guess I heard it somewhere.”
“That so?”
Yeah. He totally didn’t buy her lame answer.
“I think it would be better if I left.”
“Why are you here?” he snapped.
“I’m renting a house from Ellie. In Russell. She invited me here.”
He shook his head. “Too much of a coincidence. I don’t like coincidences. There’s gotta be a reason you’re here after all this time. Is it the money, that it?”
“W-what money?”
“Fucking bullshit,” he muttered.
She took in a breath, trying to calm her bubbling stomach. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but I should go as it’s obvious you’re upset.”
“I’m not upset. But if you came here wanting something from me, just tellin’ you, you’re not gonna get it.”
She stared at him, unsure what to say. For the first time in years, she’d done something for herself. Moving here. Starting a new life. She was sick of being the person everyone came to, relied on, tired of making all the decisions.
And it seemed she’d made the wrong decision. Again.
“I don’t want anything from you. I had no idea you lived here. Last I knew, you were living in San Diego and engaged. It’s obvious that you don’t want me here and so I’m going to leave. I. . .so. . .bye,” she said awkwardly.
Dork.
Her dignity lasted until she got to her car. She managed to hold it together until she reached the gate.
And then she lost it.
3