“I can see why she left him.”
“I don’t begrudge her getting away from him, but she was supposed to go with me.” I run my hands over my face. “That has eaten me up for the last twelve years.”
“And she wouldn’t explain why she left? Even now?” Aaron’s face wrinkles, like he’s trying to figure out the logic behind her decision.
“No.” The can lights in the ceiling don’t have any better answers than I do. “I asked. She deflected.” My jaw tightens, and the sound of my teeth grinding together makes my spine crawl. “She’s living with him.”
“Who?” Aaron’s eyes are wide, and the lines in his forehead are pronounced as he tries to follow my scattered train of thought.
“Her father,” I spit the words out.
“She’s living with her father again. What in the hell?”
“Exactly.” I shrug. “She says he’s dying, and it’s where she belongs. That’s bullshit. She owes him nothing. He’s never cared a thing about her. Why give him the time of day? Let alone come back and care for him in his final days.”
“I don’t know, man.” Aaron grabs my upper arm and shakes me. “You obviously care about her. Figure out why she left and work through it.”
“You think it’s that simple? Maybe, it’s none of my business.”
“Did you love her?”
“She’s the only woman I’ve ever loved.” I stare at the clock above the kitchen sink. The silver-colored secondhand ticks rhythmically. “I don’t think I ever stopped.”
“You need closure. Make it your business. Either work through it and move on or convince her to give you another chance. If you don’t, you’re going to continue to be miserable and alone.”
Chapter Seven
Trey
The chime above the door jingles as I step into Travis’ bar. I met Travis when he was building the restaurant and bar years ago, and we’ve been friends since. It’s not one of the busiest establishments in the city, but it has a steady clientele. Travis and his wife, Savannah, do a fantastic job of making everyone feel welcome.
“Hey, Trey.” Travis waves from behind the counter.
“Travis, how’s it going?” The scent of battered covered food and beer fill the air.
“Good, man.” We give each other the standard bro hug with loud slaps on the back. Several of the other regulars greet me and then return to their drinks and conversations.
“A draft?” Travis raises an eyebrow and tosses a white dishrag over his shoulder. He’s dressed in his typical faded blue jeans and a black t-shirt with the name of the bar over the pocket.
“Sure.” While he’s getting my drink, I turn and study the main dining area. The place is packed. Several couples are on the dance floor, and most of the tables are filled with people in animated conversations, eating their meals, or tossing back a drink.
“Here you go.” Travis slides the drink across the wooden surface.
“Thanks.” After taking a sip of the cold brew, a shudder crawls up my spine as if someone is watching me.
Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to sense shady shit. Too many people have tried to sneak things past me during safety inspections. None of them are as slick as they think.
My eyes skate over the booths in the back. Natalie. What is she doing here? She yanks the menu out of the black holder and shoves it in front of her face. Seriously? She’s going to pretend she wasn’t watching me.
I’d go call her bluff, but I’ve already been by the hospital tonight looking for her and by her father’s house. That’s how I ended upon at this end of town. I’m the pathetic one stalking her.
I turn back around. Travis presses his lips together. The wrinkles in his forehead are pronounced as he gives me a knowing look.
“Ex-girlfriend.” I take a large gulp and drain the rest of my beer.
“Never seen her around here before. She’s pretty.”
“Her dad lives a few blocks away. We dated back in high school.”