Page 44 of Tango

“I have to be quick, but to give you a window in, when the recruiters came to the high school and did their pitch, something clicked inside Ty. When he brought the idea back to our parents, they freaked out, they cried, the whole nine yards. In fairness, he did make an effort to look at colleges, but he always came back to the military. What hurt the most was that he joined first then told them. You can imagine how scary that was for them. They’d always supported us in everything we did. I know they just needed time to wrap their heads around the idea, especially when they understood how important it was to him. I mean, their son was about to risk his life and in a whole different country.” She sighed.

“I couldn’t even imagine.”

“When he’s on leave, instead of coming home and letting his family know he’s okay, he shuts us out. He just carries the guilt around his neck and doesn’t see that we all understand and support him now. It’s just snowballed. If he could just let Mom and Dad in a tiny bit, they wouldn’t be so wounded and stage five clingy. God, even that dinner where we met, fifteen minutes in they relaxed, and we were like our family again.” She glanced at the door.

“I’m going to do my best to help,” I assured her.

“He’d never admit it, but he needs us, too.”

“I agree.” I pulled her in for a hug. “I’ll be in touch.”

“Thanks.” She gave me a wave, and I watched her run to the bus. I sat down heavily, so deep in thought I barely heard the little bell in the café ring as someone came in. A reflection in the window had me looking up.

Oh, shit.

“I’ll take it by the shocked look on your face you know who I am.”

“I do.”

“Can I sit?” Her tone was clipped, and I gave a tight nod. “I see you met the family.”

“I’m Ivy.”

“I know who you are.” She looked like a typical New York woman. Strong, confident, and feisty. Not bad things as a rule, but it could be when you were dating their ex, who I would assume she still had feelings for. She studied me for a moment, and her eyes pierced into mine as if trying to dig inside my subconscious. Little did she know I kept myself under lock and key.

“Did you want something?” I tried to push the conversation along.

“Just trying to figure out why he chose you over me.”

“I think that’s a question for Ty, Demi.”

“He was mine for years. We’ve got history, and that counts for something. I’m the one who waited for him. I was there after every tour.”

“You’re right, all that counts, and you were there for him before I ever knew who he was. However, as time goes on, people change. Ty changed.”

“Don’t talk to me like I’m one of your patients.” My brows went up, shocked she knew I was a psychologist. “I overheard Shelly,” she explained when she saw my expression.

I see.

“Trust me, Demi, if you were a patient of mine, you wouldn’t like what I have to say.” Her mouth slacked open like she couldn’t believe I’d have the gumption to speak to her like that. “Look, I don’t know your past, nor do I want to, but I do think you’d want what’s best for yourself as well as Ty. So, find someone who loves you. Don’t hold on to what isn’t there anymore.”

She licked her bottom lip then leaned forward.

“If you want to play we’re females so let’s look out for one another, fine.” She closed her eyes for a moment then locked her gaze on to mine once more. “Let me tell you this. You might think he wants to settle down and have a life with you, but that’s just not Ty. He can’t settle. He’ll leave again.” I hated her last comment. It hit so close to home. “Ty Beckett isn’t meant for love. He’s just meant to fuck.” I cringed at her language and glanced around at the other customers. “Why do you think he did so many tours? Most soldiers do one and they’re done. Not Ty. He’s an addict. He’ll just go chase his next fix because it’s never enough.” Her face softened, and I saw her mask slip for a second. “You’ll never be enough, Ivy. He needs a woman like me, always there no matter what.”

“Fuck!” I heard Moore’s voice as he came back inside, but I never broke eye contact with Demi. “Yikes. Sorry, Ivy. I had a call come through.” He slid back into his chair and glanced quickly from Demi to me.

“Hello, Kit.” Demi leaned back, her face now morphed in a smile.

“Hey, Demi. It’s been a minute. I see you’ve met Ivy.”

“Met, chatted, and warned.” She pushed to her feet. “Remember what I said.” She smiled, picked up her purse, and left.

“Jesus, Ivy, I’m sorry. Christ, she’s like a friggin’ vampire. She just appears.”

“No problem. I can handle myself.” I could, but her comment did leave a little bite mark, though nothing I couldn’t shake off. Women could be just as territorial as men. I just couldn’t forget that damn packed rucksack and found myself a little insecure.

“Yeah. I know you can. Come on. Let’s go.” He tossed a bill on the table, and we walked to the truck.

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