Page 196 of Unhinged

“You didn’t try it?”

“Why would I? I don’t live here.”

“But your lady does.”

“Don’t be so weird today.”

“I shall try not to.”

I remove my coat and toss it onto a snooty chair. There will be none of this prissy shit in my house. My dress clothes are probably prissy, but it’s just a front. I want my home to be comfortable because it’ll be my happy place with Simone.

I follow Amos into the dining room and stop when I see someone standing next to the table.

I stutter-laugh, “Val?”

“Greg Rodwell, I’ve missed you!” She fast walks in her heels, but I meet her halfway for a hug. She grabs ahold of me and cries, “How could you leave us like that?”

Tears glaze my eyes as I hug her. Her perfume reminds me of how Richmond was home and Val my family. “I’m sorry, Val. I really am. I didn’t think it’d be a big deal if I left.”

She lets go of me with a look of horror on her face. “Are you kidding me? You left a gaping wound at the firm. Everyone misses you. It’s not the same there. I don’t know why you left, but that hurts for you to think no one would care. I love you like a son. This has been difficult. I tried calling you, but you changed your number. After Amos found you, I planned to see you in person.”

“Jesus, Val. I never meant to hurt you. I’d kill puppies if you asked me to.” I wipe my eye and then kill a smiling Amos a thousand times with one look.

“Heavens,” she glares at me but laughs as Amos hands her a tissue. “I no longer have my Rod making me laugh every morning to start the day.”

Amos says, “Actually, Greg—”

“Save it, Vaughn.” As Val blows her nose, I widen my eyes at him to shut his damn mouth. Val can call me whatever the fuck she wants. Though, I suppose she should call me Asshole.

She then inhales, composing herself, but soon grins. “I hear you have news?”

“News? Oh. I’m sure Amos told you about the school thing.”

Val waves her hand. “We’ll get to that. I mean, you’re wearing a wedding ring?”

“Oh!” I laugh and look at my hand like I forgot. “Yep. I’m a married man.”

“And you didn’t tell me.”

“Jeez, Val. I’m sorry. No one was there, and it was at my aunt’s bar with like five people. If it—”

“I’m teasing. Somewhat. So, do I know this young lady?” She purses her smile, giving away she knows.

“Uh, I’m not sure. Amos could have told you anything.”

She laughs and covers her smile behind her hands. Shaking her head, she says, “I knew it.”

“Knew what?”

“That you and Simone would fall in love.”

“The aura thing?”

Val nods, dropping her hands. “Yes. You’re green, and she’s pink, but your colors had a popping pink light between you when you were near each other. I was hoping one of you would see or feel it. You two have something special. I was going to tell you, but I didn’t want to meddle.”

I snort. “Pink. Of course. You should have told me. It would’ve saved both of us a ton of heartbreak.”

She sighs. “Simone is such a sweetheart and loves fiercely, so don’t take her love lightly. Because though she loves passionately, her heart is made of glass, and she’ll protect it by loathing just as vehemently. So don’t break her heart, Rod.”

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