Page 15 of Losing a Piece of Me

Gemma gasps. “Really? Which one, Brett and I will have to come in one night.”

Lex’s eyes flash to me. She knows that saying the name of the restaurant will give away her hiding place.

“You know, I should probably get going.” She pushes away from the table.

“What? We haven’t even eaten yet,” Gemma says, standing with her.

“I know, I’m sorry. I just have to get ready for this dinner. You know my mother.” She forces a smile before turning and practically running away.

My eyes follow her until she is no longer in view.

“What’d you do that for?” Gemma smacks me on the arm.

I rest my elbows on the table. “I’m sorry, what did you think was going to happen? We haven’t seen or talked to each other in six years. Did you really think you could throw us together and everything would be fine?”

She sits back down and picks up her glass. “Well, I kind of hoped that you two would see each other and realize how in love you both still are. Then you could get married and name your first-born after me.” She beams her best smile.

I laugh and shake my head. “Did you hear that, Brett? Your wife is trying to play matchmaker again.

He walks over and sets down the tray of steaks. “I warned her this wouldn’t go well. I don’t know why she refuses to listen.”

* * *

After dinner, Brett and Gemma talk me into going out for a couple drinks. I’ve already had a few more than normal, but figure, what the hell. I don’t have shit to do tonight.

Gemma insists she has to take a shower and spend an hour primping.

I take off toward Pops’ restaurant, telling them that I’ll catch up with them later. It gives me peace of mind to check in on the old man, make sure he’s resting and not working too hard. He’s a stubborn old man and refuses to listen to anyone.

“Hey, Pops.” I flop down on the barstool at the counter.

“Where in the hell have you been?” he asks without looking up from the counter that he’s wiping down.

“What do you mean? I was just in here yesterday.”

He pauses for a moment and then shrugs. He pours me a cup of coffee and leans down, resting his elbows against the counter.

I study his expression. “Are you okay? Do you remember seeing me here yesterday?”

A smile spreads across his face. “I don’t even remember how I got here this morning.”

A chill runs over me and the hair on the back of my neck stands up. Pops is like my father, it worries me that old age may be getting to him. I inspect his face for several moments. His grin never fades, and he has a twinkle in his dull blue eyes. “Are you fucking with me?”

He smacks my arm. “Of course I’m messing with you. You really think I’m going to lose my mind?” He scoffs. “I’m still as sharp as a whip.”

I roll my eyes and let out a long sigh, then rub my hand over my head and look back at him. “Don’t do that shit to me.”

He laughs a minute before his face becomes serious. “Tell me you saw her.”

My shoulders slump and my head dips forward before I nod. “Yep, I saw her alright.”

“And?” he presses.

“She lied and told me she’s getting married. Even went as far as making up a name for the bastard.”

He laughs even harder, doubling over and slapping his knee.

“What’s so funny?” I ask. This situation is anything but amusing, but his infectious laughter absorbs into me.

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