Page 33 of This Christmas

In the back, two couples are shooting pool. It’s hard to tell who’s winning and if I were only two deep, I’d challenge them for the table. Back in the day, I used to be good. My partner was better, but I left her high and dry when I took the stupid internship with Bamford.

“You good, my friend?” the bartender asks. He’s not from around here, which is perfect. He doesn’t know me. I don’t know him. I am curious if he knows Eve, though. I want to know why she isn’t dating someone. She’s so beautiful and perfect. I will never forgive myself for hurting her.

I tap the bar top for another. The bartender places it in front of me.

“Hey, man. Do you have a car?” he asks.

“Sure do.”

“Rad. Mind if I borrow your keys? My lock is stuck back here.”

I fish them out of my pocket and slam them on the counter. My new friend takes them and for a brief second, I wonder where he’s going with them. But then my mind goes back to Caryn.

“You married?”

“No,” he tells me. “Women are a lot of trouble. Too many rules.”

I laugh, but it comes out as a snort. “My girl hates it here.”

“Small town life is tough.”

“I’m from the ‘city.’” I use air quotes thinking this guy may not understand how important New York City is.

“Yeah. It’s fun there. What brings you to Deer Ridge?”

“Used to live here until I didn’t. It’s hard to come to a life you used to have and bring your other life here. She doesn’t understand because she’srichrich and spoiled. Her parents spoil her. You know, I work for her daddy. We live together and he supports her. What kind of husband is that going to make me?”

“A lucky one? No bills. Sounds like heaven to me.”

I nod. “I want more.”

Now he laughs. “Don’t we all. My friend, is there someone I can call for you?”

“Do you know Evangeline?”

“Holcomb? Yeah, she’s legit. Is she your lawyer?”

No, but she might be if I might need one.

“Yeah.”

“All right. I’ll give her a shout. Hang tight.”

“Oh, I’m hanging.”

When he returns, he points to the door. I think I’m smiling. I know I’m definitely swaying. Eve walks in, heading right to me.

“God, you’re beautiful,” I tell her as she sits down. She’s the one I should’ve asked to marry me. I wanted to. But Bamford dangled the too-good-to-be-true job in my face, and I took it.

“Sprite?” the bartender asks her.

“Yes, please.”

“Hey,” I say when she looks at me.

“You’re a little drunk, Zane.”

I hold my fingers up and try to focus on them to show her how drunk I am. “This much.”

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