Page 60 of You Loved Me Once
Ester was an amazing woman. She was always kind to us, made sure we were working hard, studying, and eating. I swear, it was her mission to feed us. I’m pretty sure that was all part of their game plan, keep people fed and they kept coming back.
“Do you miss her?”
He looks at the photo of her that sits behind the bar. “Every single day. Much like your father feels, I’m sure. Her death rocked my world, but we had a good life.”
“Yeah, he misses my mother. So much that he fired the cleaning crew, scared off the home health aide, and is leaving it up to Everton to handle the house. Which means the place is a mess.”
Rich chuckles and grabs the rag. “Sounds about right.”
“Men,” I roll my eyes with a smile.
“You know, when a man truly loves a woman, he’ll never move on. We all have that one person. Sometimes we marry them, spending an eternity trying to prove we’re good enough for her. Other times, we lose them and spend our lives wondering how we were so stupid to let that woman go. Sounds to me like you’re one of those ‘other times.’”
I dip my fry in the ketchup, swirling it around, thinking about what he said. “I’m in between. My sometimes and other times have collided. For the first time, Iwantthings to work with Westin and me. He’s good for me and we’re good for each other.”
Since the night we went on our date, I find myself thinking of what a future would look like with him more.
His smile is full of pride. “I hoped you’d say that. I’ve known that man a long time, Serenity Adams, and he’s a good one. He’s got a lot of love in his heart.”
“But my heart is at war and I don’t know what to do.”
Rich touches my hand. “You know what to do, you just don’t want to do it. War is just a fancy word for conflict, there’s a right and a wrong and you’re battling with which side to choose. Is this love you had once right for you?”
“No.”
“Is Westin?” Rich asks.
“Yes,” I look up, pleading with my eyes to tell me what to do.
“Then you’re not at war. You just need to choose your side and do what’s right to avoid bloodshed.”
My eyes close as the truth of his words washes over me. I should’ve sent Allison and Bryce away the day they showed up. I knew it in my gut that this was a bad decision, but I didn’t want to screw up the trial, or at least that’s what I told myself. The truth is that I was afraid I’d never see Bryce again.
Which is exactly why I knew he should go.
“Why do you have to be so smart?” This conversation needs to stop here for my own sanity.
Rich grins. “I’m old. With age comes wisdom, which is why you should listen to your dad when he says something.”
My father would love Rich for saying that.
Someone down the bar calls Rich’s name for a drink, and he winks at me and heads to help his other patrons.
Dad was right when he said this was a bad idea, but I thought I had it under control. I was so wrong.
“Ren.”
I jump. “You have got to be kidding me,” I groan as Bryce sits down next to me. Speak of the Devil and he shall appear. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to talk,” he says.
“No, I don’t want to talk. I need to forget you. I need to eat food, get some sleep, and kick cancer’s ass tomorrow. What I don’t need is to be followed by my patient’s husband.”
Today isn’t the day for us to talk. I’m too broken down and I have no fight left.
“You have to help me,” he starts.
“Why is that, Bryce? Why do I have to help you?”
