Page 35 of All In
Nathaniel received his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Ohio Northeastern and is currently employed at his father’s manufacturing firm, R&R Conn.
The wedding will take place on June 9th at Riverside Garden in Madison Creek Park, with an invitation-only reception to be held at Avon Grand Pavilion.
I lower the article as I hang my head. The loneliness I felt, first when she left me for Chad and then when she didn’t show at Bistro 1845, is back with a vengeance. The sea of unanswered questions I have seems to stretch out endlessly.
I will not let her take the easy way out again.
Hell, at least I got a letter last time.
She doesn’t get to shut me out without at least an explanation. I ball the newspaper up in my hand and slam it down on the bar. With determination, I yank my wallet out of my back pocket, fish out a ten-dollar bill, and toss it on the bar as I stand. Big C must be able to read minds because he stomps over to me, knowing what I’m about to do.
“Sam, don’t do it,” he says. He grabs my arm as I try to walk past him.
“Let me go, C.”
“I can’t do that.” His grip tightens.
We stand face to face, and I know I’m no match for his massive frame and strength. So, I appeal to his humanity. “What if it was Jasmine?” I ask. He doesn’t answer right away. Without warning, his expression softens to one of understanding and his grip loosens.
“Fine, but I’m going with you and driving.” He lets go of the vice grip he had on my arm. “Where’s Ricky?” We glance around the bar, he's saddled up against the back wall, chalking up a pool cue, talking to a beautiful woman.
“RICKY!” Big C’s booming voice pulsates through the loud bar, and Ricky looks in our direction. He salutes us and nods.
He knows where I’m going and what I need to do.
With that, I make my way out of Dexter’s and into the night.
On my way to Maria.
I obviously haven’t thought this through because I have no clue where Maria could be. I’m assuming since it’s the night before her wedding, there must have been a rehearsal dinner. But where … no idea. I also don’t know where she is living since my letters went to her mom’s house. Is she living with Nate or on her own, maybe?
God, what am I doing?
So, I direct Big C to the only likely place she can be.
Her mother’s.
Big C pulls up alongside the curb in front of the house. Through the windows, the soft glow of lights is visible, and a row of cars sits parked in the driveway. But isshehere? I scan the cars and another realization floods my brain … I don’t know what she drives. It dawns on me how little I know about her current life, yet no one knows her better.
I’m in a really weird head space right now.
Big C and I both sit and stare at the split level for longer than we need to. He glances at me, waiting for me to do or say something. “Her old bedroom window is at the back of the house,” I start. “Maybe I should go check it out?” I look to C for validation—or permission—I’m not sure honestly.
“If they call the cops on you for trespassing, then I am out of here, and you are on your own. Got it?”
I nod in acknowledgement. “Otherwise, good luck. I’ll be here when you’re done.”
I open the car door as it creaks on its hinges. The warm night air hits me in the face as I race up the walkway, crouching down like a thief, looking around to make sure no one is watching. I make it to the shrubs that line the side of the house and round the corner to the backyard. I look up to find her window and, sure enough, the light is on.YES!
The craziest thought pops into my head, and I can’t believe I am about to do this. As I search the ground for a pebble, I shake my head in disbelief at what my life has become.
Because I am actually going to throw pebbles at her window. Like I’m in a freaking movie.
It’s my only option because I am not about to knock on the front door.
With a handful of pebbles in my hand, I position myself so that I’m not too far away. I was in baseball in high school, so my aim is decent enough. As I stare up at the window, the white sheer curtain that always hung there is a cruel reminder of the past.
Alright, here goes nothing.I throw my arm back and heave a pebble at the glass.
