Page 221 of Love in Riverbend
“I’d totally forgotten that it was there. When I called her to ask if she’d be my plus-one, I called her office number, one I found online. That’s not all.” I take a deep breath. “Seven years ago, when I put her number in my contacts, I added a note.”
“Shit. What did it say?”
“Do not answer.”
“Dude, you either need to cancel tomorrow night’s dinner or do something drastic. I love you like a brother, but you’re an asshole—not only for years ago, but for today. You can’t expect her to play your fake-date after that.”
I know he’s right. That doesn’t make what he’s saying any easier to hear.
The clock on the dashboard tells me that it’s after nine.
An idea comes to me. “She gave me her address. Do you think if I apologize in person…? Fuck, I’d forgotten all about that note.”
“She could slam the door in your face.”
“What would Devan do?”
“If I really pissed her off, she would tell me.”
“And what would you do?”
“Anything and everything I could to make it right.”
“I’m going to stop at a store and get flowers. I need to make this right.”
“I have a question,” Justin says. “Why are you making it right?”
“Because I hurt her. Fuck, I saw the way her expression changed, but I didn’t realize until after she was gone what she saw.”
“Or are you making it right so she’ll still go with you to the dinner?”
“I mean…yes, but…” I let out a long breath. “I didn’t mean to hurt her.”
“Tonight, or seven years ago?”
“Seven years ago, I didn’t realize I hurt her. Some women are fine with hooking up, no strings. Marilyn never said she wanted more.”
“How could she? You had a reminder not to answer her calls.”
I clear my throat. “Fuck the dinner. I’m going to apologize. And one more thing, don’t tell Devan.”
“I don’t lie to my wife.”
“Omission isn’t lying. Marilyn said she never told Devan. If you tell her, she’ll be upset with Marilyn, and that’s not what either of them needs.”
“Fuck,” Justin growls. “Work this out, not only for Devan, but for the two of you.”
“Thanks.” I disconnect the call as my shame and guilt multiply.
How many phones have I had over the last seven years?
Why the hell would all of that contact information transfer?
Before I can talk myself out of it, I set my GPS to Marilyn’s address. I start thinking about what I can take as a peace offering. All the local florists are closed, but the supermarkets usually have flowers. And then, the idea hits me.
Chapter 10
Marilyn
