Page 75 of Another Love, Another Time
We remain in silence until he breaks it with a topic I don’t want to discuss. “I heard congratulations are in order.” I turn my head to look at him. He glances at me and then back at the road.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, playing dumb.
“Auggie said that you’re married. When the hell was that, and why was I not invited?” Uncle Eddie never was one to beat around the bush.
“Oh. That.”
“Yes, that! Riv, what the hell?” Despite his words, I can tell he’s joking with me. Even so, I start tearing up.
“Yeah, I’m married. You remember Baxter?”
“Is that the kid who was with you at your graduation?”
“Yeah. Well, that’s him, my husband.”
“Really? That’s all you have to say?”
I sniffle and then sit up straighter in my seat. I knew I was going to have to explain myself, but I should be having this discussion with Auggie first. “My mom knows. I wasn’t really talking to anyone back then, so I asked my mom to keep it quiet. It’s the least she could do.”
“I’m not going to say that doesn’t hurt. I’ve always thought of you as a daughter. I would have loved to be there with you to celebrate, but I get it. I do think there’s a lot that you and Auggie need to discuss.” He opens his center console, grabs a napkin, and hands it over.
“Apparently.” I wipe under my eyes.
“Hey, Mrs. Baxter.”
I hang my head in shame. I don’t have the right to be jealous, but I’m still hurt. My heart aches. Did I think he would be a choir boy? No, but he knew how I felt about Melissa.
I shouldn’t be surprised; I mean, I did catch them kissing at prom. I saw them together at my dad’s funeral. Why did I think they wouldn’t be together now, especially with the lengths she went to? It doesn’t matter. All I can give him right now is friendship and being his partner.
“Hey,” he says and waits until I look at him. “I missed you, kiddo. Everyone did. I know Auggie really missed you.” That brings on another round of tears. He pauses, thinking about something. “When you went off to the Army, it didn’t just affect you and Auggie; it affected the whole family. I know you had your reasons, but I just wanted you to know that your absence left a huge hole. Everyone is excited that you’re back home.” He waits until I’ve pulled myself together.
I know I’m avoiding certain conversations. There was a time when I was mad at our parents, too. I need to speak with them after I speak with Auggie. Auggie first, then the parents.
“Tequila,” I say and then smirk, wanting to change the subject. I just don’t want to talk about it yet. It looks like I will be having my talk with Auggie sooner rather than later.
“Oh no.” He groans, knowing I’m answering his initial question. “I remember how your mom used to get when she drank tequila. Don’t make me have to carry you home.”
“Don’t worry. I’m feeling like some margaritas. I’m going to try to be sweet without being too salty tonight.”
“You’re the boss. Maybe you can even get your Aunt Connie to drink one with you.”
~~
When we get back, most of the family has arrived. We did shots shortly before walking in. I may have had two to his one, but I’ve loosened up. I feel better.
I walk through the garage with the supplies. “Who wants some margaritas?”
My mom looks up at me with a worried expression, instantly making me feel bad. I know when I ran, it didn’t only affect Auggie and me. I see it with everyone walking on eggshells around me. I knew Uncle Eddie wouldn’t do that.
Uncle Chris walks up. “I don’t want a margarita, but I’ll take a shot of tequila.”
“Okie dokie.” I pull out shot glasses and pour him one and then one for myself. He holds his up, and I ask, “Are we toasting to something?” I hold my shot glass up to his and smile.
“To those who wish us well. The rest can go to hell!” We clink our glasses together. The liquid burns going down.
“Hey, you couldn’t wait for me?”
I hear a familiar voice behind me. I whip around to see Logan. I run and jump at him.
