Page 87 of Another Love, Another Time
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
“Don’t be. I’m not. I think it put me on the path I was supposed to be on.” I yawn again, barely able to keep my eyes open.
“Good night, River.”
“Good night, Auggie.” And then, I sleep better than I have in a long time.
Chapter 27
Auggie
“Where’s River today?” Mackey asks after seeing that I’m riding solo.
“She took the week off. She had to drive down to St. Louis to pick up her husband.” I’m a little nervous to meet him. She showed me a picture of him. I’m jealous this guy has had her for the last five years, even if it was only as friends. On the other hand, he’s important to her, so I want to make a good impression.
I want to tell Mackey about their relationship. She hasn’t told anyone on the team that I’m aware of. She asked me not to say anything to anyone about her marriage, especially if he was going to meet everyone. Nobody needed to know their business. But she did say I could tell Mackey about their divorce.
“How do you feel about that?” he inquires.
I shrug. “I’m good with it.” I pause, not knowing if I should tell Mackey the rest of it. I can tell he notices something’s off. He saw me after I found out she was married. He can see right through me.
He narrows his eyes. “You seem to be doing well, knowing that her husband will be here.” He pauses, gauging my response. He doesn’t get the reaction he’s looking for. “Good thing River is all moved into her new house. Maybe they can christen it.” He laughs when he hears me grunt.
I didn’t want to say anything, but I have a feeling that he’ll continue to give me shit if I don’t. “He’s not going to be her husband for much longer,” I snap back.
“What do you mean?” He cocks his head, waiting for me to respond.
“I think they both realized that they are better as friends, and they made the decision to get a divorce.”
“And he’s staying with her while he’s visiting?” I nod. He goes on, “I’m glad they’ll keep in touch, but that might make it a little weird this weekend, right? That still on?”
“Yeah. She’d like everyone to meet him, but I don’t think she wants everyone to know they are getting a divorce. She said she didn’t care if I told you. She knows you can keep to yourself.”
“Sure. It’s her business.” I nod again, not knowing what else to say. He continues, “Well, knowing that she’s now getting a divorce, what are you going to do about it?”
“I’m not sure. I have a lot to make up for.”
“Do you still love her?” he asks.
“Yeah, man. I do.”
“Then, you need to act like that. Letting psycho live with you is not the way.”
I rub my hands down my face. “I know I need to get her out. I’ve let this go on for too long.”
“Is Melissa going to be there this weekend? Aren’t they family?”
“Hell no. River would never invite her. Just because they’re related doesn't mean they get along. You have no idea the shit that went on between them when they were growing up.”
“It sounds like you’re the thing that got between them. Hearing that, I can’t believe you ever went there, especially when you talk about how special River is.”
“I know. It’s just hard. Melissa was there for me when I needed someone to kick my ass in gear. I never would have graduated from college if she hadn’t made sure I didn’t get up every morning and go to class. I feel like I owe her, at least to be her friend.”
“I get that, but is she who you want? Because if she’s not, it’s not fair to her. You know I’m not a fan, but if you have any respect for her, I would make it very clear that you do not want to be with her romantically. It might be a good idea to ask her to move out. I mean, the chick feels like she has some kind of claim on you, and in the year that we have known each other, I have never once seen you say anything against her until River showed up. So, what’s the deal?”
“To be honest, it was just easier to let her get her way than to address the problem. I didn’t want to date anyone, so I didn’t see the harm. I knew we were not together, and I’ve never really said otherwise.”
“Does she know you’re not together? Because I’m telling you, man, she’s been really possessive this last year.”
