Page 86 of Returning Your Love
He offered to help out, and I’d handed that shit over, completely trusting him because the kid had integrity and had proven his work ethics.
Josh suggested software that would keep track of shit for the next calendar year, so I spent the money, and fuck me, what an investment. Hours of my time returned to me with that accounting program, and all I had to do was input some shit and let the computer do the rest to balance that month’s books.
Yeah, Josh was pure gold in my opinion, and I loved seeing his and Kyle’s relationship continue to thrive.
He wasn’t aware why I was driving down to Berlin, that shit was a little too personal for boss/employee in my opinion, but he’d grinned when I stated I was taking off early. It was plain as hell on his face that he thought he knew why.
But Jamie wasn’t my sole reason for visiting the city I hadn’t been to since Shelly’s death. Didn’t set the kid straight either.
I walked into the ER a few minutes later, expecting to be triggered considering what I’d seen and heard last time I’d been there. Memories flitted through my mind, but I focused on thehelp desk rather than allowing the lingering grief to stir up and make me emotional.
“How can I help you?” the receptionist asked, her tone and eyes kind.
“I’m looking for Tara?”
“And you are?”
“Chaz Henderson—she’s expecting me.”
“I’ll tell her you’re here.”
I nodded my thanks, shoved my hands in my coat pockets to keep them from shaking, and stepped away from the desk, moving to stand in the exact spot Tara had slid to the floor with her arms wrapped around my wife’s lover. While sadness filled me for both of them, the threat of tears no longer stung.
I had texted Shelly’s old friend earlier in the week, asking if she would be willing to meet with me sometime. She’d suggested Thursday for dinner, and the sooner than later I’d been hoping for had me agreeing regardless of having to leave work earlier than usual.
Tara exited the Employees Only door beyond the receptionist’s desk, coat and bag in hand. She eyed me a little warily but smiled. “Hi.”
“Hey.” I mirrored her smile even though I wasn’t feeling it, trying to put her at ease. “We can eat at the cafeteria if you don’t have a long break,” I said, thinking she might just be halfway through her shift, but she shook her head.
“I came in at noon and took a half day since I didn’t think this conversation would be a short one.”
I’d expected the same but hadn’t wanted to push for too much of her time.
“I heard Jackie’s is where to go for a good, home-cooked meal.” I suggested Mom’s favorite place to eat whenever she and Dad came to Berlin.
“Sounds good to me,” Tara agreed, and I motioned for her to lead the way. “Want to follow me or do you know where you’re going?”
I’d already checked the vicinity out since I had plans after dinner. “I’ll meet you there.”
We parted ways in the parking lot, and I gripped the steering wheel tight, focused on breathing in a steady rhythm while driving across town, determined to keep from overthinking about the what-ifs.
Our discomfort was clear as we met up outside Jackie’s, both of our smiles tentative. Searching.
We were shown to a booth in the front window, and we placed our orders, then peered at each other across the table once left alone.
“How have you been handling her death?” I asked, assuming they were as close as Shelly had suggested.
“Isn’t that what I ought to be asking you?” Tara said, her blue eyes flitting over my face, seeking as much as her tone.
“Better than I ever expected to,” I answered honestly. “You?”
She shrugged and glanced away, reaching to put a straw in her ginger ale.
“I know about her boyfriend. I saw you consoling him that night in the ER.”
The blood drained from her face, and she closed her eyes, chin dipping. “It’s my fault they hooked up.”
“They were more than that though,” I said. “He was heartbroken. Devastated by the loss.”
