Page 66 of Invisible String
“I can’t say enoughhow proud of you I am.” Andrew sips his whiskey and swirls it around so the ice clinks the glass.
I swallow a mouthful of my pasta. “Thank you for taking me out tonight. I really needed a breather today and wanted to try this new restaurant that had opened. I can honestly say it’s delicious, better than I expected.” The restaurant is in Henderson. The dim lights give it an intimate vibe, and candles decorate each table. I didn’t dress to the nines, but I slipped into leggings and boots with a cream sweater and a belt. Andrew looks handsome in a cotton blue V-neck sweater. His bulky arms take up space in the sleeves, making them appear larger. It’s been a while since I’ve admired a man’s physique. Andrew and I have known each other for so long, but this is the first time I’ve looked at his body.
“I know you needed a breather. I’m just glad you agreed. Been wanting to take my girl out for a long time now.” I don’t correct him—I’m not his girl. “Had a meeting here with a client and your dad. Figured you’d love it.” He grins and twirls his spaghetti.
“So tell me. How’s working for my dad and Justin?” Justin, my older brother, went from working crap tables to completing law school. Although he works for our dad and is taking part in ownership, they hardly speak. He doesn’t voice it, but I see his bitterness toward him.
The waitress places a basket of fresh bread in the middle of the table. She smiles at us both. Andrew grabs a slice, smothering it with butter. “Justin is a delight, like always.” He laughs. “But your dad and Justin? It’s awkward to be in their presence, even though they can be civil when it comes to business matters.” He looks up at me. I’m pretty sure I know what he’s going to say. “You know. Your dad’s hurting, too. He misses her?—”
“Save it, Andrew.” My voice rises. “Of course, he’s hurting. Guilt is like a fungus. It grows on you. She gave him her all, and for what? So he can sleep with another woman?”
Andrew motions with his hand to quiet it down. “Rainey, it’s in the past. He made a mistake.”
I swallow a large sip of wine. “I see where your loyalty stands.”
“Oh, come on, Rain.”
“Don’t call me that.”
“Fine. Ney. Look, I just think he needs a chance to atone for his sins.”
“He had his chance when she was alive, but you know what was more important? His business. Sure, he moved it all here to Vegas for her so she could see doctors. But he spent his time avoiding the cancer instead of spending every second he could with her. He probably thought spending a great amount of dough would fix a miracle, but unsurprisingly, it didn’t. Maybe she would have fought harder if he had more heart in his love for her. He had not once helped her when she vomited; when she cried in pain. Not once did he hug her. All he would say is, ‘It’s going to be okay, honey. You’ll get better.’ You know what, Andrew, it’s too damn late for him to cry over spilled milk. He had his chance to love until the end, but it seemed he gave up sooner than she did.”
Andrew reaches for my trembling hands. “I apologize, Rainey. I have no business meddling in something I don’t know much about. I’ve known your family for so long. I want you all to get along.”
I sigh and nod. It’s a touchy subject for me.
“Maybe we should go. It’s getting late.” I suggest, reaching for my coat on the empty chair next to me.
“I didn’t mean to upset you. How about we head back to your place? I can massage your feet.” He wags his brows. “One thing I agree with is what your dad has said.”
“What is it?”
“We’re good together.” He grins.
Of course, my father would say that. He loves him and his parents.
“Sounds like something he would say.”
The waitress returns with the check. Andrew slips her his card. “You don’t agree?”
I shrug. “We’ve known each other for some time, but I’ve never?—”
“We’ve never hung out one-on-one, Rainey, for you to see me as more. It’s always been at family dinners that our family would hang out.” He reaches for my hand. “Not until your mom passed did we start to spend more time together. I knew you needed company, and you’re fun to be around.”
I want to snort. I haven’t had much fun in years. A part of me died that rainy day I confessed my love to a man who couldn’t give me his in return. Instead, he asked if we’d ever meet again, if I’d fall in love with him all over—the nerve of him. I would never make that mistake. I can still remember his car driving off in the distance. My knees hit the kitchen floor, where I sobbed until the sun rose. I waited three days before I packed and left. He never came back, and I never searched for him. You can’t hunt a man down who doesn’t want you.
“Let’s head to my place. How about that foot massage?”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
MAX
“Good morning! Get out of bed,” the morning radio station barks—my alarm.
I groan, twisting out of bed. The bruises on my body reflect last night’s fight. Groggy-eyed, I pull a pair of running shorts out of my drawer. My daily routine has changed a little. Run, gym, then work, then fight.
Smoothly, I park my restored 1970 Chevy Nova under the large sunshade porch that readsEmployees Only for Max Enterprises. I’m not a man to wear a suit and tie. I will if needed, but wearing nice clean jeans and a collared button-down shirt is as spiffy as I’ll get.
