Page 23 of Severed Rivalry
“You remembered that?”
“I remember everything.”
Her eyes widen, and she looks through the windshield but speaks to me. “An ad online. My previous job was remote. They were pushing us to return to the office and we’d already moved here. I don’t like uprooting our lives when I can avoid it. And I could avoid that, so I did. Let’s be real. I need a computer and an internet connection, not an office cubicle. It was a silly request.”
“Where did they want you to move?”
“Memphis. I’m no Elvis hater and I wouldn’t complain about the barbeque, but Memphis didn’t offer us the life I wanted, and it doesn’t offer what Renée needs, so I adjusted.”
Later I’ll ask what Renée needs that it was worth staying here. But for now, I’m grateful.
“Glad Graceland didn’t woo you away.” I bring her hand to my lips and kiss her knuckles. “I’m happy you’re here.”
“Do you love my mom?”
What do I do with that?
“I never fell out of love with your mom, if that’s what you’re asking.”
It’s Sariah’s sharp intake of breath at my first statement that makes the second come out quieter, “But we don’t know each other for who we are now, so that’s a tough question to answer.”
Forty-eight hours and I’m on the hotseat. She calls it like she sees it, which is a great thing in life, but, man, I’m unprepared.
Sariah says nothing. That’s okay too. I’d rather we not fill the cab with words we can’t un-say.
I walk them to the door, but don’t accept her invitation to go in. I have no good reason to decline but something in my gut says it’s the right decision.
Once Renée goes inside, I pull Sariah into my arms. Wordlessly, I kiss her, slow and deep. “Sleep well, Angel. Sweet dreams. I’ll call you in the morning.”
“Night, Ci. Be safe going home.”
I drop a kiss to her forehead in affirmation and wait until I hear the deadbolt before heading back to my truck.
I’m home and lounging with a glass of bourbon replaying my night when my phone rings.
“Hey, Ayla. What’s up?”
A long sigh is met with the hiccup from her crying. “Thanks for today. This whole thing has been shit, but I appreciate you.”
She and her husband are having a massive fight. As in a potentially marriage-ending type blow-up. Life’s been unimaginable for her for months. And there’s nothing I can do to make it easier for her.
“You’re my girl. If I could fix this, you know I would.”
“You’d tear down the world for those you love, while carrying us the whole way.”
“I’m not going to tell you everything’s going to be okay. I want nothing more. But I do knowyou’llbe okay no matter what.”
“Love you, Ci.”
“Love you, too, Ayla. Get some rest.”
She disconnects and I take a long, deep pull on my bourbon. It warms me to my core.
Ayla’s not wrong. I’d tear down the world for those I love.
Or build a new one.
Before
