Page 56 of Kayden: The Past
“Don’t you feel what we have? Being with you reminded me how much I love you. How much I need you in my life.”
“I know what wehad. There’s too much damage,” I said.
She pouted in her chair, and I watched her as she flipped her phone over as if checking for something. Her phone hadn’t beeped all day. Lisa always had text messages, and her phone was more like a musical instrument with all of the alerts. But since she’d arrived, it hadn’t made a sound. “Expecting a call?” I asked as I watched her place it facedown on the table.
“No, just wanted to make sure I hadn’t missed one. So, this is it? Once I leave… We’re officially over?”
“Yes.” I didn’t have more to say to her. I never asked her here on the pretense that we’d get back together and have our happily ever after.
“Okay, I’ll wait for you. Maybe you’ll change your mind once reality sets in.”
Thankfully, our meal arrived. We could eat in silence, and I didn’t feel the need to continue the conversation. She could wait for an eternity, but I wouldn’t return to her. Reality? It had set in. I had no one in this world to depend on except me. Women freely offered themselves and asked for nothing in return. No funds exchanged hands. No expectations or rules to contend with—reality had been pretty fucking great since coming to New Orleans.
We joined the crowd on Decatur around eleven to enjoy the music and start the countdown. Lisa disappeared for a few minutes to use the ladies’ room, and I was thankful for the break. I saw an ATM nearby and grabbed the money that I’d promised her. I thought of it as a going-away present. I couldn’t wait for her to go home tomorrow. I should’ve told her no when she asked to come and see me. In twelve hours, I’d put her ass on a plane and fly her out of my life.
Arms wrapped around my body as I stared at the Fleur de Lis and thought about all of the possibilities that lay ahead of me. I pulled her fingers apart and turned to face her. “Don’t.”
“God, you’re such a killjoy at times,” she said with her mouth in a hard line.
“Here’s your cash you asked for.” I handed her the money and watched her count it. Such an odd reaction, like I’d short her. “I’m going to grab a beer, want one?”
“You need a drink?”
Ah, there she was—the one who questioned all my actions.“I want one. There’s a difference.” Carts were set up along the square, and I needed something besides her body to keep me warm.
“Still a drunk, I see.”
She had her money, and her attitude had shifted suddenly. “Have I been drunk in the last twenty-four hours? I’ve had one fucking drink.”
“One turns into five, always does.” Her arms were folded in front of her, and she looked like she was ready for a fight… One that I didn’t feel like having.
“I wondered when the real you would show up.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” She glared at me.
I shook my head. “I’m cold as fuck out here. It’s New Year’s Eve, and I want a drink. Immediately, you jump to the conclusion that I’m going to get shit-faced, Lisa. I hand you some money, and instantly, the claws come out.”
“Okay, let’s not fight. I want to enjoy my last couple hours here in New Orleans.” She wrapped her scarf around her neck and rubbed her mittens together.
“Fine, I’m still getting my beer. Would you like one, yes or no?” I stood there waiting for her answer.
“I need something stronger.”
“Stay here. I’ll be right back.” I walked away from her, thankful for the freedom. She had always been so judgmental about my drinking, and it drove me further into the bottle. I watched her as I waited in line at a cart selling mixed drinks and beer. She typed on her phone and looked around, unable to see me in the crowd. She looked nervous as I watched her eyes move and scan the crowd.
“What would you like, sugar?” a voice asked and pulled my attention away from her.
“I’ll take a large beer and hmm…a Hand Grenade, please.” Lisa wasn’t much of a drinker. A Hand Grenade would have her head spinning. I’d possibly fuck the shit out of her one more time before I sent her shitty ass on her way.
“Fifteen dollars, handsome.” I handed the woman the cash with a nice holiday tip included and stood there watching Lisa for a minute. She feverishly typed something, still looking around like a kid doing something quickly before possibly being caught by a parent.
I walked toward her with the drinks and watched her demeanor change as I approached. She placed her phone in her pocket and smiled at me. “What is this?” she asked as she grabbed the bright green plastic container from my hand.
“Hand Grenade—don’t worry, it’s not strong. Mostly fruit juices, you’ll like it.” I knew it would knock her on her ass. I lied to her and didn’t feel bad about it at all.
She sipped the liquid through the straw and smiled. “This is great, thanks.”
“Did I interrupt you?”
