Page 27 of Bones

“Let’s just say things didn’t work out.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.” She glanced over at me with a grimace. “He ended up being a jerk.”

I can’t say that I was all that disappointed that Elsie’s date didn’t go well. I could tell by looking at him that the guy was a douchebag, and I didn’t want him anywhere near Else. Hell, I didn’t want any guy around her. She was my true north. The light that guided me through the darkest shadows. The calm to my chaos. The place my mind went to whenever I needed peace. And I would do anything in my power to keep her out of harm’s way.

She was all I could think about, and I wanted to make her mine.

But I loved her too much for that.

Elsie deserved someone who could give her the world—not a world of disappointment and heartbreak. She’d had enough of that to last a lifetime, and I refused to give her any more.

We were almost back to the clubhouse when Elsie announced, “You know, we still haven’t talked about the other night.”

“That’s because there’s nothing to talk about.”

“Of course, you’d say that.” She turned to face me as she said, “You never want to talk about anything.”

“That’s not true,” I argued. “I’ll talk about whatever you want.”

“Okay, then tell me what you were doing at the club the other night.”

“I was just having a drink.”

“You drove all the way into the city for a drink?”

“It wasn’t exactly planned... I just needed to get away for a while.”

Her eyes narrowed as she pushed, “You weren’t wearing your cut.”

“No, I wasn’t.”

“You’re being intentionally vague.”

“I answered your questions. What else do you want from me?”

“Nothing.” She turned and stared out the window. “I don’t want anything from you.”

We pulled up to the clubhouse, and I’d barely gotten parked when Elsie opened her door and jumped out. I didn’t move. I just sat there watching as she headed inside the clubhouse. Eventually, I got out of the truck and started after her. I was just about to reach for the door when Stitch appeared out of the darkness. There was no missing the surprise in my voice when I asked, “Hey, Pop. Where’d you come from?”

“I was out in my truck when you and Elsie pulled up.” He gave me one of his looks as he said, “Figured you two might need a minute.”

“Nah, not so much.”

“Maybe if you’d pull your head out of your ass?”

“Maybe.” I shrugged. “I’m just trying to do right by Elsie.”

“Holding back isn’t doing right by her.”

“We both know she deserves better than me.”

“That’s bullshit.That girl would be lucky to have you.”

“I wish I could believe that.”

“You’re the only one who doesn’t.” His brows furrowed, and his tone grew stern. “You gotta stop thinking you’re not enough, son. You’re more than enough.You always have been.”

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