Unable to calm down, I grabbed my keys and coat and headed out to my car. I knew where you lived. And I’d been there before so many times since your accident. I was not stalking but doing my best to look out for you. Your guardian in the shadows.

After a short drive I parked in your building’s lot. I stared up at the corner apartment and noticed your office light was on. Working late. You really needed to take better care of yourself.

Your slim frame passed in front of the window. You stared out into the darkness, and it felt like you sensed me. You must have felt our connection. It had never been broken and never would be.

37 JACK

37

JACK

Friday, March 18, 2022

7:00 p.m.

Seeing Brit several times over the last week had brought back a lot of memories. Some were good, and some not so terrific. Many on the outside of our relationship tagged us as complicated, but what we’d shared had been really simple. I’d shown her the dangerous side of life, while she’d shown me the respectable version. We’d opened each other’s eyes to what we could be. Once we’d taken what we needed, the relationship had run its course.

Now I was so close to having it all, and I didn’t want to take even one step back.

I’d been sitting in my car in front of David’s townhome for an hour when he finally pulled up. Out of my car, I tossed my cigarette to the pavement and ground out the embers. This was my third trip to his house and the first time I’d caught him. For a guy who worked at home, he wasn’t around much.

I’d not seen David since we were teenagers, and to see him sitting in J.J.’s Pub celebrating Marisa’s birthday had caught me off guard. I’d not said anything, but the more I thought about him living in my town, the more doubts I had.

When David saw me moving toward him now, he momentarily froze, just as he’d done at the birthday party. I’d first met him years ago at a juvenile-detention camp. I was sixteen and in for breaking into homes and stealing. He’d been eighteen and working at the camp as a church volunteer.

David grinned. But I knew better than anyone that a smart man smiled no matter how nasty the shit sandwich. Never let them see you sweat.

“Jack, it’s good to see you.” Survival Rule #1: sound genuine, even if you aren’t feeling it. “What brings you here?”

“I was in the neighborhood checking out my new restaurant location. It’s two blocks from here. Want to get a drink?”

“I didn’t know you were opening up here.”

“Bought the property in December. Renovations started in January. Drink?”