Chapter 25
25
E ssie’s invite reminds me of the first time I visited her in college.
She doesn’t know how much this means to me.
I want to wrap her in my arms and never let her go.
The music plays low on the drive to her place. Two other cars are in the driveway as she parks. Her heels click against the concrete as I follow her to the cottage.
“Would you like something to drink?” she asks when we’re inside. “Water? Tea?”
There’s an urge to say vodka, whiskey, something strong to help me get through the night. Tucker is fine now, but post-surgery complications are always possible.
“No, I’m okay,” I reply.
She fills a glass of water for herself. I stand to the side as she moves into the living room, places her glass on a coaster, and kicks off her heels.
“Essie, I need to explain myself,” I say.
I’m fucking exhausted, but this might be the only chance I have to talk to her.
She needs to know why I did what I did—how I had to face my personal battles before I could be there for anyone else .
I want to tell her why I disappeared, joined Adaway and Williams, and then followed her to Blue Beech.
“Adrian,” she whispers, “it’s been a long day for you. You don’t have to do this now.”
I drop into the chair I sat in when she was sick. “You need to know this. Ten minutes after you were fired at Adaway and Williams?—”
“You mean after I quit,” she corrects.
I can’t help but chuckle. “Yes, right after you quit.”
I hunch forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “I was shocked when they called me into the boardroom and congratulated me on the promotion. I had no idea about it. The only reason I was at Adaway and Williams was to make amends with you. Which didn’t work out as planned since you pretty much gave me the fuck you .”
“Can you blame me? Did you expect me to welcome you with open arms?” Her voice softens. “You hadn’t given me a goodbye, not an I’m sorry, I just don’t like you anymore . You moved and completely cut off contact, as if our relationship meant nothing.”
“You’ve always been my everything, Essie.” I massage my temples. “It wasn’t just you I was running from. I ran away from everyone and everything.”
“Why?”
Here goes .
I’m ready to rip open this wound.