My chocolate shake slides in front of me, complete with whip topping and a cherry in the center.
“Thank you.”
“Um…about tonight.” She twists her fingers together.
“You don’t have to I mean that is if you don’t want to come that is.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “It’s not that. Is there anything you’d like me to bring? I’m not very good at this.” Her thick lashes flutter and she looks away. She’s sexy as hell and has no idea.
“Just your pretty little self.” I sound like an idiot wearing a goofy toothy grin.
“Okay.” Her nose crinkles. “I’m going to go check on that burger for you.”
I nod and take a sip of my milkshake to stop myself from making a bigger jackass of myself.
Minutes later she brings out my food and it hits me. I told her I would cook for her. I don’t cook. I could fuck up a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I’m useless in the kitchen. It’s why I eat out for every damn meal.
No need to panic. I’ll place an order at the Pier and pick it up on my way home. She’ll never know. Easy. Simple. Nothing fancy.
Maggie is waiting on another customer when I leave, so I slip a five under the edge of my plate and head out. As I am driving through town, I get a call on my radio. Pete is drunk again and playing in the fountain in front of the Senior Citizen’s building.
When I roll up, I have to get my laughter out while I am still in my car. The nutty old coot is stripped bare and running through the fountain. The dumb bastard will be lucky if he doesn’t slip on the pennies in the bottom and break a hip.
Exiting my car my good mood leaves me. Red curly hair is hugging her shoulders. The locks of hair I used to twist around my fingers after we made love. Her alabaster skin as creamy as milk. Skin I used to touch and taste. Carly is standing to the side with a pinched expression on her face. Her arms are folded over her middle and that’s when I notice it. Her baby bump. She’s pregnant with Roger’s baby. I should have suspected with how fast their wedding popped up out of nowhere.
A month before they got married she had reached out to me. Telling me that she made a mistake that she missed me. I told her not to contact me again. She had made her choice. Now I see that I did the right thing. Roger and I haven’t spoken since he betrayed me but once upon a time, he was like a brother to me and as hurt as I was, I’ve moved past it and I would never hurt him the way that they did me.
“Hey there, deputy. Look!” Pete shouts then reaches down to grab a handful of coins. “I found the pot at the end of the rainbow.”
“That’s great, Pete, but I’m going to need you to get out of the fountain and put your clothes on.”
“I’m rich,” he cries pumping his bony fist in the air.
Eventually I coax him into following my orders. After a night in the drunk tank he’ll be good as new. I get him situated in the back of my car and when I close the door Carly is standing behind me.
“Thank you for getting here quickly. I don’t know how much longer I could stomach seeing his old shriveled…you get the idea.”
“Just doing my job.”
“You’re off probation. I’m glad.”
“Yup.” I pop the p. “Well, gotta get back to work.”
“Listen, Calder. I meant what I said when I called you. It’s just…” she rubs her growing belly.
“I get it. No need to explain. I’m happy for you both and wish you everything you deserve.”
“Calder…”
“I gotta go, Carly. Give Roger my best.” I open my door and climb in but when I go to shut the door she’s standing in my way.
“He misses you too you know. You guys were so close.”
“And now we’re not. Now if you could move.”
“Fine. You know what I’m done trying to mend our friendship. If you want to be bitter and resentful that’s on you.”
I roll my eyes. “We were supposed to get married. I never wanted to be your friend. I was in love with you.”