Because (Seven Year Itch #4)(44)

“Look, I know you’re excited about seeing Shay again. I don’t blame you. She looks amazing, and it’s obvious she’s been working hard to move on. You should be proud of what she’s been able to do in such little time, but that doesn’t mean she wants things to go back to the way they were before. I’m not trying to burst your bubble, I’m just trying to offer some advice. You can’t go down that road again, not without consequences. Shay has obviously closed the door to one part of her life and she’s trying to open another.”

“Why can’t I be a part of the new one?”

“I’m not saying it’s impossible. I’m only advising you to do it with the knowledge that you still have to bring something new to the table, or else you’re just the husband she wants to forget about.”

“Sometimes you suck at being a friend.”

“It takes a dick to know one.” He puts his arm around me and jerks my body into a masculine hug. “If you’re determined to win back your wife, I’m afraid you’re going to have to change everything, starting with your attitude.”

I wasn’t sure what that meant, but after seeing Shay again, I know I have to try.

Three days later I’m staring at a dating profile on the computer. Cara and Toby are behind me, both waiting for me to hit the button that will put me out there for all to see. They claim this has to be done before I can be sure I’m ready to commit to my marriage one-hundred percent. I think they’re being ridiculous. Just because I’ve looked in the past doesn’t mean I’ve ever touched. “Are you sure this is the best idea? What if Shay sees it?”

“Seriously? Just do it. You can delete it after one date.”

As stupid as the idea is, I hit the accept button and watch the screen fill with potential women I may be interested in.

I moved to the side and let Toby and Cara sit down to select the best candidate. “Okay, she has to be smoking hot,” Cara states.

“And like kids,” Toby adds.

“We don’t want slutty,” Cara deletes a few she passes.

I roll my eyes as I stand up and leave the room. If they think I’m going to talk to any of these strange women they’re mistaken. This won’t win back my wife.

They kept on the search for my date even after I leave their apartment. While on my way home to my parents’ place, I swing by the house I once shared with Shay and Ab. The light is on in the kitchen so I know she’s still awake. I pull the car over on the shoulder of the road and stare into the window to catch a glimpse.

I don’t know what makes me do it, but I step out and walk up the porch steps. I see her just as I knock two times lightly. Shay comes to the door and cracks it open. “Bran, is something wrong?”

“Do you think we can talk?” I ask.

“It’s not a good idea. I just put Ab to bed.”

“Come outside then. We can sit here on the porch.”

She contemplates it for a second and then finally gives in. She sits on the step next to me and places her hands on her knees. “What’s up? Is it about the other night at the bar? I just want you to know I never go there. It was a one-time thing. My friend suggested it.”

“It’s not about that, although seeing you made my night.”

“I’m sure there were other women more attractive.”

“I didn’t notice. Once I laid eyes on you the earth stopped spinning.”

It’s quiet for a second. I’ve rendered her speechless.

“Shay, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind since seeing you. I stopped by tonight to ask if you’d want to be my plus one for Toby’s wedding. It’s a month away, so I don’t need an answer now. I just thought I’d throw it out there.”

“It’s probably not a good idea, Bran. Your friends haven’t liked me for a long time.”

“You’re wrong.” She was spot on, but people can change. Shay was strong enough to leave me. She knows what she wants. I can tell she’s not the fragile woman I fought with every single night. Something is very different. “Will you at least think about it? The invite was addressed to both of us.” It really wasn’t, but only because we were already separated. “It’s just a wedding. I’m not asking for your hand in marriage.”

After I say it I sit there with my foot in my mouth. It’s uncomfortable to know I’ve taken the conversation and f*cked it to hell that quickly. This is exactly the kind of changes I still need to make. Maybe Toby was right. “I’m sorry. That came out wrong.”

“No. It’s fine.” She sort of laughs to herself. “Remember when you proposed? We were outside of that pawn shop after you finally paid off the ring you bought me.”

“I remember. You never let me forget it. You said I was the most unromantic man on the planet, but you’d still be my wife.”

She cackles and shakes her head. “Maybe that ring was cursed. It was probably pawned by some * who cheated all the time and took his wife for granted.”

I know she means this as a joke, but I take it as a kick to the balls. “Yeah, probably.”

I stand, because lets face it, I’m down in the dumps. “Please consider joining me. No strings attached. My parents will be there and Ab of course. I’m sure she’d love it if you came.”