End of Story(40)

“Take your shot,” Lars told Aaron.

And he did, turning to me and saying, “How’s your job, Susie? Business still afloat?”

“Yes.”

“Great.” He bent over the table and lined up a shot. “Did you ever get back that big account for the landscaper? You know, the one who disagreed with your fee structure?”

“Nope.”

“Pity,” he said. A ball went down and he lined up the next. “You look nice. That your take on a business outfit? You always were creative.”

“Thanks,” I said, somewhat drily.

“And your parents? Have you talked to them lately?”

“Yes.”

“Always liked your dad.”

I kept my mouth shut.

Lars frowned, but said nothing.

“I was sorry to hear about your aunt Susan,” said Aaron, lining up another shot. “We didn’t get on, but I know you two were close.”

I drank my cider and thought about calming things. Shoe sales and walks by the water and such. Because it wouldn’t be me that blew up this time. Not a chance. I would learn from the pain and no longer allow him to hurt me. Fuck him. I’d been mulling over Karen the mystic’s words about not repeating mistakes. My Ex knew all my buttons. That was a given. While I couldn’t control his behavior, I could control how I reacted.

“Your aunt and I were a little like you and my mother.” He smirked. “Can’t tell you how relieved she was when I told her we were through.”

Ouch. “I wasn’t aware your mom felt that way.”

“Oh, yeah.” He laughed. Not being subtle at all, apparently. “Just as well it didn’t work out, huh?”

“Just as well,” I agreed.

Lars frowned some more, but said nothing.

Aaron missed his next shot and handed the cue to Lars. Now here was something worth watching. Lars bending over a pool table. The way the denim molded to his thick thighs and behind. How the muscles in his arms flexed as he lined up his shot. I could watch this man do things all day. Or for at least the next few minutes while I finished this drink.

Lars sank the first ball and moved on to the next.

When Aaron saw my ogling, his expression turned to one of complete and utter contempt.

I drank some more cider.

“Too bad Hannah couldn’t come tonight,” he said. “I think you two would get along.”

“Oh?”

Lars’s gaze jumped to me to gauge my reaction before returning to the pool table.

“She messes around a lot on social media like you,” Aaron continued. “Has all these fans from her modeling days.”

“Okay,” I said.

“But she’s much happier working as a systems analyst and using her degree. Already got an offer for a position at a big company here.”

“Let me guess...your mother loves her.”

“As a matter of fact, she does.”

Lars straightened, rising to his full height. “What the fuck, man?”

“We’re just making conversation,” said Aaron defensively. His smirk disappeared and the nice-guy persona made an appearance. To think I used to fall for this nonsense. Shame on me.

“What’s with all this petty bullshit?” asked Lars. “You raised every negative thing you could think of, told her your mother hated her, and then rubbed your fiancée in her face.”

“Lars...”

“I told you she was important to me and this is how you treat her?”

Aaron shifted on his feet. “We have history.”

“I don’t care.”

“Look, I’m sorry, okay? She brings out the worst in me.”

“She barely opened her mouth, man.”

“I’ve finished my drink,” I said, setting the empty glass aside. “I’ll see you later, Lars.”

“Give me a minute and I’ll walk you out.”

This time my smile was real. I’d done it. I hadn’t reacted to the taunting. Glory was mine. “Thank you, but not necessary.”

Aaron grabbed at his arm, “Lars, hang on. Let’s talk about...”

I wound my way through the Friday-night crowd. As soon as I stepped outside, I could breathe again. The cool night and the music falling quiet was a relief. What I deserved was a long bath with a good book. I’d done my time and made it through the drink. The rest of this night could still be salvaged. Where there’s a will there’s a way and all that.

I walked down the street away from the parking lot, then I pulled my phone out of my purse and opened the car ride app.

“Hey,” called a deep familiar voice.

“Hey,” I called back in surprise.

Lars strode down the sidewalk toward me. I opened my mouth, but couldn’t find the words. What did you say to someone who just discovered their best friend was a little bitch?

And how awesome that he’d come after me. That he’d chosen me this time. To be honest, I was sort of stunned.

In the light from the street lamp, the lines of his face seemed starker. A light breeze ruffled his golden Viking mane and all the while he strode toward me, big and solid and strong. Like I could crash up against him as much as I liked. He made me want to write bad poetry. That was the truth.