Marry Screw Kill(8)

“I’m not quite sure I understand you. Is it one of those friends with benefits things between you two?”

“I guess that’s what you would call it. We’re two busy students trying to get into med school. We skipped the dinner dates and went straight to … well, you know what I mean.”

There really isn’t an easy way to explain to him what Rachel and I have … or more like, what we don’t have together. It boils down to two things: we have needs and we mutually satisfy them. Besides, she’s off to Johns Hopkins for med school, so any chance of more between us will be separated by distance. Even if she stayed in town for school, the chemistry between us lacked something. Passion, maybe?

“Mark my words, one day you’ll meet someone special. Probably when you least expect it.” Henry grins at me and I return it.

“You’re killing me with this hopeless romantic stuff. I have no intention of pursuing a serious relationship until I’m done with my residency and practicing medicine for at least two years. That’s my plan.”

“God knows you’re the smart one between the two of us, but the best laid plans can easily be disrupted.” The jovial twinkle in Henry’s eyes fades into a serious stare.

“I tried dating a few times, but it didn’t work out. It’s not fair to let a woman think I’m up for giving her more.” I’m not sure what to think of this reflective side of Henry. We’ve never talked this deeply before—hell, I never talk this deeply with anyone.

“No man’s an island, Mr. Elliott. Everyone needs love in their life. Even a young, ambitious man like yourself.”

“Okay, how do I know when it’s the real thing?” I lean over Henry’s station and wait for his response. I’m sure he can see the doubt in my eyes.

“Hmm, good question.” Henry rubs his hand over his chin and nods, an answer forming in his knowing eyes.

“I look at my parents. Both have been divorced and remarried. Now, my father’s getting divorced again.” I’ve only met my stepmother once, and I swear she batted her eyes at me the entire time. “It’s hard to know what love is when I see such great examples of it,” I say, the sarcasm in my voice thick.

“Don’t let their lives dictate yours. Someday, there will be a woman—one who takes your breath away. You won’t be afraid of commitment, you’ll be afraid of living without her. That’s when you’ll know. She’ll be your reason to exist. You’ll want to move heaven and earth to make her happy and see her smiling face. God help you then. He’s the only one who can.”

“I can’t wrap my head around that kind of love.” His words remind me of childhood fairytales; the love at first sight and prince saves the princess bullshit.

“No one can.” Henry squints and assesses me with a smile.

Slightly unnerved, I glance down at my Breitling’s Bentley watch Henry has admired for years. If I don’t catch a cab now, I realize I won’t make my flight on time. Inspiration strikes and I make a quick decision.

“Thanks for this chat, but I better get moving. My flight leaves in just under two hours. Before I go, I’d like you to take care of something while I’m away.”

I release the watch from my wrist and motion for him to hold out his hand. Henry glances back and forth from my face to my fingers.

“Wait, you’re letting me wear your watch? It would probably cost me ten grand to buy one of these.”

“Take it, Henry. I won’t take no for an answer.” He starts to protest, but I speak before he gets a word out. “Push up your sleeve and hold out your arm.”

Quietly, Henry obeys. I place the timepiece on his wrist. “You wear it proud, my friend. As a matter of fact, it’s yours to keep. Consider it my long-standing tip. I’m tired of handing you cash all the time anyway.” Henry laughs and turns his wrist back and forth while marveling at the Swiss-made masterpiece.

He looks up at me with gratitude in his eyes. “I don’t have words to thank you, Mr. Elliot. I’m going to talk my daughter into naming her unborn son after you.”

“I’d think twice about that. People are always telling me how old fashioned my name is. Besides, I can be a shit sometimes.”

“You’re a good man. Don’t you ever forget that.” Sliding to my side on the soles of his shiny black shoes, he wraps his large arms around me. His embrace is full of warmth and love. Other than my grandmother, I can’t remember the last time someone simply hugged me. My own father’s touch never progresses beyond a cold, awkward handshake.

An odd sensation rises up in my throat, making my breathing difficult. Pulling away from Henry, I raise the wall back up, but f*ck if that little bit of tenderness didn’t feel good.

I adjust my Armani T-shirt and stick my hand out. “Goodbye, Henry.” My stance becomes taller, stiffer. He seems to understand what I’m doing.

“Goodbye, Mr. Elliott.” He tips his black hat at me, his eyes full of pity.

I reach for my suitcase, and Henry mutters, “Love will find you, my friend,” in a hushed whisper. I don’t think I am supposed to hear his words, but I do.





Chapter Five


Sin



As the taxi driver maneuvers the streets of New York City to La Guardia, Henry’s words about love and its fairytales rattle around in my head. I try to shake them off, but something about what he said sticks with me. I reach for my cell phone and pull up Rachel’s number, knowing what I’m about to do is likely a big mistake.