Page 58 of My Never
“I know you’re capable of more than you’ve shown everyone else, but you do have a really bad habit of sticking your foot in your mouth. Just attempt to think before you speak,” Colin says with sincerity.
“Yeah, and try to keep your eyes from wandering to everything that passes by with a nice set of tits.”
“Dude, why do you have to dog on me every chance you get? First my office, now this? Can’t you just be happy for me?”
Colin looks at me, surprised by my outburst, but doesn’t jump in.
“I am, man. I just don’t want Ava to get hurt.”
“I know I don’t have a great track record, but those women? They were just conquests. Ava’s the real deal. I don’t justwanther. She’s crawled so deep under my skin that Ineedher. I don’t even know exactly when it happened, but somewhere along the way this past year, it happened, and nobody has appealed to me since her claws sunk in. I’m going to treat herright. You guys, I want this bad. I’m talking in terms that I’ve never wanted any other woman in my life.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll drop it. I am happy for you both. Just know that I get to kick your ass if you hurt one of our girls.”
“Noted,” I answer through gritted teeth.
I pick up my reel, tossing my line out with theirs. Colin changes the subject, which I’m thankful for. He knew that I couldn’t handle much more of Trystan’s badgering. I know he means well, it just rubs me the wrong way and leaves me feeling less than worthy. I already get enough of that shit from my dad. I don’t need it from him too.
Colin talks about Sydney brainstorming ideas for a book. She’s apparently had the dream to write for forever, but she’s actually really going to go for it now. He sounds excited for her. He also told her that since the house is paid off and their bills aren’t outrageous, he’s happy to take on the brunt of the finances while she chases this dream. He also manages to let it slip that he wants a kid but isn’t sure how to bring it up with her yet. Trystan laughs and tells him that he might want to give her a few months of married life before dropping that one at her feet.
Today’s catches didn’t happen to be on the fantastic side of things, so we decide to let our basket of keepers out for another day. Trystan pulls out first, leaving me and Colin to chat for a minute.
“Don’t let him get to you. I could see your wheels turning all afternoon.”
“Easier said than done. Do you all really see me as a giant fuck-up?”
“No. We don’t. I think Trystan is in the same restless place you were, fighting something he’s not opening up about. Vocalizing what he wants or needs from life isn’t coming easy to him, likely because, for so long, his wants and needs meant jack shit when he was overseas. You know that as well as I do, butsometimes we need a reminder that being over there changed him. Unfortunately, he’s letting some of those frustrations come out at you.” He squeezes my shoulder. He’s right, and I do wish Trystan would talk more. I don’t know how to get him to open up.
“So you really want a baby?” I ask, letting a lazy grin spread across my lips as I set my tackle box in the bed of the truck.
“Yeah…” Colin replies dreamily. I get a kick out of it. “We’re not getting any younger. I’m nervous she’s going to say no.”
“You’re gonna be a great dad when the time comes. There’s nothing really stopping you. You have a great job, bills aren’t crazy because you’ve got the big one covered. I say, start dropping subtle hints so that it doesn’t all hit her at once when you bring it up. Warm her up to it. Lots of practice never hurts.” I give him a smirk for good measure, and he chuckles. “Hell, maybe she’ll bring it up first.”
“Thanks, man. Hey, what do you think about a Fourth of July beach bonfire at our place?”
“I think that sounds awesome.”
“Good deal. I’ll talk about it with Syd then send out a group message,” Colin states, shutting his tailgate and peering around to make sure he’s not missing any gear. I open my door and climb up in the truck.
“Talk to you later, bud. Go home and get some practice in. You look like you could use the workout.”
Colin shakes his head and playfully flips me the bird. I laugh heartily as I hit the ignition and pull out. All the way home, I replay moments from this weekend. I wish it wasn’t over.
19
Ava
Monday afternoon, I’m wrapping up some paperwork when a floral delivery guy walks in with a giant bouquet of pink roses. They’re gorgeous. Gah! Mark shouldn’t have. He confirms my name and sets them on the corner of my desk. I thank him as he leaves. Reaching into the flowers, I pull out the card, flipping it over to see what Mark has to say. The card says, “I’m sorry.” It’s not signed.
“What?” I speak out loud, because what does he have to be sorry for?
I pick up my phone and snap a picture and send it to the girls along with the note. Bubbles appear instantly.
Holly: What’d he do?
Jane: Do I need to kick some ass?
Sydney: Already? Gah…
