Broken Things (Faded Photograph Series) by Boeshaar Andrea

Author:Boeshaar, Andrea [Boeshaar, Andrea]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2012-02-10T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Is she serious? The air left Jack’s lungs. On one hand, he longed to believe she meant every word. On the other he knew it just couldn’t be true.

His reason returned, along with his initial hunch that Allie had come back seeking the man he’d been three decades ago. He almost laughed. So now that her life was all peachy, she thought she’d visit an old flame and see if she could stir something up. Well, she was certainly doing that―stirring things up, namely trouble.

“Look, Allie, the guy you think you loved, doesn’t exist anymore.”

“I know.”

Her simple admission hit him again, and Jack couldn’t believe how bruised he felt. He wanted to strike back. “And I’m not interested in resuming our relationship, okay?”

“Okay.”

“I don’t even want to be your friend, got it?” After finishing his coffee, Jack glanced at her and awaited her reply. He figured he’d see some tears and then she’d have a few choice words for him. He was an ornery guy and women didn’t like mean men. Go ahead, Allie, say it. Tell me you hate me. Wouldn’t be the first time a woman said that to me.

“You are such a liar, Jack.” Amusement twinkled in her blue eyes. “You went out of your way to take me out to dinner tonight. You said your conscience bothered you because you weren’t very nice on Saturday night. I think you want to be friends―maybe even more than friends, but you’re too stubborn and proud to admit it.”

“It’s a free country. You can think whatever you want.”

Allie didn’t say anything more and several minutes later, Zip brought their food.

“More coffee, Jack?”

“No. Bring me a beer.”

“Sure.” Zip looked at Allie. “Anything else for you?”

“Yes. You can call me cab. I’ll be finished eating by the time it arrives.”

“Um…yeah, sure.”

Jack hid his surprise at Allie’s request. But as it sank in, he considered the consequences. Zip, no doubt, would razz him about his “date” walking out on him for months to come. Worse, he’d tell all the guys and Jack would never live this one down.

“Forget the beer, Zip,” he ground out, hating the fact that he had to relent. “I don’t want the lady to think I drink and drive―I don’t.”

“I know you don’t, Jack,” Zip said. “One beer won’t hurt.”

“Naw, bring me a cola. And, Allie, I’ll drive you home whenever you want.”

Zip glanced at her and bent slightly forward. “Is that acceptable to you?”

To Jack’s relief she nodded, albeit reluctantly.

Zip left and Jack watched Allie pray over her food. Simultaneously, they lifted their utensils and began eating in silence, which proved a sort of torture because it left too much room for his thoughts.

“How’s the lasagna?” He realized it would serve him right if she threw the plate at him. That’d really give Zip something to talk about.

Instead, Allie tossed him a polite smile. “It’s good. How’s your veal?”

“Great. Just great.” As Allie set down her fork, Jack gave her an expectant glance.

“You know what? Misery is a choice.

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