The Outside Man by Randy Register

Author:Randy Register [Register, Ran]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Randy Register

***

Later we went back to the hotel and her room where Val was waiting. I didn’t know what to expect from this point, but the girls quickly made me comfortable. We talked for a while and had another glass of wine. Val told us stories of her dance world experiences. Some of the characters who found their way into it were quite colorful.

It was a little before ten when Melanie excused herself to go to the bathroom. Val and I were able to talk.

“How was your evening, Michael?” she asked.

“Great, just like you knew it would be.”

She laughed and reached out to hug me. “God, I wish I could help you both with this, but I can’t. I’m just glad you’re in her life.” We talked softly for a few minutes, then Melanie opened the bathroom door and called for Val. When Val came out a few minutes later, she looked concerned.

“Is everything all right, Val? What’s the matter?”

“It’s Melanie. She’s in a delicate place right now, a little fragile, I expect. She’ll be all right.”

I was dumbfounded. What could have happened?

“I . . . I don’t understand,” I said.

I looked to Val for help, but she wasn’t giving me any.

“This is too much for her,” I said after a moment. “Look, I’m going to pack up and check out. Tell her I’ll talk to her tomorrow.”

“No, please don’t do that.” Val put out a hand as though to restrain me. “She’s just finding and accepting reality. Don’t do this to her. She needs you even if you don’t sleep together.”

I stood and headed for the door.

Val grabbed my shoulder, holding me back. “Michael, she called her husband. Don’t ask,” she added, holding up a hand. “I can only guess it was a last attempt thing, looking for a sign that would cause her to change her mind maybe. I don’t know.”

Val paused. She looked defeated in that moment, embarrassed even.

“I’m not sure,” she said, “but it’s got to be something like that.”

“It’s okay,” I told her. “What matters is she has doubt, and that’s enough.”

“Michael, we both know she’s not experienced at this. Please, don’t leave. Just go back to your room for now. Let her compose herself, and she’ll call in a little while.”

“I really think I should leave. I’m confusing things for her.”

“No, no. She loves you, and you’re good for her. This is right, but I told you before, she’s an innocent. This is just part of it, part of her makeup as a person and part of her journey back into life. Please, stay the night. Just go to your room for now, and don’t worry about her. I’ll take care of her, and we’ll see you in the morning, or at least I will. I promise. “

I lay awake long after returning to my room, concerned for Melanie, my feelings for her building. More than ever, I was determined to end it now, for her. I would just tell her I couldn’t see her anymore.

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