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“Look, Andrew.” I lean forward, hoping he sees the sincerity in my eyes. The guilt plaguing me is overwhelming. I may have been the reason Penny left him, but I didn’t do anything wrong. “I’m sorry about everything.”
Andrew frowns. “Sorry? For what?”
When I don’t respond, he shakes his head. “Come on, man, when I asked to sit and talk, it was just to catch up. It’s been a while. I’m not here to discuss Penny or anything of the likes. Besides, you have nothing to apologize for. Penny was the one who left me.”
He leans back against the chair and stares at the table like he’s trying to recall a memory. As I watch him, my guilt melds into sympathy.
“You know, when I really think about it, I don’t blame anyone at all.”
I’m unsure how to respond, so I chose silence. Andrew laughs.
“Everyone saw how much Penny was hurting when you left. I knew I was taking a risk being with her.”
When I think of Penny in pain after me leaving, my chest tightens. I recall how I felt, and I clench my fists. All this time, both of us were suffering and apart.
“At first, all I wanted was to comfort her,” Andrew continues. “But then I fell in love with her.”
Knowing Penny, and loving her I know first hand how that would happen easily.
“She’s sweet and kind, literally the best person to have in your corner. When she told me that she loved me too, I thought she was over you.” He spits out a laugh, but there’s no humor in it.
“But when you came back to town,” he continues, “I was afraid. There was a nagging suspicion that she never really got over you, but I was too much of a coward to speak to her about it.” He shrugs.
I stare at him, tension oozing through my body, guilt thickening with every word he speaks.
“I know,” I sigh. “And I’m truly sorry. I know you say I have nothing to apologize for, but I am sorry that you were hurt.”
“Don’t be; I’m grateful for everything. Penny has not only shown me what it is to experience love, she loved me enough to save me from a loveless marriage.” He leans forward. “It might hurt now, but it’s better in the long run. I’m not holding any grudges toward you, Liam. I promise.” He holds out his hand, and after a brief hesitation, I grab it and shake it, letting myself relax for the first time since I first saw him.
“So, what’s up with work? You mentioned a survival camp. Does that mean you’re not returning to the Army?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I am completely done with the military and have no intention of going back. After a brief adjustment, I am enjoying civilian life and looking forward to other things.”
“Well, thank you for your service,” he chuckles. “I’m glad that you’re home safe and looking forward to new adventures.”
I look at him and for the first time a genuine smile crosses my lips. “Thank you, Andrew. Thank you for everything.”
He nods at me and then stands. As we walk out of the shop, we hug briefly. Seeing him was the best thing for me to be at peace with the current situation. I don’t believe he’s completely over what happened with Penny, but I’m certain he’s on his way to moving forward.
By the time I reach home, I’m sweaty and sticky. I make sure Tex’s water bowl is full and head to hop in the shower. As I jog up the stairs, my phone rings. It’s Evie.
“Hey, sis. How are you?”
“I’m okay.” There’s a twinge of stress in her voice that I instantly detect.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, really.” She offers me a half-hearted laugh. “ I just called to see if you could go out of town with me next week.”
“Of course.” I grab a towel from the linen closet. “What are we doing?”
“Sean wants me to pick up some things for Jess,” she says.
“Ugh. He’s so in love.” I walk into my room and take off my shirt. Tex trails behind me and jumps on the bed.
“Well, that makes two of you,” she teases.
“Yes,” I say quietly. “That makes two of us. I told Penny how I feel.”
