Page 27 of The Truths We Find

“Fine.” She pouts. “But seriously. Are you good? That’s all I care about.”

“Yeah. I’m not going to say I’m not sad, but honestly, who wouldn’t be in this situation? Even if he had told me three months ago like he should have, deployments are emotionally tough. I’m allowed to be a little sad.”

“Very well-spoken, Miss Russell.”

As Alexa tells me about how she spent her day off at the spa, I glance towards the bar and notice Sam talking to someone. I can’t tell who because the crowds are blocking my view. Once a few people move out of the way, my gut drops.

“Shit,” I mutter.

“What’s up?” Alexa asks, trying to see what I’m looking at.

“Why is Gavin here?”

Chapter 10

Gavin

I’m sitting at the bar at Doolies, nursing a whiskey and feeling completely drained. I was up almost all night editing for Dani and Alexa, then still had to stay for the entire workday. I’d considered calling out sick, but it’s my first week, and I didn’t think Mr. White would’ve appreciated that.

I should be home sleeping. But with everything that’s been happening lately, especially having Dani back in my life, a drink feels necessary. Besides, there’s no alcohol at my new place yet, and I’m far too tired to make a stop at the store.

Keeping my head down, I run the last few days through my mind, when I sense someone sit on the stool next to me.

“Can I get a vodka tonic with extra limes, a dirty martini, and whatever stout you have on draft? Thanks,” the familiar voice says. The tone sends something through me, and it’s not a pleasant feeling.

I glance up to find Sam only a few inches from me. “Oh, come on,” I groan.

“What the hell are you doing here?” His face tightens with anger.

“You know this is a popular after-work spot for the station.”

“That’s not what I mean,” he sneers. “I mean here. In San Diego. As a journalist. In the job that should’ve gone to Dani.”

I hold my hands up. “Me being here is a massive coincidence. I had no idea she worked here.”

“I find it interesting that you were just a pathetic repairman before, and now all of a sudden you’re some big hotshot from New York, and her boss.” His eyes flick around the room before he leans in closer, breath sour against my ear. “You’re not trying to back out of our deal, are you?”

“Deal?” The word tastes bitter. “You call what we have a fucking deal?” I shift in my seat, nails digging into my palm as I force myself to breathe. It’s the only thing keeping my fist from connecting with his face. I look at him and feel nothing but revulsion. “Does she even know the truth about you?”

“That’s all in the past.” He grins.

“Oh, is it? Then why does it matter if she finds out?”

Before he can answer, the bartender arrives with Sam’s drinks and places them in front of us. Sam hands him his credit card and opens a tab. “And his next drink is on me.” He gestures towards me.

Before I can refuse the offer, the bartender is gone.

Sam turns back to me, leaning in so close I can see the hatred burning in his eyes. “If you say anything to Dani about our little conversation from back then,” he says quietly, “don’t forget what will happen.”

Rage coils in my chest. I grip my glass until my knuckles ache, focusing on the pressure just to keep myself steady. After all these years, I’d thought, maybe foolishly, that we were past this. That the truth had already come out. That he’d finally come clean and Dani had just forgiven him. But realistically I know that’s not the case. If she’d learned the truth, she would have dumped his ass.

“Do you even love her?” I spit out.

“Of course I do.” His answer comes too easily. “Dani and I were always supposed to end up together. Once you were out of the picture, things finally fell into place, just like they were meant to.” He straightens, voice shifting back to casual. “Now help me with these drinks and come say hello.”

Every instinct in me screams to get away from him, to put as much distance between us as possible. But walking away would mean leaving Dani alone with him, and that’s not something I can do. Whether she knows it or not, I feel responsible for keeping an eye on her now, for protecting her from Sam in whatever small ways I still can.

So, I grab my whiskey and the martini glass in front of me and follow him to a booth in the back.