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“You guys can’t run around doing that.”
A boisterous chuckle came from deep within. “You don’t know us that well. Hayden’s patience can run a little short. Mine even shorter. I’m not going to lie to you. Hayden tried to handle you. He was never going to let you strip until August. Honestly, he planned to end that job when you both returned from your honeymoon. The big fight you two had ruffled his feathers. He backed off for the moment.” He leaned forward.
“You turned my friend into a ticking time bomb.”
The tiny hairs stood on my arms as my eyes closed.
I was alarmed at the sound of our clinking plates hitting the table. “Enjoy.” The waitress walked away.
“I saw it,” I whispered.
“You saw what?”
“The lights go out in his eyes,” I cried again.
“I wish I wouldn’t have ever met him. I destroyed him. He was never supposed to associate with me; a stripper.”
“You don’t mean that. A man loves who he loves, it doesn’t matter the woman’s occupation. Just how she makes him feel inside. You are each other’s life support. Without each other, you both lay in critical condition. Example, the day he found you at the hotel you fell into that man’s arms and clung to him. It touched my heart made me want to fall in love again.”
My eyes widened. “Again?”
He sipped his Coke. “Yeah.” He glanced at my uneaten plate.
“If you began eating, I will tell you about my life.”
I bit into my wheat toast.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
LYDIA
I was married for five years. During that time, I was Navy-Seal, special forces. I’ve seen some of the darkest shit. The shit I’ve seen would keep people lying awake for weeks. I’m divorced now. My government job fucked up my life. I was never at home. My missions were always outside the country.
Finally, when I returned home, Charlene was gone. She left a sticky note attached to the divorce papers. ‘Valen, I’ve met someone else sign the divorce papers, please.’ We’d been together since high school. Stupidly, I thought she would have remained by my side. How could I expect her to keep holding on year after year though? Letters and Video chatting wasn’t enough. I barely got a chance to video chat with her because I was always on some Black Ops mission. I don’t fault her for leaving. I’m thankful she didn’t mention the divorce before I returned home. Not sure if I would have made it home.”
My eyes widened again.
“After my divorce, I became a private contractor. Like I mentioned before I met Sebastian. He and I became good friends. We got to talking then he introduced me to Hayden. We’ve become good friends over the years. I’m happy working for him and you.”
“Valen, you don’t work for me anymore.”
“Mrs. Gaster…”
“…I’m not going to argue. I see now you both are stubborn.” I shook my head.
“Where are you from?”
“Blue Ridge, Georgia.”
“Will you continue to work for Hayden when he moves to L.A.?”
“Yes.”
“We’ve got to get you back on the dating scene.”
He laughed. “I’ll meet the woman I’m supposed to be with, hopefully sooner than later.”
I smiled. “I hope so too.”
Talking to Valen helped me forget about my problems for a moment.
Valen searched my apartment before leaving. I peeked out of the window. I noticed he was still parked out front.
I placed all my belongings from the club in the closet. I checked my cell. I had no missed calls or text messages from Hayden.
Karena sent me a text:
Are you ok? Do you need me to come over?
No, I’ll be fine.
∞
Each day, without Hayden sent me into a darker hole. My father called. He left a message. He wanted to know was I alright. I called him back.
“Lydia.”
“Hello dad.”
“Are you ok? You always come over on Sunday. When you didn’t show up, I began to worry.”
I tried to sound as chipper as I could. I didn’t want my dad to know how many days I’d been crying. Honestly, I didn’t know what day it was.
“Dad I have finals. I just got side tracked. I graduate soon, I can’t wait.” My voice trembled.
