Bitter goodbye

Yes, you did. This whole thing with Jake started because I wanted to get back at David. Now look, we're in love, more in love than I've ever been.

''You tell me.''

''I did.''

Take a big gulp of vodka.

''You gave me so many chances...''

David shakes his head.

''You held out as long as you could, I don't blame you for giving up.''

I don't respond. I find deep, meaningful conversations with ex-partners to be a 'not okay in a new relationship' kind of thing. However, I still appreciate your understanding. Maybe treat the next girl better.

''Do you love him?''

There is bitterness in her tone, but I can't not answer the question, not when I know the answer.

''Yes, absolutely.''

''What about him? Does he love you too?''

I repressed a smile. I can't help it. I smile every time I talk about Jake or the fact that he loves me.

''He does.''

He sighs and forces himself to stand up.

''Then I've definitely lost. Take care of yourself.''

He walks away from me.

Jake walks past David on his way to me and doesn't glance in his direction. He's smiling and I'm relieved that he's not confused about Jake and I sitting all the way out here alone.

''There's something I need to tell you.''

He reaches out his hand to me and I take it as he helps me to my feet.

Before he says anything else, he takes off his jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. Always thinking about me.

''You're making me anxious, what is it?''

''I've talked to your mother about it and she's given me the go-ahead, but I want to talk to you before I do anything.''

''Okay...''

''How would you feel if I bought your father's gym? I'll keep it exactly the same in every way.''

I'm stunned.

''You want to buy dad's gym?''

''Yes. I love the gym. I fell in love with it the moment I saw it.''

So many thoughts run through my mind, but I keep coming back to one specific thought. I can't afford to keep it.

''You can buy it. It's yours.''

Although I'm sad it won't be in our family anymore. I'm happy that someone like Jake wants it. I wouldn't do anything to ruin it.

His smile widens.

''There's one more thing. I want you to manage him.''

I choke.

''Me?''

He reaches over and grabs my shoulders.

''He'll be yours. You can control everything that happens to it. I know you love it there...''

Tears stream down my eyes. Damn it. How many times does this man have to surprise me?

''Would you do that for me?''

Jake steps forward, planting a kiss on my forehead.

''I'd do anything for you.''

I throw my arms around his neck and pull his mouth close to mine. If my family wasn't here and we weren't currently in a cemetery, we would do it right here, right now. But alas, there are times and places for everything. He pulls away, leaving me breathless.

''I have to be at the airport at three in the morning to catch my flight, but I'll be back in eight days and then you can thank me.''

Even in the gloom I can see her eyes sparkle with pleasure.

I sigh.

''I'll be counting the days.''

''Way to make me feel crazy.''

He says, leaning down and kissing my neck.

''Why? Because I'll be counting the seconds.''

''Because I'll be counting the seconds.''

His tongue darts out of his mouth and slides against my skin. I tilt my head to the side, giving him more flesh to lick. When he reaches my earlobe, he pulls it into his mouth, eliciting a moan from me. He laughs deeply as he straightens his posture.

''Come on. Let's get your mom home.''

Mom was a little depressed when we brought her home, which was to be expected. She went straight to her room, leaving Richard and me with Jake and the boys.

''Eight days.''

I clarify with Jake.

He's leaning against the car and smiling lazily at me.

''Eight days.''

I hold his hips and reach out to plant a quick kiss on his lips. I don't want to put on a show in front of my brother. I still don't know what he thinks of Jake and I'm anxious to question him when we go inside. I watch Darryl, Jackson and Jake walk away from the house, and when I turn around to talk to Richard, he's no longer directly behind me, but by the tree. He moves the tire back and forth.

''So you're dating Jake? Not David.''

I sit in the grass.

''That's right.''

''What happened there?''

My brother and I have always been close, but he's never around long enough to know the details of my life and contacting him is nearly impossible.

''I'm over it.''

He laughs, bending down to get into the swing. Surprisingly, the old rope supports his weight.

''Since when did you get sketchy with me?''

I exhale and recap the whole situation. Richard scoffs and laughs appropriately. By the time I'm done, I've successfully turned him into Team Jake.

''He seems like a nice guy. I mean, sometimes he looks at you like he wants to consume you, but you're beautiful, so I'm not going to hold that against him.''

My cheeks flush red. Jake doesn't care much for subtlety. Silence falls between us and he swings on the swing.

''What I wouldn't give to see Dad's face again.''

He runs his hands across his forehead.

''I always thought it was okay to be away from here for long periods of time. I assumed that when I was done, I'd come back and things would be as if I'd never left...''

My chest hurts because of Richard. I saw Dad not too long ago. It's been too long for him.

''If I had known he was going to die now, I would have postponed my service just to spend a little more time with him. That's all Mom and Dad want, you know? They want time, they want love, the kind of love they gave us as kids.''

I never thought of it that way. When Mom and Dad nagged me to move out, I was always so abrupt, so rude. All they wanted was to spend time together. If I visited them regularly, maybe that would have been enough. I can hear Richard sobbing and I know how much he hates crying in front of people, so I get up and walk back inside, my chest still heavy with his words.