Reece Atwood
What the fuck am I doing here? I know nothing will come of this—I blew that a long time ago. When Dad told me they were going over to the Gallaghers’ for a barbecue today, I couldn’t resist, and asked if I could join them. I’m sure he was surprised, seeing as how I haven’t been into socializing with anyone lately. I’ve been back stateside for a few years now. I may work 60-80 hours per week, but I still make time to see my parents. My family has been, and always will be, important to me.
The first thing I wanted to do when I got back from Afghanistan was to find Maci Kate. In fact, it was all I could think about. Making things right for us and starting what we should have a long time ago was the most important thing in my world. I shouldn’t have been shocked to learn she was already married and had a kid. She always was beautiful, with that dark hair and voluptuous body. I can’t tell you how many times I jerked off to memories of her while overseas. The guy she married was decent and treated her well—yes, I looked into him. In the end, I stayed away from her. I gave up on the only girl I thought could shine some light on this darkness inside me.
I can’t believe I’m standing here, in her parents’ back yard. I keep replaying the phone call I’d overheard recently. The one that has me standing here, filling me with equal parts hope and frustration.
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