Page 50 of On Broken Wings

Not wanting to chicken out again, I glance at the time before dialing her number.

“Hello?” Jenni’s sleep-filled voice comes through the line.

“Hey, baby. I know it’s early. I’m sorry. I just want to tell you how sorry I am about yesterday.” I blew out a breath as the tightening in my chest grew. “I had something really important to take care of and I didn’t want to wake you.”

“It’s ok.” She yawned. I could tell by her tone that it wasn’t ok, but she was trying to hide it.

“I wanna make it up to you. Are you free tonight?” I’d reached my apartment at this point, and as I shoved the door open, I sighed in relief. My disaster of a living space had never looked so welcoming.

“Maybe.” There was smile to her voice. She was testing me. “There’s a band playing at the bar tonight. I’ve really been wanting to see them.”

“Sold.” I laughed. “I’ll pick you up at eight and I’m yours for as long as you’ll have me.”

“I’ll be ready.” She giggled as she clicked off the line.

I turned my ringer off, stripped out of my clothes and flopped across my bed. I needed to sleep and I needed to plan how I was going to do this. Tonight, I would tell Jenni the truth. Tonight, she would either forgive me, or break my heart. Tonight, I was going to have one of the hardest conversations of my life. How the fuck was I going to do this?

Chapter 22

Evan

When I woke up this morning, I had a completely different outlook on the day. My case was closed and I was a free man. I could go where I wanted and not risk being discovered. I stood in the bathroom, staring at my reflection. The bruises I’d sustained on the job were finally gone. I’d decided to dress up a little for my date tonight. Instead of my usual shorts and polo, I’d chosen a nice pair of dark jeans and a white button up shirt. I’d rolled the sleeves up my forearms and combed my hair. I’d wanted to look more like me without scaring Jenni off.

Jenni saw me as a twenty-year-old college student, when in fact I was twenty-six. I looked young for my age and I grew my hair out. Usually I kept myself almost bald. It was cooler and much easier to maintain. I dressed myself better too. As I slipped my watch on my wrist, I questioned whether she’d think something was up when I picked her up.

After restocking my wallet with condoms, in case she asked me to stay the night, I took one last glance at myself and left.

ooooooooo

The ride to Jenni’s apartment was quick and when I got there, I actually felt nervous. I was going to tell her the truth tonight. The churning in my gut over the prospect of her telling me she never wanted to see me again brought me back to my childhood. I hadn’t been this nervous since I broke my bedroom window and had to tell my mom.

As I climbed the steps to her door, my badge was burning a hole in my back pocket. Every step caused it to press against my ass and remind me of what I had to do.

“Hey.” Her door swung open and she grinned at me.

“Were you watching through the peephole again?” I laughed. She looked beautiful. Her hair was swept up in a high ponytail and she was wearing a pale-yellow sundress this time.

“Maybe.” She grinned. “I missed you.” She stepped through the doorway, pulling it shut behind her and flung her arms around my neck.

“I like this kind of greeting.” I hugged her back. “I really am sorry about the other night, Jen. I didn’t plan for that to happen.”

“It’s ok.” Her smile fell and at that moment I knew I’d do just about anything to get it back.

“No, it’s not. I’m gonna tell you all about it, just not right this second. Right now, I want to get to the bar so we can hear this band you’ve been dying to see.” I held out my hand to her and began leading her down the steps.

“I hope it’s ok, but I told my brother he could meet us there tonight. He wanted to see the band too and he’s off work.” She pressed her lips together as if she thought I’d be mad.

“Fine with me.” I shrugged as we reached the car. I opened her door and waited for her to climb in before going to my own side.

ooooooooo

Jenni

Something was different tonight. He looked different and the way he’s been touching me says he feels different. I can’t explain it, it’s just different.

When we reached The Rusty Nail, the line was around the block. Mason had told me just to go to the door and we’d get in. There were quite a few collective groans and boos when we bypassed everyone. The place was packed and as I weaved through the crowd, I began to wonder if coming was a good idea.

“This place is hopping tonight!” Evan shouted as we headed to the bar.

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