Page 101 of Tequila Tuesdays

I did not want to hear about his old girlfriend, who didn’t sound like such an “old” girlfriend after all.

“You never said a word about her being back in your life. I told you things I’ve never told anyone.” I swallowed and my eyes filled with tears. “Itrustedyou. And you fucked hertwomonths ago.”

My emotions were all over the place, and I just wanted to cry quietly in the dark for a while.

But he didn’t get to watch me break down. “I can’t do this right now.”

He followed me with his eyes. “When?” he clipped.

I tried to gather my thoughts. They seemed to float around my head like dandelion seeds on the wind.

“We never talked about not seeing anyone else. You don’t owe me an explanation. Maybe this whole thing is for the best. I have scars and baggage. I’m… damaged.” A tear slipped out, and I silently cursed myself. “I need to go.”

“Let me get your clothes. You’re standing there in my shirt and nothing else.”

I looked down and noticed I was naked except for his shirt. I nodded jerkily and avoided his eyes. He got my clothes and shoes, then cautiously set them on the counter and stepped back.

I turned my back to him and dressed quickly. Keeping my back turned, I stuffed my bra and panties into my backpack and turned around. I skirted around him to get to the front door.

“Harley,” he said again.

I braced myself for more pain or humiliation. “Please. I need to go.” My voice cracked.

“You’re not damaged, sweetheart. This isn’t fucking over, and wewilltalk. Fair warning.”

I shook my head and bolted out the door.

Chapter 31

WhenIgothome,Gary met me at the front door. I dropped my backpack, sank to the floor, and cried like I hadn’t cried since Ryan’s death. My heart felt bruised and beaten, and I felt so stupid. I’d done this to myself. Gary crept over and nudged my hand with his paw.

“Hey, big guy. Your mama is pretty dumb. Did you know that? You did, huh?” I talked to him softly for a while as I stroked him. He leaned into me and let me pet him until I finally dragged myself off the floor and got ready for bed.

Gary usually slept in his dog bed in the corner of my room, or sometimes on the living room couch. But tonight he jumped up on my bed and plopped himself down next to me. I wrapped my arm around him and gave him a few belly scratches as my mind replayed the night.

Tomorrow would be too soon to see Damien. My thoughts and feelings were in turmoil, and I needed to step back and try to get my emotions under control and gain some perspective. I picked up my phone from the nightstand and texted Olivia.

Me: I’m going exploring in the desert tomorrow morning. Do you want to come? Leaving at six.

Olivia: WTF, it’s after one. Why are you up?

Me: You coming or not?

Olivia: You’re leaving soooo early.

Me: Suck it up, buttercup. Bring your swimsuit.

Olivia: Okaaay. See u at the butt crack of dawn.

Almost two hours later, I finally drifted off to sleep. When my phone alarm chimed the next morning, it felt like I’d only slept for a few minutes. I rolled out of bed and stood up, and the night rushed back to me. I stooped over a little as anguish hit me all over again.

I resolutely pushed back the pain and turned on the bedside lamp. Pulling out some hiking clothes and a swimsuit, I got ready for the day. It was Monday and several of the hiking trails and preserves would be closed. But I’d heard Sariah and Yun talking about the Big Morongo Canyon Trail a few weeks ago.

It was also far enough away from Palm Springs that it was unlikely we’d run into anyone I knew. I was packing some lunch when Olivia let herself in the front door.

“Good morning, stinky head! Hi, Gary, how’s it going?” She walked into the kitchen and put her backpack on the counter.

I looked up. “You’re only thirteen minutes late.”

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