Page 70 of Another Love, Another Time
“Sorry.”
“No problem. I’ve been grazing for the past hour. It’s these other people you’re going to have to worry about.” He chuckles.
“Where can I put my beer?” I ask while following him.
“You can put it in the fridge. Nobody will touch it.”
I walk to the fridge, grab one of the beers, and find space to slide in my six-pack.
“Oh, wow. You’re a Natty girl?”
“Sure am.” I point at him. “I don’t want to hear anything. I like it.”
He holds his hands up. “I didn’t say anything. I like a Natty girl.” He winks at me. “Let’s go outside and get you introduced.”
I take a big swig of my beer. “Let’s get this over with.”
I slide the glass door and step out. My eyes immediately search for Auggie. He’s talking to a few guys that I recognize. Mack grabs my arm, and we start heading in the direction of the group around the fire. As we walk up, one of the guys turns, and they do a special handshake. “Hey, Turner. I’m not sure if you’ve met Baxter yet. She just started this week. She’s Hunt’s new partner.”
The guy’s eyes bug out. “Does psycho know Hunt has a female partner?” Everyone around the fire laughs. I’m not sure who Auggie is with, but she doesn’t sound pleasant. By their reaction, I’m guessing she isn’t here.
“She doesn’t, but I’m sure she will before the night is over.” Mackey looks over to a group of girls sitting on his patio furniture. All of them are staring our way. I turn my back on them. I don’t want to get involved in any drama. Mackey leans down and whispers in my ear, “Don’t worry. She’s not allowed atmy house. I’ve made it very clear.” I shake my head. I don’t even want to hear about it.
Everyone introduces themselves to me, and they’re curious about my background and how I got this position. Mackey asks me about my husband and if he’s coming. I explain that he is still in the Army, that he is currently stationed in Germany. They are all surprised I am married and can’t believe that we have always lived apart. I am used to it. We always try to see each other as much as we can.
Auggie has made his way over to our group. He’s not standing right next to me, but he’s embedded himself in our conversation, and he’s slowly been maneuvering himself closer to me. I hear his phone chime repeatedly. He glances at it every few minutes. His jaw clenches every time he looks at the screen.
Mackey calls him out, “You need to answer that before she just shows up here and starts something. Then, we’ll have to haul her ass in. I’m not saving her ass this time.”
Holy crap. What did this girl do? I can tell Auggie is irritated. Why would he be with someone like that? I just don’t get it. He’s been stupid in the past when it comes to girls, but why would he put up with that?
He walks away from the group and goes inside. I don’t realize I’ve watched him this whole time until Mackey leans down again. “It’s not what you’re thinking,” he states.
He’s caught me off guard. I think Mackey’s the only one who knows that Auggie and I have a history. “I don’t think that matters,” I respond. “If you remember, I’m married.” Mackey gives me a knowing look. I raise my beer and take a drink to avoid or delay this conversation, and realize my bottle is empty. “I need another beer; do you want me to get you one, Mack?”
“Yes, please. Why don’t you go ahead and get yourself something to eat while you’re at it?”
I appreciate him letting me off the hook. He turns to the group to join in their conversation.
I walk back into the house, grab a plate, and start to fill my plate. I wasn’t hungry earlier, but when I smell all this food, I realize I’m hungrier than I thought.
I grab some food and water and sit down at his kitchen table. I need to pace myself. I don’t need to embarrass myself by getting drunk.
Someone’s talking down the hall. I assume it’s Auggie. I really don’t want to hear him talk to his girlfriend. That takes me back to what Mackey said about it not being what I thought. I don’t think that’s right. Everyone says he has a girlfriend. Why would I care? “Oh, that’s right,” I think. “You’re married. River.”
Auggie walks down the hall, spots me, and stops in his tracks. “Hey. Sorry about that,” he says.
“Why are you apologizing?” My brow furrows.
“To be honest, I’m not even sure.” He pulls out a chair, sits down, grabs a chip, and dunks it in the corn dip.
“Hey!” I pull the bowl of corn dip toward myself protectively. “Get your own!”
“Why?” he asks through a mouthful. “You always used to share with me.”
“Well, then you need to go get more so you can share with me.” I take another chip and talk around it, “I don’t know who made this, but I definitely need the recipe.”
He gives me his big, goofy smile. “I did. I can give you the recipe. It’s one of my mom’s and my favorites.”
