Page 100 of Break My Heart
‘Not much. Gina said he’s selfish and paid more attention to his brewpubs than her. It was one of the reasons they broke up.’
‘So he’s selfish. Selfish people don’t care if they mess up your plans. They show up when they want.’
‘That’s not a universal truth.’
‘No, but it’s possible, isn’t it?’
‘I guess. Maybe.’
‘So stop assuming you know what happened and hear her out.’
‘Can I get another?’ a guy at the end of the bar says as he holds up his glass.
I get him his beer, then walk back to my dad.
‘Dad, I know you’re just trying to help, but Gina and I are over.’
‘And that’s what you want?’
‘No, but I don’t want to be with someone I can’t trust.’
‘But you expect her to trust you.’
‘I didn’t do anything for her not to.’
‘She trusted you to believe her, not assume you know everything. But if you think you know best, then go ahead. Let her go.’ He takes a drink of his beer, then reaches in his pocket and sets a ten dollar bill on the counter.
‘Dad, you don’t have to pay me.’
He gets up from the barstool and points to the money. ‘That’s for Gina. If she comes here, tell her the first drink’s on me.’
He walks out, stopping briefly to talk to Hal, the guy who owns the hardware store. I pocket the money. I’ll leave it at his house next time I’m there. Family doesn’t pay for beer. It’s a rule.
I grab the bar mop and continue cleaning, feeling annoyed with my dad. Why is he believing Gina instead of me? I saw her with that guy. Both times she lied and didn’t tell me he was here. If there was nothing going on, why would she lie to me?
‘Want another?’ I ask a guy sitting at the bar with an empty glass.
‘No, I’m heading out.’ He sets some cash down for the bill, then nods toward the end of the bar. ‘I think that girl’s trying to get your attention.’
I look over and see Gina sitting there. She looks beautiful, her long dark hair down around her shoulders, her lips covered in a soft pink gloss. She’s wearing a cream-colored sweater and brown leather jacket. God, I’ve missed her.
Walking down there, I pretend she’s just like any other customer. ‘What can I get you?’
‘I’ll take the stout.’ She’s staring at me, but I won’t look at her. She’s a customer. That’s it. I just need to get her the beer and go away.
I fill the glass, then set it down in front of her. ‘Enjoy.’
As I’m walking away, I hear her voice. ‘Sawyer.’
‘What do you need?’ I ask, keeping my back to her.
‘To say something.’
‘There’s nothing to say.’
‘Sawyer, please.’
I walk back to her and stand across from her, my arms crossed. ‘Did my dad send you here?’
