Page 78 of Without Bound
I swallow and nod my head before walking to the pick up counter and then back to our table, setting the tray down.
“I’ll be right back,” I tell them and move quickly through the restaurant as I see Bishop walking through the doors. “Bishop,” I call out, chasing after him as he speed walks through the parking lot.
He doesn’t slow down or even acknowledge my presence behind him when I catch up with him.
“Hey. Stop for a minute.” I reach out and grab his hand and he quickly yanks it back.
“You should go back to your friends, Anais. Anyone could see us out here.” He unlocks his truck and pulls open the door. “It’s not a good idea for us to be seen together in public.”
“What you saw in there, t’s just a group of us hanging out. That’s all. We had no idea those guys would be here. Just coincidence. And Blake was only talking to me,” I explain.
“Yeah, and hanging his arms around you and playing with your hair like you’re his girl.” My heart thumps against my chest, the pain palpable.
“But you know I’m not. Let me go grab my food to go, and I’ll follow you–”
“No, Anais. Stay. This is where you belong. With friends and guys your age. We’ll talk tomorrow.” He climbs into his truck and I try desperately to stop him from shutting the door on me.
“I don’t want to talk tomorrow, Bishop. I want to talk and see you now. I’m coming over and you can’t stop me.”
“I can if I’m not there. Bye, Anais.” The door slams shut and he cranks his engine.
I jump away from the door as he speeds off and I stand there, watching him get as far away from me and fast as he can. I watch the spot where his truck sat before walking back inside to a quiet table, everyone’s eyes on me as I approach.
“Is everything okay?” Blake asks.
I nod, choking back a sob. “Mhm. Just needed to talk to him about something. Let’s eat. I need to get back to studying.”
The table returns to their conversations, and I pretend that my heart isn’t crying out in pain.
26
Bishop
I sit in the dark, staring at a full glass of Blanton’s but not in any mood to drink it. After seeing Anais in that pizza joint, Blake’s arm around her and his fingers twirling her hair, I could see that is what she needs. A guy and group of friends her age. Not a man whose knees ache when the weather turns cold.
I knew she’d make good on her promise to show up at my place, so I drove south to a secluded spot where I sat in my truck, looking out at the port and the cargo ships coming in. When the sun had set and the calls and texts from her had stopped, I decided it was time to lick my wounds and crawl into bed.
A glass of liquor sounded like a good idea when I walked into my house, but I soon found that it was the last thing I wanted. What I really want is my butterfly snuggled up in my arms, her hair all in my face and her limbs tangled with mine. But she’s where she should be. And as much as it’s going to hurt like hell, I have to let her go.
I stand up and take hold of the full glass, walking it over to my sink and dumping the contents down the drain. I drop the now empty glass into the basin andstomp through the dark kitchen to the stairs that lead to my room.
One foot lands on a step when my doorbell rings, immediately followed by pounding on the door.
“Bishop! Open up!” Though muffled by the door, I can still hear Anais’ voice.
I turn to walk down and open it but instead, I return to dragging myself up the stairs. The doorbell rings again and again, and I block out the sound by turning on my shower and stripping off my clothes.
I step into the steam filled shower and let the water pour over me, trying to drown out the thoughts of Anais and how much I’ll miss her.
The short time I’ve had her has been the best of my life. Without any doubt, I can say that. No other woman has ever made me feel with my whole being. Our story started over a year ago, and I think I was slowly falling in love with her then. My brain just didn’t get the message that my heart was trying to send it until I had her in my hands.
I squirt some face wash into my hands and scrub up and down my pitiful looking mug. I’m startled when the door to my bathroom flies open, slamming against the wall with a harsh bang. My sud covered eyes open and through the fog, I can see Anais standing in the doorway.
“How did you get in here?” I bark at her.
“Did you forget I have your garage and security code?”
I drop my head back, frustrated with myself for forgetting that little fact. I turn my back to her and continue to wash up, ignoring her and hoping she gets the message that I don’t want her here and hope that she leaves.
