Page 1 of Letters Book Two
CHAPTER ONE: Perry
“What are you doing here, Perry?” Chad was surprised to see me sitting in the restaurant booth.
“What am I doing here? Better question. What are you doing here?” I asked, stunned to be seeing him for the first time since I’d left him behind in Virginia Beach three months ago.
“I’m back and attending classes at the university. And as you’ve probably figured out, I also came back to work at David’s restaurant.” Chad looked incredible as usual.
I put two and two together and realized that Dave’s Sports Bar was named after David, Chad’s deceased boyfriend. He’d told me they met here during his freshman year. He was a student at the University of South Carolina. He was attending there when David’s accident occurred, and he’d gone home for several months after the tragedy. That was where I’d met Chad the week of Memorial Day. It seemed like forever ago, but it was only since May when I’d stopped there on the first leg of my journey.
“How have you been, Chad? You look terrific. Your mom and dad? Are they well?”
We continued to look into each other’s eyes, still surprised to be in the same space. It took him a moment to register my question. “Uh, yeah, they’re great. They ask about you all the time, wondering if I’ve heard from you. Mom, as you know, fell head over heels for you that night. And Dad, let’s just say he wishes you lived next door.” He waved at a departing guest. “He hasn’t shut up about the things you guys have in common.” I couldn’t keep my eyes off of him. Still effervescent and so damn charming. Even though his beach tan was fading, his blond hair and stunning face was a welcome sight. “I’m heading up to Mom and Dad’s this weekend for a visit. They’ll be thrilled when I tell them I saw you.”
“Tell themhello, will you please?” I felt warmth in my heart as I reflected on meeting Chad’s parents, Maggie and Alex. “So, you’re back at school and working too? They must be so pleased.”
“Yeah, but classes have been hard to get back into. I’m basically starting my sophomore year over again because of not returning after Christmas break last year.” He looked worn out. “I miss David, of course. Working again in his bar hasn’t helped either. Couple that with being behind and it hasn’t been fun, to tell you the truth.” I’d never seen Chad looking low in spirit.
“Then why come back to his restaurant?” I asked. “That can’t be easy.”
“His sister asked me to when she heard I was back in town. I’m questioning the wisdom of the decision though.” Chad stood alongside the table staring at me like he had a question on his mind and was afraid to ask it. Whatever it was, he released it. “What can I get you, Perry? You look amazing by the way. You’ve put on quite a bit of muscle haven’t you?”
“Yeah, thanks. I’ve spent the past three months working out and relaxing. I’m on my way back to the Hamptons.”
He looked to the empty seat across from me. “Alone?”There it was!The question he’d been avoiding the past four minutes.
“Yeah.” I looked down at my hands as they fumbled with the menu. “Yeah. Alone... again.”
“You want cheese on your burger?” he asked, typing on his order tablet.
I hadn’t even decided, yet he still had a way of knowing things. “How do you do that shit, Chad?”
CHAPTER TWO: Lucas
“Ok, spit it out, boy. What’s up with you the past couple of days? You ain’t yourself, Lucas.” Mr. Howard leaned against the counter where I was putting cash from a gas customer into the register. “You expect me to take another full lunch container home to the missus?” He nodded toward the uneaten leftovers from his wife. “She’s not going to be pleased. In fact, her feelings will be hurt, son.”
I hadn’t told him that Perry had left town. I hadn’t told him or Mrs. Howard that I was in love either. I had walked out of the hotel room, and Perry’s life, and been incommunicado ever since. My heart hurt something bad. Other than unrequited love from Lachen Tilton, I’ve never been in love. I’ve never felt loved and protected the way Perry made me feel. I guess it was all too much, so I bailed before he could. I wouldn’t fit into his life anyway. Just as well. He was probably back to hanging out with his kind of people. The wealthy ones.
How do you tell a seventy-something southern man that you have a broken heart? Especially when the cause is another man. I’d added another loss to my brief love life. I couldn’t open my throat, so best not to bother speaking about it. I shook my headno. No news from me today. I couldn’t speak about it yet.
“Where’s Perry?” Mr. Howard wasn’t going back to the garage just yet. “I haven’t seen him in a coupla days, and I need advice with a stock tip I got. He coming to pick you up tonight, son?”
I shook my headno.
“So, that’s all I get from ya? It’s head shakes only today, huh?” He came to a stand from where he’d been leaning and crossed his arms. His face held all the sorrow that I felt in my heart.
A tear worked its way down my cheek, and I stifled a sob.
“Now hang on just a minute, boy.” Mr. Howard headed around the counter and grabbed my shoulder. “What’s got you so worked up? Is Perry alright?”
More tears and more head shakes. I didn’t want to speak. I couldn’t speak.
Mr. Howard’s eyes were wet too. “Got ya. Too fresh yet, huh? Well, ok then. I’ll tell ya what, son. I’m calling the missus. Me and you are gonna finish the day and then you’re coming home with me tonight.” He leaned closer. “This ain’t up for no discussion either. You’re comin’ and that’s that.” He patted my shoulder and tried to look positive. “Times like these you need your loved ones, boy. Mrs. Howard and I will fix you right up. Promise.”
CHAPTER THREE: Perry
Iwatched as Chad walked away to wait on other customers. He was happy to see me but seemed sad about something as well. He was his usual adorable self, but something was definitely off based on my first encounter with him back in May. He seemed unhappy. I hadn’t expected him to be capable of unhappiness. Was I wrong?
I checked my cell for the hundredth time since leaving Beaufort. Still no calls or texts from Lucas. I guess I was wrong about him too. I had apparently been wrong about several things concerning Lucas. I thought we were growing as a couple the past three months. I’d also had positive feelings that we were on the same path and were in love. I thought he was being truthful and open about his plans concerning us. I knew he was afraid of giving my world a visit. Perhaps intimidated by my age or my wealth. Maybe both. However, he hadn’t shared that he wanted to remain in his hometown, or own his own business, before the confirmation that he did. In fact, he’d said quite the opposite as we were getting to know one another. I had the impression that he wanted out. How could I have been so far off? What had I missed?
