Jack had a weekly ritual. After he punched off at the upholstery plant each Monday afternoon, he’d head to Smithy’s Bar N Grill for two beers—his self-imposed limit. Following that he went home, ordered pizza and watched Monday Night Football on his new television. The money he was paid for exclusive interviews with 60 Minutes and Women’s Weekly magazine was enough to allow him to purchase a small one-bedroom unit at Greenslopes. And for the first time in a decade he had money in the bank after a good week’s work.
He’d just eased onto his familiar bar stool and was enjoying his first beer when the young woman behind the bar handed him another.
“Here you go, Jack.” Jack frowned. He hadn’t ordered the second beer yet.
“Compliments of the lady in the booth,” she said with an inquisitive grin.
Jack’s heart was in his throat as he turned to the booth. If there was someone sitting there, she was concealed below the high-backed seat. Only three women had had any real impact on his life: Candice, Tiffany and Rachel. The names spun around and around his head like a roulette wheel.
He stood up, swallowed back the apprehension and took slow uncertain steps towards the booth. When he saw her his heart leapt to his throat. She looked incredible, her pale skin was highlighted with a delicate pink glow to her cheeks. Her lips, touched with gloss, were exactly as he’d remembered them. He felt his chin dimpling. Tears sprang to his eyes. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t speak.
“Hello, Jack.” Her voice was the sweetest, most magical voice he’d ever heard.
He swallowed back the giant lump in his throat. Never in his wildest dreams had he expected to see his beautiful Candice again. “Hi.” That was all he could say as his weakened knees directed him to the opposite chair.
“How are you?” She tilted her head and smiled.
He’d forgotten that she did that. Her beauty was enchanting and for a fleeting moment he wondered if he were dreaming. “How…how did you find me?” He blinked back tears.
“Steel mentioned this place. Several times. He’s a persistent bugger.”
Jack huffed out a laugh and nodded. “Yes he is.”
The urge to reach across the table and hold her hand was excruciating. “You look amazing, Candice.” He forced the lump in his throat down again. “And healthy. Are you?”
As she smiled she tucked an unruly wisp of hair behind her ear. He’d been seeing her do that in his dreams for ten years. And now, seeing it for real was simply glorious.
“I couldn’t be better. Except…”
He blinked. “Except what?”
“I miss you.”
His throat released a sob, and through his tear-filled eyes he watched Candice slip out of her seat and come to him. With their arms wrapped around each other, they cried rivers of tears. Tears for what was, tears for what could’ve been, tears for what now could be.