Beth arrived early to Parson’s, hoping to settle into a booth and collect herself before Bill arrived, but he seemed to have had the same thought. She spied him waiting in their favorite booth by the window. She considered asking to change to a different spot, but what was the point? Everything about the place was familiar since they’d eaten there together at least twice a week. At least their favorite booth was somewhat private.
He stood as she approached, leaning forward to give her a quick peck on the cheek. “Hi, Beth. So glad to see you.”
He looked tired and drawn. His sandy hair mussed and badly in need of a cut. Deep circles ringed his light brown eyes.
Janice, one of the waitresses they knew well, appeared. “Hey, you guys! I was gettin’ worried. Haven’t seen you in over a week. You been away?”
Beth forced a smile. “Something like that.” “Know what you want, or do you need a few minutes?
“I’ll have a small egg salad wrap,” Beth said.
“Reuben for me, thanks, Jan. Two iced teas?” He gazed over at Beth, who nodded as Janice retreated.
“I’ve missed you.” He reached across and tried to take her hand, which she withdrew and set in her lap.
“I’m sure Skyler is only too willing to keep you company.”
He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his habitual response when anxious. “I told you, it’s over.”
“So, you’ve had no contact with her except to break it off.”
“Give me a break, Beth. We work together. I can’t jeopardize her future by firing her from projects she’s spent the last few years on.”
“No, but you saw no problem in jeopardizing—or should I say destroying—my future.”
“It just happened, Beth. Please believe me. I am so sorry. My weakness. Nothing to do with you.”
“Nothing to do with me?” She paused as Janice delivered their teas. Sensing the tension, she practically threw the glasses on the table and scooted off.
“Nothing to do with me? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. It had everything to do with me.”
“What do you want me to say?”
“Nothing. There’s nothing to say. I thought I’d collect a few more things from the condo, if you’re not going to be home today?”
“Please don’t, Beth. Don’t leave me. I’m lost without you.”
“Doesn’t seem to have bothered you while you were screwing Skyler. Did you think of me while you were rolling around in ecstasy in our bed? Did you even bother to change the sheets?”
“That was the only time we were at the condo, I swear.”
“And, we both know your word is rock solid.”
“Okay, don’t believe me. Think what you want.”
The set of his jaw let her know he was furious. “Bill, I don’t want to quarrel with you. I don’t want to blame you, berate you, anything. I’ve moved on, and I just want to settle things.”
“What’s that mean? Have you met someone?”
“That’s none of your business, is it?”
“It’s that cowboy, isn’t it?”
“As I said, none of your business. It’s not like we were married or anything.”
“Is that what this is about, us not getting married?”
“No, it’s about you having a year-long affair with a grad student and me finding you two screwing in our bed.”
Beth blanched as Janice set down their sandwiches. Clearly she had heard every word.
“Can I get you anything else, folks?”
“No, thanks,” he said. When Janice was out of earshot, he whispered, “I’m sure she heard what you said.”
“Good. Then she won’t have to worry about why she doesn’t see me, but Skyler’s seated across from you.”
“Stop it, Beth. I said it was over.”
“Don’t break it off on my account. She can have you. We’re over, so if Skyler’s your gal, go for it.”
“You’re the only one for me.”
“Bullshit.”
“This doesn’t even sound like you. What’s happened? You’ve met someone, haven’t you?”
“Can we drop this subject, please? My love life is none of your goddamn business. Let’s just eat our lunch and go. In a couple of weeks, we can get together and figure out about the condo. It doesn’t make sense for me to keep it. I’ll probably find something in Saguaro.”
“Well, I don’t want it, either.”
“Fine, then we’ll sell. Let’s just give it a few weeks and then decide, okay?”
“Fine.”
They ate their sandwiches in silence, paid, and stepped out into the glaring sun. Bill walked her to the truck.
“Okay, then. I’ll be in touch in a few weeks.”
“I can come with you, help you carry stuff.”
“No, thanks. I’d rather be alone. It’s just a few clothes, anyway.”
“Where did you meet him? Is he a cowboy?”
“Goodbye, Bill.” Beth slid into the truck and closed the door, refusing to look at him. Only when she had rounded the corner and driven out of sight did she break down. She pulled the truck to the curb and leaned over the steering wheel, sobbing. There was a part of her that wanted nothing more than to say to Bill, “I forgive you. I’m moving home. I want our comfortable life back.” But that life was over. Even if she forgave him and moved home, the closeness and comfort would never come back. That life was gone forever.
Finally, she collected herself and drove on to the condo. In ten minutes, she grabbed a few clothes and some toiletries. The space they had lovingly decorated and furnished together felt like a tomb, and the walls seemed to be closing in on her. Finally back on the street, she breathed again.
As she drove home, Beth thought back to the previous evening and her reckless lovemaking with Lang in the village center. Those woods were a favorite necking spot for high school kids. Anyone could have come upon them.
In the heat of passion, she had told him she loved him. Was it true? Or was Lang Dillon a diversion, or worse—a way to get even with Bill?