Chapter 22

A sudden feeling of heaviness expanded in Allen’s core. No. She couldn’t be serious.

“We’re what?”

Crystal stepped closer, her heels clicking on his hardwood floors. She wrung her hands together.

Allen took a step back as his mouth fell open. This couldn’t be true. He couldn’t still be married to Crystal. This wasn’t real. “Why-you-why are you telling me this now?”

“I wanted to tell you before, but you asked me to leave.”

Allen's chest tightened. “What-why?” He ran his hands down his face.

He felt lightheaded. She reached for him, clasping his hands. There was a time when her touch thrilled him. How he would hold her in his arms, protecting her in his embrace. The nights he sat next to her in her hospital bed, listening to the heart monitor beeping in the background.

The day they married, she never let his hand go. His heart palpitated when they were pronounced husband and wife. Those days were long gone. Allen peeled his hands from hers.

He said, “Crystal I can’t.” His skin prickled with discomfort. “This is not a good time.”

How would he clean up this mess? How would he explain it to Heather? Would she understand? This was out of his control. He hoped she didn’t think the worst of him.

“Where are you staying?” he asked.

“At the Bed and Breakfast in town,” Crystal said.

“I’ll call you.”

“I have so much to tell you.”

“Crystal…” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Can you give me some time?”

She bobbed her head.

“Thank you,” he said.

Before he knew it, she kissed his cheek. A chair scraping the floor had him and Crystal pull apart. No. Heather. Allen's head jerked in her direction. He opened his mouth to speak, but she reached for her coat on his couch.

Crystal said, “I didn’t know you had company.”

“I’m leaving.” Heather fastened the buttons and walked past them both.

Allen hurried after her disregarding his own. “Heather wait!” The snow fell around them and though the air chilled him, it did nothing for the arctic stare coming from Heather’s eyes.

She stuffed her hands in her pockets. “You’re still married? You're still married!”

“I’m just as surprised as you are.”

“I can’t believe I fell for this. You’re just like the rest of them!”

“You think I wanted this? I didn’t ask her to come here. I lost my wife and my mom at the same time. How did you expect me to handle it? I let her go thinking it was best. I signed the papers, so I don’t know what happened!” He reached for her arm, but she pulled back.

“Don’t touch me!” Her eyes flamed like a scorching fire.

Allen stepped back. “Heather, I need you to listen to me. It’s over between Crystal and me. If you would only—”

She rolled her eyes. “Maybe this was a good thing.”

“Heather?”

“It’s fine. If that’s what you want she can have you.”

He raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing? This is not about Crystal coming back.”

She folded her arms across her chest. “I think its best we call it quits now. You’re still married and I can’t be a part of that. I won't be the other woman.” She blinked as if she didn’t care, but Allen could see her trembling.

“You’re running,” he said.

“What?”

“I see it now. This is what you do.”

“I don’t have to answer that.”

“Don’t run, Heather. I’m not.”

“That’s what you say now but you’ll change your mind. Let’s face it Allen, we were doomed from the beginning. Then I see you with her and you want me to stay? You're still married!”

“Is that how you pushed guys away in the past? You act confident, but you’re scared. I’m scared too, but I’m not running from you.”

“You don’t even know me. Just because we’ve hung out a few times doesn’t mean you know me.”

“I know you Heather. I know your heartbeat. I know what makes you smile. I know your love and passion for life. You’ll never outrun this.”

“You did with your ex. I’m not sitting waiting around to see what happens.” She shook her head. “As soon as I open my heart, this happens.” Then she wiped away her tears. “Ugh! I hate this. Do you have any idea how stupid I feel?”

“Heather, I can fix this. I—”

She placed her hands over her ears. “I don’t want to hear it! I’ve heard enough lies all my life. I never want to see you again!”

A car pulled up in front of his house and Heather got inside, not allowing her braced knee to stop her stride. The lump in Allen’s throat increased. Holding back a scream, he turned to see Crystal standing inside his doorway.

“I didn't know, Allen,” she said.

“You need to go.”