was such a great person and boss. We grew so close over the last few years, and I miss that connection, you know?”
I swallowed convulsively. I really wasn’t sure I could handle too much reminiscing at this point, but I nodded my head in agreement and then took a sip of my drink as a distraction from the tears I could feel coming.
“How’s your life been?” I finally asked.
“Oh, you know, can’t complain. Haven’t found the right guy yet, but that doesn’t deter me from dating. I feel pretty good about my life right now, so things seem to be on track. It’s just too bad Jake can’t be here to see all the changes I’ve made. We did become really close, and we talked about so many things…” She drifted off and stared past my head.
That was the second time she had mentioned her and Jake getting close. Although I found it interesting, I fell like it must be nerves on her part, a slip of the tongue.
“I remember you had a fashion group you attended pretty regularly; do you still participate?” I tried again to change the subject.
“Oh, no, I haven’t been with them in a while. I still like my fashion, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve switched over to photography. A hobby, really, but I like catching people in candid moments,” she replied, staring back at me.
I suddenly got an uneasy feeling, but wasn’t sure why.
“I love your little clutch. Where did you find it?” I asked nervously.
“Oh, this old thing. I’ve had it for a while. It’s big enough for the essentials, like wallet, lipstick, pens, a gun. You know, the usual.” She winked at me.
I just about choked on my water. “A gun?” I wheezed out.
She smiled. “I’m kidding, Nat. Sheesh, where is your sense of humor?”
I was super uneasy right now. Everything seemed off.
“What about you, Nat? How are things in your life?”
“Oh, well, I’ve tried to move on as best as I can. I try to lead a pretty stress free life for now. I’ve found a quaint little town and a job for myself, but nothing on the scale as before. I’ve made a few friends who help ground me after everything, and I’ve even met someone. We’re taking it pretty slow, though.”
Robin’s jaw ticked. “Oh, I didn’t know. Is he nice?” she asked tightly.
“Yes, I really enjoy his company. He’ll never be a replacement for Jake, but he’s a good man.” I smiled weakly.
“Hmm,” was her only response.
While we remained silent for a bit, I attempted to study her without drawing too much attention. Finally, the silence was getting too awkward.
“So,” I said, reaching into my purse and pulling out my phone. I sent a quick text to Josh, telling him where I was and when to expect me back. I didn’t think the lunch date would last too much longer. She probably had to get back to work.
“Are you texting him?” she asked sternly.
“Oh, sorry, I wasn’t trying to be rude. I just wanted him to know I would be home once we were done with our lunch.” I gave her another shy smile.
She only stared at me for an uncomfortable amount of time. I wasn’t getting a really good feeling anymore. I didn’t understand how things had shifted.
“Jake and I were getting really close over those last few months, and I have to say, it should have been you,” she stated matter-of-factly.
“Wh-what?”
“You heard me. You should have died that day. Jake and I would have finally been able to be together.” She looked at her fingernails like she was bored. “You weren’t worthy of him, Nat. You never were. I was just biding my time until I could be with him. It was working, you know? I was slowly getting him to see things my way. He would stay late at night, and I would stay, too. You remember, right, Natalie? All those nights when he worked late, and you were home tucking the kids in bed while I was with your husband, slowly making him see that I was the better choice. He had great lips, don’t you think, Nat?”
Tears were threatening to spill over. I
Augusten Burroughs
Alan Russell
John le Carré
Lee Nichols
Kate Forsyth
Gael Baudino
Unknown
Ruth Clemens
Charlaine Harris
Lana Axe