by Kristen Echo
“Knock yourself out,” he said, passing her the bottle.
She didn’t take a sip, but at least it would force him to slow down. “Martin, let me be here for you. Tell me what to do to help.” She used the same words he’d used on her the night before.
“What’s funny is I’ve been playing great until recently. They don’t need him. I want another sip.” He held out his hand to take the bottle, and then he glanced at his watch. “But I don’t even have time to get drunk. The stupid meeting took way longer than it should have. Nico expected me to arrive ten minutes ago. Are you coming?”
“Do you want me to?” She stood up, not sure what to do.
“Do what you want. I’m not good company and I’m likely to fuck you against every hard surface I can find. If you’re up for that then yes, please come.”
She shivered at the possibilities, clutching the bottle between her hands. “It’s best if I don’t go.”
“Why? You know what. That’s fine. You’d only be another distraction.” He yanked at his hair.
“What the hell does that mean? You’re not trying to blame me for this. That makes no sense. Martin look at me!” She got in his face, their bodies only inches apart.
He avoided her eyes. “Nothing makes sense lately. We… ah fuck, I have to run. I’ll see you later.” He kissed her cheek, not even trying for her mouth. Then he was gone. Like a tornado had torn through the condo, leaving her winded and an utter mess.
She spent the rest of the night worrying about him. There would be more alcohol at the dinner and from the updates she got from Carly, Martin drank more than his share. His words echoed through her mind. She wondered if the slip in his hockey performance was her fault. It couldn’t be because his performance was spot on. She watched some game footage he had. It confirmed her initial assessment he was the best goalie in the league. Martin played like a champion.
As the hours ticked by, she worked on the website development for Caroline. There was no news on any of the missing. She’d finished the main page when she glanced at the clock. It was after two in the morning and Martin hadn’t come home. She sent him a text, asking if he planned to come home. He didn’t respond. She knew he was safe with his friends. Not knowing where he was or where they stood, gnawed at her. An hour later, she gave up and went to sleep on the couch. He didn’t come home.
Chapter 17
Valentine’s Day arrived and Sylvie was alone. That disheartening fact hit her hard. Her main reason for coming to Winnipeg in the first place had been to avoid feeling this way. Spending the most romantic day of the year by yourself was depressing. The day was made worse by her thoughts of Kimber. The young girl was supposed to be attending a dance tonight, but their deal hadn’t gone according to plan. Nothing had turned out right.
Sylvie wanted to keep the covers over her head and pretend the sun hadn’t risen. As she peeked out into the empty living room, the quiet greeted her. She sat up. Nothing had changed. A tour of the condo confirmed that Martin hadn’t returned. His tux for the evening hung in his closet and the bed resembled a war zone, exactly as they had left it from the previous morning.
Her phone buzzed, and she reached into her pocket. It was an unknown number, but she answered, thinking Martin had lost his phone. “Hello.”
“Hi Sylvie.” Renny’s deep French accent greeted her and a blast of memories assaulted her. “I’ve been trying to reach you, but you haven’t responded. We need to talk.”
She leaned against the wall. Shocked and completely taken aback by his call. It took her a moment to speak. “Why?”
“I’m in Winnipeg and I’d love to see you. Where are you? Please, Sylvie. Don’t shut me out anymore.” His words registered and her eyes nearly bugged out of her head.
“You’re here.” She closed her eyes and wondered what he wanted. What would drive him across the ocean and half the country?
He chuckled, and it was like being transported back in time. “Yes, and I want to see you. I’ve come a long way. Give me the address where you are and I’ll be there within half an hour.”
“Okay,” she responded out of habit and gave him the address to the condo. Sylvie hung up and raced to the shower. The last time she saw him, she looked like a pathetic mess. This time would be different. She wasn’t the same girl he left all those months ago.
Wearing the power outfit Martin bought her when she arrived, she had the courage to conquer the world; or at least confront her ex. When she opened the door, her knees went weak. His dirty blond curls were longer and his dimples deeper than the last time they’d been together.
“Wow. You look great. Are you going to invite me in?” His voice was the same. He leaned against the door frame while holding a lone red rose under his nose. “This is for you.”
She swiped the flower from his hand. “I guess, although I’m not sure why you’re here or what we have to say,” she said, opening the door wider for him.
He kissed both of her cheeks before walking into the room like he owned it. Renny had a calm confidence she’d always admired. He adjusted his glasses and sat down, crossing his leg over one knee. “We have so much to talk about. Please, sit with me.”
She sat on the opposite couch. “When did you get back and what are you doing here?” There was no point in beating around the bush.
He laughed and scratched the beard on his chin. That was different. He’d always been clean shaven when they were together. She preferred the old look. Renny sat forward. “It’s Valentine’s Day, and I had to spend it with my girl.”
Her ears must have heard wrong. She shook her head and tossed the flower on the table. “Come again?”
“I missed you, and I finished my research ahead of schedule. You were the first person I wanted to see when I got home, but you weren’t there. It took me almost two weeks to track you down here.”
“How did you find me?”
He avoided her question and talked about his thesis. Renny loved talking about himself. The more he talked, his voice, his laugh and his presence reminded her of an old routine. Being around him was like wearing an old comfortable pair of sweat pants. Only she’d given that pair away long ago.
“I’m glad your trip went well, but that doesn’t explain why you’re here. Who told you I was here?” There were only a handful of people that knew her whereabouts. It’s not that she was hiding from him, but his unexpected appearance wasn’t welcomed.
“I called your mother’s house a million times, but she refused to tell me. Oddly enough, I bumped into Evaline Thomas on the street one day and she told me you were here. I should have guessed you’d be here after you got rid of our apartment,” he said with a frown.
“Don’t sound hurt about that. You left me! You’re the one who packed your shit and left first. What did you expect to happen? Really, Renny… did you think I’d stay there forever. Hoping and praying that maybe when you came home, you’d give me a pity fuck or something.”
“Jesus, no. Calm down. We talked about this before I left. I said I’d come back, and we’d pick up where we left off. We both needed that time to grow—”
“That is so rich! Am I on camera right now? This shit is too funny.”
He furrowed his brows. “What’s funny? You wanted a Valentine’s Day wedding, and I wanted to give it to you. I tried to find you sooner, but… I’m here and we can get back together.”
“Why would I take you back? We weren’t that good together.”
He stood up and paced the room. “We were perfect for each other and we still are. Nothing has changed.”
“Everything has changed. How many women did you have to sleep with for you to realize how good you had it? Tell me. I can handle it. How many women sucked you dry until you begged them to stop? Come on, let’s be honest with each other.”
“Sylvie, it’s not like that. I only love you. I called you every week.” He dropped to his knees by her feet and grabbed her hands. “You were never far from my mind or my heart.”
Martin picked that moment to open the door, and she wanted to die. He looked ragged like he'd had a night from hell. The flowers in his hands were at odds with his wrinkled suit. His hair looked even more out of shape than when she’d seen him last. But he was still the sexiest man on earth. His eyes traveled between her and Renny and their joined hands. He didn’t say a word as he marched past them into his bathroom.
The room got silent after he slammed the door. She waited until the water turned on in the shower to exhale. Her eyes remained glued to the door. She couldn’t move. She wondered what he’d been through and why he didn’t come home.
Renny rambled on, but she tuned him out. Her focus was on Martin. The shower turned off, and she held her breath. A moment later, Martin stomped into the bedroom without looking back. She shot to her feet. She had to go to him and make sure he was okay.
“Renny, you should go.”
He wouldn’t let go of her hands. “I’m not leaving without you. Give us a second chance. I messed up, but I deserve an opportunity to win you back.”
“You hurt me. Broke my heart and made me feel like I had let you down. You said so many hurtful things, Renny. My ears cannot unhear them and my heart will never forgive you.”
He pulled her into his arms. “I was such an idiot. The stress of school and the pressure of buying you a ring was too much. I’m not sure what happened. Somewhere along the way, I resented you. Thinking if we got married right away, I’d never get out of Montreal. We’d be in a rut. But I left and so did you.”
She tried to pull away, but he held her firmly in his arms. “Are you serious? You knew I’d go anywhere. My company’s mobile, but you never asked. Our relationship ended, and it’s for the best. I can see that now. Took me a long time to get here, but I’m good with it.”
“I’m not okay with it. You loved me once, and you could love me again.”
“That’s not possible. My heart is no longer available.”
“Why?” He jerked his head towards the bedroom. “Because of him! You’re in love with the stupid jock. You’re kidding, right?” His grip on her arms tightened.
“Never call him that. He’s a professional athlete, and it’s none of your business who I love. You lost the right to know anything about me when you walked out on me.”
“Don’t be dramatic. That boy has always wanted what’s mine. He can’t have you. We took a break like civilized adults and we discussed getting back together. Now is the time for us.” He picked her up off the ground and kissed her. Twirling her around like they were rejoicing a happy moment.
When she tore her mouth away, her eyes landed on Martin in his tux. The shirt was open and untucked, revealing layers of muscles. He held onto the tie so tight in his hands, his knuckles turned white. His lips formed a thin line. Those were the only lips she wanted.
Renny saw him too, and he kissed her again. She pushed against his chest, ending the kiss as quickly as it started, but before she could get a word in he shouted. “I’m so glad we’re getting back together. I love you so much!” He lowered her to the ground as Martin closed the door.
He left without saying a word. Not one syllable. Nothing. If he’d cared for her, he would have fought for her. At least he should have thrown Renny out for being the bastard that broke her heart. A friend would have done that. But he couldn’t be bothered. Too wrapped up in his own dilemma to give a shit about her.
“Get out Renny! Go back to Montreal and leave me alone. I’ve moved on and it’s time for you to do the same.” She walked to the door and opened it.
He smiled, flashing the dimples that had sucked her in when she was a young girl. “We can talk again back home. I will not give up.”
Her eyes burned, and she blinked to keep the tears at bay. “Prepare to be disappointed because I don’t love you anymore, and I never will again.” She pointed to the exit, and he finally listened. “Goodbye Renny.” She kissed his cheeks and closed the door behind him.
The first tear fell before she let go of the doorknob. She stumbled into the bathroom for tissue and saw the flowers in the sink. She grabbed the card. In Martin’s scribbled handwriting were the words. I’m sorry.
She was too.
Sorry for everything.
Chapter 18
Her one and only bag was packed. She sat on the edge of the bed wondering what to do. Stay or go. It didn’t matter where she went, she’d be nursing a broken heart. She had a feeling this one would never heal. And she only had herself to blame.
In less than a month she’d lost everything that mattered. Martin had all but told her not to fall in love with him, but she’d been so sure her feelings wouldn’t get mixed up in the fun. Another failure not to see what was right in front of her nose.
Martin wasn’t the kind of man you walk away from unscathed. He left a trail of broken hearts a mile long and she knew this. But she’d thought she was different. She’d figured their history and friendship somehow made her immune to his love ’em and leave ’em ways. Moreover, she’d given herself too much credit. Thinking she would be strong enough to have sex without the attachment. Sylvie wasn’t that woman.
The airline confirmed there were no earlier flights available. Sitting in Martin’s empty condo, feeling sorry for herself was not how she envisioned spending the most romantic day of the year. Martin told her he’d planned for them to have a nice lunch together. Knowing the restaurants would be chaos he said he’d order in. She slapped her forehead and pulled out her phone. The delivery would arrive at any moment unless he'd called and stopped it. She crossed her fingers and hoped he’d canceled it.
She placed her bag by the door and prepared herself for the long flight home. There was no point in staying. At least if she sat at the airport, she’d be less likely to cry. The doorbell rang, and she accepted the delivery. She expected a brown bag and maybe some Chinese food, but the men kept coming.
“I’m sorry, you can’t bring all that in here.” When she saw them unpack, her heart melted into a puddle on the floor. Each item added another dagger to her wounded heart. They set the stage for the perfect Valentine’s Day lunch. When they left, she leaned against the wall and placed her hand over her heart; it hurt too much.
It was so over the top she had to laugh. A trail of red rose pedals led from the entry to the dining room table and ended in the bathroom. The table was beautifully set with red linens and fine china. They were supposed to have a romantic candlelight lunch for two. Or for one as it turned out.
Once she caught her breath, she walked over and checked under the dome. It smelled amazing and her mouth watered as she stared at the roasted chicken breast, steamed broccoli, baby carrots and rice pilaf. Too bad she had no appetite. Under the dome in the middle was a variety of chocolate covered fruit with whipped cream. Right next to that was a deck of cards. She didn’t have to follow the flowers to know in the bathroom they’d drawn a scented bubble bath.
Martin had prepared her dream lunch. And she would eat it alone. She pulled out her phone to thank him for the sentiment when the door opened. He stood there in his tux, looking far too perfect to be real.
“Hi. You came back.” She chewed her lip when he didn’t answer.
“I forgot the cufflinks.” He held up his arms. “Where’s your boyfriend?” His eyes looked everywhere but at her. They seemed to focus on her bag by his feet.
“Renny and I are not back together. He asked me to come home with him and—”
“You said yes. I saw you kiss and I’m not an idiot. You’ve been waiting to get him back for months and he flew across the country to come get cha. We all know how much you love big romance.” He
rolled his eyes.
“I told him no. I don’t want him anymore.” She took a deep breath. “When did you order this lunch? It’s beautiful.”
He shuffled his feet and kicked the rose pedals out of his way. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to me. Do you have time to eat with me?” She pulled out one chair. “Please, Martin.”
“I shouldn’t spoil my dinner. The wedding should be fun and there will be plenty of bridesmaids to score with.”
She pushed the chair over and watched it tumble to the ground. “You don’t have to do this. Be mean and act like you don’t care.”
“Who’s acting?”
“Well then I guess it’s a good thing my flights leaving in a few hours. I’ll be out of your hair and you can bring one or two, hell even three of the bridesmaids home to fuck your brains out.” She walked up to him and pointed her finger in his chest. “If that’s what you want. Is it?”
“It doesn’t matter what I want.”
She reached down and picked up her bag, gripping the handle so hard her hand hurt. “Stop saying it doesn’t matter. It matters. I want to see you happy and in love. You deserve to feel how wonderful that can be again.” She twisted the doorknob. “One day I hope you love with all your heart again. The way I love you. Good bye.”
He gripped her arm, stopping her. “Say the last part again.”
A tear trickled down her cheek as she turned back to face him and her biggest fear. Being rejected couldn’t possibly hurt any more than she already did. At least then she’d know for sure they didn’t belong together.
“I’m sorry I became the distraction you didn’t want. My intentions were never to impede your career or your free lifestyle. I hope I didn’t mess things up for you too badly. But I don’t regret coming here or falling in love with you. You’re my best friend and it’s okay if you’re not in love with me too. I love you more than—”
His mouth landed against her with so much force he plowed her into the back of the door. Her teeth rattled, and she didn’t care. She dropped her bag and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She kissed him back. It felt so good and so right to be in his arms again. He lifted her off the ground and she dug her heels into his ass.
