Love Wins Anthology

Chapter 4

Chapter 4Adam gripped the steering wheel and forced himself to concentrate on traffic as he drove through the city. He could ignore the ache building in his chest and the prickle of tears behind his eyes. But he couldn’t ignore Josh’s words still clanging in his mind over and over again: I don’t want to marry Adam. Not on Saturday. Not ever.

Josh had lied. Josh had led him on, making him believe they were on their way to a lifetime commitment. And Adam had fallen for it. He’d let himself be manipulated because he loved Josh so much. Too much, apparently. How long would it be before Josh tired of him and moved on to someone new?

Adam stopped at a red light and looked around, realizing he’d driven to Mitch’s bar without thinking. Well, a drink would be very welcome. Lots and lots of drinks. When the light changed, he pulled into the parking lot and shut off the engine.

He looked at the entrance to the bar and cringed. The Mylar streamers Mitch had hung over the door caught the late-afternoon sun and flashed streaks of silver and red. The celebration was still going on. Lots of happy people dreaming about their weddings. And if he went inside, lots of sympathetic glances cast his way. Oh, he’d seen enough of those looks last night. And he’d consoled himself with the thought those people didn’t really know Josh. Funny. Turned out he was the one who didn’t really know Josh.

Adam shook his head. No way could he face all that again. But alcohol sounded wonderful. Anything that might numb the hurt throbbing in him. So he started the car and headed to Corrigan’s, the bar where he and Reggie had hung out. They knew him there, and he’d be able to drink without being hassled. And without answering a lot of questions.

Twenty minutes later, he parked the car at Corrigan’s and went inside. It looked pretty much the same as the last time he’d been there. A few of the movie posters on the walls had changed, but it still had the same slightly rough, slightly shabby feel to it. Had it really been two years?

He had his choice of tables—it was too early for the regular Saturday drinking crowd to be there. But somehow his feet led him to the small booth in the back. Their table—Reggie’s and Adam’s. Suppressing a shudder, he sat on the faded vinyl bench.

A minute later, the barmaid walked over for his order. She recognized him as soon as she got close. “Adam Langston, I haven’t seen you in ages. How are you?”

“Hi, Rhonda. I’m okay. Did your son make it into college?”

She grinned. “Just finished his sophomore year. Always was a smart kid. So, are you here by yourself?”

That was a question he should get used to hearing. Managing a weak smile, he said, “Yeah, just me today.” He hoped she hadn’t noticed the tremor in his voice he couldn’t seem to control.

If the concern on her face was any indication, she’d noticed. She patted his shoulder in a gesture of sympathy. “What can I get you, hon?”

Adam had gotten in the habit of sharing a bottle of wine with Josh. But that lead to too many memories. Maybe he needed something stronger.

He hesitated long enough for Rhonda to jump in. “As I recall, you used to drink margaritas, on the rocks with an olive. Want one?”

“Good memory. That’d be fine.”

“Coming right up. You want anything to eat with that?”

Adam’s stomach roiled at the thought of food. “No, thanks. Maybe later.”

She nodded and went behind the bar. A few minutes later, she delivered a brimming long-stemmed glass rimmed with salt. She also put down a small glass filled with olives. “Just some extras for an old friend.”

“Thanks.” Adam pulled some bills from his wallet, enough to pay for the drink and a nice tip. He didn’t think he’d be there long enough to have Rhonda run a tab for him.

“You yell if you want something else. It’s good to see you, Adam.” She left him alone and went back through the kitchen door.

Adam cautiously took a sip of the drink. His stomach at first threatened to rebel against the tart lime and salty taste, but settled down quickly. The next sip was fine. And the one after that.

Three margaritas later and partway through the fourth, he was feeling better. Wasn’t numb better than devastated?

Rhonda had asked two more times if he wanted something to eat. He’d refused. She’d brought him an order of fried mozzarella sticks anyway. He’d only toyed with them—he didn’t want anything to slow down his smooth ride into inebriation. The bar was filling up by then, though, so she got too busy to hover, only occasionally throwing a worried glance his way.

Adam really should have expected she’d call for reinforcements. But when he looked up and recognized the designated rescuer looming over him, it was still a surprise.

“Hello, little one.”

Reggie.

Adam instinctively pressed back against the wall of the booth, putting a little more distance between him and his ex. Twice in two days? Was the bastard stalking him?

Reggie’s mocking expression grated on Adam’s raw emotions. Grinning at Adam, he asked, “Nostalgic for the old hang-out? Or were you looking for me?”

Adam rolled his eyes, then waited a few seconds for the spinning room to settle down. “Did Rhonda call you?”

“Of course.” Reggie slid into the seat across from Adam. “Who else would come take care of you?”

“I can take care of myself.” Faced with the prospect of losing Josh, Adam wasn’t at all sure that was true. But he’d just have to learn how.

“Maybe. But you have a vulnerability about you. People want to wrap you in cotton batting and keep you safe and secure.”

“I didn’t feel safe with you,” Adam muttered.

“But I kept you well-secured.” An ugly leer spread across the man’s face.

Adam glared his disgust. Had he really ever found the man attractive? He drained the last of his drink, trying to drown the unwanted memories of Reggie’s bondage kinks.

Shrugging, Reggie abandoned the seductive attitude. “Seriously, Rhonda did you a big favor. Your car is outside, but you’re in no condition to drive. And your shining knight isn’t with you. Has he run away terrified at the thought of marriage?”

That hit too close to home. Even under the numbing weight of four margaritas, Adam still couldn’t hide the hurt at Josh’s betrayal. Of course, Reggie read it on his face.

“Ah, I see he has fled.” He reached across the table and grasped Adam’s hands. “I told you last night I’d marry you. That wasn’t just to annoy your lover. I want you back.” The pressure of his grip became painful as he smiled. “Permanently.”