I had no problem getting on a train and going to a bigger city. I could navigate the complex modern-day traveling and cities just fine. Navigating my feelings was another matter. Iwasn’t sure a two-hour train ride would be enough time to figure out what to say.
«±»
Hunter’s mum opened the door with a flourish. “Oh my! Regge. How lovely to see you, kiddo. Come in, come in.”
“Mistress, er, Mrs. Hunter.” I started to bow as was customary but quickly changed it to a nod. “I don’t mean to interrupt, but is Hunter, I mean, Bruce here?”
“Regge, now I’ve told you to call me Marjorie. Yes, he’s here. Come in. You’ll have the whole neighborhood wondering what I’m up to. It’s gossip central around here, and I don’t usually get young bucks like yourself at my door.”
I entered the tiny foyer, its dark-washed walls giving it a small closed-in feel that made my jaw clench. Five more steps got me to the living room area where a large circular table was set up with several ladies seated around. Round disks scattered in the center, cards on the table, and Hunter, his back turned to the entrance, laying down his cards.
“A pair of tens. Sorry, Eloise.” He gathered the chips to his side before looking over and seeing me.
Marjorie waved at the table. “It’s poker night. Girls, this is Bruce’s friend, Regge, isn’t he a doll?”
“Ma,” Hunter protested.
“Oh I agree,” the woman named Eloise said. “Regge, do you play poker? We’ll deal you in, and you can help us win our money back.”
“I’m unfamiliar with poker, though I understand the concept. Euchre was more my game.”
“Oh.” A woman with tight curls mused. “I’ve heard of that. My sister-in-law plays.”
Hunter rose to his feet but stayed near his chair. “Is everything okay?” His gaze flicked over me from head to toe.Searching for blood, I supposed. Of course, I would only come if there was an emergency—someone died or was grievously injured. Not to make amends or repair our friendship.
I nodded. “Yes. Everything is fine back home. Might I speak with you a moment?”
At the table, the curious glances never left us. I heard the whispered words. “Oooh, don’t you love his accent?”
Hunter’s face shuttered at the comment. He glanced back at the table, stacking his chips. “We’re in the middle of a game.”
Beside me, Marjorie cleared her throat. She said nothing, but the sudden stiffness in Hunter’s shoulders revealed that it was more than a scratchy throat. With a sigh, he pushed his chair back and looked at Eloise. “Can you deal me out of this hand?” He stood and brushed by me as he headed toward the foyer.
With an apology to Marjorie, I smiled at the women and retreated after Hunter. He stood just outside the door.
Marjorie’s porch was nothing more than a cement landing with a metal railing on two sides and down the four or five steps to the tiny front garden. Hunter leaned against the railing, his arms crossed over his chest.
“So it’s not an emergency, but you’re here.” The soft brown of his eyes held a glint of sharpness.
I steeled myself against flinching. Deep breath. Be sincere. Smile. No, damn it, no smiling, he’ll think I’m a cad. “I had to talk to you.”
“Did you lose your phone again?”
“No. I…I should have called. Or texted. However, this is too important for tiny words on a screen.”
Hunter’s eyes shifted skyward. “I was coming back in a couple of days.”
“I don’t want us to be friends.”
“Great. We’re off to a good start.” His hurt frown pierced through my addled brain.
“No. I mean. I want more. And wait… I’m getting it backward.” I reached out. This time Hunter flinched. I dropped my hand immediately. I’d made a massive cock up of things. So massive that he didn’t want to touch me. I screwed up my courage and brought all my old-world manners and lessons into play.
“First. I apologize. I most humbly ask your forgiveness. I lied to you, which is unforgivable. Alas, I hope your heart is greater than my error as I have no excuse. I do offer an explanation if you would hear it?”
I waited. The seconds ticked by. A door slammed down the street. Voices carried from someone’s backyard—laughter. Finally Hunter tipped his head.
My heart ached. My palms sweated.
