“That was the last thing I expected you to say.”
“Frankly, it was the last thing I expected to hear coming out of my mouth.”
“That’s generous of you. Thanks, Alex. But I can’t work for you.”
“Too many memories?”
“That, and I have to rebuild my life. This grief, it’s been hard, harder than I ever would have imagined. There are so many things I didn’t say to my sister when I had the chance. I need to start fresh. But I appreciate your offer.”
“So, we’re good?” Alex extended his left hand to shake.
“I want to be. I’m tired too.” He shook his hand.
“I hear you.”
They sat for a while in the car, both of them staring ahead. After a while, Gordon stuck his key in the ignition and turned it. “Would you…it’s going to sound stupid.”
“What?”
“Would you like to see where Shannon’s buried? Next time you’re in New York, I could take you there. Only if you want to, of course.”
“I want to. I’d like that very much.”
“It’s a nice plot. You know, with trees and shrubs nearby.”
“She would have liked that.”
“Yeah. Okay, we’ll do it.” Gordon revved the engine. “I guess I should take you back to your hotel.”
“Where you are staying?”
“Oh, my God, don’t even ask. It’s a total shitbox.”
Alex laughed. “Let’s see if I can’t find you a better room.”
“I don’t want to impose, Alex. After all, I did come all the way to Sin City to, um, cause you bodily harm.”
He held up his bad hand. “I found a way to do that without your help, remember? Let’s go.”
***
It had been two weeks since Dana’s departure from Vice.
She wasn’t coming back.
The cold realization had stricken Alex late one night and had moldered in his gut ever since. He’d held out hope for a couple of days after his encounter with Gordon, figuring she’d go home and realize they were good together.
He hadn’t heard a word from her.
After injuring his hand, he’d hung out in his apartment, working from home for the most part. It had given him time to think.
He didn’t want to lose her but he also didn’t want to pressure her.
Two days ago, he’d caved and texted her. Just a short message to let her know he was thinking of her.
Alex: I hope you’re doing okay.
Forty-eight long hours had elapsed. She hadn’t replied.
