“Good thing, because then you’d have had sex with Crazy Carl from the coffee shop.”
We all bust up laughing at Dani’s quip, because, yeah, a drifter who frequents the Boca Village area where we often meet for coffee loves to chat us up. Me in particular once he found out I’m a counselor after I started chatting back. Yeah, after a few encounters, he seemed harmless and actually mentally sharp, so I offered coffee and got into a discussion about social services. With references he’s made, Carl seems to be near my age, but with his weathered skin, it’s difficult to tell.
Any who…
Stacy breaks the silence. “But, you’re staying, aren’t you? To talk more with Xander?”
I pause, looking over at the man who’s the center of discussion before looking at each of my friends. “Yes.”
“Yes? That’s it?” Dani says. “Like, are you staying here to talk? You going to your place, his place, what, Michelle? I’m not leaving until I—”
“Yes, yes, until you know I’m fine. Dani, I love you. Both of you,” I add while giving Stacy a glance. “His sister owns the bar and I met Holly, the other guitarist in the band who seems great, so I think I’m in good hands. I had one drink and I—”
“You did?” Stacy asks with wide eyes. “You haven’t had a drink in months!”
I shrug. “Felt like indulging. One chocolate martini and half a dozen seltzers mean I’m still in charge of my faculties. I’m intrigued by him.”
“Intrigued, eh? You’re attracted to that sexy beast and there’s nothing wrong with that. We trust your judgement, seeing as you haven’t shown interest in anyone since Stuart.”
Stacy gasps as if just saying his name is taboo.
“Stacy, I’m fine. It’s all right to talk about my husband. I—”
“Husband?”
We all turn at the sound of Xander’s voice. He’s standing behind me, staring at me with a stunned look on his face. As hard as it is to believe, I hadn’t even realized the music had stopped. Patrons are still making plenty of conversation, but when I look to the stage, I see it’s shrouded in darkness. It doesn’t stop the other band members from putting away their instruments. I turn toward Xander again, ready to explain, when he speaks first.
“Fried a circuit. We’re done early for the night, so I thought...” His stare is intense, but then he drops his gaze. “I, uh, guess I’ll leave you to finish your evening with your friends.”
He starts to turn away, but I snag his hand, causing him to face me, staring at my hold on him. I let go and he meets my gaze.
“Please stay.”
Jerald’s voice booms over the microphone.
“All right folks, party’s not over. We’ll have The Breaker’s back at it tomorrow. Until then, enjoy yourselves until closing time.”
Music begins playing over the sound system as people resume their conversations.
Xander glances at Dani and Stacy who are standing, saying their good nights. Dani scoots her empty chair closer to me and waves Xander toward it.
“Sit,” she practically commands, earning a raised brow. But he lowers himself into the chair as Dani kisses my cheek and whispers, “Talk tomorrow.” Stacy then gives me a quick shoulder hug and says bye. I watch them walk away until they’re out of sight before turning to face Xander.
“I’m widowed. Fifteen months now.” My fingers find my ever-present bracelet, twirling it around my wrist as I finger each bead. It’s a technique—or nervous habit, depending on how you look at it—which helps calm me when I feel unsettled.
His face softens with that look of sorrow I’ve seen far too often over the past year. “Damn, sorry.”
“I was married fourteen years. We both met and married later in life; I was thirty-six, Stuart was forty-six. It was a good marriage; a great marriage,” I quickly amend.
“What happened?” Xander asks.
“Aortic aneurysm last spring. Took him quick, which was a blessing. But it was a total shock. Stuart was healthy. He was a physician.” I stare off for a moment before returning my gaze to him. “It was a rough go of it for about six months. Thank goodness for my friends.”
“They seem to really care for you; look out for you.”
I smile. “Yeah. I’m pretty lucky.” I take a drink just as Vikki sweeps by, placing a beer in front of Xander. Before she has a chance to flit away, Xander surprises her by placing it back on the tray and asking for ice water.
“Oh, sure thing.”
