As soon as we open the front door, Marvel struts toward us and starts rubbing against our legs, as if he wants to tell us he missed us. Dex puts the pizza boxes on the kitchen island as I take my coat off and pick Marvel up. I kiss his soft head.
“I missed you too, buddy.”
I feel eyes on me and find Dex staring. Then he clears his throat, turns, and opens the fridge.
“Water, soda, or beer?” he asks.
“Soda is fine.” I take a seat, and Dex sits next to me.
Then the music turns on, and I startle.
“I hope this is okay.” Dex looks uncertain, and I listen and recognize it. Ennio Morricone’s Love Theme. I smile at him and nod.
“It’s perfect.”
We eat while we listen to my father’s favorite music. Then Dex makes some popcorn, and we watch my father’s favorite movie,Once Upon a Time in America, Marvel curled up on the blanket between us, purring away while outside the snow picks up even more.
Blue day is never an easy day, but Dex makes it bearable, giving me space to feel everything without trying to fix it, just staying, just being there in a way that somehow makes the grief feel less lonely. For the first time today, I feel like I can breathe again. The ache is still there, but it doesn’t feel like it’s crushing me from the inside out. Dex… he makes it easier to feel it without breaking.
CHAPTER 13
Alexis
It’s Saturday, and ever since Dex helped me through my father’s anniversary the other day, he’s been kind of…distant.
I’m polishing glasses, the bar not that busy, while Dex and Stephen move tables in the back, making more room for the band that will be playing live in a few days.
“Hello, gorgeous.”
I look up from the glass in my hand and find a man with brown eyes and a thick mustache staring at me. Two others stand beside him, watching me the same way.
The way their eyes move over my body makes something twist uncomfortably in my stomach.
“Hello,” I say evenly. “What can I get you?”
“Can I have you?”
The other two laugh.
So this is how tonight’s going to be.
I swallow the irritation crawling up my throat.
“Beer? Something to eat?” I ask, ignoring him.
“Three beers to start,” he says with a smirk. “And maybe I’ll have you later.”
I fight the shudder threatening to run through me and turn toward the taps, pouring their drinks while my eyes search the room for Stephen or Dex.
They’re both near the stage, making room for the band’s equipment.
Too far away.
I carry the beers back and set them down one by one.
As I place the last glass in front of Mustache Man, his hand shoots forward and grabs my wrist.
Every muscle in my body locks, my chest tightening as cold floods my veins so fast it steals the air from my lungs.
