I was about to take a sip of wine, but stopped, staring at the man in complete shock. “She’s dead?”
“Hit out on route two by a drunk driver.”
Tears pricked my eyes. I didn’t know her. I’d only ever heard about her, but I couldn’t imagine what this man was going through. I didn’t know what to do. What did you say to a man you barely spoke to when his girlfriend died?
Instead of saying anything, I rested my hand on his arm and just sat with him. His eyes closed almost in relief, and for a good ten minutes, it was like it was just the two of us here.
“Thanks, Ellie May,” he said, getting up from his stool.
“You’re leaving?”
“Think I can go home now. I’ll catch you around town.”
I nodded, watching him go.
“What was that about?” Lizzy asked as he walked out the door.
“His girlfriend was killed in a hit-and-run by a drunk driver.”
“Oh my gosh,” she gasped. “I didn’t even know her.”
“Me neither. I just heard the rumors that he was seeing someone. I guess she wasn’t from around here.”
“When did this happen?” Lizzy asked.
“I don’t know. He’s so private that I doubt anyone even knew her name.”
“It’s hard to keep secrets in this town. I’m surprised no one else knew.”
I nodded, staring down at my wine. Suddenly, my problems seemed very insignificant. At least everyone I loved was alive and well.
“Well, I guess I’ll head home,” I said, finishing off my drink. “Who’s got Willa tonight?”
“She’s sleeping in my office. Couldn’t get anyone to watch her.”
“Oh, that sucks. You could have called me.”
She leaned on the bar, her eyes sparkling with mirth. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Ellie, but we aren’t exactly the best of friends.”
“Oh.” I was a little taken aback by her words.
“I mean, I wouldn’t feel comfortable calling you up and asking for such a huge favor. I like you, but asking you to watch a baby is not something you ask of a woman you don’t hang out with.”
“I get it, but if you ever do need help, just ask.”
“Thanks, I will. But just remember, you asked for it. She’s got a mouth on her.”
“She’s a baby. How bad could she be?”
Lizzy tossed her head back and laughed. “One of these days, you’ll find out.”
The bell chimed over the door just as I was turning. Immediate scorching heat raced down my throat when I saw him with her. I kept thinking I would get over it, that it wouldn’t hurt so damn much the way he had used me.
The way I hadletLiam Parker use me.
But then I saw how happy he was with Bailey, and it was like a punch to the gut. And the moment she looked up at me, I saw the hatred in her eyes, the need to be as far away from me as possible.
With his hand on her back, Liam directed her to a table away from me, reminding me of my place.
