Page 94 of What He's Been Missing

I am leaving here soon. What’s going on?

When I finished the second glass of wine, there was nothing to do but leave. The waitress had probably told the wait staff about my situation and they were all giving me the injured-baby-bird-on-the-side-of-the-road face. I plunked down a twenty on the table and smiled my way out to my car.

As soon as I put the key into the ignition, Ian wrote back.

FROM: IAN DUPREE

TIME: 10:05pm

I have a situation. I’m sorry.

TO: IAN DUPREE

TIME: 10:06pm

Sorry about?

FROM: IAN DUPREE

TIME: 10:27pm

I can’t come.

TO: IAN DUPREE

TIME: 10:28pm

Can’t or won’t?

I sat in the car and waited another ten minutes for a response.

FROM: IAN DUPREE

TIME: 10:39pm

She called me.

TO: IAN DUPREE

TIME: 10:40pm

And? Just say what’s going on.

FROM: IAN DUPREE

TIME: 10:50pm

; It’s your birthday. I just feel like such an asshole.

FROM: IAN DUPREE

TIME: 10:51pm

I can’t do this anymore. I can’t hurt two people.

TO: IAN DUPREE