“Look Tim, I’m really sorry about everything. I love you. I hope you know that. I want us to be together.” I took a deep breath before I continued. “A while back, Charli said that all I’ve done since Ricky and I split was bounce from one guy to the next, rushing into things. I hate to admit it, but she was right.”
He blinked several times. “I love you too, Marty. I’ve loved you for as long as I’ve known you. I’ll never stop. The thing is, as bad as you hurt me before, this time, it was way worse. I don’t know if I can let this go. You lied to me. You betrayed me.”
“I know. I wish I could time travel and fix everything, but I can’t. Like I said, I love you. A lot. So much that, one of these days, I hope we’ll get married. But not now. Now, I need some time alone. Time to figure out who I am and what I want and why I keep letting people manipulate me.”
He looked surprised. “You aren’t thinking about leaving Glenvar are you?”
“Of course not. This is my home. My family is here. You’re here. I’ve already called and made an appointment for counseling. This time, I’m actually going to give it a try and not just for a half of a session. Also, I’m going to sign up for some classes at the community college and move into that apartment over the gift shop. I’ll still be around.” I smiled at him. “Maybe we can start over.”
A little girl in a fairy costume ran past us, suddenly stopped, and came over to our bench. She held out her fists, which were each closed around something. “Pick one,” she said to me.
I winked at Tim. “Which one should I pick?”
“The right one,” he said.
I tapped the little girl’s right hand. She giggled and handed me a shiny penny. “Find a penny, pick it up, all the day, you’ll have good luck!” she said, then skipped off.
I handed it to Tim. “Here, you keep it,” I said.
“Don’t you want it?” he said. “It’ll bring you good luck.”
I gently knocked on the wooden bench, stood up and kissed him hard on the mouth, hoping that it made a big impression on him.
“Don’t be silly, Tim. You know I’m not superstitious.”
THE END
Afterword
This book grew out of a light-hearted camaraderie I found with some folks who used to read Ted Casablanca’s Blind Vice gossip column. We tried to guess who his blind vices were about and shared laughs at some of the more, shall I say, dedicated fans of some of the stars. I owe them, the Blind Vice Refugees, and Ted, a debt of gratitude.
* * *
When I got the idea for the book (five years ago!), I wasn’t sure about a lot of things, but I knew Vivi’s back story and why she was killed. At the time, the idea of someone having the courage to come forward and speak out about being sexually harassed or assaulted by rich and powerful men, and not losing their jobs (or worse) for having that courage, seemed to be a pipe dream. Then, just as I was wrapping up my rough draft, fiction slammed headlong into real life and, the next thing I knew, I had a book that seemed not only relevant, but realistic in a way that took me aback.
* * *
I hope and pray the movement toward truth-telling and accountability gives courage to those with stories to tell. I hope and pray that they find love, support, and justice.
* * *
~ Sherry Siska, December 2017
Thanks You:
Jim, Kyle, Matt, and Lindsey, Taylor, Eric, Mom, Terry and Aimee, Pam, Justin and Parker, Mike and Audrey, Mike and Mary, Jane and Tom.
* * *
Chris, Dale, Sherri, Andrea, Tara, Chastity, and Meredith (HUGE THANKS, Mer, for your eagle eyes!).
* * *
My Marshall, Everett, Johnson, and Turner families. My GHS classmates and colleagues, both former and present.
* * *
Donna and Jeannie: I’m so very grateful for you both!
* * *
To you, the reader: Thank you for spending your time with Marty and company. Thank you for your support.
* * *
As always, Dad - I miss you. Thanks for the dimes.
* * *
I am blessed beyond measure.
About the Author
Sherry M. Siska is a high school teacher and writer. She’s been married to Jim for more than 35 years. Together they have three grown children and a very spoiled cat. This is the fourth book in the Doom Diva Mystery series.
For more information:
www.sherrysiska.com
[email protected]
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