“Yes well, No. Fuck, Nathan I don’t know,” he spits out.
“Well, just so I’m clear.” I sarcastically answer.
“Let it go,” he says, shaking his head.
“Why are you here?” he asks
“We had a meeting.” I remind him, like he’s lost his mind.
“Oh.” Lacking interest of any kind.
“OH? Where the fuck are you, Clayton? Because we can do this another time, when I actually have you here.” He turns with a smirk.
“Really, Nathan? Don’t compare drama queens here, you have been losing your shit ever since Bryer’s ex contacted her.” He bravely throws in my face. “Not to mention all the other shit,” he adds.
“You must be fucking fearless to pick a fight with me today, Clayton. Let’s try to keep the pissing contest in check and get down to business.” Not really meaning to sound like such a dick. But uncaring that I am.
“So how is the new guy working out?” I ask, getting to the subject at hand.
“Graham? He’s fine, all the ladies like him so that’s a plus.”
Although curiosity is getting the better of me, I wonder about his foul mood. Then again, talking about feelings is not what we do.
“Good, thanks for taking care of everything,” I say.
“Graham is like you, Nathan, well, a lot younger, but hands-on training, a good personality, minus the flirting.” He shrugs.
“I never flirted.” I turn for a stare down.
“Ah, yeah you did,” he continues.
“What the fuck ever, Clayton?” I say, knowing he’s probably right, but I’ll never admit it. Clayton holds the man whore title, I was never that bad.
And he’s back to me. “How’s everything? I mean, I don’t even know what subject to approach first, your father, Bryer, or the ex?” Clayton says, completely serious.
Wanting to address our non-feeling pack, but it flows out faster than I can stop it. “I don’t know, Clayton, I’ve been tied up in knots ever since Bryer’s’ ex called her and continues to call. It’s killing me,” I say aloud for the first time ever.
“Bryer just keeps ignoring his calls. I see her phone light up with his name on the screen, and I want to reach through it and beat the shit out of him.”
Clayton’s brows lift in surprise. “Have you been keeping all that inside? Because it felt like you just puked all over me.” Pushing his meal away.
“Something like that,” I answer.
“Bryer has made it clear, she will handle it, while it eats at me every day,” I confess. “She’s moving forward, like he doesn’t exist, and I know there’s a lot more to the story than she’s told me.” Shaking my head in frustration. I wager my own territorial issues come before anything else, all mine. As childish as that may sound, I’m ready to fight.
“Nathan, you can’t control this, as much as you want to. I know Bryer will reach out to you when she needs you.”
“Sure, Oprah, I shouldn’t keep my feelings all bottled up.” I smile and hope this is the end of the conversation. And when Clayton turns to his computer, I know it is.
“Hey,” Clayton speaks, after about an hour of complete silence.
I should’ve known it wouldn’t last.
“Let’s take the new guy out tonight, make him one of the pack. He just moved here, he doesn’t know anyone.”
Clayton sounds way too enthusiastic, but I weigh the options. Truthfully I would rather be in Bryer’s arms or between her thighs, than with these two idiots. “Ok.” I surprise myself.
“Great, I’ll tell him we are on for tonight.”
Thank you for reading the sample for Forgotten Promise now available on Amazon http://geni.us/amznfp
Acknowledgements
Honoring the Fierce Women in my life.
Added Touches, a heart filled thank you for being a constant support. From the very beginning, with profound loyalty and character you stood by me, held my hand, guided me through the world of literature.
You have an astonishing capacity for creativity, composing a vision of originality on my behalf. Filled with determination, skill and a wealth of knowledge and genuine resourcefulness, you molded and groomed me into a better version of myself.
Trust, faith and inspiration.
I stepped into your vision of light, and I knew nothing would ever be the same. Together we soar, we create, we discover collectively the narrative of our own journey.
NIK, a warm thank you to Officer Nicole Rizzo, who contributes experiences of her journey through the murky waters of life, at times clear and focused some days dark and cloudy.
Yet, with a firm grip you lead with strength and bravery. You are not afraid of the edges clouded by compassion and understanding, it only inspires the rich layers hidden beneath the surface.
You will stand, you will fight, and you will win because life is not in vain, life is magnified in your presence.
Pride in the value of tradition, family, and loyalty is insurmountable, measured only by how love is returned. I know this, because we are practically sisters.
SAM, a warm beautiful thank you to Samantha Maginn, Artist extraordinaire who contributes her creative gifts and knowledge. A unique, gentle soul, soaring through life leaving whimsical joy in her wake.
Looking at life through a kaleidoscope, seeing colors and magical shapes in every secret corner of life. Your inspired perception of the world we live in, is filled with peace and harmony. Your creative mind has a beauty all its own.
Sacrifices made, in the name of love, freedom and devotion. Loving a soldier who stands on the shoulders of the fallen. Standing side by side with a heart of gold, shouting life has meaning if you search for it. You are who people inspire to be.
Aim high and fulfill your dreams, Goddess Kuan Yin I guiding you.
JEN, a warm beautiful thank you to Jennifer Vonarx for her contribution in the psychiatric field. Your resilience and determination to aim above the stars reaching incredible heights, accomplishing academical goals in your field, a Master in Social Work.
You’re first breath, we were heart to heart, face to face as we stood as one, questioning the universe together. Strong and confident, you challenged me, pushed me down snow topped mountain’s, holding my hand down black run in sight. You wore the armor that Y lifted me, supported me, guided me through
Whose laughter had the ability to chase the monsters, part the skies above and reach into heaven and touch the hand of God.
You are no ordinary woman. Bound by blood, we are sisters.
And finally, to the readers, exposed, I write. Expressing visible words on the blank sheet of paper. Willing to share, baring my soul for all to judge or be loved. The risk, worth the wager.
The stories will be told, the plots will thicken, the narrative will grow, the scenarios revealed.
Creativity take courage.
Virginia Wine.
Surviving Eden (Surviving Series Book 1) Page 21