"Well, hot damn. It's about damn time," He says as he pats me on the back.
"Hey now, don't push it." I can't contain my laugh, which I accompany with a playful eye roll.
The broody elderly gentleman who doesn't give smiles or laughs freely is smiling from ear to ear and chuckling. At my expense, of course, but that's okay. I'll take it.
"You gonna tell me who the lucky guy is or leave me guessing?"
"Well," I shrug, "I don't know who he is. All I know is that he goes by the name. . ." I hesitate, knowing that he will give me shit for this, ". . . Bear"
He choked on his coffee and barked out a laugh.
"Bear?" He asks with his eyebrows raised, "Sounds like a douchebag!"
We must look like a bunch of fools because I snort out a laugh so loud that heads turn to look us over, breaking the silence that coated the patio.
"Earl Jacobs!" I cough out his name through my laughter. "Who in the world taught you that term?"
He flashes me a smug, cocky grin. "What can I say? I'm just hip!"
I shake my head, "More like you're a trip."
After we settle down from laughing at the douchebag debacle, we sit in silence for a beat while sipping our coffee. We stay out on the patio, both taking in the sounds and scenery of the bayou out back.
Some people may see murky water, but it's a beautiful sight to me. The way the sun beams off it as it bends and curves on the edges reminds me of simpler days. It's no mountain view, but it holds its beauty all the same.
"You're quiet today, Via. Are you nervous about tonight, or has that asshole brother of yours tried to contact you again?" Mr. Earl's eyes are on me, staring intently as if trying to read me. I attempt not to let the intense question phase me, but it's evident that it does.
Mr. Earl is the only one I discuss Liam with. There's something about how he described his troubled past to me, and Icould still view him as a human even after he told me the terrible things he's done that somehow made me comfortable enough to get his opinions on Liam. He's never held back and has always been honest with me.
Granted, Liam is a whole other beast, very different from Mr. Earl. After hearing Mr. Earl's guilt for the things he's done wrong to the ones he was supposed to protect, I couldn't help but hold out a little hope that Liam also felt guilty. I've tried to have a different outlook on him, but it hasn't been easy. He's done everything but make it easy.
I take another sip of my coffee and take a deep breath while carefully choosing my words.
"I've gotten a few more calls from the prison, all of which I've ignored. He left one voicemail saying I needed to answer his calls, calling me names and saying he's all I have left and need him." I can tell the frustration is evident on my face.
Liam's words don't surprise me, including the irony in them. His saying that I "need him" is almost comical, considering he's locked in a cage, and the last person I need or want anything from is Liam. Instead of sayinghe needs me,he must try to manipulate the situation.Go figure. He's desperate, and I honestly have no feelings for his emotions. I've been numb to Liam and anything concerning him longer than I'd like to remember. His threats don't even seem to phase me at this point.
One year ago, Liam was convicted of domestic abuse against his then-girlfriend. This isn't Liam's first arrest nor his first go at serving time. This has become common for him. Somehow, he keeps getting out. He seems to serve time repeatedly for little charges but has never been investigated for the ones he and I both know he's guilty of.
There will never be space in my heart for forgiveness when it comes to him. I may hope he changes, but even if he does, itwill never be enough to change our relationship. He's caused the damage that I'm pushing through.
Liam should be in jail for at least another four years this time. His imprisonment gives me more peace than I can describe.
I know who he is and what he's capable of more than anyone, and I mean it when I say that the world is a better place when Liam is locked away. I know how cruel that makes me sound, but honesty and truth aren't always soft.
Mr. Earl shakes his head in disgust with Liam as he can see the frustration taking over my entire mood, "I'm sorry for bringing him up," he says.
"It's okay, but it is time for me to take you inside. I need to get going home and catch up on my beauty sleep," I say with a soft laugh, pointing out the bags under my eyes and attempting to lighten the mood. He nods as we head back inside.
I remind him that I'm off for the next few days and make him promise not to forget me while I'm gone. He laughs, and we say our goodbyes, which always include a soft hug and no words.
This shift was long, and that conversation could have been heavy. My brain is drained, and I need to get some sleep. I make my way out to my car and tell Dessa goodbye with a wave.
As I turn the blow dryer off and the silence suddenly fills the air, my attention gets pulled to the laughter and giggles in the next room.
Growing up, Izzy was always the one who was anti-relationship. I was surprised if she slept with a guy more than once. We both were, honestly. I'm glad she found Maverick, andhe's changed her mind and heart. For a while, I was worried she'd never want to settle down and date anyone. Now look at us. Oh, how the tables have turned. I don't mind it; her happiness is enough to make me happy-most days.
Being alone does get lonely. Although Doctor Carr made valid points about reopening myself, I don't see the point. Believe it or not, I was a hopeless romantic at one point. I loved love and the idea of it. When I had it, I embraced it and reveled in it.
