Chapter 153 (1/2)
FINALLY THE LAST ONE is on and drying. My glider has its own FAA registration. November. Nine. Five. Two. Echo. Charlie.
Echo Charlie.
I look up and the light is fading. It’s late. My first thought is that I can show this to Ana.
No more Ana.
I clench my teeth and stretch my stiff shoulders. Standing slowly, I realize I haven’t eaten all day or had anything to drink, and my head is throbbing.
I feel like shit.
I check my phone in the hope that she’s called, but there’s only a text from Andrea.
CC Gala canx.
Hope all well.
A
While I’m reading Andrea’s message the phone buzzes. My heart rate immediately spikes, then falls when I recognize it’s Elena.
“Hello.” I don’t bother to disguise my disappointment.
“Christian, is that any way to say hi? What’s eating you?” she scolds, but her voice is full of humor.
I stare out the window. It’s dusk over Seattle. I wonder briefly what Ana is doing. I don’t want to tell Elena what’s happened; I don’t want to say the words out loud and make them a reality.
“Christian? What gives? Tell me.” Her tone shifts to brusque and annoyed.
“She left me,” I mutter, sounding morose.
“Oh.” Elena sounds surprised. “Want me to come over?”
“No.”
She takes a deep breath. “This life isn’t for everyone.”
“I know.”
“Hell, Christian, you sound like shit. Do you want to go out to dinner?”
“No.”
“I’m coming over.”
“No, Elena. I’m not good company. I’m tired and I want to be alone. I’ll call you during the week.”
“Christian…it’s for the best.”
“I know. Good-bye.”
I hang up. I don’t want to talk to her; she encouraged me to fly down to Savannah. Perhaps she knew this day would come. I scowl at the phone, toss it onto my desk, and go in search of something to drink and eat.
I EXAMINE THE CONTENTS of my fridge.
Nothing appeals.
In the cupboard I find a bag of pretzels. I open them and eat one after the other as I walk to the window. Outside, night has fallen; lights twinkle and wink through the pouring rain. The world moves on.
Move on, Grey.
Move on.
SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2011
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