Page 9 of Everything After

So, I figured I’d write you this letter to get something off my chest. The preacher here says there’s nothing like cutting straight to the chase when your life’s on the line, especially if you’re distracted by unresolved thoughts.

So, here goes. I need you to know, that I know. What do I know? That you and Alfie are… Hell, I don’t know what the fuck’s going on, but there’s something going on between you. You’re not boyfriend and girlfriend, that’s for sure. Frankly, I can’t ever imagine Alfie Black being any girl’s long-time boyfriend.

You know I love Alfie like he’s a brother, but Sie, you’re blood, and precious. Youdeserve better. Don’t get me wrong, Alfie’s one hell-of-a-guy. But I’d bet my life he’ll never tie himself down to a monogamous relationship, no matter how much he likes a girl.

Please, I’m begging you, Sie, do yourself a favor and let him go. Find yourself a guy that thinks you’re the moon and the stars, one that feels he can’t breathe when he loses sight of you in a room. A man who’ll treat you like the queen that you are.

All that said, I don’t believe Alfie would ever be mean just to mess with you. He’s the kind of guy who acts on lust. You know, I think he’s destined to be a rock star, living a life on the road, and wherever he lays his head, and I’d bet the pants off my ass, his bed will likely never be empty.

Next time I call, we’re going to talk about this. So, I’m bringing this up now to prepare you. This letter is advice given with love. I know he’s started college, so I doubt you’ll see much of him again.

Sister, I love you both in different ways, so don’t go letting him break your heart and make me hate him.

That’s all I’ve got to say, except that I love you and I’ll call you next Sunday, if I’m still alive and back on base.

Take care of yourself for me. Tell the ‘olds’ I’m fine and I send my love.

Gary. X

CHAPTER 6

ALFIE

I stole a stunned glance toward Sienna before I focused again on the note in my hand. My heart stopped for a beat for the second time that day, when I saw the date on the letter. A gasp left my lungs before I swallowed back the lump in my throat—the letter had been written on the day that he’d died.

“Fuck, Sienna,” I muttered as I swept a hand through my hair, not knowing what to say.

“You saw the date?” she asked.

I nodded, but choked out, “I thought he’d have hated the idea of us together.”

“Looks like he left us to figure it out, despite his feelings. He was right about one thing though. You didn’t keep in touch from the moment you went to college,” she replied, taking the letter from me, and stuffing it carefully back into the envelope.

“What can I say? We were just kids. I’m sorry if I hurt you… or Gary.”

“Well, look at you now. All grown up with a rock star wife n’all. No babies though. Is that the sacrifice she made to keep you?”

I shot Sienna a dark, puzzled look. “Sacrifice?” I asked, my gaze darkening.

“Yeah. You’ve been married for years, and no kid. I’m thinking that kids would cramp your style… or hers. Am I right?”

“Is that what you think? If so, you’re way off and so was Gary. That comment he made in his letter about a man not being able to breathe… that’s exactly how I feel when I’m not with my wife. Lily and I lead busy, complicated lives. She’s an independent woman who knows her own mind. She’s still young and not ready to be a mom, that’s all,” I remarked, pissed that Sienna found my one sore point and picked off the scab.

“Oh, sounds like I might have touched a nerve there,” she gloated, reminding me how astute she had always been at gauging my feelings.

I shrugged because she had a point. I’d been ready for fatherhood for a few years now. Lily and I were the only married couple in our friendship group without children. We’d discussed it on occasion, and although Lily wasn’t against it, she’d expressed a need to wait.

Thankfully, just then, my cell phone interrupted our conversation.

“It’s Lily,” I stated, relieved for the reprieve from Sienna’s scrutiny. “Hey,” I answered, smiling.

“We’ll be touching down in an hour or so. Are you coming to meet me?” Lily asked. She sounded exhausted.

“Sure. I can’t wait, baby. It’s been a tough five weeks without you,” I confessed.

“Tell me we’re staying home tonight,” she blurted.

“Oh, don’t worry,” I replied, chuckling. “I even had the housekeeper stock up a gallon of vanilla ice cream.”