Page 60 of Mr. Perfect

What if they could try again?

Marla’s giggle snapped him out of his daydreams. She smiled knowingly at him.

“Yes, there could be.”

“But?” Marla prompted.

“I’d have to believe, trust, and try. I’m not sure I can.”

Marla squeezed his hand. “But you want to.” It wasn’t a question.

Felix released a shaky breath and nodded. “I do.” Admitting the truth out loud lifted a heavy weight from his shoulders. He’d never gotten over Jude, and maybe it was time he investigated why that was.

“Can a dying gal give you some advice?”

The back of Felix’s nose burned as tears filled his eyes. She’d come to mean so much to him, and they were running out of time.

“Don’t you do it,” Marla said sternly, waggling her finger. “What’s the rule?”

“No mourning you while you’re still living,” Felix answered obediently.

“When I was your age, I thought time was a limitless resource. It was a well that never ran dry. A lady who never aged. I was famous for saying ‘I’ll get to it tomorrow’ or ‘there’s plenty of time.’ I took so many things for granted, including the love of a good man. By the grace of God, Amos never gave up on me. Time isn’t limitless, baby. The well does run dry, and the lady not only turns old, but she gets fat and sings off-key. Who the hell wants to spend their last days stranded in Shouldacouldawouldaville? Not me. You shouldn’t either. If you have a shot at happiness, take it. You are fearless when it comes to uncovering truths and righting wrongs. Be courageous in love, my friend.”

Felix was too moved to speak, so he nodded and kissed her cheek.

Marla changed the conversation to lighter topics while they finished their frozen dairy treats. Amos’s Cadillac was in the driveway when they returned. He scowled at the unfamiliar vehicle until Felix got out.

“Hey, Felix,” he said. “I was wondering who the hell ran off with my woman.”

“I just stole her away for ice cream,” Felix said. He handed the cobbler dish to Amos, then helped Marla out of the SUV.

“Does that mean you won’t have an appetite for the catfish dinner I’ve planned?” Amos asked his wife.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Marla scoffed. “Don’t be stingy with the potato salad either. I know how you like to hoard it all for yourself.” She kissed Amos when they reached him on the porch.

“Felix, would you like to stay for dinner?” Amos asked.

Fried catfish and potato salad sounded delicious. “I don’t want to inconvenience you.”

“I wouldn’t have invited you to stay if it was an inconvenience,” he said. “Why don’t y’all come in out of this heat and visit in the air-conditioning?”

“You twisted my arm,” Felix said.

Felix and Marla settled in the living room. Marla sat in her recliner with Betty on her lap. Amos gave Felix a glass of sweet tea and Marla a glass of water so she could take some medication.

“I hate these damn pills,” Marla said. “They dull my brain.”

“Yeah, but they also dull the pain,” Amos said before dropping a kiss on her forehead. “That’s what counts. I’m going to start putting dinner together. Holler if you need me.”

“I will, baby.”

“Are you scared?” Felix asked when they were alone again.

“Of dying?” she asked.

Felix nodded.

“No. Living is much harder.” Marla gave him a pointed look, reminding him of their conversation earlier.