Page 27

I ring the bell for the last call, exhausted from the previous couple of weeks of drama-filled excitement. My back hurts, I’ve drunk most of my meals of late, and I can not remember the last time I had more than three hours of uninterrupted sleep.

I have a full staff here at The Courthouse, but my duties go far beyond being the owner and manager.

I’m the Ambassador for the local motorcycle clubs. My bar is a safe haven, and when trouble brews and they don’t want to let shit spill onto the streets, we handle them here in my back room.

It’s completely practical since I owe no allegiance to any club.

So on top of the fact that I’m a control freak with OCD impulses who isn’t happy unless he’s micromanaging the place, I’m also fucking bored.

I wasn’t built to be a cowboy like Red or a fancy attorney like Colton.

Nor did I make it two days when I prospected for a local club, but bartending? That I can do.

Grandpa left this place to me since I loved working with him after school.

It’s my pride and joy.

I’m wiping down the counters when a slim, delicate hand with a massive rock on her ring finger stops my movements. I look up to see a woman with a short bob, sharp chin, and plump pink lips.

All of it was wasted on me since my tastes lean toward the opposite sex.

“You look lost, darlin’.” I drop my rag into the cleansing solution bucket and straighten up to look at her properly.

Something about her features seems so familiar.

“I’m looking for Clayton Justice.” I tilt my head slightly to see past the bar top, but nothing jogs my memory of where I know her from.

“You found him.” A loud bang of the chairs being flipped over makes her jump.

“Easy, how can I help you, Sugar? We’re prepping to close.” I wave at a few regulars as they exit.

“I believe you know my husband. Shane Montgomery.” My heart stops, and ice runs down my spine.

I haven’t heard that name in seven fucking years, and for good reason.

The man broke my heart.

“Knew him long ago. He dead?” She gasps and shakes her head.

“No, why would you ask that.” I shrugged and turned to put up some bottles, but I kept her in my sight through the mirror.

“Only reason why a wife would come looking for an ex-lover in my book.” Her cheeks tinge red.

Well, that wasn’t the reaction to the scandal I was expecting. Which means she knows Shane is bisexual.

“I realize this may be very awkward, but I need your help.” I laugh as I turn back around.

“With what, lady? Blow job tricks? I haven’t seen Shane in years, and I doubt he even remembers me.” She shakes her head.

“He does. Fondly. We’ve spoken about you many times.” That brings me up short.

“Well, kudos to you. Whatever you need, I can’t help you.” She sighs, takes off her coat, and makes herself comfortable.

“Have you ever been in love, Mr. Justice?” Oh, fuck you, lady.

“How dare you ask me that.” I hiss as she folds her arms on my bartop.

“I know what happened. I get why my presence here might be jarring. But if what Shane has told me is true, and he’s never given me a reason to doubt him, then you loved my husband very much.

If our parents hadn’t forced us to marry, you two would probably be together.

Or am I wrong?” She says it all so matter-of-factly that I’m not sure what to say.

“He’s been committed.” I shook my head.

“What?” She nods and takes out a file folder from the purse she holds in her lap.

“Two weeks ago, my husband attempted suicide. It’s been kept out of the news for obvious reasons.” She slips a note out that’s sealed in a plastic bag and passes it to me.

To my family and friends,

I can no longer deny who and what I am. I have sacrificed my life for the happiness and well-being of others. I need to find some peace of my own now.

I’m tired and just want to sleep. Grant me the peace I deserve. I hope to see my loved ones in my next life. Elena and Clayton, you were the only reason I didn’t give up sooner. I love you beyond measure, and I’m sorry I wasn’t strong enough to fight for us.

All my love,

Shane

I’m white-knuckling the bar top with tears dripping from my eyes.

“So now you see why I had to come. In his final moments, we were the only two people he cared about disappointing. You see, even though our marriage wasn’t our choice, we grew to love each other over the years, but it was never enough for him.

I wasn’t enough.” She chokes up, and I pass her a few napkins.

“Thank you.” She cleans her face, but I don’t bother.

My core has been rocked, and I’m not sure what the fuck I’m supposed to do or say here.

“Clayton, do you still love him?” I take a glance at her face and find not one ounce of malice on it.

“Yes,” I whisper.

I always have and always will, but I keep it to myself.

“I want to bring him home, but I’m scared he’ll try again. I’m here to ask you to please come see him.” I step away from the counter and shake my head.

“PLEASE!” Her desperation brings me up short yet again.

“I can’t.” She stands up, puts her coat back on, and then places a card on the bar. A

“I can’t save him without you, and he has too much to live for. This is the hospital. Please reconsider.” She turns away from me and before she reaches the door I call out to her.

“Elena!” She turns, and I can see the hope in her eyes.

“What can I possibly do that would save him? Seeing me again might just make things worse. Why would you even risk asking me for help?” She turns slightly, and that’s when I see the slight swell of her stomach.

“He has to live, Clayton. You’re the only person alive who can save my marriage and the father of my child.”

Oh, right. No pressure.

“Well, you don’t ask for much,” I comment as I pick up the card.

“Clayton, do you really want to chance him succeeding before you get to see him? All I’m asking you to do is see him, and if the feelings you had are still there, then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” How can she be so cavalier about this?

“You’re asking me to have an affair with your husband, lady. Do you hear how crazy that sounds?” I look back up, and she smiles softly.

“I promised to love him through sickness and health. Right now, his sickness is in the heart. I’m asking you to help me love him the way he deserves because his alternative is dying, and I do not accept that.” Christ. I think I just fell in love with Elena Montgomery.

“This is fucking crazy.” She nods as she opens the door.

“Love usually is.”