Page 136 of The Hot Shot

“You were right, though,” he rasps before clearing his throat. “I needed to get some clarity. Figure out what’s important.”

Something inside me cracks. I think it’s my heart. I draw in a ragged breath. “Me, too.”Don’t cry. You’re fine. Fine.“This job has been a dream come true. Really, really. Good.”

That’s descriptive. You don’t sound at all like you’re falling apart.

He pauses. “I’m glad. You deserve... good things.”

Neither of us says anything. And then Finn tries again. “We made the playoffs.”

“I heard. I’m... so happy for you.”

Someone in the background yells for Finn. I close my eyes, knowing my time is up.

His voice is stronger now, but more distant. “I’ve got to go.”

I feel every cold mile between us.

“Yeah. Me too. I’ve been so busy...” I swallow hard.

“That’s good. I’m glad.”

God, we’re horrible now. “Good luck, Finn.”

It’s so quiet on his end, I think he’s hung up. But then he speaks, his voice soft and full of regret. “Sleep well, Chess.”

It’s only after the line is dead and I’m back at work that I remember he’d said the same words to me before. On the night we met, when I’d left him at my apartment door, intent on walking right out of his life.

Finn

The door to my condo opens. I don’t bother looking up from the TV. I know it’s not who I want to see. Keys jangle and then Charlie walks into the room.

“Manny,” he says, glancing at me then the TV. “What are you watching?”

“Singles.” My voice sounds as if it has been dragged over rust before breaking free. Charlie takes a seat next to me.

“Never seen it.”

“You’re missing out on the glory that is Cliff Poncier and Citizen Dick.”

“Citizen Dick?” He makes a sound of amusement.

I cut him a glance. “They were underrated.”

“If you say so.”

We watch for a few minutes. Every time Steve and Linda are on screen, my chest hurts.You broke his heart, Linda.

Yes, I am a fucking masochist.

“This looks like a chick movie,” Charlie says out of the blue.

“According to Chess, every movie is a chick movie.” It isn’t easy saying her name out loud, but I refuse to make her a ghost.

He’s silent for a moment. “I guess she has a point.”

“She usually does.”Fuck.I need some antacid.

Charlie turns my way. “You talk to her lately?”