Page 32 of The Sun Sister

‘Because...I let you down big time.’

‘Yeah, you did, but that’s all in the past. You had your reasons. I understand.’

‘Well, you’re being mighty generous, Electra, but that sure doesn’t make me feel like any less of a jerk. It wouldn’t have been right to carry on when I knew it just couldn’t work.’

I waited for the ‘but’, but it never came.

‘I’m real glad you’ve moved on,’ he said instead. ‘I never wanted to hurt you.’

‘I told you, I’m okay.’

This conversation really wasn’t going the way I’d imagined it would, so I pulled out of his arms, reached for the ‘water’ bottle and took another swig.

‘Looks like you’re clean too.’

‘I am,’ I agreed as I swallowed a large gulp of vodka. It was time to cut the crap. ‘So, why are you here?’

‘Because...because I have something to tell you.’

‘Oh, what?’

‘Well, I wanted you to know before it was officially announced. I kinda felt I owed it to you.’

I stared at him silently, having no idea what it was he wanted to tell me but that it sure wasn’t going to be a declaration of undying love.

‘I’m getting married,’ he announced, ‘to a wonderful lady I met on the tour. She’s a backing singer and from the South like me. We just fit together, y’know?’

I’d heard descriptions of blood turning to ice, but until this moment, I’d never experienced it.

‘Congratulations,’ I managed, almost choking with the effort.

‘Thanks. Now I feel stupid coming here to tell you in person, because it’s obvious you’re doin’ just fine.’

‘I am, oh yes, I really am,’ I said, using every ounce of self-control I’d ever possessed not to pick up the heavy bronze statuette that stood on the glass coffee table and crash it onto his handsome, arrogant head.

‘So, I guess that’s it. I’m gonna tell the fans tomorrow night on stage – pull Sharon forward and just put it out there.’

I watched him nod at the rightness of the scenario he was clearly imagining. I remained silent, sucking hard on my straw, but there was nothing left to suck.

‘I can get you VIP tickets for tomorrow if you’d like.’

‘Sorry, I’m busy tomorrow night.’ I gave him a nonchalant shrug.

I watched him stand up. ‘Well then, I’ll leave you in peace. Gotta grab some sleep tonight. It’s a big day tomorrow.’

‘Sure sounds like it,’ I nodded, not moving.

He looked at me then, and maybe something in my expression gave him a hint.

‘Did I do the wrong thing by droppin’ by? I just—’

‘Mitch?’

‘Yeah?’

‘Will you get the hell out of my apartment?Now!’

I rose from the couch then and stood toe to toe with him.