Free Next August by Kelly Moore Page B

on the side of the road. When he struck my dad’s car from behind, he lost control. His truck hit the railing on a small bridge. He plummeted over the edge into the water. Yes, he died, but my dad was passed out in his car. He never even knew what happened. He was drunk, but he was parked off the road. The man’s family insisted that my dad’s drunkenness played a key role in the accident, and he should pay. The court dismissed all charges against my father, but the family has been out for vengeance ever since. I thought if they believed he was dead, then they would let it go. Evidently not. They want me to pay.
    I need some air.
    I take the stairs to the rooftop. I walk over to the railing and stare out into the city. I can see Pike’s Market from here. There is always a crowd by the water. As much as I love this city, I would rather be in Utah. It is a different kind of beauty. It has a peacefulness that I can’t find here.
    I loosen my tie to release some of the forebodings that phone call brought with it. I wonder if I should call Nashville and cancel our plans. I should keep things on a professional level with her. The thought displeases me. I don’t want to keep her at arm’s length. I want her in my bed. Still, I don’t want her any more involved in the secretive part of my life than she already is.
    I call her with every intention of canceling until I hear that sweet southern drawl.
    “Did you miss me so soon?” She teases as she answers.
    I just can’t do it.” Yes.”
    She must sense my ache.” Are you okay?”
    “Yeah, I’m better now that I have heard your voice. It’s just been a long rough day at work.”
     
    ☀
     
    “Margaret, I need a car. I have a meeting.”
    “I’ll have a driver wait out front for you, but I don’t recall a meeting on your schedule?”
    She keeps close tabs on me.” I don’t need a driver. I just need a car. It’s a last minute meeting. I forgot to tell you this morning.”
    “I’ll take care of the car, but it’s not like you to not update me.”
    I can’t be angry with her for her concern, but I just need to get the hell out of here.” You’re right. I usually don’t forget. But I did today. I need the car in ten minutes.”
     
    ☀
     
    I feel a little unsteady when I park at the cemetery. The loneliness I feel here always depresses me, but I need to see her. I walk through the maze of headstones. For years, there was only a small memorial on her grave. With the first real money I made, I replaced it with a statue of an angel. Canailles surround her. She used to grow them in our yard. The smell of them reminds me of her. Our house never felt like home again after she died. Dad made life so difficult. I know he missed her and blamed me, but I missed her too.
    “Hi, Mom. The flowers are looking nice. You would love them. Dad is the same.” I swallow hard.” Sam just graduated from high school. You would be proud of him, just like I am. And Claire…you two could have been good friends. She reminds me of you. Shit has stirred up with dad again. I should’ve expected it.”
    I sit on a bench I had placed by her gravesite.” I have a beard now.” I fumble for words.” I cut my hand when I was mountain climbing with Sam and I met a girl. She has the most beautiful blue eyes. She’s sweet and smart. She’s not at all like other woman that I’ve met. You would love her. I’m not sure what to do with her. My life has been so fucked up for years, I don’t want her involved, but I feel like this woman could be my lifeline. The funny thing is, I just met her, but her soul draws me into her. She has a light about her that I can’t explain. I need her, and I haven’t needed anyone in years.”
    I ignore the phone vibrating in my pocket and I keep talking to her like she hears me. I used to do this every week, now I don’t come but every couple of months. Some people would be surprised to see a grown man talking to a stone angel, especially a man who is