Chapter 61

Adam

Islam the empty shot glass onto the oak bar harder than I intended. "Another JD, straight up. Make it a double . . . please."

Yosemite Sam's bartender gives me a sympathetic look and then turns to Zane, who shakes his head.

"Sorry, mate. Your tab is closed."

I blink away the fuzziness, unable to conjure up any anger for being cut off. I know I hit my limit several drinks ago.

To the bartender, Zane says, "Before you close the tab, can I get a double espresso to go?"

When he is served, Zane takes hold of my elbow. "Time to go, buddy. I'll give you a ride home."

Zane helps me into the passenger seat of his car then hands over the takeaway cup. "Drink it up, bro. Better than hair of the dog."

Back at my place, Zane forces me into the shower, fully clothed, and blasts on the cold water.

I shriek. "Why are you doing this to me!"

"Because you would do the same for me. Correction, you have done the same for me. Best cure for the lovelorn."

Fifteen minutes later, I am on the sofa shivering in an old pair of sweatpants and a Broncos t-shirt. My hair is still wet.

Zane hands me a second cup of steaming coffee. "It's been two weeks, bro. Time to move on."

I shake my head and take a careful sip of the beverage. "Not gonna happen. She's the one, Zane. But she's gone," I say, noting I sound like a Garth Brooks' song. "I called, texted. She wants nothing to do with me. I don't know what else to do."

I look out the window. A few flurries are beginning their descent. I think back to the morning after the wedding. I was saying goodbye to my parents even as Mom avoided eye contact with me. Thankfully, the newlyweds were sleeping in. The last thing I wanted was another run-in with Steph. That's when a wedding attendant returned the ring I gave to Evie. It was a karate kick to my gut.

After kissing my mother's cheek and offering my third apology, my dad walked me to the Honda and put an arm around my shoulder.

"You blew it, big time, son. But give her time. She'll forgive you."

I wasn't sure if Dad meant Steph or Mom. Six of one. "Right. Okay," I'd said.

My father caught my eye. "It doesn't matter how old she is."

At first confused, it dawned on me that he was talking about Evie.

"Nor does it matter that she has grown kids. And despite what you both did, she is something special. What does matter is that you love her."

"Is it that obvious?"

"As the nose on your lovesick face."

"Thanks, Dad. But she left."

Dad gave me a concerned look. "Where's that fighting spirit? Where's the guy who bought and sold several companies, making a success out of each one?"

My shoulders slumped as I walked around the car and got behind the wheel.

My father leaned on the open driver's door. "I've never seen you like this with anyone. Do what you have to do to fix it."

I've tried. Every day for two weeks.

Zane coughs, pulling me from my thoughts. "How about we conquer Half Dome tomorrow?"

I eye my friend. It's exactly what I need. A challenging hike until my toes bleed and every muscle in my body aches. Anything to forget the wedding. To forget what a first-class jerk I've been, standing by, not speaking up in Evie's defense. To forget how devastated I was when I looked for her behind the Nordic Center ready to apologize and profess my love, only to discover she was already gone.

"Earth to Adam."

I blink away the intrusive thoughts once more. "I'm not ready for Half Dome. I still need to train more for it."

"Then we'll train. I'll pick you up at six thirty. Better get to bed. Looks like you need your beauty sleep. Badly."

I grunt and watch Zane head to the door. "Thanks, you know for?—"

Zane gives me a thumbs up and with a smile in his eyes, lets himself out.