Romance: The Second Chance - Contemporary Romance (Romance, Contemporary Romance, Suspense Romance Book 1) (4 page)

             
T
he old Ford pickup groaned and coughed as it drifted to a halt. Pushing Rudy’s nose away, Eli killed the ignition by his side, but the engine roared on with a mind of its own. He'd been meaning to buy a replacement, but couldn't let it go. He was afraid the memories would go along with it, memories that were attached as tightly as the steering wheel. The money he’d poured in to keep her running was more than the cost of an upgrade, but Eli was well aware there were some things in life money couldn't buy, and were worth holding on to.

              He popped the emergency brake, just in case, and took a second to admire the view. He'd been lucky to find someone leaving just as he’d pulled into the lot. Perfect timing. He now sat just feet away from the start of the beach, nothing to obscure his view of the ocean.

              This was the first
really
nice day of the season, and the beach was packed. The water was finally warm enough for the less devoted novice surfers to be out too. Some of the more passionate, mostly locals, didn't care how cold the water was, and rode as long as the waves were good.

              Eli swung his door open, careful not to hit the luxury sedan to his left. Rudy immediately leapt across his lap and out the open door. Nearly slamming his head into the sedan, but catching himself just in time. Rudy had a way of getting too excited about things, and nothing excited him more than a day at the beach. He ran full out toward the beach, stopping halfway down to the water and then turning back with a huge slobber-caked grin on his face, tail going furiously.

              Eli liked to come here with Rudy when he wasn't working, regardless of the weather. He liked to walk the shore and listen to the thundering waves. Watching the tide rise and fall for hours. Needing nothing more than a cup of hot chocolate and his thoughts. Sometimes he almost preferred the solitude of an empty beach on a cloudy day. Watching the clouds crawl slowly across a dim skyline. Sometimes he wished he was a cloud. Able to see everything from a distance, and not get too attached. Able to see the big picture.

Watching the clouds crawl slowly across a dim skyline. Sometimes he wished he was a cloud. Able to see everything from a distance              He enjoyed thinking, and did that best when alone. Away from chatter. Away from others. Only the seagulls to hear, and Rudy to comfort. Perfection.

              But some days he enjoyed watching people, too. Discovering what made them happy, then using that for others. Making people happy was something he had devoted his life to ever since Hannah's death, and then the accident. If he couldn't have joy in his own life, he might as well try to bring it to others. It helped fill the void in his heart—and released some of the guilt.

              As he approached Rudy, Eli gave him a non-verbal command to sit. The dog was extremely well trained, but it helped that Eli had had time, patience, and love to spare. He loved to play with Rudy, and made up dumb games with him all the time. This was one of them. He would make Rudy sit while he made his way towards the shore. Stopping short only to take his shoes off slowly... agonizingly slowly. Then he would stare at Rudy. Who would be begging,
pleading
, for Eli to let him loose. To let him be free and join him. Then, when Eli was ready, and Rudy all but whimpering, he would say “
now!
” and they raced for the water.

              This time, like always, Rudy caught up and won. Dancing around in water as a show of celebration. Boasting at Eli's expense.

              “Alright bud, you won this time. But next time you won't be so lucky.” Eli said, ruffling the dog’s fur.

              Walking in, until the waves reached just below his ankles, Eli started down the coastline toward the pier. Rudy followed a little further out. Eli liked walking underneath it, how the waves crashed against the pillars. He liked hearing the people up above, how unaware they were of the power moving beneath them.

              As he walked, Eli thought about yesterday—about Abby. He longed to see her. Her beautiful face. He needed it, but didn’t know why. He didn’t even know her; he’d only met her once. Only spoken a few words to her. But he couldn't escape that feeling, the one that comes only once a lifetime. He’d already felt it, used it, cherished, and lost it. He had no business feeling something like love again, and should have felt guilty even entertaining the notion, but he didn't. He couldn't. This was beyond his control and understanding; the only thing he
did
understand was the way she made him feel. An electric shock to his nervous system. A bolt of passion, of energy. A force, screaming at him to
pay attention, this is important
!

              He had to understand. He had to see her again.

~*~

              The sun was so warm and comfortable, Abby nearly dozed off. She’d folded her sweater up underneath her head, since she hated picking sand out of her scalp days later, and had maybe gotten a little too comfortable. Molly was gone. She’d found a surfer she liked, and after spending 20 minutes failing to learn his craft, had left with him. Watching her had been exactly as painful Abby had thought it would be. Molly’s frail body slamming again and again into the water, struggling to make the tricky transition from belly to feet. The golden-haired surfer boy had been extremely patient, picking her up, setting her up perfectly for another wave. Another chance. But Abby had been almost relieved when Molly finally gave up, and she hadn’t so much as called out to them when they left.

              She liked seeing Molly have a good time. Liked watching her act silly and carefree. It was something Abby had lost, and something she greatly admired in her friend. Even after all her previous struggles and hardships with men, it never stopped her, or even slowed her down. Abby had chained herself to the past, but Molly looked optimistically towards the future. It wasn't necessarily the best strategy, but it had to be better that letting your past control your future. Maybe the key lay in finding a happy medium. Somewhere between the past and the future. Living in the moment. Learning day to day.

              A great idea in theory, but tough to live out.

              Just as the thought began to dissipate in Abby's mind, she heard quick scratching steps coming towards her. She squinted, blinded by the sun, as a golden blob made its way towards her. Though this wasn't a blob, it was...a dog. A beautiful yellow lab.

              Abby hadn’t owned a dog since she was growing up—a little beagle named Tebow, who’d died when she was away—but she still loved them. She whistled gently, and the dog leapt wholeheartedly towards her, nearly knocking her to the ground in his excitement. All Abby could do was laugh, hands up in surrender. She’d forgotten how much she missed this. She sat up and started petting and scratching the dog all over, and it flopped immediately over onto its back. While she scratched its belly, Abby searched his neck for a collar. There wasn’t one.

              “What's your name, cutie?”

              “Rudy,” a voice called. The dog leapt from her lap and darted towards it.

              Abby looked up and to see a familiar face. She'd know those deep green eyes anywhere.

              “His name's Rudy,” he said. Confident, steady. “Abby, right?” The devilish grin he wore was enough to make her knees weak.

              “Yes.” Abby forced. Being both flattered and terrified. “I'm sorry, what was your name again?” A lie, she already knew,
Eli
, how could she forget? But she couldn't possibly let him know that. Or how much their previous meeting infiltrated her thoughts. Infecting her delicate emotions.

              He chuckled. “Eli” he said, and then offered his hand. She reached up and shook it. His grip was firm, but gentle. “I see you and Rudy have already met.”

              “Oh yeah, sorry about that. He's such a beautiful dog, and I used to have one growing up....” Abby shook her head to focus. She didn't need to tell this man anything from her past. Much less something from her childhood. He was probably just being polite, or patronizing, even—or he was crazy, a psychopath, or—

              “No need to explain. Rudy here loves strangers. Though I have to admit, I've never seen him so fond of someone he just met before.” Eli went over to Rudy, and placed his hand on the dog's head. “Might sound strange, but he can usually sense those in need of a little companionship. Not saying that's you, but he was abused when he was little, so he knows how important it is to be there for people who might get overlooked.” He started rubbing the top of the dog’s head. “That's how me and him met. He knew I needed someone, and I figured he did too. We've been inseparable ever since.”

              Abby had always had a sweet spot for animals, especially dogs, but the fact that he sensed weakness in her filled her with terror, as though she’d been exposed. She put her hand over her hip.

              “So what brings you out here?” A stupid question, but she needed to change the subject.

              “Just getting some fresh air for Rudy. I like taking him here, though I'll admit I like it a whole lot more when it isn't so crowded.”

              Abby nodded. She could relate. She liked being alone too, but she’d learned a long time ago that there was safety in numbers. She smiled weakly, at a loss for what to say next.

              “How about you?” He continued. “Is seeing your gorgeous face going to start becoming a trend around here?”

              Oh no, another compliment. It stung in the weirdest possible way, like touching a raw nerve.

              She forced a faint laugh. “Maybe.” This time a real smile snuck beneath her lips, quietly, before she could stop it.

              Rudy, still pacing and wriggling with pent-up energy, began to bark.

              “Hush Rudy,” Eli barked back.

              Abby shook her head. “No it's okay, you take him. I was just about to head out anyway.” A lie.

              “You sure?” Eli asked, unmistakably disappointed.

              “Yeah, I need to head back to my grandmother. She's expecting me soon.”

              Another lie, and one that visibly disappointed Eli. She couldn't falter now, though.

              Abby stood up, dusting, off her sweater. Molly was nowhere in sight—probably off proclaiming her vows to the surfer she’d met an hour ago. They could meet up later, though; Abby needed to leave. She began walking towards to the road, and was halfway there when Eli called out to her.

              “When will I see you again?”

              “Tomorrow,” Abby said, and then nearly slapped her hand over her mouth. She had
not
meant to say that.

              “Perfect!” A huge grin came over his face. “I'll see you tomorrow, then.”

              Abby didn't trust herself to say anything more. She just smiled, and walked off. Rudy was still barking as she left. The sound of it reminded her of her little beagle, and that proved to be the final straw to a very taxing day. The floodgates opened. With all that had happened in the last few days, with all the memories that had surfaced again, she just couldn't help it anymore, burst into tears. She cried the whole way back to Melody's, and slipped into the shower before Melody could see her. The last thing she needed was for her grandma to see her like this.

             
Tomorrow
she thought. Laying her head against the porcelain wall, trying desperately to make sense of everything. It was no use. Eventually, she stopped trying, and did what she always did in times like this: shut off. Shut off completely, so that she couldn't feel anything. Especially the hurt.

             
Tomorrow....

             
Then, nothing.

              As Abby rushed to lay down the hot casserole burning through the worn out mitten, she heard the front door open. Loud footsteps echoed throughout the hallow walls.

              “Hey sweetie! How was your day?” Abby called out.

              No answer.

              “Tucker?”

              Still nothing.

             
Something's wrong.

             
Abby carefully made her way out of the kitchen towards the front door. As she approached, she saw it had been left wide open, and that there was no sign of her boyfriend. She closed the door, turning toward the hallway—but he was already there. All six feet of him, thin and lanky but far stronger than Abby. And he reeked of booze and body odor.

But one of his hands was twitching; his nose was pink, and his eyes were restless. Alcohol was an afterthought to whatever was really coursing through his veins. She didn’t smell any marijuana, though—his usual drug of choice—which meant it was something else. Something worse.

              Suddenly, Abby was afraid.

             
“
Hey,” she managed. “Are you okay?”

              He smiled, but not joyfully. More like he had something bad planned, and was excited for it.

              “Fine, baby,” he said, wiping his nose. “Why don't you come here? I had a long day and I need you.”

              She'd never seen him like this before. When he and Abby first met, he’d been so loving and tender towards her. Being there for her when her parents weren't. He was her rock, and she needed him.

              He'd previously admitted to her that he'd used drugs recreationally in the past. Which eventually lead to experimentation with harder and harder stuff. Anything he could do to replicate that perfect high. However, after ODing and nearly dying, he’d vowed to quit forever, and assured Abby he had been sober for over two years. Abby hadn’t told her parents, but they’d disliked him regardless and, feeling they’d betrayed her, began spending more and more time with Tucker. Not three months after she moved to Texas, Abby found out he was using again. She pleaded with him to stop, but he wouldn't. He said it was only for recreational use. That he could handle it. Saying he only needed it after
really
tough days, working construction in the hot Texas sun. Abby continued to encourage him, tell him that he didn't need drugs, but after a heated confrontation, with him screaming and cussing in her face, she stopped her efforts completely. Out of fear. That should have been her first warning. A sign to run while she still had the chance. But she didn't.

              Abby knew something was wrong in their relationship, that she needed to leave. But she couldn't. She’d defied her parents; she’d left without so much as a goodbye. Instead, she began to lie to herself. It was just the drugs. If she could manage to keep Tucker sober, they could live their lives together, get married, have kids, the way they were supposed to. Everything she ever wanted. But it was all just wishful thinking, and Abby knew now that her suspended reality was about to come crashing down to earth.

              She didn't move.

              “Come
here
, I said!” Trying to control his rapid breathing. “Abby, baby, I’m sorry, just—I don't want to  yell at you, but please just... come here. I need you. I need
all
of you.”

              Was he implying what it sounded like he was?

              “It's alright sweetie” she said. “But, don't you want to eat first? I just made us a lovely dinner. Fresh out of the oven, even.” She forced a pleasant smile.

              “No. I want you. Now.”

              The focus. The lack of emotion. Was all overwhelming Abby. She needed to think fast, think of something, or else she'd be trapped.

              “Alright Tucky, but just let me freshen up in the bathroom quick. I'm all sweaty from cooking dinner, and I don't want you to have to smell that.”

              She prayed he bought it.

              He looked around the floor of the room, as if mulling it over in his head. “Okay.” He finally said. “But hurry!”

              He looked twitchy and uncertain, as though he thought someone was watching him. Completely out of touch with reality, and stuck in his own twisted drug-induced world.

              “I will.” She said, as romantically as she could manage, and went back into the kitchen.

             
The back door.

             
She knew what she needed to do.

              She crept out the back of the kitchen, making her way towards the back door. She couldn't hear anything, but she knew he
was there. She edged her way along the wall until it turned into the back hallway, which, although it wasn't visible from the living room, connected to it at the end. He would hear her opening the door. She would have to be quick. She slipped off her shoes. They'd slow her down.

              Abby tried to control her breathing, hoping she wasn't making as much noise as she thought. But she couldn't wait any longer. The time was now, and if she missed this opportunity, she may never get another.

              Trembling, she slowly crept one eye around the corner, but couldn't see anything.

             
A little further... just a little...
there
.

              There was no one near the door that she could see. Before she could psych herself out of it, she ran for it. She reached for the handle and gave it a swift turn.

              It didn't budge.

              Her heart sank, eyes shot wide open. She hadn't locked this door, meaning someone else
had. Meaning Tucker had. Meaning he’d known that this might happen, and worse yet, expected it.

              Before she could do anything more she heard his rough voice coming from the living room to her left. “Abby.” It made her blood run cold.

              There he was. Standing. Preternaturally still... ready to pounce.

              The hands that used to comfort and make her feel safe now twitched by his sides.

              He shook his head.

              “Wrong choice.”

              Abby screamed.