Because It's You (Carolina Rebels 2)

He only nods.

“Hey, Elizabeth,” I answer as I stand to leave.

“Hey. How was the game?”

“You didn’t listen?”

“Not tonight.”

“Oh, well, we won.”

“That’s good.”

“You sound tired.”

“I’m worn out,” she agrees. She sounds more than worn out; she sounds exhausted. She also doesn’t sound like she wants to talk to me, which begs the question: why did she call?

“Everything okay?” I ask as I step onto the elevator.

“Yeah.”

She’s lying, but I don’t push it. I need to pick my battles and I don’t want to fight or argue or discuss anything serious tonight.

“Well, I have a question for you.”

“Then ask it, Marc.” Her tone is a bit snippy, but I ignore that.

“Want to go on a date with me tomorrow?”

There’s a brief pause. “Not really.”

“Oh, come on. Don’t make this like our first date all over again. It’s a fun date, promise.”

“It doesn’t have anything to do with Christmas, does it?”

Her question confuses me a little, but I answer, “No.”

“Then I’ll go.” She’s quiet for just a moment as the elevator dings and the doors slide open. Her voice is soft as she adds, “I’m sorry, Marc.”

“For what?”

“For being in a bad mood. I bought the girls presents today, but since I waited so late, I had to go to the store instead of ordering online like I usually do and it wasn’t fun. Plus, I feel really guilty.” Her voice catches and I wish I was there with her right now. She’s probably close to tears. She shouldn’t be alone right now.

“Why?” I ask. I enter my room and lie down on my bed.

“Because I keep thinking about Roger while wishing you were here with me. It doesn’t feel right to think of him, but want you.”

“It’s okay, you know. I get it, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”

“You don’t? You’re not upset?”

“For how you feel? No, Elizabeth. You don’t ever have to worry about that.” Now, does it make me slightly uncomfortable? Of course. Who wants to be paired with a dead husband? But Elizabeth is trying her best to handle it when she doesn’t really know how, so I can’t get upset at how she feels. I’ll be glad when Roger is behind us, though. He’s probably always going to be around in some capacity, but I’m ready for when he’s not such a prominent figure with us.

“You’re too good for me,” she whispers.

“I really am,” I say seriously.

She laughs, making me smile, and I feel much better. “You’re so full of shit.”