Battle

“No, Wyatt. You wanted this little meetin’. Let’s get the truth out.”

He glares at me with his jaw set firm, and his eyes wide. “I don’t think we need to do that.”

“Why?” I ask with renewed confidence. All of sudden, I’m grateful he planned this little get-together. Things have needed to be said for a while, and now I have the opportunity to speak up. “Have you not told your mother about the other women?”

“Wyatt,” Mrs. Daughtrey shrieks. “How could you cheat on Faye?”

“Yeah, Wyatt, how could you?” I’m gloating now, and it feels terrific.

“We weren’t together, Mom. I know I made a mistake. I’ve apologized to Faye, and I thought we were past it.”

His mother purses her lips, crossing her arms in front of her chest. My parents have sat quietly, and I wonder what they’re thinking.

“Young men do make mistakes. It’s how they grow, and if you weren’t together it’s not cheating.” Wyatt’s father’s pathetic attempt to defend his son sets me off.

“We were only apart because Wyatt dumped me in order to fuck who he wanted with a clear conscience.”

A collective gasp overwhelms the air. I realize my voice carried and people are staring.

“Faye Callahan, that’s enough.” My father’s

firm tone makes me feel like I’m still a child. I respond as though I am, by hanging my head, and stewing in my anger.

Our parents carry on, suggesting ways to mend my relationship with Wyatt. Don’t they realize we’re people, not a boo-boo they can make all better with a Band-Aid and a kiss? I want to scream and freak out, but we’re in public. I’ve already created a scene.

My phone vibrates. I glance at the screen to a text from Battle.

B: I’m sorry for how I acted and for every hurtful word. Forgive me.

My entire demeanor brightens as I smile involuntarily.

F: You were hurtful. But so was I. I’m sorry, too. I accept your apology, but I think it’s best if you hire Ginger to help you. I can’t work with you.

B: I understand. I’ll call her tomorrow.

I wonder about what making amends means for the two of us. Do we try to be friends? I don’t want a fling. He knows that. I don’t know what to say.

F: I’ll tell her to expect you.

B: Can we talk?

F: I’m having dinner with my parents.

B: Where are you? I can pick you up.

He wants to talk in person? Battle showing up here, with my parents and Wyatt and the Daughtrey’s would be a complete and utter disaster.

F: I’m at Flambard’s, but dinner is almost over. Can it wait until I get home? I’ll call you.

B: No. It can’t. I’m sorry, but you need to know… I don’t want more.

So much for my minute of happiness. This is officially the worst night of my life. I wrestle with how to reply, if at all. What do I say? I decide not to respond. Nothing will change Battle’s mind. He’s incapable of love and content to be alone.

In time, my heart will accept his decision. I slide the phone under my thigh. Conversation continues at the table, mostly mine and Wyatt’s parents’ reiterating their expectations of our future nuptials. They still think they can salvage our relationship.

Can they? Maybe I should be content to marry Wyatt and make my parents happy. It’s always been the plan. Life was good until Battle stormed into my life, like a tornado, wreaking havoc on my emotions.

No. Using Battle for an excuse is wrong, even if I’m hurt. My reasons for not wanting to be with Wyatt have nothing to do with Battle. Wyatt and I began growing apart years ago. I only have myself to blame for pretending as long as I did. Regardless of what my parents want, I’d rather be alone than ever get back together with Wyatt, let alone be his wife.