“So, uh, what’s going on? Are you here to work out? Or am I missing something?” she asks. She always was one to get straight to the point.
I admire how she’s grown to be even more sexy since the last time I saw her. Ignoring her question, I ask about her. “How have you been?”
Her eyebrows dip. “Uh, I’m fine. How about you, how have you been?”
I hate to do it, but I want to hear the status of her relationship from her. “I’m good. A detective now… in Knox.”
She smiles and walks behind the counter, putting space between us. “I heard that. Carrie mentioned it. She says you’re loving the big city life too.”
I nod my head but don’t comment. Actually, I’ve missed Forest Grove since I left it. I left to get away from her and to make something of myself. Now I work fifty plus hours a week and don’t have a lot of free time. “I hear you’re married now and have a daughter.”
“Divorced, actually. And yes, I have a daughter. Katie is four.” She seems unhappy, but I’m not sure if it’s because she still loves David, or if it’s because she’s afraid of him.
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” I lie to her. I know what a piece of shit David is, and she definitely deserves better than him.
“So let me tell you why I’m here. While I’m in town visiting I’m helping the local PD.” I rub my chin awkwardly because that’s the second lie I’ve told her now in about five minutes. “And, well, we got the call about Logan’s car.”
“What happened to your car, Logan?”
Logan, who has been talking to people as they come in to work out, stops and looks at Chrissy. It’s obvious he doesn’t want to tell her, causing me to believe that he doesn’t really think it’s just some kids. On some level, he knows that her ex-husband did this.
Chrissy
When Bart tells me he’s helping out the local PD while he’s in town visiting family and got called in because someone slashed up Logan’s seats, I know it had to be David. I am thinking about how I’ll replace Logan’s interior but keep the fact that it was David who did it to myself. I remember him putting the knife away yesterday when I walked outside. Why didn’t I ask him about it?
“So Logan mentioned that your ex-husband has been coming around lately and that he’s had a few run-ins with him in the past. Do you think David could’ve done this?”
Surprised, I look over at Logan. “You didn’t tell me that. Why didn’t you tell me that he’s been bothering you?”
Logan stands up and puts his hand on my shoulder. “Uh, because I can take it. I’m not afraid of him, and I didn’t want to put more stress on you. I know you’re dealing with enough with the divorce and Katie. It hasn’t been a big deal.”
Deflated, I answer Bart, although not with the whole truth. “David was here to pick me up yesterday, and he was angry about me talking to Logan when I met him. I thought at the time it was harmless jealousy.” I shake my head, leaving out the fact that I know he has a knife. Surely, he wouldn’t have done that. Why would he? I’m so embarrassed that I ever married such a low-life.
“You may want to consider getting more security put into the place.” Bart is looking around the room and obviously notices the lack of cameras.
I cross my arms over my chest and nod my head. Heck, he’s probably right. After the way David acted last night at the end of the night, I’m going to maybe need more than a few cameras. I’m going to need a really good lawyer too.
Bart is looking at me with concern; no doubt he can see that I’m nervous. “Are you worried about your safety concerning David?”
I hesitate briefly but shake my head. “I’m not.”
He keeps watching me, and I know he knows I’m lying. Thankfully, he doesn’t question me. Always the reassuring and kind guy, he takes a step toward me. “Call me anytime if you find yourself needing me for anything.”
I take the card he’s holding out and put it into my pocket. “Thanks,” I mutter.
“Logan, you too. You need anything, let us know. We’ll get this figured out.”
Logan thanks him and then tells me he’s going to go, and he’ll be back later for his shift.
I know he’s upset about his car. He saved for that thing forever, and it’s been his pride and joy. One way or another, I’m determined that I’m going to get his seat fixed for him.
“Chrissy…” Bart starts but is interrupted when Leah, one of the women that frequents the gym, walks up to him.