Broken Dreams (Broken 2)

“Hey,” I said with a smile.

“Hey back, handsome. What are you boys up to?” Courtney asked.

“Sitting at the bar, drinking a few beers, shooting the shit, and watching football. You know, typical guy stuff.”

Courtney let out a giggle. “We just left the spa. I feel amazing. I’m so very relaxed. Thank you for that,” she said in a seductive voice.

“You’re very welcome. Dinner now?” I asked as I looked down at my watch. “Your reservation isn’t for another forty-five minutes. The spa didn’t take as long as I thought it would.”

“No, it’s good. We’re actually going to take a walk around the property and…talk…”

When her voice trailed off, I knew she was scared.

“Court?”

“Yeah?”

“I love you. I love you more than anything. You’re the strongest person I know, and every day, you amaze me. Thank you for loving me.”

She choked back a sob. “Jesus, what is with me and the crying?”

I smiled, picturing her trying to wipe away her tears before anyone saw her crying.

“I love you, too, Reed. Thank you for loving me. I’ve got to run. Whitley is out of the restroom now.”

“All right. Y’all be careful, and don’t wander off the paths, okay?”

She let out a laugh. “Okay, Dad.”

“Give me a call when you get to the restaurant, okay?”

“Okay. Hey, Reed?” she said in a hushed voice.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for showing me that I have the courage to do this.”

I tried to swallow the lump in my throat. “Courtney,” was all I managed to get out.

“Talk to you soon. I love you. Bye.”

I had to look away and stare out the window. I saw her walking out with Whitley, but she didn’t see me.

“I love you, too, Courtney. Bye, baby.” When I hit End, I wanted to just throw my phone and scream. There wasn’t anything I wouldn’t do to take away what had happened to her.

When I felt Layton put his hand on my shoulder, I remembered where I was. I took a deep breath, turned back around, and tried to give him a smile.

“Reed, you can’t take away the pain and hurt, no matter how hard you wish you could. Just be there for her. Listen to her when she needs to talk. Love her when she needs to be loved, and make her happiness your number-one goal in this life.”

I nodded my head and grabbed my empty beer, holding it up, so the bartender could see it. I held up my fingers, indicating we wanted two more.

“Shit, let’s change this mood around. I’m getting married tomorrow.” I punched Layton on the side of the arm.

Oh shit, I’m getting married tomorrow. “Oh, dear God, what if she wants us to say our own vows?” I asked as I reached for the full bottle of beer that was just placed in front of me.

Layton let out a laugh. “I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Court decided for y’all to say your own vows.”

I just stared at Layton.