That’s all he had left of her, a measly piece of paper. Did he try to change her? Weren’t they on the same page when they got married? After everything they’d been through, she wanted to walk away. He understood, but he thought for sure she still cared. Her parents always had an equal vote in their marriage. He never cared for their opinions but Crystal insisted that they meant well. Allen disagreed, but they overruled him. He couldn’t win.
Allen slid into the driver’s seat of his truck and cranked the engine. He couldn’t think about her now. He wished his college sweetheart well. Despite the anger and resentment, maybe they weren’t meant for each other.
If only he didn’t listen to their friends and family. He had his doubts on their wedding day, but when Crystal glided down the aisle on her father’s arm, his heart melted. He assumed he felt wedding jitters. He had been wrong. Then his cell phone rang. Desmond was more of a brother than a cousin growing up and Allen was grateful for their brotherly bond.
“You got time to hang out later?” Desmond asked.
“Man, no. I’m still unpacking boxes.”
“You’ve been in that house for six weeks.”
“I’ve been working. You think I sit around all day telling people what to do?”
“Yeah.” Desmond chuckled.
“Well, I don’t. My work is important, and this is a small town so I want a good reputation to spread around.”
“Okay, fine ‘Mr. Honorable.’ Always wanting to do the right thing,” his cousin teased.
“And that’s bad?”
“Only if you keep yourself in a box and not try new things. Come on, Al. Live a little. There’s life after…”
Allen exhaled. “Life after what?”
Desmond sighed. “Man, I’m sorry. That was too far. I can’t imagine how you felt when she left.”
Allen gripped the steering wheel. “You can push too hard.”
“Guilty. I’ll work on it. Will you at least come to the party tonight?”
“What party? Didn’t I do enough meeting Portia? This is the second time today I’ve heard of a party.”
Desmond laughed. “You have been away too long. About five years ago, the town added an annual Christmas party to its list of traditions. Everybody looks forward to it. It's black tie and everything in between.”
“I don’t feel like dressing up in a tuxedo.”
“Okay, if you don’t come, Morgan will be angry with me. She says I need to spread the Christmas spirit and invite someone to her event for a change.”
“When will you propose?”
“Christmas Eve, if not sooner. Come on, Al. I’ll stick with you if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“I’m a grown man. I can handle myself.”
“This party isn’t like Times Square on New Year’s Eve in New York, but it’s not small either.”
Allen scratched the back
of his head. Sometimes being an introvert had its downsides. He didn’t mind people, just not too many at once. “I’ll think about it. Will that satisfy you?”
“You’re the best, man. If I ever break my arm and need therapy, I’m coming to you.”
“You’re crazy,” Allen said.
“I’ll text you the address, just in case.”
***