Chapter 4 Sulking

Colt's POV

After a stiff drink I called my brother-in-law last night. I told him everything… Well, more like rambled everything. I don’t think I gave myself time to catch my breath as I ranted and raved over the betrayal I felt for two very important people in my life.

I don’t remember what happened after that other than I woke up with the hangover from hell and whiskey on my breath. I noticed a half empty bottle still next to me on the table I was slumped over. Everything was spinning and my eyes burned as I tried to shut out the light.

I don't think I've ever hated a Thursday as bad as I do right this moment.

I wouldn’t have woken up at all if it weren’t for my damn phone going off. The shrill noise not doing my head any favors. I answered my phone with a groan, and groaned again when Anna’s voice badgered me on the other end of the line. And of course, Anna had heard everything.

She wasn’t as harsh as I expected. She still told me a big fat ’I told you so,’ which I supposed I deserved. Because she did… Everyone did. I just didn’t want to see it.

She promised not to call our parents until this is all finished. She really is the best little sister.

After she was done giving me the loving sister talk, I passed out again… and didn’t wake up until the afternoon.

I took a shower, only because I promised Nash I’d meet him at the little diner he knows on 5th. He promised it would be worth it. I guess considering I hadn’t eaten in close to twenty four hours, I was willing to go along with his idea… I really didn’t feel like cooking anything for myself right now.

I’m wearing a sweater and leather jacket to protect me against the chill of the Pacific Northwest. The gray sky promises rain soon… But what’s new?

I pace back and forth, trying to ease my anxiety. I don’t really think it’s helping much, but my feet can’t seem to stop. I have this nervous energy and I need to release it somehow or I will explode any moment now.

“Hey, man. How ya holdin’ up?” Nash comes up behind me, slapping my shoulder lightly in greeting.

“I dunno, man. I’m sick and angry… and numb,” I confess as he ushers me through the door to Ma’s Diner.

A young peppy blond greets us with a smile. “Hi, table for two?” She asks, looking at the two of us. I don’t know if she expected us to have dates or what, but I’m glad Anna isn’t here to chew me out in person.

“Yes, please,” Nash answers with a polite smile.

I’m glad he is the one responding. I don’t have it in me. My heart is almost as heavy as my feet right now. I feel like everything is dragging… Including my mind.

I don’t know why the hell I feel so depressed. It’s not like I really loved her… It was more like, I was in love with the idea of being in love and being the perfect husband to my wife… I wanted the fairy tale ending… White picket fence and kids running in the yard…

Maybe I’m just mad because I missed all the signs. Signs telling me I would never get the happy ending everyone else seems to enjoy… Would I be alone for the rest of my life? Could I ever trust my heart again after the deception of my wife and best friend?

We weave in and out of the tables and she hands us our menus as we take a seat at the back. Thankfully it’s quite right now.

“Rory will be right out for your orders, but can I get you something to drink while you wait?” She asks.

Considering I ended up with a hangover this morning, I think I’ll play it safe.

“I’ll take a water,” I sigh.

“Me too,” Nash says with a nod.

“Got it! Enjoy your night!” She cheers and heads off to get our waters, I suppose.