Facing Regret with a bottle of rum
Dan sat at the lake for hours. He watched the workers and tried to understand what it all was. He wanted to know what she was doing, and he wanted to know who Brandon and Calvin were.
Both men went to her multiple times during the day. And he did not like the way they looked at her.
What did they want from his wife?
His phone rang—Jessica. He rolled his eyes and took in a deep breath as he answered.
"Darling? Where are you? Come home soon, I am hungry. Pick me up a Greek salad with chicken—breast meat—and I would really love some hummus. And buy some more Naan, please."
The call disconnected. He hadn't said a word, and Jessica expected all she requested to be done.
He looked at his phone for a long moment before he tapped his ear bud and heard the tone.
"Call David Mackie."
"Calling David Mackie."
Half a ring.
"Hey, Danny! How are you?"
"Good. You have time to hang out today? And do you mind if I crash at your place tonight?"
"Of course, I have time. What are you waiting for?! Bring your ass on over!"
Dan smiled. He could always count on David. He didn't ask a thing—just yes and get over here.
"Give me 30. I am at Blue Serene Lake."
"Good. I can order provisions."
The call disconnected. Dan sat and watched his wife a little while longer. She never looked in his direction, but everyone else did. Furtive glances his way told him they all knew he was there. No one ever bothering him or asking what he wanted there told him Amber had probably already explained.
He stood slowly, dusted himself off, and looked to her one last time. He had messed up, but Amber had taught him a lot, and he knew he could fix this. He knew she would forgive him if he proved himself changed.
He walked to his sports car—his mind focused on his plans for change.
David lived in one of the new developments that were at the center of the New Park districts. His place was a three-story row house made of dark woods and multicolored stonework.
Dan took the steps two at a time, and the door was open before he reached the porch.
"Get in here and tell me why you are no longer in that new Caribbean resort."
David handed him a glass of dark rum and moved to let him in. Dan took a large swig and immediately topped it off.
"Jessica is back."
David's smile fell, and he licked his bottom lip. Dan took another large swig of rum and sighed.
"Jessica is back, and Amber Ann filed for divorce."
David's eyebrows rose. Dan was silent, finished his drink, and poured himself another.
"I take it that this is not what you want."
Dan's phone rang. He looked at it to see the caller—Jessica. He quickly answered it.
"I will not be back there tonight. Find your own food, and while you're at it, please leave me and my wife's house."
He hung up before Jessica could respond. David's eyebrows rose again. Dan looked at his friend.
"I need to figure out how to get my wife back." He slammed back his second double and poured himself another. David watched it all in silence, his mind reeling. Dan had knocked back two more doubles before David moved. He blew out a puff of air and took a sip of his scotch.
"How are you going to plan if you're drunk?"
"I want to get drunk now and plan later. You should have seen her, David. She is over at Blue Serene creating some sort of enterprise. The way it is shaping up, I think it will be something far beyond any of my properties." He gulped down some more alcohol. "And there are men—two men—looking at her like she is their next conquest."
He slammed his glass down and snatched up the rum bottle.
"They can't have my wife!"
David nodded in approval, a small smile on his face.
"'Your wife,' 'You and your wife's house'—it seems like you are changing. Is Amber at the house with Jessica?"
"No!" Dan scoffed and laughed incredulously. "I don't even know where my wife lives."
"Okay. Don't start feeling sorry for yourself. What is your plan?"
"I am going to help her. I will find her materials and builders. The property is huge; there is still more to do."
David nodded as he listened. "I will call around and see if I can figure out what she is planning. We should understand her plans before trying to just jump in helping."
"Exactly. Virginia still likes you, and Cristina may even talk to you."
"We will see. Have you eaten?"
Dan tossed back another drink, shaking his head. "No."
"Well, I ordered food. So eat. And we will plan."
Dan froze. His eyes scanning the grain of the wood flooring.
"I have to get her back. I have to convince her that I have changed." He looked up to his best friend. "I have to show her just how much I need her."