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She called, and he sighed. Time to rip the band aid off.
“What?” Tabitha asked.
“I’m only being honest,” he said.
“So... that’s it.”
“I made no promises.” He rubbed the back of his neck. This was his least favorite part. He wasn’t a bad guy—that’s what he told himself. At least he didn’t string women along for years. His max time with one was three months. Perhaps he needed to cut the time in half even more so.
“What about—”
Alex rubbed at his eyes. She needed his softer side. “Tabitha, I’m not the commitment type, Babe. You need a man who will give you everything that you need. I’m not the one. I want you to find what you need.”
She sighed. Was that a whimper? “I get it. I’m not enough for you. Have a nice life, Alex.” She hung up.
Alex returned his phone to his pocket. He hadn’t always been this way. He never intended to be a heart breaker, but who could blame him? The first time he fell in love, it left his heart crushed. He vowed he’d never allow a woman to have that much power over him. So he clung to his mantra, “get to them before they get to you.”
He’d met a few amazing women over the years, but he wouldn’t let himself get caught. Never again. Love only disappointed or it drained the life out of you. Hadn’t he seen enough with his father?
Alex checked his watch. He probably needed to stop by the house before heading home. His father was a prime example, never f
orgetting the tears that stained his face as a boy, finding his father on the floor. He had thrown a glass at the wall, making ten-year-old Alex shiver as the shards scattered over their linoleum floor.
His father had motioned for him to come closer. Alex didn’t hesitate. His father needed him since they were all each other had.
“What did I do wrong?” Alex had said.
His father held him tight. “It’s not your fault. I loved her too much, I guess.”
Alex only held his father tighter. Is that what love did to people? If so, he didn’t want any part of it.
Releasing a deep breath, Alex exited the theater. He had enough memories for the day. There’d been times he wondered if his way of life fulfilled him, but there was no point in changing. He’d only lose.
Chapter 4
Alex listened to the wind chimes, spotting his father on his patio deck. The grill remained in the corner, though it had had little use lately. His dad faced his own backyard. An empty glass sat on the wooden table next to him. Alex breathed easier since it was a coffee cup instead of a bottle. His father promised and kept his word.
“Hey Dad,” he said.
His father motioned for him to come closer. Alex did and pulled a chair next to him. Lee Miller turned to face his son, his forehead wrinkling.
“I thought you had a show tonight,” he said.
“That’s next weekend.”
His dad nodded. “I’m proud of you. Don’t quit.”
Alex’s chest swelled. “Thanks, Dad.”
“You didn’t have to come over. I’m fine.”
Alex nodded. “I know what today is though, Dad. I only wanted to check.”
“I’m doing better.” He focused his eyes on his son. “I promised you. I don’t break my promises to you.”
Alex released a cleansing breath. “I know. You’re a man of your word.”
He pointed at him. “I taught you to be the same.”
