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“Why didn’t you stay with her? You shouldn’t overdo it yet.”
“I know. I’m taking it easy, but I need some normalcy. Each night, after I put Dalia to bed, watching the fire is part of my nightly routine. I sit here and remember the good times we had.”
He nodded. “It’s wonderful to have good memories.” He hadn’t been that lucky. His onlymemoriesconsisted of wild sex and loud screaming matches.
How had he managed to enjoy his nights with Beverly? Maybe they’d sedated him after his long, hectic days at the hospital, facing too much human misery. He sighed, wondering why he’d never met a sweet and generous girl like Sienna.
“Would you like an after-dinner drink or a glass of wine? I have several bottles in that cabinet. Help yourself.”
He opened the cabinet and pulled out a bottle of sweet wine.
“Given the strong analgesics you’re taking, I can’t give you any alcohol.”
“I’m good. No pain at the moment. The flames relax me.”
He poured himself a glass of Vermouth on ice and settled into the chair again. He raised his glass. “To your prompt recovery.” He sipped some and smiled at his gorgeous patient.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for me and my daughter.”
“Life hasn’t been easy for you, but you’ve experienced a sad and yet beautiful love story.”
“I was lucky to meet John. He was a generous man and a dedicated police officer.”
Tyler nodded. In his opinion, John had been the lucky one, dating this lovely and passionate young woman, one who’d been ready to leave everything for the man she loved. Too bad fate had cut his life short.
“You’ve saved me from so much pain since I’ve met you.”
He snorted. “Actually, you’ve savedmefrom life-long pain.”
“I wish...” She stopped short and shook her head. “I can’t help much if ... You speak in riddles and I can’t help.” She sighed.
“There’s nothing interesting to share. A grim story that ended in a nasty way.”
“But you missher?”
“That’s just it. I don’t. I’m relieved it’s over. Unfortunately, she won’t let it go. There really isn’t all that much to tell. I met her at a salon about a year ago. She cut my hair. We dated for six months. The relationship was... intense. We were supposed to get married yesterday at City Hall. I was late... very late. She was upset... very upset, and... and said it was over. She cried, shouted, and walked out the door. I went to the restroom to check my face... and left by the backdoor.”
“Why did you check your face?” Sienna frowned, then her eyes widened. “Don’t tell me she slapped you?”
He shrugged.
“My God! That’s assault. The woman is crazy.”
“Would you ever—”
“Never!” She interrupted before he finished. “A woman who really loves her partner, deeply loves him, would never slap him.”
“I was very, very late. Was John ever late?”
She smiled. “Often. He was a police officer, continuously called in for emergency situations. I understood his job and responsibilities. I just waited patiently and prayed he was safe. I knew he would always come back with an acceptable reason. Until the day he didn’t come back... and I learned what had happened from his colleague.”
“I’m sorry, Sienna.”
“It’s okay. I’ve learned to live with my memories and my daughter.”
His phone vibrated once more. He checked the caller identity and huffed.
“It’sher?” Sienna’s lips curled into an ironic grin.
