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25
Tate parks his truckin a spot away from the other cars and shuts off the engine. He checks his watch. Ten minutes early. Ten minutes for the coffee to kick in.
It’s been two days since he destroyed months of hard work and drank himself into a stupor. He’s still got the fucking headache as a constant reminder of his screw-up. Hopefully Bria won’t notice he’s a mess. Wouldn’t be the best start to their meeting.
He had been shocked to get the text from her this morning asking if he was free to meet her today. It’s not the best timing, but there was no way he was going to refuse after she kept her distance for the last few months. If she wanted to meet him, he was going to be there. After this he was going to put things right with Gregg. Again. He’s going to run out of lives with his friend if he keeps this up.
He smiles when he sees Bria’s VW Golf. The beat up car is on its last legs. He’d tried so many times to convince her to let him buy her a new car but she flat out refused. She was independent. Always had been. So instead he’d put some money aside for her. She had a healthy fund for when she needed it and there was no way he was going to take no for an answer.
Time to face the music. He adjusts the baseball cap and pulls the arms of his hoodie down. He has no regrets about a single one of his tattoos, but they’re not exactly subtle. This was about getting his relationship with Bria back on track, not attracting attention.
They stand and face either other, neither one sure how to act.
‘Do you want to go for a walk on the beach?’
He nods. ‘Sure.’
The slightly awkward silence stretches on until they get near the sea and head away from the car park. He slips his glasses on as the sun hits the sand, making him squint. He’s sure she didn’t bring him down here for a leisurely stroll along the beach, but he’s not ready to peel the scab off this particular wound. If it’s coming off, it should be on her terms.
About half a mile down the beach she sits down on the sand above the high tide mark and hugs her knees to her chest. He joins her and watches some kids playing in the water.
‘Thanks for meeting me.’
‘Kind of surprised you wanted to see me.’ Perfect start, Tate. Remind her she had an issue with him.
‘Congratulations on the awards. Chloe seems to have enjoyed herself.’
‘Yeah. Think she enjoyed it more than I did.’
‘I like her.’
‘So do I.’
Bria looks across at him. ‘Don’t treat her like all the others. She doesn’t deserve that.’
‘I’m not planning on—’
‘When it comes to you and relationships, you don’t plan. You find someone, spend a few weeks with them then get bored.’
