Times Are A-Changin’
Ashley said yes.
The last two and a half months have been a whirlwind. Mac and Ashley didn’t waste any time. They were married four weeks after Mac proposed. It was a small, intimate ceremony. I was Mac’s best man. Dressed casually in white linen, on the beach on LBI they said their vows. The ceremony was followed by a low-key reception at Mac’s uncle’s house. Yes, the very same house where I told Alana I loved her for the first time. The place where we made our first physical connection. The place where I first realized she was my perfect fit. It was a bittersweet affair. I was happy for Mac, but at the same time, I was dying inside from all the heartbreaking memories. I left as soon as I could. I felt like a dick, but the longer I stayed, the more fresh the wounds of the past felt. Like I was being sliced open all over again.
Mac leaves today.
It’s early September. Ashley’s fellowship started last month so she’s already living in California. Mac stayed behind to tie up loose ends. I can tell the separation is making him restless. He’s been acting like a caged animal ever since she left.Man, do I know that feeling.
“It’s a good thing I rented this apartment furnished.” He smiles at me.
“Sure is. I’d hate to have to sleep on a cold wood floor while I looked for a new place to live.”
“Sorry about that, brother,” he apologizes, but there’s nothing to feel bad about. He deserves to be happy.
“Don’t worry about it.” I could afford Mac’s apartment by myself if I wanted, but it’s kind of small, and I didn’t want to get stuck in a lease, so I’ve been apartment hunting the last few weeks.
“Any prospects for a new place yet?”
“Yeah, maybe. I’m going to see one this afternoon. Rent controlled and a parking space.”
“Sweet.” He slaps my arm, then pulls up the hem of my short sleeve t-shirt. “Ink looks good.”
I flex my bicep, and the new markings ripple as all my muscles budge. “Thanks, another topnotch hookup from the man himself.”
Mac laughs, “it’s a gift.”
“It sure is.” I agree. Mac is like a magician. You need something, he can provide it with a snap of a finger.
The apartment buzzer rings like it’s the end of a basketball game. Time’s up. “That’s my cab,” Mac and I look at each other glumly. Mac has been like a brother to me. He took care of things when I was arrested. Took me in when I needed a place to stay. Got me back on my feet when I fell apart, and never asked for anything in return. I am going to miss him in so many way, I can barely count them all.
He hasn’t even left, and I already miss him.
I grab Mac and pull him into a hug. “It’s not going to be the same without you.”
“I know.” He slaps me on the back. We waver as we break apart. Then he picks up his backpack. Its contents are the only possessions he has left in New York. “Text you when I land.”
“Yeah.” I cross my arms.Man, goodbyes fucking suck.
“Ryan,” Mac voices my name meaningfully before he leaves. “Think about trying to find Alana.”
“Mac—”
He holds up his hand. “I know what you’re going to say. But just think about.”
I sigh. “Maybe.”
“Good.” He smirks. “That’s a start.”
“How do you figure?”
“Maybe is much better than hell no.”
* * *
I knockon number 1116’s door.
The apartment building is nice and located right in the center of Midtown. The door swings open, and who I find on the other side shocks me.