Rags took a big bite and chewed slowly, his gaze drifting to the wall clock.
“I don’t hate you,” Julie said, her voice soft. She picked up a fry and popped it in her mouth. “We have a history together, Rags.” She reached across the table and brushed her hand across his.
He jerked back like he’d been burned.
“Really?” she muttered, looking away.
“Look, we hitched up years ago. I made mistakes, you made a doozy, and we went our separate ways.” He took another bite.
“What does that mean?”
“It means it’s over. It was a few chapters in our lives and they’re done.”
“Whatever. I’m don’t get why you never called.”
“Because you’re not a part of my life anymore. That ended when I caught you and Larry fucking. I was pissed for a long time, but I’m not now.”
“I don’t believe that. If you weren’t, we would’ve gotten together by now.”
“No. There’s nothing between us. I don’t hang out with Barton or Andy either, and we were tight in high school. I see them, give a chin lift, and keep moving.”
“You’re not friends with them?”
“No. Just because people share history doesn’t mean they stay connected. We did stuff together because we went to the same high school, that’s it. You and I thought we had a future, but it didn’t work out. Our time together was just a few miles on a long road.” He paused. “You’re part of my past, not my present.”
“But—”
“There are no buts.” Rags leaned back, the vinyl creaking under him. “Like I said, you’re part of my past. That’s it.”
“You’ve gotten hard,” Julie said, pushing her plate away. “There used to be warmth in your eyes. Now there’s just cold.”
Rags’s phone vibrated. He pulled it out and glanced down. His gaze skimmed over the text fromCasey:When r u coming over? Miss u.
A small smile tugged at his mouth.
Rags:Be over around eight. That cool?
A reply came quickly.
Casey:Perfect. See u then.
He set the phone face down on the table.
“What’s the trouble you’re in?” he asked.
“Who was that?” Julie asked.
“No one you know.”
“It was a woman, wasn’t it?” Her voice cracked. “I can see it in your eyes. They’re warm and soft.”
“What the fuck’s up with you and my eyes?” he snapped. “Now tell me what’s going on. I’ve got shit to do.”
Julie leaned back and folded her arms. “You can still be a real asshole.”
“I know. What’s your point?”
“Forget it.”