Chapter 6

Old times,Evan thought wryly. It hurt a little, to call what they’d had in the past old times.At thirty, he had old times.How sad was that?

“I’m happy for her, though.” Charlie nodded to himself. “I’m glad she found someone who can do good for her. Lord knows I couldn’t.”

“You would’ve made her happy,” Evan told him.

Just like you would’ve made me happy, if you’d only stayed to talk to me, to give me a chance. One night, Charlie. That’s all I got from you, one lousy night, and my life’s been hell ever since. Trying to find you in everything around me. It’s no way to live, looking for something I can never have.Looking for you in all the places where you aren’t anymore.

Searching for something to say, he added, “She loved you.”

“Hmm.” Charlie patted the seat beside him again, an absent gesture. “Please sit with me.”

“I shouldn’t,” Evan murmured. He met his friend’s gaze and shook his head. “Really, Charlie, I can’t—”