Tacoma Falls: Blazing Hearts

I deserve it

Maury

I called Waylon and told him what happened. He had choice words for me. I didn't blame him. I berated myself for hours. But I didn't want Shep to be alone.

After talking to Waylon, I changed my clothes and burned the ones I was wearing. I watched the fire incinerate the fabric until it turned to ash like my heart. But I deserved it.

It was a matter of time before the gossip spread in town. I expected it. I deserved it.

I called Shep, but I got his voicemail. I knew I would. "Shep, I'm so so sorry. Nothing I can say can erase what happened. I hope you're okay. If you hate me, I deserve it." I ended the call and sniffled.

I blew up our life in one stupid moment. There's no excuse for what I had done. None.

I wandered around the empty house, not able to sleep. Food made me nauseous. I deserve a life without anyone. Who wants a lying piece of shit? Shep has every right to hate me. I deserve it.

******
Shepherd

I lost count of the beers I drank. But I wasn't feeling no pain. I couldn't even feel my shriveled up heart ground into dust. That's more like it.

Waylon drove me home while Beau drove my truck.

I had plenty of things to get off my chest. "Love sucks, Way. All it does is rip your heart from your chest and smash it into a billion pieces. I give Maury credit." I wagged my finger. "He put on a good act. Made me fall for it."

"Shep, I doubt Maury lied to you about his feelings," Waylon drawled.

"Oh, Maury lied through his teeth. His holier than thou attitude. Berating me for not telling you and Beau the truth. Yet, he lied to my face. I told him that assistant was a no good dog. Did he listen to me? Nope. He ignored my warnings."

My phone rang. I silenced when I saw Maury calling me. Screw him! He can find some other poor sap to con. He's shady like that.

"Shep, you need some time to sober up and think about things," Waylon said.

"Are you defending that prick?"

"Nope, but there's two sides to a story. No one's perfect."

"Oh, right. You would understand better than anyone how to cheat on someone."

"Shep." Waylon's tone meant he would fight me in the damn truck.

We arrived at the ranch.

I got out, slammed the door, and glared at Waylon across the truck. "Cheaters need to defend each other. I know whose side you're on."

"Shepherd."

"Screw you, Waylon! When I sober up, I'll collect my things from that two-timing cheater and here and find a place of my own. Then, I'll find a job to support myself! You all can fuck right off!" I stormed to the house. Well, staggered, but you get the drift.

******
I peeled my eyes open and smacked my lips. Damn, cotton mouth. I sat up, stretched, and groaned. Bits and pieces from last night came back to me. I pursed my lips when I realized why.

Yep, I needed a shower and pack my stuff. I showered first, dressed, and tossed things into garbage bags. I didn't bother to speak to my brothers since they enjoy stepping out on their women.

Beau tried to stop me. I ignored him, tossed the bags into the truck bed, and left. Next, stop is Maury's place. It's not mine. He made it clear last night I'm not welcomed.

I pulled up and saw Maury's car parked in front of the house. Funny. He usually at the office. Must of had a gay old time with the dog last night. I'll just pop in, grab my shit, and leave.