The Last Night

Gabe

It's incredible how I can prove someone wrong in under ten minutes. I've spent my entire life doing it. Except now I make money from it. I've built my empire on wrong. Money lines my pockets.

I always wanted out of this godforsaken town. And I never planned on coming back. I was surprised when I came back. I guess home really does sew itself into us.

I look up from my desk as my fiance Mallory enters. Modeling her phone as usual.

"I'm working." I state glancing at the clock. Nearly noon. I could use some food.

"My parents will be landing soon. Are you picking them up still?" She asks.

I try not to roll my eyes as I stand.

"Heading there now." I state walking past her. She seats herself in my office and I close the door behind me.

My arrangement with Mallory's parents was simply business the wedding never meant to happen. However I'm too busy for love or even lust and I'm not getting any younger.

My mind tries to tug me in another direction while I give my driver the destination but I force that door closed as I have for the last ten years.

Even with all the money at my disposal I never could figure out what happened to her. But it doesn't matter anymore. At least that's what I tell myself on a daily basis.

The drive to the airport is less than five minutes from my office so I get out and wait. It's crowded for the holiday weekend.

For a second I think I see a ghost. Just a quick flash then I blink and she's gone. Just like all those years ago. The worst night of my life.

A hand claps my shoulder jolting me.

"Gabe. Shall we?" Senator Mathew's says. I nod trying to reorient myself to the here and now.

I lead them to my car and we climb in. It's a silent ride to the office.

We ride the elevator to my office where Mallory is waiting. Ushering them in I sit at my desk and they sit beside their daughter.

"As we all know the reelection is coming up. The wedding shall be done before then. We're here to pin down any loose plans. Also I don't need to remind anyone a scandal would be the last thing we need." Mr. Mathew's says pointedly.

"Everything's in tip top shape sir." I say easily.

"While the women go do some shopping let me just make sure for myself." I grit my teeth and nod.

Mallory and her mother leave my office and I show him what I have.

A voice in my head whispering that I'm still weak for letting another man push me around. I shove it away. I need to look at the bigger picture.

I'm still shaken from the airport though. Something feels different. A shift in the air ever so slight. But my fight or flight instinct is on high alert and it bothers me more than it should.

I spent ten years becoming something in the face of what I dealt with during my childhood. I'm nearly untouchable.

But something niggles in my mind. And my gut. Something much bigger than me is coming.