I Don't Believe In Fate

Chapter 11

"Are you stalking me?" I demanded to know, stomping toward my door and watching as he held up a bottle of the exact wine I was carrying in the little brown paper sack.

"Stalking you?" He asked, chuckling at my ridiculous question. "Why would I have to do that when your sister so very kindly volunteered any information I could possibly want?" He took the bottle from my hand, making it easier for me to open the door. I turned the key in the lock and shoved the door open so hard it backside slammed hard into the wall. Stalking around the couch, l put the take out container down on the coffee table and spun around to look at him. That's when it clicked in my head, this is why Lily called me. She was checking to see if he stopped by yet.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean? She told you that this was my favorite, didn't she?" I snatched the bottle of wine from his hand. "What the hell else did she say?"

He gave me an evil grin. "You seem nervous all of a sudden. You don't remember, do you?" He took the bottle back out of my hand and walked to the kitchen as if he knew his way around. I followed, leaning against the countertop while he opened each drawer until he found the corkscrew. "At the bar in Vegas, you were next to me, telling me how this was your favorite." He opened the bottle and then moved to each cabinet until he found my favorite wine glasses.

"You remember that?"

"I remember everything from that night sweetie." He whispered, walking past me carrying the two glasses. "Hey, grab that bottle," he scales out from the near the couch. Feeling my face flush, I picked up the bottle and walked over to sit next to him. It absolutely unnerved me that he could recall small details such as a particular wine choice. He said he remembered everything from that night and I only had bits and pieces.

I sighed, deciding to just let the attitude go. He was already here, what's the worst that could happen? "Since we're sharing wine, you have to have some of my sushi."

He didn't argue and we shared the food and drink as we made small talk. Just regular questions like favorite color, movie, song, and food. He could be really nice when he wanted to, but then the conversation took an unexpected turn. "So, Lily told me about Tyler." I felt sick and wanted to kill my sister right at that moment.

Taking a deep breath, I looked away. "Great." The one subject I didn't wish to discuss with anyone she tells him about.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't trying to upset you by bringing it up. Can I ask you a question though?" He asked, putting his hand on my back, as if he was comforting me.

"Okay." I had no idea what the hell he was going to ask, but I allowed it anyway.

"Was I the first man that you slept with after he passed away?" Those warm eyes stared into mine waiting for my answer.

"Yes, you were. I'm screwed up, Shannon. I see a therapist every Wednesday. I still go to his grave all the time and talk to him like he's still here." Before I could stop it, the tears were filling up my eyes and running down my face.

He spoke to me like he knew me so well. "There's nothing wrong with you Claire. You loved him and it hurts to lose someone you love. People deal with things differently and this is just your way. Who the fuck am I to judge you? Do you have any idea the shit I've been through?" He moved even closer and put his arm around me. "I'm fucked up too, but that's a story for another time." He stood up and grabbed my hands, changing the subject entirely. "Come on, you owe me a tour of your apartment."