Love Resolution

Later that evening, she sat on the black leather sectional in Marcus’ apartment with Justin, the modern swing lamp providing the only light in the darkened room. She had her feet tucked up underneath her and a mug of tea held to her lips. Marcus had already gone onto bed. She knew he had excused himself so that she and Justin could have some time to reconnect.

“What’s the latest news on Campanella?” she asked.

“I’m still on the list of witnesses when his case goes to trial in the spring,” Justin said carefully. “They’ve got a long list of charges against him besides his attempt to murder me. Although, after the drug rehab I don’t think my testimony’s going to be as credible as the others.”

“Speaking of the others, do you still hear from Antonia?”

“Not since she went back to Italy and moved in with her folks, but I’m sure I’ll see her again at the trial.”

“So you’re not together?” she asked. “I thought you two were serious.”

“Things were already going south with her way before I went into rehab.” He shrugged. “I’m unattached and I’m planning to stay that way awhile. Enough questions about me now. Tell me about the tour.”

“Sixteen cities in twenty-one days.”

“Holy shit. That’s a lot of moving around, Avery.”

She offered a shrug of her own. “It’ll be fun. I’m looking forward to it.”

“I don’t know. That’s a lot of pressure, especially for someone like Marcus. He strikes me as one of those guys who likes everything just so.”

She nodded. “Definitely. That’s him for sure.”

“This will be a totally different deal than the club gigs we’ve done. You’re going to be playing huge venues, performing for different crowds and critics almost every night. That’s not a stable situation for a relationship like yours that’s just starting out.”

“I agree it’s ambitious, but we’ll be ok. This isn’t BS’s first tour, you know. I think Marcus and the guys have the whole routine down by now.” She gave him a probing look. “I’m more worried about you. You ok to go hang out on Vancouver Island for a while with the Anthony’s?”

“And the water buffalo?” He rolled his eyes. “I guess so. Why shouldn’t I be?”

“Marcus’ mom can be pretty intimidating.”

“I’ll be alright, but I’d rather be coming with you.”

“That wouldn’t be such a good idea.” Her muscles tensed. “For a number of reasons.”

“I get that.” Justin frowned. “We’ve had this discussion already and I agreed. It’s just that,” he smoothed an auburn strand of her hair behind her ear, “I’ll miss you. It seems like every time I get to see you now we’re always saying goodbye. Plus it’s gonna be kinda weird staying with people I don’t know.”

“It’s a serene place. I know they could use your help on the farm. I think you’ll like it.”

“If you say so.” He stood and walked over to the windows. The sparkling lights of the waterfront and West Vancouver twinkled in the distance.

Avery could see the tension in the set lines of his shoulders.

“I want to go see Dad,” he said softly.

“Why in the world would you want to do that?” she asked, crossing the room and standing next to him.

He turned to look over at her, resolve etched on his features. “Avery, it’s been almost four years. He’s our father. There are things that need to be said. I realized through counseling that I was using drugs as an escape. I’ve gotta stop that pattern. He’s here and I want to face him. I can’t let the past dictate my future anymore.”

Avery’s lip trembled. “But all the drinking, the things he did and said.”

“I’m not gonna excuse them.” Justin put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. “And I’ll never forget. But I need to try to move on. Can you understand that?”

She stared out the window for a long time before she eventually nodded.