Chapter 14
Eli watches them leave and sinks down in a kitchen chair. There’s so much on his mind it’s giving him a permanent headache. Aside from the issues with Siobhan and her interfering in his life, he still needs to worry about Clarke. There’s not enough closure, and the things unsaid are eating at his conscience. Another problem he faces is his relationship with Michelle. Ever since he’s been back in Georgia he’s struggled to see a future for them. The foreseeable future looks grim, but only because he knows no matter if he chooses to stay or go he’ll be hurting someone either way.
The next few days Eli manages to get the new flooring done in both bathrooms and the tile inside the shower. He picks an intricate, yet modern, sleek design for anyone’s taste. Remodeling can be difficult when it’s just one man doing the job. The vanities and some of the cabinetry are extremely hard to maneuver. It takes him extra time to get them mounted without any mishaps.
Each night Michelle calls him and wants to know when he’s coming home. She’s offered to come back on weekends, but he tells her it’s too long of a trip. He knows she’s getting antsy in the house without him. She keeps saying she loves him, but Eli is reluctant to give her false hope.
He’s never heard from Clarke since she paid him that visit. On a few occasions he’s thought about reaching out to her, but he doesn’t want to overstep. When he goes out to eat he even avoids the diner, even though they have the best food selection.
While in the Marines Eli was able to learn how to control his emotions. He’s aware that Clarke consumes his thoughts, but he won’t allow it to keep him from his daily chores. She might only be a couple miles away, but it seems like a million when he considers them ever being able to reconcile. Even a friendship seems gloom at this point.
After a few more days Siobhan drops Jonny off for a visit. This time the boys are going to spend a weekend together. She’s warned Eli not to run his mouth, and he’s agreed to her terms because he’s tired of fighting. His bond with the boy has nothing to do with his mother, but more for himself. He’s been alone in his heart for far too long to let lies jeopardize this.
An hour after Jonny’s arrival and he’s already asking Eli to take him to the diner again. “Please? I want another chocolate milkshake.”
Though reluctant, because of Clarke, Eli agrees to appease the child he’s beginning to care deeply for. Each time he looks into his eyes he sees the boy his father loved as a son. He has to keep the man alive in the boy’s heart. It’s what his father would want.
“Okay. Grab your shoes.”
During the drive to the diner, Eli lets Jonny wear his sunglasses and rock out to music. He bangs his head and giggles when Eli repeats the words to the chorus. Every time he hears the boy laugh it’s contagious. He can’t remember the last time he smiled so much. It’s another reminder of how much the two need each other.
Clarke is working, but isn’t the waitress to greet and seat them at their favorite booth. In fact, they’re seated at a different table until she comes over and intervenes. “Abigail, they like to sit over there in the corner. Do you mind switching tables?”
“They’re the first customers I’ve had all night.”
“You can still wait on them,” Clarke offers kindly. For a brief moment she and Eli exchange looks and then she goes about her job like they are two passing ships in the night.
Eli lets Jonny order for them. He gets a kick out of the boy trying to act like a grown up. “So what have you been up to this week?”
“My teacher says I can be in the front of the line for morning exercises.”
“That’s cool.” He says while watching Clarke from afar. “Anything else interesting?”
“I have a tooth loose. Wanna’ see?” The child opens his mouth and wiggles a bottom tooth.
“Wow. The tooth fairy is going to want to give you some money for that.”
“I know. Last time I got five dollars.”
“That’s a lot. I only got quarters.”
Jonny starts wiggling. “Eli, I have to go to the bathroom.”
He stands and takes the boy’s hand to lead him into the restroom. “I can do it myself,” Jonny announces, while pushing Eli out the door to wait for him.
Eli crosses his arms and leans against the bathroom door in case the child needs assistance. Clarke sees her current customers off and comes face to face with him again. This time he isn’t letting her get away so easily. “We need to finish having that talk.”
She pretends to be busy cleaning off the table. “Why? Haven’t we both said enough? We were kids, Eli. We both have lives now that don’t include each other. I’m getting married soon, and I can’t have this distracting me from what I want.”
It’s a low blow. Eli never wanted to hear about her upcoming nuptials. “I’d appreciate it if you stopped by. If you want to wait until you’re married that’s fine too. Bring your husband if you feel uncomfortable. I’m not leaving again until you hear the whole story.”
“I thought you told me everything that there was to know.”
“Just stop by, Clarke. Please. I know I hurt you. It’s bothered me for six years. Just give me an hour. You pick the time.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Okay.”
She changes the subject. “What’s it like having a brother so young?”
“Strange. Awesome. He’s a bright kid. I like teaching him things and talking about Dad. It helps. Being in that house without him gets to be tough, especially at night.”
“I bet. When ma passed away I listened to my father crying through the walls. It was torture.”
“Your mom died?” Eli knows it’s her grandmother who raised her.
“Yeah. She got sick. It was difficult. Dad was just diagnosed with Diabetes. He cheats and eats bad stuff. I’m constantly having to check in on him.”
“So you moved out?”
She nods. “I live with my fiancé.”
This shuts Eli right up. He can’t bear to hear her talk about another guy. Even though Eli knows she doesn’t belong to him, the jealousy burns into him like a raging fire. “Think about stopping by. The house is really coming along.”
“Like I said, I’ll consider it.”
Jonny comes out of the bathroom shaking his wet hands. At least Eli knows he washed them. He offers a wink to Clarke. “Have a good night then.”