I sat in my truck, holding my phone for at least 10 minutes before I started the motor and drove back to the house. Parking on my side of the carport, I walked into the house, through the sunroom, and into the den. Behind the bar I poured myself a tall whiskey, swallowed it down then made myself another, only adding a splash of coke.
Then I moved over to my red leather wingback chair and reflected on my conversation with Byron.
"Hello?" Byron's voice was still fresh in my memory.
"Byron, it's Dean. Listen, son, your phone call today, well, it stirred my blood and..."
"I am sorry for that. I didn't mean to!" Byron interrupted.
"Son, let me finish without any interruption. We have been through so much together. Our history is strong. Your phone call today was uplifting. I'm so glad you found someone new, I am. However, that doesn't stop or curve the feelings I have for you and I want you back! Back in my life, back in my bed, and most importantly back in my heart. We can do anything you want. Just tell me what that is. Damn, boy, you are the man I desire! So tell me, what is it you want?"
After a long pause, Byron finally spoke and said, "I just want the memories. I need you to delete my number and forget me. I promise to never forget you, but we can't see each other again. I love Lisa. You can't fit into our lives, I'm sorry. Goodbye, Mr. Daniels."
And he disconnected the call.
Had he really referred to me as 'Mr. Daniels'?
I looked around the room, then stood and walked around the big house, memory after memory flooding my memory bank of Byron, with and without the nightmare of a bitch named Maci, and I knew in my heart Byron was gone, and would forever be. I knew this day would come, and I had always dreaded it and prayed it never would. But it had. And I had to accept that. That was, after all, written in our contract.
I returned to the bar and poured myself another stiff drink then walked out to the sunroom.
Sitting on the wicker sofa next to my lounge chair was Angel.
He said, "Wanna talk about it?"
I said, "About what?"
Angel said, "I'm not exactly sure, but I know something is wrong. Wanna tell me about it?"
I sighed, and said, "Byron called."
Angel stood up and walked across the room and poured himself a drink. He turned and looked at me and said, "I wouldn't tell Jacob that. After everything that happened, I'm not sure..."
I interrupted and said, "I told him I wanted to see him. Hell, I told him I needed him!"
Angel slammed down his glass and glared at me and said, "Why the fuck would you say that? I mean, he's a great guy and all, but Dean! After all that happened! Why?"