A Dagger through Dimensions Chapter 36

You’re Too Smooth With Your Words

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I enjoyed my tuna sandwich with Sally. She even added a small block of cheese with carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes to the plate. After pouring me another glass of beer, we talked more about my healing and plans. She explained some of the future she wanted for her company, then our small talk came around to her new car. I noticed her wedding band was missing from her hand. I guess that’s expected. As she stated at the beginning, I enjoyed our time together.

Sally’s demeanor always held a bit of intrigue and mystery. I found myself drawn into her thoughts and hopes, realizing the woman buried her passions deep. In a way, she was the opposite of Adele. Where Adele displayed a perky, if slightly innocent, beauty, Sally brought a smoldering sexiness to her appeal. Watching her, I couldn’t help but think about the body hiding under her dress.

“When I spent time with Adele, she reminded me about something that I forgot. While Joe died before his time, I never let him find his own path,” she said. “When I was with Adele, she told me about some problems you and her went through. I was envious of how you focused on her to get her back.”

Frowning, my eyes dropped to look at my glass. I didn’t like her making me out as a good person. Actually, I’m a damn jerk using Adele to get back at Miss Wonderful. Sure, I’ve become protective of Adele and I want her as mine, but I’m still the same asshole that entered this dimension.

“You think too highly of me,” I said, while refusing to look at her.

“No, I don’t think so,” Sally sensed my mood swing. “I watched you two. In your own way, you’re a self-involved jerk.” I glanced up to see her smiling.

“But you care about helping those in need. Still, watching you and your wife got me to thinking. I was most of the reason that my marriage became a farce. He wasn’t going to change, and I should have pressed for him to leave my life long ago. If I did that, I would have never needed your help.”

She frowned.

“I keep coming back to the question of why you saved me. I still want to understand your reason for getting involved.”

Now I tried to tell her the same thing as the first time she asked, but she wouldn’t accept my answer.

“Adele told me she warned you to stay out of my troubles. In a way, you betrayed her. Why did you go against her wishes?”

Her thoughtful expression and blue eyes held me for a moment. The real reason might be to stick it to this screwy world, but I also hated what Antonio did to her. Still, what did it mean to me? If I walked away, I’m fine and not in a hospital.

Then again, Cora might have never showed up with the start of an explanation.

“I can’t really explain,” I replied while scratching my head as I avoided looking at her. “One thing that got to me was the pain I saw in your eyes. Plus, I felt like a coward for trying to avoid the situation when you came to my office. In truth, the whole thing pissed me off. I remember thinking that such a lovely woman deserves so much more.”

Sally blushed slightly, then downed the rest of her beer.

“Lane, you’ll get in trouble talking like that,” she said with a gleam.

Enjoying her reaction, I chuckled.

“Trouble keeps happening with me, no matter what I do.”