My Love, Her Leverage

e was get

's Steakhouse for two hours, the ice in my wat

month ago because Nicole mentioned it once, a casual "I'd

very clear: "Mr. Lester, you have a mild concussion an

going to make me miss our anniversary. I'd popped a few painkillers, put on my bes

the table. It was

titration is taking forever. Won't make it

ith my cracked ribs. Disappointment was a familiar flavo

us on your work. Happy Anniversary," t

for the check, the hostess led

heir laughter

my worl

I bought her for her birthday, the one sh

ed from Nicole's old El Paso photos. Luis. Her high school

They were seated at a table in the center of the

cross the restaurant. "I can't believe you got us a

expression that made my skin cr

rds hit me like

t him. She just gave

he lie from her text message burned

She was here. At our