Almost Mine Read Online Free

Bob.
    During our dessert of chocolate mousse, I couldn’t help but ask, “How’s the acting going?” No need to let on that Bob had already clued me in.
    Travis’s spoon clattered into the crystalline dessert cup. “Not good, I’m afraid. There aren’t many good parts for a man my age.”
    Living with someone for years teaches a man to recognize a lie. Well, not an outright lie, but a half-truth. He wasn’t telling me the whole story. Fear squirmed to life in my belly. He had to be sick, for I’d never known him to abuse drugs, the other option for why he’d sunk so low so fast. Sickness. That was the only explanation. I’d never seen him this forlorn.
    Inspirations struck. “Let’s go to Whispers . ” Maybe dancing would lift his spirits.
    “We don’t have to.”
    Travis? Turning down dancing? Who was this man and what had he done with my husband? “Why not? You love to dance.” I turned on the charm, batting my eyes. “They play oldies on Friday nights.”
    “It’s getting late. You probably have meetings tomorrow.”
    My nearly saying, “But tomorrow’s Saturday” wouldn’t have gone in my favor. Many a Saturday during out last year together I’d nipped into the office for a brief meeting, only to wind up spending the day. “No, my calendar’s empty.” I tried for the smile that used to melt his heart.
    A pale echo of his former smile answered mine. “If you insist.”
    I knew he couldn’t resist, especially not oldies.
    After paying the check I drove us to a club we’d once frequented. The place still looked the same, furnished in Art Deco and hosting a lively crowd, kicking off the weekend with the classics from Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, and other legendary singers.
    We’d barely made our way through the door when I heard my named called. “Ian! Travis! How great to see you again.” The club’s manager approached, megawatt grin lighting up his face. Like myself and Travis, the passage of time had left its mark on the man.
    “Good to see you, too, Jack. The club looks great. How have you been?”
    We exchanged small talk. Damn, but I’d missed Jack’s humor. When was the last time we’d talked? After our breakup, Travis had neglected Anna. I’d neglected Jack. I made a mental note to invite him to lunch real soon.
    Finally Jack embraced us both. “Excuse me. I need to go speak with a few people. You know how it is. Something always needs my attention.” A smile creased his cheeks and he hurried off. Travis and I found an out of the way table. The moment we sat down a handsome young man approached, wine bottle in hand. “Compliments of the house,” he said, pouring us each a glass. Mmm… Nice vintage. I definitely owed Jack lunch now.
    Travis held out his hand as he’d done the first time we’d met, and by placing my palm against his, I answered a question he’d asked with only a gesture, a smile, and a raised brow. He led me out to the dance floor, one hand on the small of my back. At first we came together stiffly, very conscious of every little touch. Slowly we relaxed, settling into old habits and older dance beats.
    “Ladies and gentlemen.” Jack’s distinct Texas twang replaced the last strains of Little Richard’s Good Golly Miss Molly . “Tonight is a very special night, the anniversary of two dear friends.”
    Oh dear God, no. Travis and I stared at each other with wide eyes. What did Jack do, keep a calendar? My breath hitched as my old friend continued to spell out doom for us. “In their honor, I’d like to play a very special song.”
    No, no, no, no, no! I heard the melody in my head before the first note even sounded. Percy Sledge’s voice wasn’t easily forgotten. A knife ripped into my heart. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long. My and Travis’s song. And like the singer, I’d loved my husband for too many years to simply stop. A spotlight aimed our way left us with no other choice but to dance. Some people cleared out the way, all eyes on us,