Matt’s POV
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Val and I were cruising in the little town of Athena, on the outskirts of Huntington Heights, we had just left a party and were already pretty damn drunk, probably higher than kites too. I had parked the car out back of an old building, in which I thought was abandoned. Things had heated up between her and I during the drive, I was going to give her what she was begging me for. Val craved sex; there was no telling when or where. The windows fogged up and the car was shaking I’m sure. She screamed my name at the top of her lungs as she neared her orgasm. That’s when someone tapped on the window. The unexpected sound made us jump and shout, while trying to put some fabric back over ourselves. I wiped an area of the window with my hand so I could see who was outside of my vehicle. It was clearly a man, he had on a button up shirt and jeans. Hasn’t he ever heard the saying? Don’t come knocking if the car is rocking. I cracked my window and asked that he state his business. After he assured us that he didn’t mean any trouble, he told us we couldn’t be doing such things on the parking lot. That it was against the rules. He then insisted that Val and I joined him in the bar with the red door, then he trotted away.

“What? He just wanted to invite us to his fucking bar?” Valerie inquired.

“He must’ve enjoyed the show.” I goofed around, “is that why you kept looking out?”

”You’re fucking kidding me, right? You gonna accuse me of that old fucker next, are ya Matt?” Val hissed.

“What? Where the fuck did that even come from? I was just trying to kid around with you, hateful ass.”

“Oh, and I saw you eyeing that bitch, Danielle, again. Why the fuck was she even there? Are you still fucking around with her?” Valerie fired a couple shots.

“She waved at me and returned the favor. Listen at you. I’m not getting into it.” I retorted.

“What the fuck ever, you never want to get into it. Are we gonna go to that bar or go home? We’ll do nothing but argue when we get home, so I just assume to stay here and drink.” She rolled her eyes and began to get out of the car.

”You’re probably right and I don’t feel like hearing you bitch all night.” I admitted after locking the car.

”You know what, fuck you, Matt.”




Val insisted that we didn’t stand the guy up; plus there was a bar. Val pushed on the door, it was locked, didn’t budge a bit. She knocked. Seconds later, a buzzer sounded and we pushed on the door. It was open.

The man who confronted us outside sat in a chair behind a glass window to the left. “I’m glad you two decided to come in. Are you new here?”

“We never knew this place existed, honestly.” I replied.

“Well, it’s hidden for a reason, sir. We don’t really like for outsiders to know we exist. Plus, it’s a good way to attract new members.”

”What do you mean?” asked Val, “We were just out in your lot screwing around.”

“That was obvious. You see, there’s a lot of people here who are like you. Just looking for a good time. You guys should check it out.” The mysterious man insisted.

I tried my best to imagine what may have been going on behind the red door at the end of the short hall. The man could obviously tell Val and I were curious as to what was going on here and oblivious to the manner.

”You owe me twenty dollars if you leave within twenty minutes. I’ll even stamp your wrists to let the bar know you’re on my tab.” he shrugged his shoulders.

Val just batted her eyes at me, while that playful grin I knew too well appeared across her face.

I gave in, “Fine.”

He stamped our wrists with a red number. The numbers 0011 and 0012, whatever they meant. “Just go on through that door. You’ll find yourselves quite surprised. Oh yeah, there’s also a live band playing tonight.” The man winked.

Val took my hand and led me down narrow red velvet hall to that damn red door. I was curious and could definitely drink on someone else’s dime tonight. As we got closer, I could hear drums, a bass and a guitar; they were playing quite a catchy tune. Sounds like an ordinary bar to me, which eased me a little. The question still bothered me though- What would anything behind that door have to do with our rendezvous in the parking lot?

Val reached for the door and turned the knob. I was unable to explain the reason why my heart felt as if it were about to pump out of chest. Suddenly, Val clenched my hand and gasped. I studied my surroundings for a few seconds before realizing everyone around me was dressed up like Victoria Secret models and the gentlemen wore suits and masquerade masks. We weren’t dressed for whatever occasion is occurring here- Val was wearing a short dress and would be considered modest in this place; the lady next to us was sporting a thong and bra made of candy. The mistress had her hands locked behind a dude’s neck and was kissing him slowly.

Val looks up at me, “Right up your alley, huh. Bet you feel right at home.”

I opened my mouth to retaliate but instead was interrupted. “What are we doing?”, she asked.

“I’m thinking if we sit at the bar we could kinda ignore everything else.” I laughed.

“All of this is pretty hard to ignore. Look around, Matthew! It’s like a swingers party or some shit! We’ll do whatever you want. Bar it is.”

She lead me through a crowd of minimally clothed people over to the bar. We took seats next to a gentleman who had on a black tuxedo and a masquerade mask on that hid his face quite well. All in all, at least the men seemed to be all clothed. The man nodded his head at us. I mirrored his action.

Momentarily, a woman in a sparkling black lace dress strutted her way toward Val and I. “Hello beautiful, what can I get you to drink?” she eyed my fiancée.

”Two double shots of Jack D, please.” Val smiled but her body identified as uncomfortable.

The lady leaned close to me, “And what would your poison be, handsome?”

I looked straight into her sapphire eyes and requested a glass of Jameson on rocks. Her eyes narrowed and the lady took my hand. She rubbed the red 0011 that had been stamped on my wrist; immediately snapping her head up at me and smiling. “Newbies?” she looked between Val and I.

“What is all of this?” Valerie asked the woman as she poured our drinks.

”An adventure. Never know what’s behind any of the closed doors upstairs. This is a Triple S party- Secret Society of Swingers. Are you two married?” she asked once passing us our beverages.

“Engaged.” I responded.

She folded her arms on the bar and proceeded to talk, “This is a place where you can let loose and be carefree. This place isn’t meant for some people and we understand as well as respect that. As you look around, you see a lot of action going on- lap dances, kissing, dancing; also some interesting choices of clothing. Everyone here feels sexy, comfortable in their own skin, confident. Does anything here in this room bother you?”

Val and I looked around- no one was taking anything too far. I hear sounds of moaning, sometimes distant screaming. I’ve walked in on lots of action; none of this was anything new. I look over at Val, who looks like she is about to break out her biggest bottle of hand sanitizer but her eyes yet wondered about. If she only knew what we encounter on tour now.

”No, nothing here bothers me. With the line of work that I’m in, there isn’t many things that I don’t see.” I replied to her question.

Valerie quickly spun her head to make sure she heard me right, then she decided to answer, “Nah, this doesn’t bother me very much.”

I roll my eyes at her remark, knowing she was just playing along to hear whatever other stories I may spill.

“What in the world do you do for this to be nothing out of the ordinary?” the bartender questioned with heightened curiosity and snicker.

I opened my mouth to answer but was interrupted, once again, by Val, for the umpteenth time today. “He’s a singer for a band. Do you mind if I get a Grey Goose and cranberry?” Val smiled.

She simply nodded her head and began flipping bottles, “A singer, huh?”

“Yes ma’am. Maybe you’ve heard of Avenged Sevenfold?” I proudly ask. Now that we are known worldwide very well, I love asking that question. Better yet, I loved to announce what I do for a living- when I can, anyways.

“Oh, I have! Please take no offense of this but I haven’t listened since Seventh Trumpet. Love the Nightmare song though! It’s an honor to meet you.” The lady smiled brightly and clasped her hands together in an exciting motion.

“Thanks for serving is tonight- what’s your name?”

”And I’m Valerie, his fiancée.” she held out her left hand to make sure what’s-her-face saw the huge rock on a particular finger.

What’s-her-face took Val’s hand and shook it softly, “My name is Jada, it’s my pleasure to serve you guys tonight.” she winked and noted, “if you two need anything else, please- just let me know.”

I gave her a thumbs up and looked over at Val and she looked up at me. I was waiting to be asked ten thousand questions that we both knew answers too. Questions and answers that have caused numerous problems, arguments and walkouts. Revenge. Instead, not one word was said. We both sat casually at the bar and sipped our drinks, as if we never had even known each other. I had to admit it, I’ve come to accept that our days as soon-to-be newlyweds were numbered. The consequences of having too much of everything has changed us; we were struggling with our own vagaries full of want and desires. Sadly, we’ve become two bodies living in the same home who have sex a few times a week while I’m home and party. Communication has nearly become a thing in the past. We’re each other’s company when the party is over- a guaranteed fuck at the end of the night. As the boys and I were gone on tour, both of us had numerous affairs. We were sex addicts- our counselor once told us. I glanced over at Val. She had her back completely turned to me and was carrying a conversation with the gentleman beside of her. He signaled for a round of drinks for the two of them. I did the same. Jada, my friendly server, strutted my way with two drinks in her hand. She slid them down to Val and the masked guy.

“What do you need, handsome?” Jada leaned on her palms in front of me, purposefully at the right angle to grab any mans attention.

“Two tall glasses of Jack and Coke, please.” I winked and checked out the view before me.

“You got it, Mr. Shadows.” Jada bit her lip as she walked away. Moments later, she returned with two deep glasses of perfectly mixed alcohol. Jada dropped a couple cherries in them after setting them in front of me.

”Thank you. Here, this one is yours.” I took a gulp and slid the other glass across the bar to her.

She picked a cherry out with her fingers and plopped it into her mouth, “Thanks, handsome. So, what do y’all think about this place?”

I was coming to terms with this new place, normally someone would run. Seriously though, what guy doesn’t like hot chicks and stuff? I thought things like this only happened on tour, not in my backyard. Yet again, I’ve definitely been in more fucked up situations. I replied, “It’s not too bad, I can tolerate. Why is everyone wearing masks though?” I chuckled.

”To hide their real identities. No one goes by their real name here either, Jada isn’t my name, nor close to it even. It’s one of those requirements when you become a member. I’m not wearing a mask because I’m tending the bar tonight, I’d rather be playing though.” Jada informed me. “I’m glad she seems to be fitting in well.” She thumbed to my left.

Valerie and the masked man were wondering off into the crowd of half naked people. There goes my fiancée, being lead to an unknown location to do unknown things, once again. I couldn’t help but to let a sigh escape from between my lips, enough for Jada to hear it.

“Does that bother you?” She bluntly questioned.

“Well, it would’ve years ago. Deep inside I wish things would get better between us but you know how sometime you go too far beyond return? Both of us has exceeded that mark. There are mornings I wake up and hope we can find love for each other again but it’s never happened.” I took another swallow of my beverage.

“Then why stay? Why be in a commitment when neither of you are committed to it? How long have you been together?” Jada rambles with question after question.

“We’re like, junior high school sweethearts. I stay because I know with the path she’s chosen, she’s gonna get into a lot of trouble one night. Any dude that gets her drunk enough can take her to bed. She gets sloppy drunk really quick and sometimes mixes other things with it. I’ll always care for her but we just don’t have the love we used to have. I mean, how do you stop caring for someone that’s been by your side since elementary school?”

Jada took a swig of her drink and tried her best to summon up an answer for my question. She probably didn’t know how, like the rest of us human beings. Jada chuckled and smacked the bar, “Well, I know alcohol and a Triple S party will definitely help! That was actually sarcastic as fuck, I seriously have no idea and I’m sorry you two are in this situation.”

Figures. I took another long drink and looked up at Jada, whom I was almost seeing doubles of and laughed, “Well sweetheart, let me fucking tell ya something- alcohol and pussy has solved a lot of problems for me and has also created plenty! If either of us only knew how often this happens. She goes off with other dudes, I get pissed and set off to look for revenge!”

“Are you looking for revenge, trouble?” Jada winked at me.

Was she hinting at me? Or is she gonna introduce me to some girl here? Why should I even care that Val is locked up in a fun room being playfully tortured by Mr. Tuxedo Mask? She couldn’t care less about me, so yes, yes I am looking for revenge- a final rise of vengeance before I head off to tour in just six hours. No more Val for four months, no having to repetitively watch her be led away by numerous guys. I’ll be doing my own thing again and she’ll be doing hers. There isn’t any hope for fixing that thing known as us anymore.

“Of course, I want revenge. I just assume to leave her ass, honestly. She always sneaks off with guys. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no saint either, I’ve cheated too. But it’s never been in her face, if you get what I’m saying. What just happened isn’t anything new. She’s kissed other dudes in front of me, I’ve saw numerous guys just lead her away! Just something about tonight that has pushed me to my limit.” I vent to Jada, like she’s my best fucking friend.

”I’m sorry it’s like this for you. That would get under anyone’s skin. But, here, mostly everyone is single and just looking to mingle and have fun. Some people even come to boost their confidence. Others come here and discover something about themselves. Obviously, this isn’t place for engaged couples, Mr. Sanders.”

“Jada, are you a betting woman?” I asked curiously.

“Depends on the circumstances.” She winked.

”I’ll bet you that I could go undercover and lead her away the same way that other guy just did. But if I were to ask her to wonder off with me, it would be a big no no.”

”How the fuck are you gonna pull that off?” Jada wondered.

”I’ll be back.” I nod to Jada, “Oh, where can I get one of those masks?”

She knelt down and came back up with a mask and a shirt, “Here, It’s best if you change.”

“Thanks.”

“No offense, but I can’t wait for this to unfold.” Jada winked at me again.

I wondered off to find a bathroom, rather quickly finding what I was looking for. Inside, I changed into the white button up shirt and slipped the mask onto my face. I checked myself out in the mirror, the mask had the beak of a bird and is vibrant hues of reds, purples and blues. Now for the tricky part, to locate Val in this madhouse. I slithered my way through the sea of people in the direction that I last saw my future ex-fiancée. Eventually, I just began opening doors and pretended to be sorry for intruding. I opened many, many wrong ones. I was beginning to believe she had left with Mr. Tuxedo Mask but then- I saw a petite woman with blonde hair stumble out of a room. She adjusted her dress and ran her fingers through her locks. Suddenly, the Mr. Tuxedo Mask stepped out of the door as well; confirming the woman who had her back turned against me was indeed Val. She pushed him against the wall, immediately kissing him hard. I grabbed my phone out of my pocket and pretended to text someone.

“Well, thanks for a great time but I guess I need to go check in with douchebag before he begins to think something is up.” Val wrapped her arms around the man’s neck.

Too late, bitch.

“You gonna come back and see me when he leaves?” he asked her.

She nodded her head and kissed his cheek, “I’ll be back tomorrow night.”

”Alright, I’ll be here waiting for you.”

After yet another long antagonizing kiss between them again, they split directions. I had to think about what I was going to do now. As often as this situation happens, I shouldn’t care. I wanted happiness and to share trust with someone, but not Valerie. This time for some unknown reason, she has pushed me over the edge, I’m done. I followed her back to the bar where she was supposed to check in with me, the douchebag. I stood back and observed her actions for a minute as she glanced around dumbfounded as she tried to locate me; I was hiding in plain sight. She took a seat and ordered another drink. Her and Jada talked to each other for a bit. I decided to nonchalantly take a seat next to Val but I turned around to watch the crowd. Jada obviously knew it was me and decided to coolly interrogate her.

“Where did your fiancé go? I turned around and he was gone.” Jada questioned.

“Oh, I don’t know. He’s probably locked up somewhere in here with some girl! Ya know, it wouldn’t surprise me a damn bit nowadays with him.”

”Well, where did you go with the dude a bit ago? He left shortly after you did.”

“He was just showing me around. I think I kinda like this place!” Val responded briefly.

I shook my head and turned the chair around to face the bar. I held three fingers up, hoping Jada would get my que. She began flipping bottles and passed them down to me. I simply nodded my head and gave thumbs up, not wanting to blow my cover just yet. I slid one over to Val and then to Jada then I slammed my shot quickly.

“Thank you.” they both chimed simultaneously. Jada took her shot but Val was hesitant, “Aren’t you the man who was standing in the back of hall two?”

I just nodded.

“Are you alright? I saw you were just texting on your phone, look at all the action you’re missing out on! Don’t be shy.” Val patted my back.

I just shrugged my shoulders and shook my head, signaling for another drink. What I was about to do, I needed the rest of the bottle. Quickly, I downed another shot and grabbed Val by the hand. She didn’t resist much. I pulled her back down the hall I found her in, right to the exact door and pushed it open. Thankfully, it was vacant. I walked up to her and put my hands around her like I have thousands of times, only she thought this was something new.

A playful grin that I knew too well spread across her chiseled like face; she caressed the back of my neck with her hands. “What’s your name, stranger?” she pulled me close, whispering into my ear.

If I spoke I knew that I would blow my cover. I grabbed her by the chin softly and rubbed her cheek.

“Don’t you talk?”

I just shook my head. She thought about it for a moment and giggled. How didn’t she recognize my build? Or the lingering scent of my body wash and cologne? I knew after we got so far she’s realize she’s been played. Maybe she’ll fall in love with me again? Doubtful but rather hopeful.

Valerie allowed me to stroke her cheek for quite some time before she started making her move, “I wanna know why you brought me in here or you could show me.” She winked before placing a hand upon my chest. I placed my body against her. As looked directly down at her, she had that same toyish smile on her face- waiting for me to say something at any given moment. She was wrong. I tilted her chin up and placed the end of the beak on her nose. To move forward along, I pulled her dress up a bit and rubbed her thighs and hips.

“Let me kiss you.” She said, lifting her hands up to remove the mask from my face. I stopped her and shook my head. Valerie didn’t like my response, “but why?” She whined.

I pulled her over to a chair and motioned for her to sit on my lap. Instead, she straddled me and planted her lips on the exposed part of my neck. We’d never done anything like this in our relationship before, as far as masks and the silent treatment went. We always demanded what we wanted- both of us are dominant. Tonight, she was a semi different girl. I lifted the dress over her head. My hands ventured freely along her body, like an old backroad they once knew so well.

”I want to know your name, even if it’s your alias.” Valerie insisted again.

I decided to cut to the chase, I replied to her, “Shadows.”

”Shadows, huh? That’s an interesting name. You’re into some dark shit, yeah?” She rubbed her hand down my chest and brought my hand to chest.

”I don’t know about dark shit, but maybe some deep shit.” I removed the mask and reveiled the face of her new found love for the night; or so she had thought.

Valerie’s face dropped as she realized it had been me, “Oh, it’s just you.”

On top if it all, that was like a smack in the face. It’s just you. I just proved that she’s as easy as I had thought. Her eyes rolled down at me, waiting for me to say something then she removed herself from my body.

“So, it’s just me? That’s how the fuck you feel? What the fuck is the difference between you doing this with dudes you don’t know and with me?!” I threw my hands in the air.

“Like you’re so innocent! You’ve not fucked the bartender yet?” Valerie belted argumentively.

“Val, why can’t we be home making love to each other like we used to before I’d leave off for tour? What the fuck about me has changed so much that you no longer love me the way you used to? I’ve given you anything you could ever ask for and it still isn’t good enough for you!”

She took a step back and shot me an evil glare, “Because you’re always trying to catch me up in shit! Just like this little stunt you pulled- you don’t trust me! How can we have a relationship when we don’t trust each other?!”

“Valerie, I’ve already watched one dude lead you away tonight. You came out of this room fixing your hair and adjusting your dress! If I was any other guy in the world, you’d still be on my lap right now kissing me or whatever. You just proved that! How can I trust you when shit like that happens?”

“I wanna know the difference is between me messing around with a guy of my choice and one of your boys? I blame you for how I am now, Matt! Always begging me to do threesomes just to look cool for them. Most importantly, I’ve betrayed my twin sister just to please you!” She spat back.

Wonder how she’s gonna react when I tell her I’ve fucked her sister so Gates can look cool too? Although, I know that’s wrong but what’s the difference? Has she forgotten all the times she’s asked me for threesomes? At least I never touched the woman without being in Brian’s vision. I haven’t cheated as much as Valerie has, despite the hundreds of chances. Rarely do I randomly hookup, despite the irresistible urge to.

“I’m gonna call and tell my sister I slept with her boyfriend. I’d rather make things right with her than to stand here, argue and get nowhere. I’m not in love with you anymore, Matt. You don’t show me off as much as you used to, you’re not proud to call me your girl anymore!” Valerie stated as she tossed her dress back over her head.

“Go ahead and call Michelle! I can already tell you what she’s gonna say! If you don’t love me, just fucking leave me! All I can say is— I hope like hell some random dude doesn’t lead you off and take advantage of you. I hope you learn better judgement, Valerie.”

“What’s she gonna say, man? She’ll probably hate me for awhile, I know that much! But one things for sure, I can promise her it’ll never happen again,” she paused for a few moments, “Don’t you worry about me anymore! I’m moving to Vermont to escape this lifestyle that you’ve created for me.”

I chuckled at her response. Valerie shot me with imaginary daggers with her eyes. “I’m so done with you, Matt. You can’t even be serious when your engagement is on the line!”

“My engagement? That’s been long gone, sweetheart. I hope your sister is very understanding later. After all, she should—especially since you two have been playing each other.” I fired back.

“What?” Valerie surprising asked.

“I’m not the only one who likes to look cool. Good riddance to ya, hope you find whatever the fuck you’re looking for in Vermont.”

“What does that even mean, asshole?” Valerie pulled her eyes down at me again with that bitchy smirk across her face.

I just shook my head, “Which part? The part where Brian likes to share Michelle to supposedly look cool too? Or the part about Vermont?” I threw up my hands and headed toward the door. Valerie stopped me and stood in the way of the door, fuming. She gritted her teeth as she asked me to clarify myself about Brian sharing Michelle.

“No. When you call her to admit the things you’ve done, the puzzle pieces will add up to you. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up moving to Vermont together?” I shrugged and pulled open the door, “Goodbye, Valerie.” I exited the room.

Valerie just stood there, as if she were a statue made of marble. Instantly, as I shut the door behind me, a long sigh escaped from my mouth. All of those years simply wasted. As I was walking down the hall, Valerie swung the door open behind me.

“I bet you’re fucking happy now, aren’t you?! You get to go on tour and screw all the nasty bitches you want! You’re the one who is going to miss out, Matt, I promise you!” She belted loud enough to echo in the hall.

“Are you fucking kidding me right now? You’re seriously about to raise chaos here? I’m not causing a scene with you, Valerie.” I continued to walk. Suddenly, a high heel whizzed by my head. I quickly spun around, ready to defend myself from whatever else this woman was going to throw my way. “I mean it, Val! We’re not fucking doing this here. Now stop it, I mean it.” I walked backwards cautiously.

She took off the other heel and clenched it in her hand, “And just what the hell are you gonna do if I don’t?”

Touché. What was I going to do? I’d never hit her, never have. The shoe was on the other foot in our relationship, when she gets pissed, she tended to be violent. Valerie used to be bad about punching walls and doors, until she broke two knuckles. Since then, she’s taken up the horrible habit of slinging things at the person. It wasn’t always just heels- pans, remotes, and nearly anything else she can grab within reach. Once, she even threw a lamp at me. Of course, I defended myself and occasionally had to submit her.

“Val, just stop—”

“No! We were supposed to have a happily ever after! But, you want to mess around with bitches the whole time you’re touring! I have a right to be pissed!”

We were beginning to draw the attention of a few people. This may not end well. I sighed before speaking, “I’m not fighting with you. We’re done.”

“Go fuck those skanks on tour, I don’t give a damn! I quit loving you a year ago anyway! Leave me, you sorry son of a bitch!”

I stopped dead in my tracks. I’ve been called many, many things but, that phrase didn’t fly by me. “Listen here,” I charged at her while pointing my finger, “You best stop with all the smart ass remarks! You threw your fucking shoe at me! I’m not dealing with your bullshit anymore, take what’s in your account and move to Maine or wherever! I told you, I didn’t want to cause a scene here and you just keep being a belligerent bitch! I’m sorry that I didn’t turn out to be the man of your dreams, Val. But fuck, I tried! Hope you find whatever it is you’re fucking looking for!” I turned my back to her and paced myself down the hall. This time I didn’t bother to look back.

“Hey man, watch out!” a bystander yells and points.

Valerie slings the other shoe, which I unsuccessfully counter reacted for. The heel hit my head and I fell to my knees. The man who attempted to warn me came to my aid, along with a woman.

“Security!” the guy yells again. I turn to watch what was about to unfold. Val never cooperated very well with being detained. Suddenly, two large gentlemen step from around the corner and eye my ex-fiancée.

“Come with us, miss.” the taller one tried to make things easy. Of course, she resisted. The men pinned her to the ground and slapped cuffs on Valerie until they heard the story. The gentleman who came to my side explained what had happened. Luckily, he caught the whole dispute and took up for me.

“What do you suggest we do with her, sir?” The security guard asked me.

“Well, she definitely isn’t coming home with me. I’m done with her shit. Tell her I said to go get that plane ticket and leave- before I DO get a lawyer. Can we do something like that?”

“I can get a police officer to give her an escort to the airport. My brother is a cop. He wouldn’t mind doing it for an autograph.” The guard smiled and shrugged.

“That’s what I like to hear. Hell yeah, let’s do it.” I agreed.

The man simply nodded his head and took out his phone. His conversation lasted for maybe thirty seconds. “He’ll be here in a bit. You got anything you wanna say to her before she goes?” He asked.

I had many, many questions for her but the answers won’t make a difference now. “Nah.” I shook my head and looked over at her. The other guard was doing his best to calm her down. Valerie was slumped over against the wall with her hands behind her back and she was crying. A teardrop rolled down my cheek before I could wipe it away. A cop strolled casually around the corner and walked up to the guard.

“Jesus Christ, Danny, what the fuck is going on in here? Did I die and go to heaven?” The officer asked.

“No, you’re still alive, brother. Stay for awhile after you drop her off, I’m sure you can find some fun.”

“Damn, after that, I think I need to find some fun too.” I agreed. The cop stuck out his hand and introduced himself. He asked about the situation and assured me that he would get her the airport safely. I normally didn’t do very well talking to officers but, Deputy Britton, has been very different than the Huntington Beach cops.

“Well, let me get the lady transported to the airport. When I get back, we’ll have ourselves some drinks and have some fun.”

I shook the officer’s hand again, “Thank you, sir.”

Deputy Britton nodded his headache and turned to collect my crazy ex. Valerie started kicking and yelling. Normally, I would’ve stepped in and paid whoever off for her shitty decisions, but not tonight. This was officially the end of a very, very long chapter of my life. Britton walked Valerie out to his cruiser and told her what wasn’t happening, which she would have to agree or go to jail. She chose the obvious. The officer detained her in his vehicle and brought out his phone.

“I’m gonna need a selfie, sir, and an autograph.” Deputy Britton threw his arm around me and I smiled for the camera.

“Thanks your services tonight, Deputy. Take it safe out there.”

Notes

My dear readers, I want to apologize for such a long delay. Writers block is a legit thing :/ Promise not to make you wait so long next time between the chapters. Also want to apologize for such a short chapter as well but I figured a reflection back to how Matt and Val separated would be crucial to the story and how that impacted Matt.

Thank you for reading!!! Hope you enjoy. Feel free to comment your feedback! It means a lot more than you think :)

-Sky.