“No. Ithappened.”
“I could neverhave killed your mom, Jules. I loved her more than anything. We hadbeen together since we were kids. She was my heartbeat. I know wehad fights; we were both hot tempered and our arguments did getphysical, but I would never take her away from you girls, ormyself. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t see her prettyface. I tried to kill myself in prison, just so I could be with heragain, but the guards walked in and cut me down. After that, I wason suicide watch and didn’t have the chance to try it again.”
“Are wefinished talking about it now? So, you wanted to tell me thatyou’re innocent?” I say, biting my bottom lip and holding backtears.
“I’m notinnocent, Jules. I know that now. I’m as guilty as the person whodid this to us. I should’ve been a better husband and father. If Iwould’ve had the strength to get off dope, I know for sure thatyour mother would’ve done the same. I was weak and selfish. Forthat, I’m guilty and deserved to serve the time I did.”
Taking a deepbreath to hold back tears, I bolt to the bathroom. Once inside, Igrab a hand towel and then drop to the floor. I press the towelover my mouth and sob uncontrollably. I can’t handle theoverwhelming pain I feel. Over the years, I’ve hidden away thememory of what I saw that night. And now, I see it as clear as day.My mom, my beautiful mom…lying lifeless in a pool of blood withstab wounds on the palms of her hands and a knife in her chestwhile my baby sister sobbed on top of her.
I’ve got to getout of here and do something to take my mind off how I’m feeling.My first thought is to call Jason, but he’s away. Then, I rememberthat Katie included her number in her e-mail. I slide my phone outof my pocket, access my e-mail and scroll until I find her letter.I text her and ask if she’s free to go for a coffee? I’m not at allcomfortable meeting with her after not seeing her for so manyyears, but right now I need a distraction. She replies almostinstantly. “Sure, that would be great. Whereabouts should we meet?”I quickly answer her. The Starbucks on the corner of Robson andThurlow. She texts back a happy face.
Suddenly,there’s a soft rap on the door, “Jules, are you ok?”
I sniff andwipe my tears, “Fine. I’ll be right out.”
After splashingcold water on my face, I compose myself and walk out, only to findmy dad leaning on the door frame with a sullen look on his face,“I’m sorry if what I said hurt you. I just wanted you to hear thetruth.”
“You couldn’thurt me if you tried,” I say defensively.
“What if we satand talk about normal stuff?”
“I can’t. Ihave to be somewhere. While I’m gone, you can do what you like.There’s food in the cupboards and fresh coffee made. I’ll be backlater,” I say, walking passed him.
ChapterSeven
When I get toStarbucks, I walk in, order a cappuccino and sit at a small tableat the back of the room. I can’t believe I’m meeting Katie. If shestarts talking about Abby, I’ll freak. Please, God, let this notturn out to be a disaster. I don’t think I can handle anymore dramatoday.
Just then, thefront doors open. A slim girl with long blonde hair walks in andtakes off her mirrored aviator sunglasses. She lets her eyes adjustand looks around the coffee house. She has on skinny blue jeans anda puffy short black jacket. What a hottie. I sure hope this isKatie. Walking up to the counter, she orders a drink and waits.Maybe it’s not her. It could be just a girl meeting her boyfriendor something. I watch as she picks up her drink and then searchesfor a table. Her eyes scan the back of the room where I am sitting.She stops, hesitates and then walks in my direction. The closer shegets, the hotter she looks. Her face has the most beautiful bonestructure. Her hair looks soft, as it bounces off her shoulders,and her body is tight and fit. “Are you Jules?” she asks, revealinga beautiful while smile.
I don’t believeit. This is Katie? “Umm, yeah, I’m her…I mean…yes, I’m her.” I say,sounding like a fucking idiot.
She laughs andthen reaches out her hand to shake mine, “It’s me, Katie.”
Our eyes meet.Hers are a striking olive green.
“I wasn’texpecting you to be all grown up and, umm…looking like you do.”
She laughs andsits down.
“You’re notwhat I expected either,” she says.
“What were youexpecting?”
“I guesssomeone less pretty. I don’t mean any insult by that, it’s justthat when we were emailing a few years ago, you mentioned that youwere working outdoors as an adventure guide in the summer. You alsosaid that you were working as a mechanic. I guess I just thoughtyou’d be a bit - butchy.”
“Do you alwaysstereo-type people?” I joke.
“No. That’sjust it, I don’t. But you’ve got to admit, you don’t see hot girlspulling wrenches or working as wilderness guides.”
She thinks I’mhot? I’m shocked.
“How long haveyou been living in the city?” I ask.
“Not too long.I moved here because a friend of mine is a cop with the VPDdowntown. He put in a good word for me and now I workdispatch.”
“He? So, he’syour boyfriend?”
She laughs,“No. I really don’t think that would work.”
“Why? Is theresomething wrong with him?”
“No. He’s agreat guy, it’s just that I’m not really into him that way.”
“If he’s sogreat, why
