The Price Legacy - Generation One - Chapter Fifteen (Part One)

[pastryqueen]

Facing a crossroads in his life, Don must finally answer the looming question: what does he want?

CONTENT WARNING: Sexual content, mature language.





During the second trimester of your pregnancy, your baby becomes more active. You may be able to sense and feel their kicking.



Due to the baby’s increased activity in the evenings, you might have difficulty sleeping throughout the night. Your heart rate will also increase in order to provide more blood to meet the oxygen requirements of your baby.



You might experience symptoms such as fatigue, backaches, constipation, heartburn…



You may feel aches as your uterus expands and push the lower ribs forward. Most aches can be relieved with massages…



…and taking long rests throughout the day.

Katrina: “Don? Earth to Don!”



Don: “Huh?”

Katrina: “What a bookworm! You were so enthralled. Why are you reading my old pregnancy manual?”



He got up and put the book back on the shelf.

Don: “I got bored.”

Katrina: “So, to cure boredom…you wanted to read about pregnancy.”



Don: “I mean, it’s a sci-fi thriller when you think about it. A foreign body is growing inside you, moving all your organs and bones around, feeding off your energy…”

Katrina: “I’m so glad you think the miracle of life is akin to a parasite.”

Don: “I’m just messing around, Kat. I got curious, that’s all.”



Katrina: “You’ve been going through all those other books as well, in your old room.”

Don: “Oh, those? They’re my university textbooks. I’m sorting through them to see if I can sell them.”



Katrina: “Ah, that’s right. You were going to attend university for…what was it again?”

Don: “Biology. And then I was going to study medicine.”

Katrina: “It still surprises me to hear that.”

Don: “That I was smart, once upon a time? It shocks me, too. I was an honor student and everything. Blows your mind, doesn’t it?”



Katrina: “No, I’m surprised you ever dropped it in the first place. You must’ve held onto those books for a reason. Have you considered going back to school and giving the field another shot?”

Don: “Why would I do that? I was good at biology, but that didn’t mean I liked it, or that I wanted to turn it into a career. And sure, I played around with the idea of school, but it’s not what I want.”

Katrina: “Well, what was that other career that you wanted? In athletics? Let’s be honest, that’s a dream job, and dream jobs usually don’t pan out for most people. What you’re doing right now is…fine, but eventually you’re going to want a respectable career with a reliable income.”



Don: “So…what, I should enroll in school, take out loans, and study an area that doesn’t interest me because it might make me more money in the future?”

Katrina: “Not at all. I’m only suggesting you consider a more practical job, for security.”

Don: “Well, last I checked, I never tell you to put a pause on your job because it isn’t ‘practical’.”



His words must’ve struck a chord because Katrina fell silent.

Don: “Sorry, that…I didn’t mean for it to come out like that—”

Katrina: “I know. You meant no harm…but that’s the point I’m getting at, Don. The only reason why I was able to raise my girls, without help from my parents? Years of hard work. I got lucky—barely. I don’t want to see the same thing happen to you, working for so long without the reward you deserve.”



When she got up, he was quick to embrace her.

Don: “I’m sorry. I’m an ass — you already knew that, though. Look, I’m not completely ruling it out, but…”



Katrina: “All I ask is that you consider all the possibilities. Take it from someone with some perspective. I don’t want you to end up like me, looking back and wondering what could’ve been. A lifetime full of regrets is a sad thing.”



Don: “Right…regrets.”



Katrina: “Is something wrong?”



He shook his head, before giving her a kiss.

Don: “No, just thinking out loud. Ignore me.”



Katrina: “If you say so. Are you coming to bed soon, or are you going to torture yourself with my pregnancy manuals some more?”

Don: “Nah, I’ve done enough reading into that subject matter to give me a lifetime of nightmares. I have to sleep soon, though. I have an early start tomorrow.”

Katrina: “Same here. Speaking of which, I better go and shower. I’ll see you upstairs.”





Don understood Katrina’s concern, but she didn’t have to worry.



He wasn’t good at planning ahead, and he certainly never looked back.



When he aged into a young adult and walked away from a full ride to university and a stable relationship, Don had no regrets. For a while, he lived in the moment, as freely and spontaneously as possible, without anyone or anything tying him down. He bounced from job to job however often he pleased, and he left relationships as quickly as he entered them.



That is until he met Katrina Caliente.



Katrina was everything he said he wanted in a woman: mature, charming, feminine, with curves that could kill…

For a long time, Don thought if he was going to settle down with anyone, she would be his ideal partner.



Then she wouldn’t stop pressuring him about marriage, or throwing his past behavior back in his face as leverage, or losing her temper whenever he made eye contact with another woman.



This pushed him to cheat on her—with her own daughter.



It was only a kiss, but it was enough to put their entire future into jeopardy.



When Katrina called and asked Don if he wanted to give their relationship a second chance, he was stunned. He truly thought he burned that bridge and committed an unforgivable act, but she was more than willing to work out their issues together. She missed him and wanted to understand what went wrong with their relationship, and to his surprise, he missed her as well. That first week, they had long conversations into the night about their relationship and their expectations for the future. She eased off her desire to rush into marriage and start a family, and he took responsibility for his actions.

It would’ve been easier if Dina factored into the picture somehow, but so far she still ignored Don’s phone calls and text messages. As far as he knew, Katrina hadn’t tried to contact her daughter in any way, despite his suggestions. It was sad, but Katrina and Dina’s fraught relationship was out of his control.



All he could do was focus his energy and attention on their relationship.

Katrina: “What time does your shift start again?”

Don: “Not for another two hours. You?”

Katrina: “I perform from one o’clock until late evening. I was hired to work until nine, but knowing this place, I’ll be on until midnight.”

Don: “As long as they pay you for every hour you perform. Unlike that last place. I still can’t believe they stiffed you.”

Katrina: “Don’t worry, the Solar Lounge’s owner and I go way back. He won’t rip me off. He knows better.”



Katrina: “Hmm, how lucky am I? It isn’t often our schedules align like this in the morning anymore. You’ve been working so much lately, it’s rare that I get to see you at this time of day.”

Although she clearly made enough money to cover the utilities and mortgage payments, Don insisted on contributing more to the household. This was why he picked up more shifts at the food stand, he reasoned; it wasn’t fair of him to keep his earnings for himself while she was paying for everything else. That was the partial truth at least, the one that she readily accepted without question. He actually worked more hours to get him out of the house and keep his mind busy.

Katrina: “I think we ought to take advantage of all this free time.”

Don: “Sure. What did you want to—oh.”



Katrina: “I hope that answers your question.”



Katrina: “Relax. Let me take care of you.”

It was a miracle, how they managed to come back together against the odds. That she still wanted him.

Somehow, in spite of their differences, they were on the same page again…



…for the most part.



Don: “Are you mad at me?”

Katrina: “No, dear, of course not.”

Don: “You sure? Sorry, I thought I was feeling it, but…”

Katrina: “Don, seriously, it’s fine. It happens to the best of us.”



Don: “I can, uh…help you finish if you want.”

Katrina: “No, that’s all right. The moment is gone for me, too. Besides, I really ought to get ready for work. We can try again later.”



Katrina got up and went to the bathroom.

He lied back on the bed, covering his face with both hands, sighing deeply.

Don: “Fuck.”

Life with Katrina would’ve been better…



If it wasn’t for goddamn Marci Price.



Marci was the exact opposite of what he looked for in a lover. Unlike Katrina, she was immature, socially awkward, and honest to a fault. She lacked the feminine wiles that usually got his attention, and she was so thin, he used to wonder if she ever kept food in her tiny shack. Despite their differences, he was drawn to her for reasons beyond his comprehension; there was no point in denying his attraction to her.



Against his better judgment, he approached her with the intent to get closer, but she shot him down – brutally. That alone would’ve deterred him from crossing paths with her again. After all, there was no point in chasing a woman who had zero interest in him, who would never give him the time of her day. Not to mention she kind of scared him.



Eventually, they started seeing eye-to-eye…



Hanging out on occasion…



He even convinced her to jog with him in the mornings…



Sometimes.

Marci: “This is fucking torture! That's what you're doing to me, isn't it? Torturing me?"



Don: “Hardly! Exercise is good for you – keeps you happy! It releases endorphins!”

Marci: “So does murder, but — huff! — I haven’t strangled you yet, have I?!”



And before he knew it, they were best friends.



Don couldn’t remember the last time he befriended a woman without the intent to sleep with her, let alone trust someone as much as he trusted her. In Marci, he found an equal — someone on his same wavelength. Someone just as lost and screwed up like him. Someone that everyone underestimated. Someone who pretended they didn’t care about anyone’s opinion when truthfully, it bothered them, just like him.



Unlike everyone else in Oasis Springs, she didn’t get on his case for his crummy job, his crummy life, or his crummy reputation. She didn’t judge him when he expressed his fears of commitment, to work, to relationships, to anything that he could potentially ruin, or potentially ruin him.



She called him out when he was in way over his head…



She gave him space when he asked for it…



Humored his ridiculous ideas and dreams as though they were nothing to be ashamed of, and occasionally called him an idiot to ground him back to earth.



She was real.







And in true Don Lothario fashion, he ruined everything by having sex with her.



In all fairness, the sex itself wasn’t the mistake.



It was what followed the sex that destroyed their friendship.













“I was wrong though, wasn’t I? You don't love anyone.”



“Don't worry. You're off the hook. Just go.”



That was the last time they spoke to each other.



Don played around with the idea of dropping in a few times, but…



Marci made it clear his participation in their child’s life wasn’t wanted, nor was it necessary.

What else was he supposed to do? They never dated, and he never wanted children to begin with. He could barely take care of himself, let alone a baby. Perhaps his knee jerk reaction was unwarranted, but did she really expect him to accept the news graciously?

He thought Marci of all people would get where he was coming from, that he was far from ready for a choice like this, but the second he expressed his doubts and fears about raising a child with her, she blew up and refused to listen. Despite their friendship, she tore him apart and made him out to be a monster. Didn’t he have the right to feel hurt and angry?



She pushed him away, not the other way around.

Right?



Days stretched into weeks. Weeks turned into months.

Three months passed, and now it was coming up to four.

They’ve had their share of arguments in the past, but this was her longest silent treatment to date. He hadn’t caved, either.



What if Don tried to text or call Marci, and she just ignored him? Every time he reached for the phone and wrote a text, he just backtracked and deleted it. So much time passed, any point of contact would feel awkward now.



Maybe it was for the best. Marci had Joshua and their kids. If that was the life she wanted, so be it. As for him…



Lately, he couldn’t sleep.

And whenever he finally managed to drift off into a deep slumber… he dreamed.



Sometimes, in his dreams…



He was the husband and father that Katrina wanted. He would return home from a long day at work to their cozy house. Their living room was always decorated for the holidays.









Their small children would rush to say hello to him.



Katrina would greet him and excitedly inquire about his promotion at work.



In his dreams, he wasn’t a ship steered off its course, or a wanderer without a road map. He wasn’t confused or conflicted about his desires and fears or melting down over daily responsibilities. He no longer felt tempted by other women or compelled to run out of town and start anew elsewhere. In these fantasies, he was no longer the aimless mooch but a man who had his shit together. He didn’t bail on his career or his relationships.



And the ludicrous idea of being married wasn’t quite so bad. In fact…



It was desirable, even.





Marci: “What’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

Don: “You…you’re not supposed to be here.”



Marci: “Oh, I’m sorry, was I interrupting something? Too bad. I got news for you, Lothario: you don’t belong here, either.”



Don: “Ah!”













Don never used to have nightmares. Not like this.



It always took forever to go back to sleep. Most of the time he went downstairs to Dina’s old bar in the kitchen and fixed himself a drink. That got him sleepy enough to knock off again for the night.



However, the nightmares were becoming more frequent, and they were getting increasingly intense and unsettling. Over time, one drink turned to several, until he started losing count.



The worst one to date was when he was watching his and Marci’s child run towards Joshua and call him ‘daddy’.



No matter how much he tried to shout or reach out to grab her, Don couldn’t say a word or move an inch. And they both ignored him.



That night, he took an entire bottle outside with him.



His nerves finally settled after the third drink.



There was no significant improvement to his mood, though.



Winter Veil came and went. Putting up the holiday decorations and the string lights used to be Dina’s job, but now that she was gone, the responsibility fell on Don’s shoulders. So, of course, the lights were still on the gates in the middle of January, and they were likely to stay there until Katrina finally got sick of it and yelled at him.

At this time of year, he always thought about his parents and wondered what they were doing. Did they stay home for the holiday? Did they ever sell that cabin? Did they ever wonder about him and what he was doing? They were pushing into their sixties when he fled and cut them out of his life. Did they bother decorating the estate, or did they just forgo celebrations altogether now that he was no longer coming around?



At this time of night, he couldn’t help but wonder if Marci was still awake. If they were speaking to each other again, he would text to see if she’d respond, and eventually invite her to come and sit with him for a few minutes, or a few hours, until they were tired enough to sleep. Was she thinking about him at all?



“So I took your advice and put myself back out there, and wouldn’t you know it…”



Marci: “The evening didn’t end in complete disaster! My date ditched me, which sucked, but it was fine because I met someone else. I noticed this guy sneaking glances at me from across the room, at the bar. He stuck out like a sore thumb. I thought, ‘That is one frumpy brown Dad sweater he's got on, but why not? He’s really cute, and I am not about to go home without getting some.’”



Marci: “And turns out, he’s, like, the most interesting person I’ve met since I moved out here! His name is Joshua Hay. He’s some big shot artist who just moved out here from San Myshuno. He’s into…what do you call it, surrealism? All that weird shit, like the painting with the melting clocks on trees, or the shiny diamonds over people’s heads! I should’ve known he was secretly a weirdo. He has that vibe, you know? He was pretty shy when I put the moves on him, but then he invited me back to his place to showcase some of his work, and I was blown away by everything. He’s really talented! He even makes a pet food label design look interesting! And then he—”



Marci: “Shit. I’m talking too much, am I?”

Don: “I mean, I wasn’t gonna say anything. You’re really selling me on this guy. I might be falling in love, too.”



Marci: “Sorry! I didn’t mean to ramble. It’s just…no one’s ever made me feel this way. When we hooked up, it was like…fireworks went off in my brain. No! It was practically a lightning bolt striking me dead in the street. You ever feel that way about someone, where you meet them and you guys kiss and it just clicks, and it doesn’t make sense but you want to spend as much time with them as possible?”



Don: “No, Marci…can’t say that I have.”

Marci: “Well, I did. It’s amazing. He must’ve felt the same way, too. The next morning, we went out for coffee, and he wants to take me out tomorrow, on a real date.”



Marci: “It’s too soon though, isn’t it? Should I put on the breaks? I’m not sure if rushing into a relationship straight after Cayde is a good idea…and I don’t think Josh understands what he’s getting himself into. He’s way more mature than I am, and he’s so sweet and thoughtful. He’s totally the sensitive type, and…well, I’m not! What if he figures out I’m a dumb evil slut and ditches me?”



Don: “I hate to break this to you, Price, but I’m really not the best person to rely on for relationship advice. I’m lucky Kat hasn’t given me the boot yet. If you ask me, though…what’s there to worry about? You like him. He likes you. Just go out with the guy and see what happens. If it doesn’t work, then it doesn’t work. Then you can find another poor soul to torture.”



Marci: “Oh, being my boyfriend is torture now? Says who? You? What would you know about my love life?”

Don: “Not much, but judging by how you treat your friends, I imagine your new man’s got his work cut out for him. I feel sorry for him.”

Marci: “You asshole! Like you’re one to talk!”

“Hey! Earth to Don!”



Nina: “What are you doing out here?”

Crap. When did she come out here?

Don: “I…I could ask you the same question! I don’t remember inviting you.”

Nina: “I need an invite to sit outside my own house? Real nice, Don! And just so you know, I was trying to sleep when I heard something fumbling around in our kitchen. I thought it was a big nasty rat, and sure enough, here you are!”



Don: “Classy, Nina. Did you come all the way downstairs just to insult me? Hey, if it makes you feel better about yourself, go right ahead.”

Nina: “Lighten up, would you? I’m just fucking with you! Actually, I was coming out here to try and call Dina. She’s off work by now, and this used to be our time to catch up when she got home…before she moved in with Johnny. Thanks again for that.”



Don: “Oh…I see. Uh, how’s that going for them? Does she ever talk about it?”



Nina: “Sometimes. I guess it’s going alright. It was Johnny’s birthday yesterday, so she surprised him with his gift. She wouldn’t shut up about it for weeks.”



Nina: “I still can’t believe she managed to flag the Dusty Starlight down for an autograph on a guitar. I don’t even want to know what she had to do in order to get it.”





Nina: “I don’t think she’s ever gone through great lengths to impress a guy like this. She won’t admit it to me yet, but you can tell she’s into him.”



Don: “Damn. Johnny and Dina. Who would’ve thought? Well, I’m glad one good thing came out of this mess.”

Nina: “I guess. Personally I wouldn’t want to get with a guy who can barely afford to stay in a trailer park, but what do I know? It’s about time she confronts her abysmal taste in men and steps outside her comfort zone. Funny, I thought you were good for nothing, but I was wrong. You’re a regular girl’s stepping stone to the next best thing.”



Don: “Alright, are you done busting my balls yet? I tried apologizing to Dina plenty of times, but she never returns my calls or answers my texts. I’m pretty sure she blocked my number. What else can I do if she refuses to hear me out? I’m not about to knock on her door and get on my hands and knees. She’s no more innocent than I am.”

Nina: “Are you surprised though, Don? After what you guys did? And judging by her side of the story, she’s right to be mad at you!”

Don: “What? She kissed me!”

Nina: “And you kissed back! Why would you do that if you weren’t interested?”

Don: “I…we were drunk!”

Nina: “Then you got back together with our mother when she hasn’t even tried to talk with Dina yet! I made it perfectly clear to Katrina that she’s got to make amends with my sister. If you really wanted to help, you would use your hypnotic good looks to steer her in the right direction, or own what you did without making excuses.”



Don: “Look, can we just drop this? I don’t disagree with you, Nina, but I already worked things out with Kat, and…be straight with me. Do you really think I’d do either of them any favors getting involved?”

Nina: “No, I guess not. You really have a knack for pissing the female population off with minimal effort. At least you’re self-aware.”

Don: “Thanks. I guess.”

Nina: “Speaking of which…what’s going on with you and that Price chick? How come she doesn’t come and hang out with us anymore? Did you guys have a fight?”



Don: “Oh, uh…no. Nothing like that. She’s just busy. She’s got twins at home, and she’s pregnant again. That doesn’t leave much room for a social life. I think she’s still working, too.”

Nina: “Ugh, that sucks. I hate it when women drop all their friends the second that they start reproducing! Is that why you’re sitting out here by yourself, moping? You miss her or something?”

Don: “I just…have a lot of my mind.”

Nina: “Like what?”

When Don really thought about it, he truly had no one other than Marci to rely on in the middle of a crisis. He never kept anyone else that close. What do you do when the only person who could help you was the root cause of that crisis?

Don: “Have you…ever made a choice, and you were so convinced it was the right one for you, but the more you sit and think about it…you probably ruined something you never knew you had until it was too late? Would you try and get it back, or just accept it’s never going to be yours and live with what you got now, especially when it’s not even all that bad?”



Nina: “Dude, it’s way too early in the damn morning to hit me with a question like that.”

Don: “Right. Sorry. Forget I said anything.”

Nina: “No, it’s fine, just…you are being super vague right now. Can’t you give me any more details than that?”

Don: “Afraid not. It’s kind of personal.”

Nina: “You mean, you don’t want any of this coming back to my mother.”



Don took too long to answer that. Nina leaped at the opportunity.

Nina: “I’m just going to cut straight to the point with you, Don: you already know what you want to do. Nothing I say is going to change that. I just think you want someone, anyone, to give you permission to follow through on it. If I tell you to follow your instincts, and everything blows up in your face, then you can turn around and blame me for all your troubles and continue with what you’re doing. Screw that. Just do what you gotta do already.”

Don: “You say that as though I can just pick option A or B and be done with it.”

Nina: “You can! Most people know which option is best for them. You know what you want. What’s so wrong with you that you can’t just make a decision?”

Don: “I…I don’t know. Someone’s going to get hurt no matter what I do - typical, I know, but even I’m tired of my bullshit. Either way, it sucks.”



Nina: “I’ll let you in on a little secret. If there’s anything I learned through my line of work—”

Don: “Are you seriously going to whip out your social media clout as a point of reference right now?”

Nina: “Yes I am, asshole. Now shut up and listen. If there’s anything I learned through my line of work, it’s this: when you screw up, it always feels like the end of the world with all the criticism coming your way…but eventually, the haters move on with their lives and forget. Even the people you hurt learn to let go, too. So, really, you can only be responsible for yourself at the end of the day. Figure out what you can stand to live with, or live without, and go from there.”



Nina: “Does that make any sense? You feel any better now?”

Don: “Actually…yeah, I do. I think I needed to hear that. How come you’re being so nice to me, Nina? What gives?”



Nina: “Well, you know the saying: if you can’t beat them, join them. If I have to live with you, I may as well find some common ground. And I won’t lie, it’s pretty big of you to admit you have a problem. I can respect that.”



Nina: “Besides, Dina’s not here anymore and she’s probably too busy with her new boyfriend to call me back, and I have to talk with somebody about all the juicy gossip I pick up at work! I helped you out. Now it’s my turn, don’t you think? I need advice on whether this stank ass bitch needs to get called out or not.”

Don sighed. When did he become the designated sucker that women turn to for advice on trivial matters?

Don: “Fine. Hit me.”

Nina: “So, last Saturday, I updated my status on what I was eating for lunch, and Venessa Jeong replies with this passive-aggressive gif from with absolutely no context or commentary whatsoever—”

***





Katrina: “Oh, Don…look what I found in the back of my closet today.”



Katrina: “Remember this? I can’t believe it still fits. The last time I wore it, I’d just asked you to move in with me. Brings back so many memories, doesn’t it?”

Don: “Yeah. It really does. Looks great.”



Don hadn’t realized how close Katrina had gotten until she grabbed his face. She turned his attention away from the phone and back on her face.

Katrina: “You didn’t even look.”



Don: “Oh…sorry, Kat. My mind went blank. You got my full attention now.”

Katrina: “I’m glad to hear it. Now put that phone down…and keep your eyes on me.”







Don: “Not tonight, Kat.”

Katrina: “Oh, you are such a tease. I like it when you play hard to get. Here, just let me—”



Don: “Kat, I mean it. I’m not in the mood.”



Katrina climbed off Don and sat beside him.

Katrina: “All right, Don. I’m at a loss here. What’s going on with you?”

Don: “Nothing. I’m fine.”

Katrina: “This is the fourth night in a row where you’ve turned down sex. I’m starting to wonder if I’m the problem. I realize you’re used to younger women, but I’m really trying here.”

Don: “I promise you, that’s not the problem. You're great. You always are. It’s me. I, uh…have a bad headache.”

Katrina: “You said that last night, too.”



Don: “What, men can’t get headaches? I’m surprised at you! And you always call me a sexist. That hurts, Kit Kat.”

Katrina: “That is not what I meant, and you know it! Please don't trivialize my feelings here, dear.”



Don: “I’m not! Look, I realize I have a certain reputation to uphold here…but that’s exactly why you should take me at my word. You know me. Normally I would be all over this, but I’m just a man. Even I have my limits! It’s not like I come with batteries included, as awesome and horrifying as that would be. Sometimes I need a break, too.”



Katrina: “All right. Fair enough.”

Don: “So…you’re not mad?”

Katrina: “It’s as you said, you are just a person, and I never want you to feel pressured with me. We’ve endured so many hardships over the last several months, haven’t we? It’s understandable, why you’ve been struggling with this. I can’t expect the two of us to snap back to what we had before we separated, especially when it was problematic.”



Katrina: “I realize I come on a little too strong, but I’m just as confused as you are when it comes to relationships. I practically had my entire young adulthood stolen from me. I was so busy raising my girls, I didn't go on a date until they transitioned into teenagers. I never thought I could get to this point, where I am enjoying my career, paying my bills on time, and loving my body.”



Katrina: “And then I met you. That was a surprise, too.”

Don: “That's me. I’m stock full of surprises. Some good. Mostly bad.”

Katrina: “I mean it, Don. I know we’ve had our moments, but…I really believe our separation was a blessing in disguise. It was a chance for us to start over with a fresh pair of eyes. Looking back, I realized I was pushing you too hard, forcing you to hurry up and do things on my schedule…but it was wrong. I feel as though you’ve been trying to understand where I’m coming from and meet me halfway, and that’s all I can reasonably ask. I can do the same for you. I think our relationship can only get stronger from here, don’t you think?”



Don: “Yeah. I do.”

And for once, Don was telling the truth.



Katrina Caliente was a good woman. If she was willing to give him a second chance, after what he put her through, and reconsider what she wanted out of their relationship…didn’t he owe it to her to try and become a better partner? Their connection managed to survive the worst betrayal imaginable. If they could make it…



…who was Don, really, to even consider walking away? He was fine just where he was. He could live with this. After all, he was never good at planning ahead…



…and he certainly never looked back.



Why start now?



***

Part Two!