No Man Left Behind: A Veteran Inspired Charity Anthology by Elizabeth Knox (black authors fiction TXT) 📕

will, for you, Abs. But I still don’t think he’s good enough. Especially from the way he treated you, in the past. You deserve better.”

Her heart lifted with his consent. She wrapped her hands around his solid, firm arm and squeezed it gently, as she placed her head against his shoulder.

“Thank you.” She attempted to find stronger words to express the deep gratitude warming through her heart but came up with nothing. Sterling meant everything to her. If he didn’t accept Phil, she didn’t know what she’d do.

She looked up at him and smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling with her merriment. “I love you, you know.”

He gazed at her, fondly, and strummed the back of his fingers across her cheek. “I know. I love you too.” He squeezed her shoulders and then grinned, his gaze focusing on Gunner before returning to her. “So, what do you say? Let’s go to the park.”

She gave him a big hug before lifting from the couch. Squatting in front of Gunner, she shouted enthusiastically, “Wanna go for a car ride?”

Gunner whined his agreement and spun in a circle. They merrily laughed at his whimsy and then led the eager pup out the door.

Three months later, things were better than ever. Sterling interviewed for several positions and was, eventually, hired as a baggage screener for the Transportation and Security Administration at the local airport. It was a good job with excellent pay and after two months of working for them, he had accumulated enough stories worthy of a novel, if he ever decided to write one. The best story, yet, was the day a poor, unclaimed pup sat in his container on the airport floor. Boy, did that one rile up a bunch of emotions within him.

The thought of leaving Gunner in a situation like that had him curling his hands into fists. Still, after more than six hours of waiting, the owner finally showed up and took the poor dog home. He wasn’t sure if the dog was better off with the owner or in another house. What he did know was, if the owner hadn’t claimed the dog, Gunner might’ve had a brother. There was no way he’d leave the poor animal behind.

He recalled telling Abby the story and the look of shock spread across her gorgeous face. Abby would’ve happily taken in the poor pooch if Sterling hadn’t. Speaking of Abby . . .

Much to his chagrin, she remained dating Phil. After a few nights out with him, Sterling figured out why she liked him. Phil had a good sense of humor and seemed to genuinely care for Abby. He was a charmer, at best. His worst part? Sterling hadn’t figured that one out yet.

Still, there had to be a flaw. No one was perfect.

The happy smiles she gave to Sterling or the merry laughter that rolled off her tongue each time she informed him she was getting ready for yet another date with Mr. Wonderful, tied Sterling’s insides into knots. It should be her loyal best friend Sterling’s company she cheered for, not gloriously unaware Phil’s.

Sterling attempted to talk to her, at several times, during the past several months. Their discussions regarding the “virtues” of Phil often became over-heated, ending with her sudden departure to cool down. There was nothing Phil could do to change Sterling’s mind. Phil could’ve turned into Superman and Sterling, still, wouldn’t like him.

Yet, Abby wouldn’t hear him out. She paid no attention to his real concerns. Phil let her down once and he’d do it again, Sterling warned. Abby responded by picking up her purse and walking away.

Ten minutes later, Sterling attempted to call her, when she didn’t return to their table, yet he only received a texted reply.

Had to go. See you later. Don’t want to talk about Phil anymore.

When he summoned the server over, to pay the bill, he was informed Abby had already taken care of it. The server offered for him to stay as long as he liked yet Sterling was more than done with the evening. His only regret was he couldn’t get out of the restaurant fast enough.

Abby’s payment of the bill was a sweet gesture. Staying the rest of the night by his side would’ve been better. Sterling could’ve taken care of their expenses.

He pictured Abby contacting Phil and running straight into his arms for solace and comfort. It should be Sterling’s arms she turned to, instead. She always had, in the past.

Reflecting on Abby had his heart slowly slumping into his stomach. His shoulders rounded and his smile turned quickly to a frown. His muscles weakened and his former positivity changed into weary melancholy. If Phil was what she wanted, Abby could have him. Sterling was done fighting.

Several hours later, Sterling found himself at a nightclub. He had no idea how he got there but he knew he needed a distraction. His fingers cradled his phone as an image of contacting Abby flashed across his mind. There was no way in hell he’d do that. She was likely with Mr. Amazingly stellar, wonderful man tonight, anyway.

He made his way toward the entrance and nodded at the man who opened the door for him. The man gave him a puzzled look, probably wondering why a good-looking guy like him was at one of these establishments. Granted, beautiful people everywhere attended nightclubs. Yet, Sterling hadn’t been in a club in . . . He figured it was at some time, four years ago, when he and Abby remained friends. He sighed as he retracted his last few words. Of course, he remained friends with Abby but with his current mood and the outcome of their night out, he wasn’t feeling too friendly at the moment.

The last time he ventured into a nightclub had been with her. Sterling had made sure he spent most of the time dancing with her best bud. Tonight she was probably dancing with good ol’ Phil, in and out