Chapter 32: 32

ERIC'S POV

I asked many things about her, her family background, and how Red and she became friends. She also answered in detail, and I listened carefully. We both laughed at some points, taking sips of the wine in our glass now and then. When Shirley started to flush, she also lost her apprehension bit by bit. She became more talkative, even telling me those things I shouldn't know.

"Shirl, what do you think? Am I difficult to love? Why did the woman I love left me?"

Her eyes widened as she looked at me above the rim of her wine glass. "Red and you, not on good terms?"

"We are fine, but she isn't what I mean," I chuckled, enjoying her startled reaction.

"You-you mean, you have some-somebody e-else? And she is the cause of all your drama tonight?" Her voice raised higher, and her words prolonged and stuttered.

"She's in the past, but she takes my heart with her." I let out a mirthless laugh as a wave of anger hit me again.

"Oh, no. That isn't nice. Why?"