“No, not like I did, because I didn’t. I chose the wrong woman, I freely admit that. And then I screwed up by putting my job above everything else after she left. It was easier just to write a check and send it off to her. Perhaps if I’d been a different man with a different job I’d have been more aware and known what was going on. But I wasn’t.”
“I know. And honest I’m not blaming you for what happened, but no way in hell am I going to let myself get into a situation like that. I know my limits and I love my jobs, both of them. I don’t have the time or the inclination to bring a woman into my life, both for my sanity and her safety.”
“Those may be famous last words,” Charles said with a laugh.
Vance just snorted.
* * * *
The lake turned crimson as it reflected the setting sun and Vance actually smiled while he lifted his line out of the water. “Pretty, isn’t it?”