The letter looked plain. Her name and address were printed neatly on the front; no return address. Probably junk, she thought, tossing it aside along with the rest of the mail as she walked into her apartment.

It was lonely here without him. He was the one who brought laughter to her life. It was his presence that made the place seem alive. If he were here, he’d have music playing, or a movie on, and there would be something great to eat.

After changing into jeans and a T-shirt, she grabbed the mail and flopped onto the sofa. She set the letter aside for last. Bill, bill, sales paper, bill and a post card. It was from her best friend Lisa, who was on her honeymoon in Hawaii. She gazed at the front: a photo of a gorgeous sunset on an equally gorgeous beach, the silhouette of a couple walking along hand in hand. She flipped it over and read the scrawl.

"Cathy – Saw this and thought of you and Nick. Just think, next year at this time you’ll be here on your honeymoon!! We’re having fun; it’s so beautiful here. Be home soon. Love, Lisa."

Sighing, she stood and placed the card on the mantel, next to a framed photo of herself and Nick. She still couldn’t believe that Lisa was married, finally, to her childhood sweetheart.

She picked up the picture and looked at it. She glanced at her left hand and saw the diamond twinkling. He’d proposed on Christmas Eve, right on the beach, their favorite place to be. Since then they’d planned every little detail about the wedding next spring. It had been his idea to have a small ceremony on the beach, just a few friends and family. She smiled to herself and ran a finger over the frame. Setting the picture back in its place, she turned and sat back down on the sofa, picking up the letter.

She opened it and pulled out the folded paper. Something fluttered out and fell to her lap. Ignoring it, she began reading. The worlds blurred after a moment, but she knew what they were. Nick, another woman, she was with him all the time, everyone knew. The picture enclosed would prove it. It was signed A Friend.

She picked up the picture, her hands shaking. This is just a joke, she thought. There’s some stupid fan harassing me. I know that Nick wouldn’t—

She leaped to her feet, eyes wide with shock, when she looked at the photo. "No," she whispered, bringing a hand to her mouth.

It was definitely him. It was obviously on the bus, she could tell. And Nick was sitting on the sofa, next to a gorgeous, perfect looking woman. One arm was around her shoulders, his other hand was creeping up her thigh. They were locked in a passionate kiss. Cathy wondered who had taken the picture. She saw someone sitting on the other side of Nick; it looked like AJ.

"No!" she shouted, throwing the picture across the room. She wouldn’t believe it. It could be from the video shoot, she thought. There had to be an explanation for it. She knew Nick. They loved each other. They were getting married in a year. He loves me, she thought. Not some cheap whore. God please let there be a logical explanation.

The phone rang loudly then, jerking her back to the present. She turned and yanked it up. "Hello," she said exasperatedly.

"Cathy, baby?" Nick’s voice crackled.

Anyone but him, she thought miserably. She decided not to let on that something was wrong. "Hi, honey," she said sweetly.

"I can’t talk long. I’m on the cell, and it’s about to go out. Just calling to say I love you."

Yeah, I’ll bet, she thought. "Aw, sweetie. I love you, too."

There was a fumble, and she heard a feminine giggle, very close to wherever he was. It was followed by murmured words. "I know you do," Nick said, almost distractedly.

Cathy balled her hand into a fist. "I gotta go, someone’s at the door. I’ll talk to you later." She hung up before he could reply.

Throwing the cordless phone onto the sofa, she burst into tears. How could he do this to me? she wondered. I’ve been nothing but faithful to him for two and half years. I understood when he said he wanted our relationship to be kept a secret. I said I didn’t mind when he told me it wasn’t a good idea for me to awards shows and public appearances, on the tour. That bastard.

Nick called again later that evening, but she let the machine answer. He left a short message. "I’ll be able to come see you next Sunday. I’ll let you know what time later. Love you."

Cathy sat next to the machine, wondering what he did after he hung up. Is she there? Holding him close? Does she know all the places to kiss to drive Nick crazy? Does he tell her all the words he told me? Does he whisper softly in her ear after they make love?

Cathy hugged her knees to her chest, sniffling pitifully. She wiped her eyes on a tissue and tossed it away, smiling slightly when it went straight into the trashcan. Tired of crying, she stood and went to the bedroom. Everywhere she looked were mementos and memories of her relationship with Nick. Gifts he’d brought her from all around the world. Drawings, jewelry, knick-knacks. What should I do with it all?

Mind made up, she turned around and went to the small spare room. Getting an empty box from the closet, she began her house cleaning.

Nick kicked his hotel room door shut and reached for the light switch. Joanna caught his hand. "There’s no need for that," she told him.

He smirked in the darkness and pulled her closer to him. "Sounds good to me." He lowered his head, his lips searching for hers.

Suddenly the door flew open, the light flipped on. Kevin stood in the doorway. "Hey, Nick. Cathy just called me."

Joanna pulled away from Nick. "I’ll go change," she said, going to the bathroom.

Nick glared at Kevin. "What in the hell did Cathy call you for?" he asked.

"To get me to tell you something."

"And that would be?" Nick asked impatiently. He kicked his shoes off and turned the lamp by the bed on.

Kevin sighed. "She said that if you’re coming up on Sunday, she won’t be home."

Nick thought for a moment. "Is she going somewhere?"

"No."

"Well why won’t she be home?"

"Maybe because you’re playing her for a fool, you’re cheating on her, you’re an all around asshole, and she’s finally figured out the truth." He shrugged. "Or maybe she’s just got PMS. You never know."

Nick shrugged. "Thanks for the message," he said, flopping down on the bed.

Kevin looked at him. "Don’t you have the slightest bit of remorse?"

Nick glanced at him, then looked away. "No, I can’t say that I do," he said softly.

"You don’t love her, do you?" Kevin asked. Nick didn’t answer. "You know, she will find out, if she hasn’t already. She’s not an idiot."

Nick sighed as the door slammed. Kevin was right – Cathy would find out. Now what do I do?

Joanna stepped from the bathroom, wearing nothing. She flipped the light out and then crossed over to the bed. "What’s wrong?" she asked.

He grunted, barely glancing up as she straddled his waist. He felt her hands on his chest. He sighed and looked up at her.

"Want me to take your mind off it?" she whispered, leaning close so her breath tickled his ear.

Usually by now he’d be willing. But now his mind was on Cathy, and how it felt when she touched him, when she whispered in his ear. He closed his eyes and saw her face. He shook his head. "Maybe you should go," he told her.

She sat up, looking down at him with a confused expression. "What do you mean?"

He slid from underneath her, and stood up. "I’m just not in the mood."

She shrugged. "Alright. Want to watch a movie?"

"You don’t understand. Just go. To your own room." He went to the window and pushed the curtain aside, looking out.

He heard her sigh, then the bathroom door shut. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed wearily. She came out a moment later, and quickly left the room.

By Sunday, Cathy was ready to move on. She’d packed everything that reminded her of him. I’ll have to get rid of the sofa, she thought. How many times had they made love there? How many mornings did she wake up in his arms, the sunlight filtering through the curtains?

She wasn’t sure yet what to do with the stuff. Some of it was valuable, and some of it wouldn’t mean anything to anyone but her. Maybe I’ll sell it to some obsessed fan of his. No, can’t do that.

She was making a list of what she needed to do hen she heard a key in the door. It can’t be Lisa, she thought. She’s still on her honeymoon. Mom’s visiting her cousin, and no one else has a key.

The door opened, and she heard footsteps in the hallway. Her heart in her throat, she stood up and gently set her pen down. Why did I give him a key? Oh, right. I thought we’d be together forever.

"Cathy?" Nick’s voice called out.

She didn’t answer. She stood completely still, almost scared to breathe. She heard him walking around, still calling her name.

He stepped into the bedroom, looking for a sign of her. He saw a stack of boxes. Is she moving? He’d called her everyday since she’d given Kevin the message, but she wouldn’t answer the phone.

He sighed and walked to the living room. He looked around, wishing she’d burst through the door, arms laden with packages, saying something about a shopping trip with her mother.

She won’t. Her car is down in the parking garage, her purse is on the table in the hall. She’s here. She’s just ignoring you. He sunk down on the sofa, knowing she knew. But how? How could she find out?

He saw a letter on the coffee table. It looked like it had been balled up then smoothed out. A photo was clipped to it. Nosy as ever, he picked it up.

Looking closely at the picture, realization came over him. Who had taken this? He thought long and hard, and remembered making out with Joanna one afternoon when Howie had been fooling around with his camera. Shit, he thought. He read over the letter, trying to think of who would do this to him. It had to be one of the guys, or maybe someone in the band, or security. Damn, I’m screwed.

He set the letter and photo on the table and stood, walking down the hall towards the kitchen. He saw a shadow move across the floor, and stepped into the doorway. He looked at her.

She stood at the table, looking at him. Her face was pale, her eyes red with dark circles under them. Her hair, usually wavy and flowing past her shoulders, was pulled back. She still managed to look beautiful.

"Just go, Nick. Leave the key and go," she said, her voice barely audible.

"Cathy, you’ve got this all wrong—"

"No, I don’t. For once I’ve got it right. I see the truth in your eyes."

He glanced away, then looked back at her. "Please, Cathy. Just give me one more chance."

"No! I won’t be made a fool of anymore." She glanced down at her hand, as did he. They both saw the diamond glinting in the sunlight, both saw the broken promises, the shattered dreams. With a tortured sob, she yanked the ring off and hurled it at him, hitting him squarely in the chest.

The ring made a soft ping sound as it hit the floor, and bounced around for a few seconds, stopping next to his foot. He looked down at it, then at her. He decided to try once more. "Cathy, I love you."

She snorted and turned away, unable to look into his eyes anymore. "You’ll find someone else."

He sighed and stooped to pick up the ring. "I’ll never forget you, Cathy."

He looked at her for a moment, then turned and walked to the door. Once there, he took a moment to take a key off the chain, placed it on the table, and left.

One Year Later . . .

Brian looked from AJ to Kevin to Howie. "You guys do know that it was a year ago, right?"

"Yeah. But, geez, she’s completely out of his life now," AJ said.

"They were gonna get married today," Brian said softly. "Here."

"Damn, no wonder he’s so fucking moody," AJ said.

"Where is he now?" Kevin asked.

"He went for a walk on the beach."

Brian pulled a t-shirt on and went to the door. "I’ll go find him," he promised.

Nick was sitting on a dune, watching the surf pound against the shore. He’d been crying, and now felt like crap. He looked up the beach and saw Brian coming towards him. If there’s one person I don’t want to see right now, he thought, it’s him.

Brian plunked down next to him without a word. "Great view," he mused.

"Yeah, sure." They sat in silence for long moments, then Nick looked at him. "This is the spot we picked out for the wedding. Right here, at sunset. We were going to go to Hawaii for the honeymoon, and live happily ever after." He sighed. "But I fucked up. I had to meet some little tramp and invite her on tour. I figured I was smart enough to pull it off."

Brian looked over at him. "I know, man."

"I still love her. Sometimes it’s like she’s still waiting at home for me. I’ll be sitting wherever and suddenly I’ll pull out my phone and start dialing her number. Sometimes I wait until she answers, then I’ll hang up. It’s like all I need is to hear her voice."

Brian patted his arm. "It’s okay, Frack. You’ve just got to move on." He stood up. "Want to get a pizza for supper?"

Nick shook his head. "I’m gonna hang here for a while."

"I’ll leave you alone, then." He headed away after Nick mumbled something, and started for the hotel. One thing’s for sure, he thought, glancing out at the water. Nick can never find out that I sent the letter to Cathy.

Nick watched the sunset, and saw a couple spread a blanket out nearby. He heard their laughter, and felt miserably alone. He was about to leave when the guy turned some music on. He heard the opening notes, and decided to listen to it.

Nick stood as the song ended and walked to edge of the water. He sighed as the words sunk in. He could only hope that Cathy would remember the good times they’d shared. He knew he would. He pulled the diamond ring from his pocket. "Please remember me," he whispered. He looked at it for a moment, then tossed it into the ocean.

email: kevsgurly@yahoo.com

Lyrics to 'Please Remember Me' -- as performed by Tim McGraw