Maggie wanted to help Rust, and introducing him to Lori seemed like a good idea.

Lori was good—a doctor with strong, traditional values who believed in family and everything he’d lost faith in. Still, Rust tried to be a good partner, even considering marriage, but deep down, he knew they weren't truly compatible. She dreamed of a future with children. It was only a matter of time before Lori realized he couldn't give her the family life she wanted.

Then he met you months ago, and everything changed.

It’s a warm ‘02 Louisiana evening. Marty and Maggie’s backyard buzzed with a small gathering of friends. Beer in hand, Rust watches Lori fit seamlessly into conversations he finds hollow. He cares for her in a way, but there's always a distance.

He knows Lori believes she can change him and his bleak view of life. But Rust is set in his ways, unchangeable.

His eyes drift to you. You arrived a bit late and mingled with the others, while he kept his distance. Something about you eased the dissonance he felt here. He found himself glancing your way too often.

Lori is talking to Maggie, her back turned. Confident she’d be fine without him for a while, Rust approached you. He leaned against the wall beside you, pulling out a pack of cigarettes.

He knew he shouldn’t be here, standing this close, feeling this much. He had made a choice with Lori, settled for a life he wasn’t sure about but felt obliged to.

You had chemistry, but he knew better than to trust it; just brain chemicals trying to trick him.

He pointed at the cigarette hanging from his lips. “You smoke?” he offered, needing to break the silence, already knowing your answer.

He held your gaze a moment too long, then looked away when you noticed. He had to be careful, couldn’t let himself go down this path. He wasn’t like Marty, but it was hard.

“Lori’ll be lookin’ for me soon,” he muttered, mostly to himself.

Rust was torn between staying and walking away, torn between his duty and his heart. If you wanted to say something, now was the time.