AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I tell him everything that took place with Jordan the day before. No need to tell him about the harrowing experience he suffered on the plane or the fact that he was scouting Nate for a job as his clubs.
“Shit, I’m sorry. It sounds like he was stalking you.”
“That’s what I said, but he said that wasn’t the case.”
“I thought you finally found someone decent. I know you wanted this to work.”
“I did, but it’s over. Now I need to find a new job.”
“Why? You aren’t working directly for him. You love that job.”
“I do, and it hurts to have to consider leaving it, but maybe I can find another job at a publishing house. There are plenty in the city. I can get good referrals from the editors.”
“Listen, if you need help with paying for anything, I got you.”
“I know Nate, and I love you for it, but I have to stand on my own two feet.”
“And you have. It doesn’t hurt to ask for help if you need it.”
“I’m going to try to find a job before I quit. I can deal with Nicky until I do. As long as Jordan stays away, I’m fine.”
“Are you fine?”
“No, but I have to be. It was only two weeks with him, and now it’s over.”
“I wish I was there. We could make popcorn and watch movies all day.”
The reference makes me think of doing that with Jordan on Friday, and I burst into tears. I can’t stop as they just come, and Nate keeps trying to calm me as I get it out.
“Baby girl, you’re making me wish I was there.”
“I wish you were. I could use a big Nate hug,” I hiccup out.
“If it’s any consolation, I’m sending one through the phone. I wish I could talk longer, but I have a soundcheck in half an hour. I have to go. On Thursday, I’m heading to Spain until the end of June; then it’s off to France.”
“I love you, Nate.”
“I love you too, baby girl. Don’t fall apart on me.”
“I’ll try not to.”
I don’t hear anything from Jordan, and I’m subdued at work. Angie was on vacation until Tuesday. When she comes back, I don’t joke around or even engage in asking about her vacation, which I know is a shitty thing to do to a friend. Instead, I tell her I have to get the manuscripts on my desk finished. By Thursday, she hauls me into the bathroom to talk. Checking the stalls to make sure we’re alone, she begins to question me.
“What the fuck is your problem, and don’t say it’s because you’re busy. That’s bullshit. You’ve had a lot more work to do before, and it never kept you from joking around. So spill it.”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
I can feel the tears threatening. I don’t want to be a blubbering mess when I walk back to my desk, so I just keep denying anything is wrong.
“I guess we’re going to stay in this bathroom all day then.”
“There’s nothing to tell.”
“You haven’t mentioned Jordan all week? Are you two still together?”
“No,” I say quietly.
“When?”
