Page 107 of Changing Lanes

I wait all week to hear from my father about going with them to the grand opening. The day before we’re supposed to leave, I’m informed I’ll be staying behind to handle an issue within the office. Isn’t that a bitch. My stomach turns, and I can’t shake the bad feeling.

Arriving home later that night, I make a beeline to my bed. Fixing my pillows so I can turn on the television, I see my phone light up. Picking it up thinking it’s Brannon, my mouth hangs open when I see it’s Ava.

“Hi, Ava. Is everything okay?” I know I sound surprised, but I can’t help it. It’s been three weeks since I left, why is she calling?

“Torrie, I’m sorry for calling, but I need to tell you a few things.” She hurries her words, so I brace for the worst.

“Alright. I’m listening.” What else am I supposed to say?

“I’m not sure where to start.” She sounds upset.

“Is Andi okay? Brannon? Are you okay?” I sit up in bed now, my senses on high alert.

“No, it’s nothing like that. Well, I mean, Andi misses you so much, and Brannon’s a wreck without you. But part of that’s my fault and the reason I’m calling,” she blurts out.

“Alright. Let’s start there with Brannon.” I try to remain calm so she will talk to me.

“I know he told you I took Andi on purpose to hurt you. Well, what he doesn’t want to tell you is I called your dad and told him you were seeing Brannon again.” Oh, shit. “He paid me one-hundred-thousand dollars to take Andi, to drive a wedge between you and Brannon. I wanted to, though, Torrie, it’s not all his fault.” My blood begins to boil, he’s at it again.

“Okay. So, my father has known for several weeks Brannon and I were together.” I take a deep breath, trying to calm down. “What else?” I need everything, I’ll deal with Brannon on my own.

“I would say, several months actually. Brannon and your dad had a huge argument at the opening today. Your dad said terrible things to Brannon in front of everyone.” She’s huffing like she’s ran a marathon.

“My father will never change. Still manipulating me. All these fucking years and he’s still trying to destroy me.” I grind my teeth as my face flames.

“There’s more.” She exhales. “Brannon put him in his place. You should be proud to have him at your side, Torrie. He proved he’s an amazing man and deserves you more than even your father does.”

“I never doubted Brannon, Ava. I doubted me. Thank you for calling me. I hope you’re doing well.” My face is so red from anger, it’s hot to the touch, but I’m trying to keep calm with Ava.

“I am. I…I’m seeing someone. Nothing serious, but he’s good to me,” Ava says.

“That’s great, I’m happy for you. So, no more Brannon?” I can’t believe this, wow.

“He loves you, Torrie. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Sometimes, you have to fight for it.” She sighs. “Bye, Torrie.”

“Ava, call anytime. Goodbye.” What in the hell is going on? Do I live in an alternate universe? Hanging up, I call One like he’s on speed dial.

I text Brannon one phrase, knowing it will be enough.

I love you.

My phone rings. “Hey.”

“I’m sorry. I should’ve asked you first. He just made me so angry.” Brannon sounds as if he still is angry.

“It’s okay. I blame him, too.” I try to reassure him I’m okay.

“You know, if you’d marry me you could keep me in check. Having to say, ‘I’m sorry’ so much sucks.”

Shaking my head, I laugh, “I don’t think it works like that, I believe most husbands stay in trouble.”

“Well, shit,” he huffs. “I miss you. I love you, I’ll never get tired of telling you that, whether you marry me or not.” He’s killing me. I think he knows it.

“Again, you’re not playing fair.”

“I don’t plan to ever again. I love you, bye.” His goodbye takes me by surprise.

“Are you hanging up?” I’m confused as to why he would hang up.