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“I just wanted to check in on you, Idaline,” FC protests.
I shoo Justin and mouth, “Don’t let him hang up.” I quickly disappear to my room and get dressed. My instinct says I shouldn’t leave the two of them alone for too long.
My footsteps are soft on the carpet and I hear FC. “All I’m saying is I don’t know who you are and I don’t care if Idaline thinks the sun shines out of your ass, treat her right or I’ll beat the shit out of you. Idaline deserves the best and if you aren’t going to give that to her, you should walk out and leave her the hell alone.”
“I don’t need you to tell me how to treat my girlfriend. I don’t particularly care for the protective older brother shit either.”
“It’s not older brother shit,” FC fires back. What does that mean? “I didn’t get to beat up the last asshole, but I can already tell, I’d enjoy beating the hell out of you.”
Justin snorts. “Keep on, man, and you won’t even be in Idaline’s life anymore because I’ll make sure of it.”
Okay, they’ve talked enough. I walk into the kitchen. “How’s it going, guys?”
Justin smiles while I hear FC say, “Take the phone and get away from him, so I can talk to you.”
I roll my eyes. “No one likes it when you’re bossy, FC,” I tell him as I pick up the phone. “I won’t be long,” I say to Justin, kissing his cheek before going all the way back to my bedroom for some privacy.
“I don’t like him,” FC declares.
“And you’re basing this on what?” I ask.
“He’s a nosy dick who bosses you around, telling you to get dressed. He might have a jealousy problem too.”
“FC, I was naked.”
“I couldn’t see you!” I give him a pointed look. “Okay, so I saw some cleavage, but after that, I only saw your face.”
I shake my head. “You’re reaching, FC. Justin is a great guy. You’re only cranky because your face hurts, you’re hung over, and you relapsed.” Although, I don’t like how Justin said he’d make sure FC wouldn’t be in my life anymore. I don’t want FC going anywhere.
“And because you haven’t been talking to me,” he adds.
“I’ll fix that and you can sober up again. I’m so proud that you’re trying. Did you quit smoking too?”
“Yeah. That one is easier with the patch.” He frowns for a moment and then his face is stoic again. “You look happy. Doing better?” He points to his head.
“Yes,” I whisper. “I haven’t told Justin yet.”
FC nods. “You should go. Be careful.”
“I will. I’ll be in touch, too. I have missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too, Idaline,” he sighs.
He quickly hangs up with me and I’m left staring at a black screen, once again feeling conflicted. I almost feel as if I should have kept him talking for as long as possible. I definitely feel as if I’ll need to keep my phone close by in case he needs someone to talk him off the ledge the next time he’s tempted to drink. He might reach out to me and I don’t want to miss that call.
“Idaline?” I glance up to see Justin standing in the doorway of my room. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Did FC behave while I was getting dressed?”
Justin walks in and climbs onto my bed. “You don’t want to know if I behaved?”
“Well, yeah, but I’ve known FC for twelve years and I feel like I should ask about him first. Out of the two of you, I already know he’s more likely to misbehave.” Although, this is the first time he’s ever spoken to one of my boyfriends.
“We barely talked,” Justin lies. “We just waited for you to get back.” Then, he frowns. “How comfortable are you with him? It didn’t bother you that you were naked while you were talking to him?”
“He couldn’t see anything. And I got so distracted by our conversation that I forgot about it anyway.” I lean over and give him a quick kiss. “Don’t worry. We’re only friends. If it makes you feel better, I’ve only met him in person twice.”
This intrigues Justin. “Breakfast is ready. I made myself at home since you told me to cook. Why don’t we eat and you tell me all about FC?”
