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"Beth, is that you?" she asks, and I don’t hear a hint of anger yet which is a good sign.
"Yeah, it’s me, but I can call back if it’s a bad time."
"No, no, just give me a second. Simion is such a hungry boy, it seems he is always crying for food, let me just settle him here, and he will calm down." I hear her shifting and the cries of her baby boy turn into a soft coo and then silence for the most part. "Alright, he’s all good. Now, where the hell have you been?" she asks me, but it's playful and loving, no hint of hatred or suspicion, which I need so badly right now. I almost cry happy tears.
"I know it's been way too long. Things have been . . . crazy." I try to avoid dumping anything on her right away. I haven’t been there for her in too long for me to expect to just throw my issues at her and expect her to comfort me or fix them. "Noah has been really busy, and this life has me so caught up sometimes. How are those god babies of mine?"
"Oh, Nina of course has been walking now and starting to talk a lot. She talks my ear off, though admittedly I don’t understand all of it. And Simion is surely going to be a big boy. He just eats and eats. Loves cuddle time but he is such a chubby baby."
I laugh and feel a little hurt that I have missed so much. "I hope you have some good pics and videos. I would love to see them."
"Oh, I will dig some up. Anton is worse than me. His phone is full of memories of all of us."
I smile, knowing that at least my best friend is happy in her marriage. I always knew she would be. There was something off about Anton for sure, but the way he has always looked at her let me know he would never mistreat her really or have eyes for anyone else. It is just in his business that things are not right. I have speculated for years about him and what he does, but I keep it to myself. It's none of my business, really. And I hate judging. One of the many reasons why I just have never felt right in this life with Noah but have pushed those feelings aside for him.
"Beth," Tasha says softly. "I am so glad you called, and we can talk, but I feel like there is a reason you called me up out of the blue. We haven’t seen you in so long, and I have been worried. Can you just tell me what’s been going on?"
I let out a rattily breath and then another, my eyes closed. I should have known she would see right through the cheery talk. I thought talking about her kids would keep her distracted and keep conversation light, but of course she wants to know why I have disappeared from her life.
From my own family's life.
"It's complicated." My voice cracks, and I know I will tell her. At least some of it.
"You know I am not buying that. Out with it, Bethany," she scolds.
"I found out tonight that Noah has been cheating on me. We were at this thing so he could mingle with the people he needed to get his election numbers up, and then he promised we would go on this second honeymoon to celebrate our anniversary. But I overheard him with his secretary. So, I ran. I am now at a hotel and no idea what I am going to do," I admit. "I know I don’t deserve your sympathy or help. I have been such a bitch not being there for you. But I couldn’t help but call and hear a familiar voice."
There is silence for a moment before I hear more shifting. Perhaps Simion is done feeding. "I am sure this is a shock to you. I am not going to judge or scold. You know you are always welcome to come back to Miami and stay in the guest house."
I am shocked, honest to God. I don’t expect her to be so generous and pick up where we left off. Maybe Noah has ruined me and has me thinking of people as these easy to push away things that I have to constantly please.
"Thank you. I'll think about it. I think I need to sleep on it."
"Fair enough. But, Beth? Don’t lose touch again."
"I promise." This time, I mean it. I don’t care what Noah says even if we get back together. I am not pushing those I love to the side anymore.
