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“At least let’s try more affordable clubs.”
“Tonight was affordable. Half off for ladies before midnight plus a free drink.”
“And even with that, it was still more than I would have paid for a regular Saturday night out. But I do appreciate it. Don’t think I don’t. Okay?”
“I know you do.” She reaches over to squeeze my hand as she drives.
It is almost four A.M. when I stumble into my house. I barely manage to take off my make-up and dress before slipping between the sheets naked.
The ringing phone rouses me and I frown. I reach for it on the nightstand, answering without really looking.
“Hello?”
“Hi. Summer. Baby.”
I am immediately awake. “Steven?”
“Yeah. It’s me. Look. Can I come over and talk? Please? I promise I’m sober this time.”
My thoughts instantly go back to the night Lucan overheard our argument and how disrespectful he had been. And based on what I was hearing lately, I had a fair idea why he was calling.
“You don’t need to come over. Say what you have to say.” I pull the sheets up around my chest.
He sighs. “I know when I moved out, I left you in a tight spot where money is concerned and I’m very sorry. I was thinking that maybe I could come back and we can work things out.”
I am silent for a few moments before I respond, “Hard pass.”
“But, Summer, the bills and rent… You can’t manage that on your own. And we’ve been a team for so long—”
“Well, you should have thought about that before you walked out, Steven. And there’s no need to be concerned about me. My bills are paid on time and I’ve got food in my cupboard. You, on the other hand, are wearing out your welcome on various couches based on what I’m hearing.”
“Summer—”
“I don’t want to hear it, Steven. And if you want the truth, I think you did me a favor by leaving, so thank you. I'm just fine by myself. Goodbye.”
I hang up without waiting to hear a response. The nerve of him.
I yawn and check the time. It is barely nine A.M. I slide under the covers and am soon asleep again.
Monday morning, I arrive before time as usual. I get to the playroom to stow my things before heading to breakfast and find Lucan there.
“Good morning, Summer. I was hoping we could have a quick chat before you get your day started?”
I smile. “Sure.”
“I’ll get straight to the point. I’ll be going away on a business trip for a week or so.”
“Oh? Have a safe and productive trip.” I am a little puzzled as to why he feels the need to tell me this. I hardly see him anyway.
I serve myself a plate from the buffet and take a seat.
“I’d like to give Sylvia a break.”
I look up to find him staring at me. “I’m confused. What does that have to do with me?”
“I’d like you and Ryan to come on the trip with me. I think he needs a change of scenery. And, like I said, I want to give Sylvia a break. I can’t very well travel with him alone. So—”
“—one of us needs to be with him. Understood. When is this trip?” I drop my eyes and take a forkful of scrambled eggs.
