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"No, he isn't married, but heisin a relationship," I clarify.
"Oh," she says.
"I don't understand. How did you let guard down like this,” Mabel remarks, her confusion evident even over the phone.
"I know, right, but Jeffrey is… complicated. Well, we have a history. We used to be close a long time ago. But then things changed." I explain.
"Changed as in getting married to Jason?" Mabel's voice become gentle, coaxing me to share more.
I hesitate, torn between the urge to pour out my heartache and confess everything to Mabel. But, revealing that Jeffrey is Michael's father is not something I’m ready to share right now.
"Yes, something like that," I carefully reply. Choosing my words wisely.
"And then, well, last night happened," I add.
"Last night?" Mabel's curiosity is once again piqued.
"Do I even want to know?"
I let out a nervous laugh. It's always so easy to unburden my mind with Mabel; it’s one of her special talent.
"Probably not. Let's just say things became really unprofessional, and now I feel like he regrets it. It hurts even though I know our single act has made everything more complicated."
"Phebe, complicated is an understatement, considering everything you've told me. But seriously, are you okay?" Mabel asks, her words slow and concerned.
I close my eyes, leaning back against the pillows.
"I don't know, Mabel. I'm just trying to figure things out. I never expected this. Jeffrey and I back then were inseparable. I thought I could handle it without emotionally involved, but clearly, I can't," I explain.
"I can imagine how you must feel right now, but don't let it weigh you down. What’s done is done, and there is nothing you can do to change that," Mabel says gently.
"If he didn’t have someone else, I would have encouraged you to pursue your own happiness because you deserve it. Nevertheless, I still believe in your right to be happy,” Mabel adds supportively.
"Thank you, Mabel."
"So, what do you two plan to do now?" Mabel inquires.
" As far as I know, nothing, he’s been avoiding me," I confide.
"That's really sad. Anyways, girl, don’t beat yourself up over this. It may not have been what you wanted, but it happened, and you're a good person," she says.
"Thank you," I tell her.
"Anytime, Phebe. And remember, I'm always here to listen if you ever need to talk," she offers.
"Who else would I talk to if not you?" I smile and ask.
"That's right, girl! So, spill the detail. How does this Jeffrey look like? You didn't even mention having a boyfriend before Jason," she fires on. Feeling relieved, a weight of guilt lifted off my shoulder.
"Well, he was actually my only boyfriend before Jason."
"So, it seems like you two were rekindling old feelings. You naughty girl," she teases, and I shake my head. Are we really rekindling old feelings? Mabel probably doesn’t know the full extent of what happened. We spend the next few minutes catching up, and by the time we’re done, most of my uncertainty has been pushed to the back of my mind. Shortly after, I leave the house.
* * *
It's beentwo days since I last saw Jeffrey. The least he could have done was talk about it. I try to push my feelings aside as I make my way to the dining room. Mabel's words have been my only source of comfort during this time. But unfortunately, I can't seem to get that night out of my head, no matter how hard I try.
Initially, I thought maybe he needed time to process his emotion and thoughts. However, as more time goes by, my hurt has transformed into anger. How dare he hide away and pretend nothing happened between us? I'm not asking him to leave Mildred. No, I'm not that type of woman. All I wanted was for him to treat me with more respect than some cheap whore.
