Page 150 of Unhinged

“It’s too late.” I dart around her and go to my locker, hurriedly cleaning it out.

“You can’t quit!”

“I did.”

“Get back out there and fight for your damn husband!”

“I would, but why in the hell would he want a stupid college kid? She’s fucking gorgeous!”

Candi gasps, “You are too!”

Since I know Candi will run to Greg, I don’t bother putting on my coat. I hug her and plead, “Don’t tell him why I left. I’ll miss you.”

I go out the back door as she yells for me. I fumble with my purse to get my keys. I don’t need him begging me to stay, so he won’t feel bad. I imagine he’ll also bombard me with texts, calls, and an eventual visit too.

Getting into my car, I head out the back entrance, so I don’t have to watch them make out.

Since I left work early, I’m not surprised when Amos meets me at the door. “Candi just called me.”

I mutter, “Tattletale.”

“This disconnect between you and Greg has to end. I believe you need a mediator.”

“The outer space shower kind?”

“Mediator, Simone. Not meteor.”

“Right. Well, this girl needs the water kind,” I mumble, going upstairs, noticing my now red mood ring. Not surprised. “Can you make me some tea?” I need my happy tea by the gallons.

Amos mutters a response, but I ignore it.

After showering, I change into my plaid pajamas and leave the bathroom to see Frenchie on my bed. I smile and sit next to her to scratch her ear. “Such a sweet girl.”

A knock at my open door makes me sigh. “Come in.”

When he opens it, he and Greg walk into my room. I stand up, panicked. “Traitor!”

Amos says, “Sit, Simone.”

“No.” I go to leave, but Greg blocks me.

“Sit down.” His voice is low, and his eyes are dark and determined. Amos stands next to my closet door with his arms crossed, almost like a bouncer.

Huffing, I sit and cross my arms like Amos, asking, “Why are you here? You’re supposed to be at work.”

Greg retorts, “So are you.”

“I quit.”

“I heard.”

“I’m sure you did.”

Greg crosses his arms, and he and Amos glare at me while I glare back.

Amos asks, “Greg, do you want me to say something first?”

He shakes his head. “Why’d you quit? The damn truth.”

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