Page 60 of Memphis

“What’s going on? You sound upset.”

“It’s nothing.” He sounded heartbroken as he admitted, “You know the guy I was seeing?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, he broke things off last night.”

“What? I thought things were going so well.”

“I did, too, but apparently, he didn’t feel the same.”

“Oh, Mark. I’m so sorry. I know you really liked him.”

“I did. More than I cared to admit.” He sighed. “I guess that’s why I didn’t see that things weren’t as great as I thought they were.”

“Ah, that’s rough.”

“You’re telling me. I was just hoping to talk to someone about it, and you're the first person I thought of.”

“I’m really sorry, but I’ll be there in a couple of days, and we can talk all you want. I’ll even treat you to dinner.”

“That would be great.”

We talked a little longer, and once I was certain that he was okay, I got off the phone and tried to focus on my work. It wasn’t easy. My head was all over the place. One minute I was thinking about Weston and his tests, and then the next, it was Dad and his money trouble or work and all the things I was missing there.

I just couldn’t focus, so I sent in my reports and left the rest for later. I did a little laundry and swept the floors, and that led to dusting and vacuuming. By the time I was done, I was in desperate need of a shower, so I grabbed some fresh clothes from my bag and headed to the bathroom.

I did the works. I washed my hair and shaved my legs, and once I got out, I plucked my brows and painted my nails. I was feeling pretty good, so I kept going. I dried and straightened my hair and even put on a little makeup, but when it came time to put on clothes, I’d lost all my gusto. I slipped on a pair of leggings and a t-shirt and called it a day.

I was on my way to the living room to watch TV when Wes walked in with Skid and Luna. The door had barely closed behind them when Wes told him, “You know where the bathroom is. Do what you need to do.”

“Thanks, brother.”

With that, Skid started down the hall with Luna. That’s when I noticed all the chocolate on her clothes and face, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Woah. Looks like somebody enjoyed her ice cream.”

“Yeah, she certainly did.”

Wes started over to me, and I couldn’t help but notice that he was moving a little slower than he was when he left. “How did things go today?”

“Okay. Just long.” He shook his head. “Jess was even more sadistic than usual.”

“She pushed you hard, huh?”

“Yeah, you could say that.”

“What about the tests? Did they go okay?”

“Yeah, they went really well, actually. Doctor seems to think I’ll make a full recovery.”

“Oh, Wes! That’s amazing news!” I stepped closer, and when I gave him a hug, he inhaled a quick breath. “You seem to be moving a little slow. Do you want me to grab you some Tylenol?”

“I already took some. Just a little sore. A hot shower, and I’ll be good as new.”

Before I could respond, Skid and Luna returned from the bathroom. “We got her all cleaned up. Now, maybe Jenna won’t have my ass in a sling.”

“You said ass.”

“Yeah, I guess I did.”

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