Page 95 of Enraged

Back in my room, I sat the cup on the nightstand coaster, letting it cool a little while I made up the bed.

I need to change these sheets when I get off tomorrow.

When the bed was made up neatly and the throw pillows were perfectly placed, I sat down in my corner chair to enjoy my coffee.

“It’s gonna be a good day,” I manifested. “It’s gonna be a good day where everybody goes home.”

I grabbed my phone from the nightstand.

I had a missed call from my dad, three missed calls from Cassie, and none from Lena.

You need to figure out why this bothers you so much so you can get the fuck over it.

“I just think she deserves better than someone that doesn’t value her,” I talked to myself as I polished off my cup of coffee.

As I stood up to start the shower, my phone started to ring. I snatched it off the bed, excitedly, mildly disappointed to see that it was my dad.

I tapped the green square.

I faked enthusiasm. “Hey, Dad!”

“Hey, my buddy! How the hell are ya?”

I laughed. “I’m fine, Dad. How about you?”

“Doin’ mighty fine. Heard the guys had a rough night last night. Were you workin’?”

This is on the list of shit I do not want to talk about right now.

“Yes, sir. Candle left burnin’.”

“Sorry to hear it, buddy. I don’t miss those days.”

I forced myself to remain cheerful.

“All part of it, Dad.”

“I know it.”

Silence hung between us.

“I saw Lena yesterday.” My ears perked up.

“Yeah?”

That didn’t sound even remotely close to nonchalant.

“Yeah, she came by here. Told off Jace’s mama in the lobby.”

That was long overdue.

“I ain’t even surprised. Linda has always been awful to her.”

“I was proud of her - even if it did happen in the middle of the bank lobby.”

I laughed.

“You know Lena. She will take the shit and take the shit, but when she hits her breakin’ point - she blows a damn fuse.”

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