Page 162 of Finding Hope

My phone buzzes in my hand – incoming call – and brings fresh tears to the surface at his flashing name and beautiful profile picture.

He can’t see me, and I so desperately want a hug, so I swipe my thumb across the screen. “Hello?”

“Bambie.” Sighing, the sound of his breathing alone makes my stomach jump with nerves. “It’s so fucking good to hear your voice.”

I knuckle a silent tear away. “I’m sorry I’ve been so busy.”

“It’s okay, I get it. Life is busy, but it’s alright. We’ll fix it.”

“Yeah…”

“We’re gonna be okay, right?”

No. Because I love you and you love someone else.“Yeah.”

“Whatcha doing right now?”

“I’m at home, drinking tea, and grading papers. What are you doing?”

“I’m in my car, just about to go home.”

“To your house, or Kit’s?”

“Mine. It’s lonely in that big house without you, Bambie.”

It’s lonely in my house without him, too.“You train hard today?”

“Yeah.” His words come out on a lazy mumble, like he’s lying back in his car, getting comfortable and sunning himself the same way I am. “Bobby’s bitching at me.”

His words bring a smile to my face. Bobby’s always bitching at him. “What about?”

“He wants to fight me. Thinks he’s still got it.”

“Does he still have it?”

“Fuck yes he does!” Jack laughs. “He’ll hurt me more than my opponent next week will.”

“So maybe you should fight Bobby? It would be fun to watch.”

He scoffs playfully. “Whose side are you on, Bambie?”

“Yours,” I murmur. “Always yours.”

“I wish I could see you tonight.” Laughter forgotten, his murmur matches mine. “Maybe I could just come over and sit with you while you mark your work?”

“That sounds boring. I’m sure you have better things to do.”

“There’s nothing I’d rather do, Bambie. Nothing in the whole world.”

I bet he’d rather sit with Steph.“Are you parked at the gym right now?”

If my change of topic surprises him, he doesn’t let on. “Nah, I left the gym about an hour ago.”

“…Oh?”

“Yeah… I’m…” He clears his throat. “I’m at the cemetery. I was visiting Steph.”

Well, at least he didn’t lie.“It’s nice you still see her. I bet she likes it.”

---