Page 133 of Jake Forever
"Long story. You don't wanna know."
"Actually, I do."
On the other end of the phone, Jake said nothing.
"Seriously," I said, "just tell me, okay?"
"I will. But not now."
Disappointment coursed through me. "Why not?"
"Because it's not a phone type of conversation. But I'll tell you later. I promise."
It was vintage Jake, with the old, "I'll tell you later," routine. In spite of my warm feelings, I didn't like it.
How could we ever have a relationship, a real, long-term relationship, if he was so secretive all the time?
It was so frustrating that I didn't know what to say. I was silent so long that Jake finally asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"No. Tell me."
I sighed. "I don't want to fight."
This was a huge understatement. For some reason, I didn't think I could stomach yet another argument, at least not now.
"No fighting," he said. "Whatever it is, just say it."
"Alright. I’m just wondering, I guess, why you won't tell me where you are."
Now, it was his turn to be silent. As the silence stretched out, I felt that sad, sinking sensation replace the warmth from earlier.
We'd been talking for how long now? Less than a minute? And already, we were on the verge of another fight? This was definitely a bad sign.
Jake's voice, softer now, broke into my thoughts. "Is it that important to you?"
"Well, yeah, actually."
"Alright. I'm in Vegas."
I almost dropped the phone. "Vegas?" Other than stupid bets with my brothers, Jake wasn't a gambler, at least not that I knew of. So what was he doing there? "Why Vegas?" I asked.
"The truth? I was hoping you'd be here with me."
In a flash, I recalled what he'd mentioned this morning in the car, something about packing a bag and going away for the weekend. I also recalled that a few weeks earlier, I'd made a passing remark about how much I'd like to go to Vegas someday.
"Oh, my God," I said. "Was it supposed to be some sort of surprise vacation?"
"Not a surprise anymore." He gave a wry laugh. "And without you? Not much of a vacation either."
"Sothat'swhy you didn't want to tell me?" I winced. "I ruined the surprise, didn't I?"
"Notallof it."
Now, that got me thinking. "There was more?"
"Wouldn'tyoulike to know."
