Page 105 of Just Friends

“Don’t say that,” she whispers, tears falling down her cheeks. “It’s complicated.”

“Damn it, Carolina, I can do complicated.”

She looks away from me.

I pinch the bridge of my nose before moving in front of her. “What’s going on? Why are you talking to him? Seeing him?”

“Because he won’t give me a divorce!”

23

Carolina

Six MonthsEarlier

The text on my phone has me grinning like a child on Christmas.

James: I love you, my wife. Come over.

Wife!

That grin overtakes my face at the endearment.

Me: I thought you were busy tonight?

I asked him to have dinner at his place, but he told me he had a business dinner to attend.

James: Change of plans.

Me: Just got to my dorm. Give me an hour, and I’ll be there.

James: Turn around and come see me. I miss you, baby.

Me: Fine. Twenty minutes.

James: Is your roommate there?

Weird question.

Me: IDK?

James: Have you talked to her today?

Me: This morning. Why?

James: No reason. Hurry up and bring your cute ass here.

My dorm room door is unlocked, and I hear sobbing as soon as I walk in. Margie is collapsed on the floor, her back slumped against her bed, and her face is red and puffy when she peeks up at me.

“Margie?” I drop my bag and fall onto my knees next to her. “Are you okay?” Stupid question on my part considering she’s a crying mess.

She sniffles, mascara running down her cheeks. “Yes …”Sniffles.“No.”

My stomach flip-flops as bad thoughts rush my mind. “Did someone hurt you?”

She shakes her head.

“What then?”

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