Page 53 of The Operators

“How did you create a new profile?” I ask, ignoring his question.

“I bought a burner phone.”

I want to be mad, but it has the opposite effect. Not that I’m going to let him know that. “You’ve officially reached stalker status, Carver.”

“Don’t tempt me, Thea. I’ll come over to your place right now.”

“I’m not home.”

He’s not as quick to respond since I seem to have caught him off guard. “What? What do you mean you’re not home? Where the fuck else would you be taking calls like this?”

If he wants to play, then I’m going to play. “Wherever and whenever I fucking want to.”

Click.

???

Wednesday

Mack doesn’t even bother trying to hide he’s the one calling this time. I should just not answer, but I’m starting to get used to him calling every night. I can’t seem to resist.

“What do you want?” I answer.

“You’re quitting.”

“What?” I ask, laughing out of surprise.

“Quit this job. Tonight.”

“I’m not quitting.”

“I’ll pay for it.”

I shake my head. “What?”

“I make enough for the both of us. You don’t need to work anymore. I don’t want you talking to all these fuckers this way.”

I laugh harder this time. “What are you even fucking talking about? You’re trying to pay my bills now? Seriously?”

“Yes,” he answers, not even hesitating.

“You’re ridiculous. I’m not taking your money, Mack.”

“Thea.”

“Goodnight!”

Click.

???

Thursday

This isn’t the first time a woman has surprised me on one of my regular guy’s calls. Sometimes it’s a fun thing, but usually it’s a scenario like this. I really don’t have the energy to listen to her bitch and yell, so I try once more to get her off the line. “I understand you’re concerned. If you would like, I can transfer you to our customer service department to assist you with your complaints.”

The lady practically goes into hysterics. “I don’t want to talk to your fucking customer service! How do you sleep at night? How can you live with yourself knowing you’re ruining relationships, you fucking slut!”

I always suspected Gary was probably married, but I didn’t know for sure until now. Not that I’m even going to bother mentioning that to his wife. I can understand how he would need a release. His woman seems like a total cunt.

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