“So how was your dinner last night with Reva?”
Was she imagining it or was there a brief pause before he spoke? “It was fine, honey; things are very civil between us now. I’m sorry I didn’t call you last night, but something came up.” That something that came up better not be attached to your body, slick.
“Oh, nothing major I hope?”
“In the end no it wasn’t. Reva wasn’t feeling well when we finished dinner so I took her back to my place to make sure she was going to be ok. I live close to the hospital so it only made sense. It had gotten so late by that time that I let her use my guest room rather than going back across town.”
For one of the few times in her life, Suzy could think of nothing to say. What did he expect her to say to that?
“Suzy, baby, are you still there?”
Suzy could hear the edge of what almost sounded like panic in his voice.
“Sure, I’m here. Where is Reva now?”
“I dropped her at home this morning on my way to the office.” Then releasing a deep breath he asked, “Honey are you upset over this? I certainly couldn’t blame you. I want you to know though that there was nothing even remotely romantic that happened the entire evening. Reva never said or did anything out of line nor did I. Hell, it’s almost like ironing out a business deal with a customer.”
“Except the customer isn’t usually carrying your child, right?”
“Suzy…”
“Gray, don’t. Please just don’t. I can’t continue this conversation without sounding like a total shit and I really don’t want to do that. Are you still coming home Friday?”
“Ah, baby, you know I am. I wouldn’t miss your birthday for anything.
“Here’s what I want Gray. Let’s not talk on the phone for the rest of the week.” Suzy continued on despite the protests that he was already making. “No listen, I’m not trying to break up with you, I’m just giving you the time you need to handle your business there. Gray, I love you, but I can’t hear about Reva right now. I don’t want to know that you’re taking her to dinner and that she’s sleeping over, it’s just too much for me at this point. I need time to adjust and so do you.” She lowered her voice and said, “I’ll miss you this week and I can’t wait to see you.”
“Suzy, this is killing me. I know I’m hurting you and I can’t stand it. I’m trying to do what’s right and I don’t even know what that is anymore. I’ll give you the time you need this week, but come Friday night, I want you in my arms again. I love you, baby.”
Tears trickled down her cheeks as she ended the call. Was she making a mistake? Maybe it was better to know what was going on in Charleston than to sit here letting her imagination run wild. Good grief, suck it up buttercup. You’re sitting at your desk crying at work. Get over it. You can do this. Go do what you do best, shop. Buy something sexy for Friday and pretend that Gray is just away on business this week. Put your head up and your shoulders back, you’re better than this drama.
Ok, I’ve got this. Suzy picked up the phone and dialed Beth. “Hey, let’s go shopping during lunch. I need a new dress for Friday. Invite Ella if you like and I’ll ask Claire. It’s time for some retail therapy.” When she hung up the phone with Beth, she dialed Claire’s extension. “Hey girlfriend, how’s it waddling?”
Claire chuckled. “My baby and I are just fine Suz, thanks for asking.”
One thing she loved about Claire, she had a sense of humor and she always got her, no matter what. “Beth, Ella and I are going shopping during lunch. I wondered if you felt like coming along. If we go to the mall, we can rent one of the scooters for you.” Then as if the thought had suddenly struck her Suzy snorted, “Hell I’m gonna need a scooter, too. I’m so tired of this cast.”
“If I can roll around with this bowling ball attached to me, surely you can work those crutches, Suz. Maybe we can have Beth drop us right at the front door so we won’t have to walk as far. This is going to sound so wrong, but do you think Nick would let us borrow his mini-van?”
“Yeah, that’s a great idea. I know I make fun of him all of the time, but I’m going to have to give him credit, that thing rocks. I’d never be caught owning one but it’s like riding in a blue collar limousine or something.”
Claire started laughing gasping out, “God please stop, if I laugh too hard I’ll pee myself.”
“Oh yuk, why would you do that?”
“Oh honey, you don’t know how it is when you’re pregnant. You have to pee all of the time. I barely get back in my chair before I have to go again. Ah, the boss just walked in. I better get off here before I get in trouble,” Claire laughed. “I’ll come down to your office around noon.”