Page 14 of The Sidekick

To anyone else, my lack of other contacts would be depressing, but a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I don’t have to wait for a phone call anymore. I don’t have to dread when my phone rings. I feel like I just went through a breakup with a guy and have finally let the thought of him crawling back go. I haven’t experienced that, but Andi has had it happen before. For me, they never do, but the hope that I’m memorable enough to be worth regretting is always there.

I’m back home making myself some dinner when my phone rings. It startles me a little. I’ve gotten so used to it being left on silent that I almost don’t recognize the shrill tones.

When Trevor’s name pops up, I hesitate before answering. I haven’t spoken to him since I kicked him out of my apartment. He’s probably mad now that he’s had a chance to think about my behavior yesterday. I didn’t even thank him for the donuts. He might be calling to fire me. I wouldn’t even blame him.

“Hello?” I ask cautiously.

“Max wants to know if you blocked his number,” Trevor starts and sounds like he’s trying to hold back a laugh. There’s some grumbling in the background, and I’m pretty sure it’s Max complaining. I never thought I would hear something like that. Are they roommates?

Feeling more like my old self than I have for months, I ask innocently, “Who’s Max?”

Trevor barks out a laugh, and the grumbling gets a little louder.

“She did, didn’t she?” I can just barely make out the words.

“I don’t know anyone by that name who would call me. The only Max I know can’t speak,” I smile as I lie. Trevor’s laughter turns into guffaws, and I also giggle a little.

“Let me hear her. Give me that.” There are some rustling sounds, and then I can hear Trevor’s laughter and Max’s irritated voice clearly.

“Did you block my number?” He demands point blank.

“Who is this?” I bite my lower lip to contain my giggles.

“You little brat,” he hisses across the line, and I start laughing. “Did you just block everyone but Trevor?”

“Pretty much. It’s been nice and quiet,” I taunt.

“I bet,” his tone tightens with anger, and Trevor’s laughter dies down.

“I’m glad you didn’t block me,” Trevor says, trying to catch his breath. “Max was going to go to your place and break down your door if you didn’t answer this call.”

I scoff at the idea. My door is flimsy, and the landlord here isn’t the responsible type for repairs. “I still have those donuts. They’re probably stale by now, so they’re more effective weapons.”

“You didn’t eat any of them?” Max sounds so offended that I laugh again.

“You never know when you need ammo, Max. I wanted to be prepared.”

“Jesus,” he mutters, and I hear stomping footfalls recede and then come back.

“Have you been eating?” Trevor’s voice slides down into an ominous tone.

“Yes, sir,” I answer peppily.

“Have you heard from any of those guys since we last spoke?”

“Nope. I blocked them all.” I’m so giddy with the idea I giggle again.

“And me,” Max says stridently.

“And you, grumpy,” I agree and try to flip my grilled cheese one-handed. When that doesn’t work, I set the phone down and put it on speaker.

“Hello?” Trevor’s voice carries across the kitchen.

“Sorry, I missed that. I can’t do this one-handed.”

“What the hell are you doing?” Max asks, confused.

“I’m making grilled cheese, and it was almost ready to catch fire. I can’t cook one-handed like my mom could, all right? Some of us don’t have the magic touch,” I sigh wistfully. I miss my mom, even if I was the black sheep when she passed.

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