Page 85 of Love, Luck & Clusterf*ck

He wasn’t laughing with me. “Perry, what’s going on with you?” I shrugged. “I texted you last night, but when I didn’t get a response, I figured you went to sleep early.”

“You did?” Damn, I’d never turned my phone back on. “I had my phone off.”

“Yes, I wanted to check how you were doing.”

“That was nice of you.” Okay, I was going to have to mention this sometime. But only part of it. “Since I’m here, I should tell you that I have a new address for the time being. Is that something I can handle with you, or do I need to go to HR?”

“Why?”

“The truth is… I got into a horrible fight with Christa and moved out. That’s why I’ve been this way. It’s kinda tearing me up.”

“I’m sorry.”

His expression was sympathetic, and I truly didn’t want that. “Don’t be. Please. Shit happens. Sometimes friends aren’t meant to stay friends forever.”

Hmm. I wonder what Freud would say about that one. Unlike the cat guy, hewasone of the old dudes I remembered well from my high school classes.

“I agree. Where are you staying?”

“At my sister’s.”

Please, please, please don’t ask, ‘Why not Dre’s?’I did not want to talk about it yet.

He nodded. “I can take care of the address change. Do you want to talk about it?”

I chuckled lightly. “No.”

He opened his mouth, shut it, opened it again. “All right. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

I could read it all over his face. He wanted to say more. But he didn’t, and once again, I was so very appreciative.

“Thank you, Stephen.”

He smiled. “What are friends for?”

When I returned to my station, Kate was there. “Feeling any better today?”

“A little.”At least now I am.

“Hey, before we start.” She scooted her chair close to me. “There was a guy here looking for you yesterday. Black truck, tattoo sleeves, built. Know him?”

Shit. Dammit, Dre.“Yeah. Who did he all talk to?”

“I’m pretty sure just me. He was pulling up as I was walking out. I told him you left early and then he took off.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Who was it?”

“Dre.”

Her eyes widened. “That’syour sorta, kinda boyfriend? I was beginning to think he didn’t exist. Wow, he’s pretty hot.”

“He’s also my ex,” I whispered, “for good this time. But I don’t want to talk about it, okay?”

“Okay.”

Adam came strolling in, and I sent out a silent ‘thank fuck’ that he and Christa hadn’t lasted longer than a night. I would’ve felt obligated to tell him about her little shower screw and…. I was just relieved it never came to that. He was way too good for her.

---