Page 117 of Playing A Risk
This sucks.There’s nothing like sitting at home on a Friday night, boxing up my son’s belongings.
After Lauren came by and took what she wanted, I realized it was time to move on. My son’s never going to be here and keeping his room the same is just me staying in denial. I rub the tattoo that is in honor of him.
This fucking hurts.
My phone vibrates on the floor next to the box I’m packing. I grab it to check who it is.
Melanie: Hey, big guy. Have you seen Dori tonight?
Okay, now I know something’s amiss. I knew Jonah was asking about her for Hunter, but with Melanie not knowing, it’s clear Dori’s MIA.
Me: Not since the party? Why?
Melanie: We got into a fight at the gym and now she’s not speaking to me. I went by her place to work it out, but she’s not there. She’s turned off her phone and is avoiding me.
Me: Jesus Christ. Why does she do that? It only makes things worse.
Melanie: I guess I know how it feels now. Serves me right for siding with her when she did this to you. If you hear from her, will you ask her to call me? I promise to be nice.
Me: Have you tried Hunter?
Melanie: No dice there. He’s looking for her too. They got into a fight.
Me: Are you sure they’re still fighting?
Melanie: Yes. He’s at Jonah’s. Jonah called and told me about it. I could hear Hunter in the background talking to someone. Guess it pays that I let him have my number.
Me: I’m sure Hunter’s having her followed, so why can’t he find her? Did she dodge the guy?
Melanie: I don’t think Hunter is tracking her. He was, but that’s why Jonah said Dori’s pissed. Somebody was following her and she accused Hunter of hiring someone without her permission. She turned off her phone sometime after that. With her being upset with me and Hunter, you were my only hope.
Prickles climb over my skin. Nothing about this exchange is sitting right.
Me: Any clue where I should start looking for her?
Melanie: Your guess is as good as mine. Don’t tell her this, but she can be a royal pain in the ass.
Me: Don’t I know it. Look, I’m going out to search for her. If you find her before I do, text me and let me know.
Two seconds pass and my phone rings.
I check the screen and answer it. “Melanie, why are you calling?”
“I thought I should tell you so you’re prepared. Dori’s probably pretty upset with you.”
“Why?”
“Because I got the job in Miami. I told Dori about it tonight. She thinks it’s some conspiracy that you and I are going to move there together.”
“Fuuuck.” The word is low and drawn out.
Dori’s in her head and overreacting. She’s got a jealous streak, and this kind of information would send her out of the atmosphere.
The thought of her best friend and me moving to work for the same company in a faraway state… Yeah, I’m fucked. My insides wrench down.
“Sorry, Jami. She pushed my buttons, and I lost it. She didn’t even congratulate me. Can you believe that?”
“Actually, I can. I’m sure she’s happy for you, but she can’t see that right now. She thinks I’m moving and now you are too. You’re her best friend. She’s got to be crushed about losing you.”
