Page 45 of Our Promise
“Baby, I know you’re mad at me, but you’re right. It’s time to rebuild and I’m not talking about Cup of Jo. I’m in this marriage, and I’m sorry it’s been a rocky last few weeks but look at us getting the ugly part out of the way first.” He chuckled. “I love you, baby. Call me back. No, come see me.”
After leaving a desperate voicemail, he drove home. He showered, ate, and to pass the time he watched TV and did work from his laptop.
Time ticked by and before he knew it, nightfall was there, but Lorielle wasn’t, and he had yet to receive a call from her. He tried to call her again and still no answer.
He sighed, flicking off the TV, and headed to his room to go to bed.
Benny banged on the door.He had had enough.
“I know you’re in there, Jo!”
The door was pulled open by Trey. “Hey, man.” They slapped palms before Trey stepped aside to let him in.
“Aye, my bad,” Benny apologized for his intrusion. He didn’t know what they had going on, but if he could get the information he needed, he would be on his way. “I’m just trying to find my wife.”
“You good, bruh.” Trey patted his shoulder. “We got to stick together when those two are out to get us.”
“Who told you to open that door?” Jo asked, stepping into view.
“This is my house, too, woman.”
“So is the shed outside. You want to sleep there?” She folded her arms over her chest.
“Just hear him out, babe. Damn, you’re madder than she is.”
Jo was pissed at him. She cussed him out so badly the other day.
“I already know what he’s about to ask and I’m not telling him. As far as for me being madder than Elle, I have the right to be. You really hurt her, Benny.”
He moved to his sister. “I’m trying to make it right, but I need you to tell me where she is.”
“No.” She turned and headed for the kitchen.
Trey shook his head. “That’s your sister.”
“I know, man.” Trey went into the living room while Benny followed Jo.
“Where is she, Jo?”
“I’m not telling you shit, Benny. How could you do that to Elle? Shut her out! You better be glad she just left the house and not the marriage. I talked her off that ledge and that’s all the help you’re getting from me. You know how critical it is for her to believe you’re really in this. Why would you close her out like that?”
“I don’t know! It was so much shit going on then I kept thinking about Tara leaving and cheating on me because of work, then how Elle just wanted me to get over it?—”
“Don’t you think that was coming from a caring place?”
“Maybe, but it didn’t feel like that in the moment. All I could think about was how much time I gave her to come to terms with her feelings for me and that she wouldn’t allow me the same courtesy of time.”
“Why didn’t you explain that to her instead of lashing out and saying that bullshit about her last marriage? You knew that shit was a low blow.” Jo shook her head.
“I fucked up, Jo, but I’m trying to make it right. Tell me where she is.”
It felt like forever before Jo spoke. “She’s on vacation. You can make it right when she gets back.”
Benny frowned. “You’re really going to be like this, Jo? I’m your brother!”
“Yes! I was on Elle’s ass about her not hurting you and it was you who hurt her. Wrong is wrong. Sit in your bullshit so you won’t do it again.”
“Well, can you at least tell me when she’s coming back?”
