Page 60 of Eternal

“I said, why is there blaring music? Are you at a club? I thought you were on a work trip,” I scream into the phone in hopes that he can hear me.

“I can’t hear you! Give me--”

I end the phone call, cutting him off mid-sentence.

Why the fuck would he have me call him every night, then the first night go to a nightclub?

My palms clam up, hoping he won’t be mad at me for abruptly ending our phone call. Maybe the wine is just getting to me, but it shakes me to the core that he’d be there after telling me to call him every night. It’s fine. He can go out and party with others without me being there. Besides, he wouldn’t do anything with anyone.Right?

I didn't call him the next day. I didn’t want to be a burden to him, more than I already feel like I am. My cheeks flush, remembering our honeymoon when I told him it hurt my feelings that he’d want to be with other girls besides me. I shouldn’t have said that. It was selfish. He is in just as bad of a position as I am now, and for me to dictate his life just isn’t right for me to do.

On the third day, I got a call in the afternoon as I was running on the treadmill. Soren’s name flashes over the screen. I eye it down as I gnaw on my cheek, but swipe to answer the phone.

“Hello?” I answer, winded, as I stop the treadmill.

“Why didn’t you call me last night?” Soren barks through the phone with a hard edge to it. He’s pissed.

My mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water. But only heavy breaths come out. He wanted me to call him still? I needed a break from that first night and the angst that has filled me since then.

“You hung up on me the first night. Why are you out of breath?”

I stay silent as the clacking of keys on a keyboard rings through on my side. I look up at the camera in the corner of our gym.I bet he’s looking for me right now.That’s ridiculous; he wouldn’t do that.

“Freya, are you okay?” His voice softens.

I nod but remember he can’t see me. “I’m okay, just been bored.”

“Why didn’t you call me?” Soren questions again, his hard edge not entirely faded away yet.

“Um, I just thought you’d be busy like the first night.” I start to fiddle with the hem of my shorts. If he is watching, he’ll at least be able to get a good show since I’m only in a sports bra and shorts.

“I was busy the first night, but I went to a quieter area to talk to you when you hung up on me. You know it’s rude to hang up on someone, right?” I don’t respond; not sure what to say. He continues for me, “Why did you do that? Why didn’t you call me yesterday?”

“I just didn’t want to be a burden to you,” I blurt out.I shouldn’t have said that.I want to facepalm at my word vomit.

There’s a long pause on his end, and my heart is in my fucking throat. My hands start to shake because, frankly, I am not sure if I can handle hearing that I am a burden. I can’t handle the rejection. I might not know him well, but I have fallen for Soren. His softer, caring sides, hell, even the sides that want to spank the shit out of me for my mouth. I know deep down that he is a good person with good intentions. He just has a hard time showing it.

“You’re not a burden, Freya. You’re my wife. I want to make sure you’re okay.” He speaks more softly like he’s saddened by my words. “Did you at least have a good last couple of days?”

I don’t have the heart to tell him I’ve been utterly miserable since the first night. How can a person become so attached to someone they know nothing about? “Yeah, Storm and I have been writing and watching TV. We played B-A-L-L.” I giggle, looking down at Storm, who vigorously attempts to rip the stuffing out of her toy. “She’s learned the word and takes it very seriously.”

Soren chuckles on the other side. “Well, I’m glad, my darling. My trip has been extended another day, so I won’t be returning until tomorrow night.”

“How has your trip been so far?”

Soren sucks in a breath and deeply exhales. “It’s been stressful, honestly. Between the first night of having to go out to a club so my dad can rail some 20-year-old, the arguments between our fathers, you not calling, and not being here overall, I think I’m going to lose it. It’s been stressful.”

I blush at his admission. He’s missed me. “I’ve missed you too, Soren. Are you alone?” I question as I make my way to the bedroom. Losing all my clothes in the process.

“Uh, yeah.” He falters for a moment. “Why do you ask?” I switched the phone call over to a FaceTime call. “Freya, are you trying to FaceTime me?”

“Just answer it.”

I stare back at myself until Soren’s face finally pops up. He’s sitting in his hotel room with just a lamp on, and the blinds are drawn. His eyebrows are furrowed together, confused at my sudden change. Then his eyes widen, and he brings the phone closer to his face. He moves to remove what I assume is his laptop, setting it on the bed next to him.

“Are you naked?” He questions.

I set my phone on the dresser and took a few steps back until my knees hit the bench at the end of our bed.

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