The Pact

5

When Lindsey arrived home that night a bunch of emotions rolled over him, he thought it weird that he wasn't exactly sad about his girlfriend of four years and fiancée walking out. But he felt lonely. He looked around at the empty house. He and Kristen had just bought it with the hopes of starting a family. By the time he arrived home her belongings and her car were gone. It was if she never lived there. He went up to the bedroom and began to undress. The pulled the ring out of his pocket and put it in his dresser drawer. He sat down on the bed and put his head in his hands. Suddenly his cellphone rang. Lindsey picked it up and looked at the area code. Arizona? Against his better judgment he answered.
"Hello?"
"Linds. It's me."
The sound of her voice rang through his ears almost physically knocking him to his knees.
"St- Stevie? Where are you? I mean- how are you? It's just been so long..."
She laughed. "I know, I've been distant. I've been good, I'm good."
Lindsey could tell in her voice that she wasn't really 'good'. He could always tell when something was bothering her.
"Anyways, how about you?" Stevie asked.
"I've been fine, busy, but you know me. I'm always busy."
Stevie could sense something in his voice that she couldn't put her finger on.
"So- I don't mean to- I was just wondering why you were calling?"
"Oh, Lindsey I am offended. I can't believe you don't know what day it is!"
Seriously?! Not again.
Lindsey closed his eyes tight trying to run over every possible date that could hold an importance.
"Fuck." He said finally. "Happy birthday Stevie! What are you now 60? You're well past being an old lady!" Lindsey joked.
"Hey! You're only a year behind!" Stevie fired in return.
They both laughed for a moment.
"Linds. What are you doing right now?"
"Uh- sitting on my bed talking to you..."
"Come over, we can have a drink and talk. It's been too long."
"Stevie- um I don't know if you've forgotten but you live in Arizona..."
Stevie laughed.
"Oh yeah, I moved... To Los Angeles."
Lindsey's heart began to beat faster.
"Wait. Are you being serious? Because the last time we were in L.A. you said, and I quote 'I fucking hate this place and don't see how anyone could ever live here. Everyone is a stuck up asshole. I can't wait to get the hell out of this Godforsaken city.' So uh- what made you change your mind?"
"Oh Linds, that was years ago!" She said blowing him off. "Now, are you going to accept my invitation or not?"
Lindsey paused.
"Oh come on, you can make it up to me for forgetting my birthday!"
"Okay. Fine!"
But it really didn't take Lindsey much convincing.
"I'll send you my new address."
"Okay." He said. "I'm getting my car keys, I'll leave now."