Do Us Part

20 "Retreat"

Chapter 20

Sam

When my phone rang, I tossed the tie into my luggage and grabbed my phone from the side table.

Jack was attempting to make a video call. I answered the phone right away. "You must really miss me to call..."

"What the hell did I just read?" He shouts, frowning deeply.

Taken aback, "Woah ...How am I supposed to know what you just read?" I replied.

"Natalie...freaking Bryce, that's who."

I sighed, "Oh."

"Oh? You were telegraphed together at your place...and work."

"Right. So?"

"So?" He mockingly repeats. Groaning, he goes on, "Okay. First of all, you didn't tell me you have seen your ex in 12 years, and to make matters worse, you're back together with her"

I scoffed, "Ok. Calm the hell down. I didn't go meet her persay..remember the Toymotors company I told you I was looking to partner with?"

"Not really but I have a feeling you are about to tell me how Natalie is involved."

"Well, yes. Natalie is the representative from their side and that's how we met again."

"So... you guys got back together through work?"

"No. We are not..together."

"So the pictures were photoshopped?"

"No."

"Man, can you get your story straight? You said she's not with you and now, she's with you?"

"Will you calm down? She's not with me..we are not..err... back together but yes, she was at my home where the photograph was taken."

"And what exactly was she doing there?"

"Having dinner. With Isaac, mum, Thelma, and I."

"Oh."

"Yeah. Mom is in town so Isaac invited Natalie over."

I heard him sigh. "I  was really scared for you man."

I chuckled, "Scared? Because of Natalie?"

"Well yes... I have a pretty good memory of last time."

"So do I."

"Good. Be careful. Don't go out of your way to act all mature."

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean..keep a safe distance."

"You're making it sound like we're talking about an ex-convict."

"As far I'm concerned, that woman is worse than a convict."

I rolled my eyes. "How's Jane?"

"Don't try to change the topic."

"I am not. I just want to know how my best friend is doing."

"I'm good." He smiles.

"Not you, dummy. My actual best friend, Jane is who I mean."

"Asshole." He mutters and I chuckled. "She's fine..when she's not acting up." I chuckled at that. "What?" He asks.

"Nothing. Just remember the good old days."

"You are thinking of her again, aren't you?"

"I am not," I affirmed strongly and he stares at me, clearly unconvinced.