Rena: Code 143

2.8

 "I'm guessing that he took the news well since you're not dead," Wren said as soon as I answered the phone. I rolled my eyes, continuing to wash the dishes as I placed the phone on the counter. Leaving it on speaker so I could hear her. Kenny was at work, so I wasn't worried about him hearing anything. And if he was, he'd be far away from me. Seeing as he's been avoiding me for the past week.

"Yes, I am very much alive," I chuckled. "Washing dishes, might I add?"

"Oh? How exciting," I heard shuffling on her end. "But I have something far more appealing in mind."

Uh oh. Wren was using a devious tone that reeked of trouble!

"I'm afraid to ask," she cackled.

"Clubbing," she said, and I immediately replied no. "Come on, Rena! We haven't gone out in forever."

"Wren, I'm nearing my thirties. What do I look like spending time at a club?"

"A housewife with an asshat for a husband," she replied flatly, causing me to sigh. "Ugh, please! I want to spend time with my best friend in the whole world. And I know you could use a drink after dealing with whatever's been going on."

She wasn't wrong.

Taking a moment to ponder on it I said, "Yes." She started squealing. Then she told me not to pick out anything because she had the perfect outfit. She also said that we'll be going out this coming Friday. So I had a few days to doll myself up, meaning visit the nail salon. After agreeing to meet at her place to pre-game, I ended the call.

Although I disagreed with clubbing, it would be fun to hang loose. I miss my college days when Wren and I used to go dancing in the clubs. It didn't matter if we drank or not, as long as there was good music to dance to, we'd have fun. We'd often meet strangers who would join us and become friends with us. Speaking of friends, I hadn't heard from Nicolaus in a while.

I knew it was terrible of me to think of him after what Kenny and I have been going through lately. But I had to admit, I missed him. I missed seeing his smile and smelling vanilla-flavored coffee on him. Maybe I'll give him a call-Speak of the devil!

Finishing my last dirty dish, I saw his name displayed on my phone. I dried off my hands quickly and then used my finger to answer.

"Rena," his voice filtered through the line.

"Nicolaus," I breathed nervously.

"How have you been, pretty stranger?" Why was my heart pounding so harshly? We're only having a regular conversation. Just hearing his voice had me quaking.

"I've been okay. How about you?"

"I feel better now that I'm talking to you," awe, I began to smile. Stop it, stop it! I'm a married woman, I repeated in my head.

"You certainly have a way with words, Nick," I told him. Still smiling over something so silly.

He laughed, "Only the best for my friend," I giggled. "I was calling because I want to see you again."

I paused. I wanted to see him too, but I was conflicted. Kenny and I were going through a rough patch. I finally admitted I didn't want to have a baby right now, and he's going to work more. I'm hoping that he'll be less upset in the days coming up, even though we weren't doing anything. I loved him and didn't want to see him unhappy. Plus, the house was starting to get depressing with him in such a foul mood. Maybe while he's cooling off at work, I could be lifting up my mood with Nick.

I made my decision.

"How does next week sound?"

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