Rags to Riches

Chap 5 "The Tables Have Turned"

Will's POV

Two and a half years passed by very quickly. Natalie and I have been married for half a year. I had gotten home from my shift as I see Jay coming down the hall. "Another late night?" I asked.

"I was on a date," Jay stated.

"Wow, you can keep a steady girl," I smiled.

"Together for a year, today," Jay nodded.

"Dude, you're 40."

"So? I'm not rushing anything."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"I learned from you and Lorie," Jay stated. "Things have to happen on a normal basis."

"So, you're taking things slow?"

"In other words, yes."

"Hey, Jay," Natalie walked up to us with Owen. "I gotta get Owen back to bed."

"Okay," I replied. I opened the door. "I'll be in a few."

"Alright, and don't forget this weekend," Natalie stated. "Lorie's got that party at Molly's after shift."

"Right," I nodded.

"Do you want us to RSVP you, Jay?" Natalie asked.

"I got my invite," Jay replied. "I'll be there." Natalie smiled as I closed the door. "You're going to the party?"

"Not by choice," I sighed. "Nat's making me."

"Okay," Jay stated. "I'll keep that in mind."

"What's that suppose to mean?" I asked.

"I asked you to hang out with me this weekend for my birthday and you said you won't be able to make it," Jay nodded. "But as soon as Natalie tells you that you guys have to be at your ex's party, you're there in an instant. You turn down me for your wife and ex."

"Jay, man, I offered to buy you a beer today and you went on a date," I pointed. "With some girl that I don't even know about I just found out that you guys have been together a year."

"Because we're not ready to be exclusive yet," Jay replied. "Maybe if you and Lorie had slowed things down, it still wouldn't have worked because of Natalie." I looked at him. "Natalie wanted to be with me at one point in time but because I respected you, I asked you."

"What does that have to do with anything we're talking about?" I asked.

"You'll find out soon enough," Jay disappeared inside his apartment.

"The hell?" I asked. I went inside and Natalie was unpacking her bag. "Jay is in a mood tonight and I'm not sure why."

"I'm sure he's just unwinding," Natalie stated. "Are you sure Lorie meant to send us an invite to her party? I mean, she didn't even come to the wedding."

"Honestly, this is the first time I've heard from her since we split," I replied.

"Oh, Will, I don't wanna make it awkward for you. You don't have to go. I can go alone and send her your wishes," Natalie looked at me. "I didn't realize you guys haven't talked the past couple of years."

"No, it's okay," I nodded. "I'll accompany you to the party. It'll be nice to see her for a little bit."

Jay's POV

I woke up the day of Lorie's party. It was basically a birthday party for me. Just without all the details. My phone rang and it was a FaceTime from Lorie. I picked up. "Hey, baby," I smiled as I set my phone up. "Are you on your way?"