Ghost Of You (Michael Berzatto X Black!OC X Eventual Richie Jerimovich)

21. Nobody Gets Me (Like You)

2019-Chicago, Illinois

Angie sat in the office of The Beef, sorting through bills and other boring paperwork. The phone pulled her out of her trance as it began to ring.

"Hello?"

"Can I talk to Michael?"

"He's busy right now. Who's this?"

"Tell him Nico called."

"Okay, I will."

The line went silent and she placed the phone back.

"Hey, boss lady!"

"Yes, Tina?"

"We need more peppers."

"Hot or sweet?"

"Both."

"I'll get on it." She sighed. "Where's Michael?"

"He went out back."

"Of course he did."

"Are you two doing better?"

"I think so. Maybe. I don't know."

"I mean, it seems like you're doing better."

"We're trying."

"That's good."

"Mhm." She stood up and put her coat on. "I'm gonna go find him."

"Alright. Oh! I almost forgot! Happy birthday!"

"Thank you, T." Angie smiled and hugged the older woman. "I love you."

"Love you too, mama."

🤍

Michael and Richie were leaning against the brick wall in the cold alley, cigarettes hanging from their lips.

"Can I ask you something, man?" Mikey asked his friend, taking a long drag of his cigarette.

"Go for it."

"Did you know that you and Tiffany were gonna separate before you did?"

"Woah." He blew out a large puff of smoke.

"Sorry."

"Why're you asking? You think Angie's gonna leave you?"

"I don't know anymore."

"What's going on, man?"

"I'm an asshole, and she deserves better."

"I coulda told you that."

"I tell you that we don't even fuck anymore?"

"No. I did not know that."

"Did you know that chronic opioid use can affect your ability to perform? 'Cause I didn't." He scoffed. "And on top of that, I can't even get outta my own head long enough to do anything else with her. How fucking pathetic is that?"

"I...I don't even know what to say, man."

"Richie, everyday, I see how sad and tired she is. And I know it's 'cause of me. She used to smile, and laugh, and be happy. I fucking ruined that. She hates me, and I know it."

"Have you talked to your therapist about this?"

"That shit doesn't work. All her advice is the same."

"Maybe talk to your wife."

"All she's gonna say is that it doesn't bother her and she still loves me."

"You ever think that might be the truth?"

"Truth or not, she deserves better."

"So be better."