The Blue Note (Slow Updates)

Four

As the weeks flew by she grew frustrated. She'd lose sleep, tossing and turning all night. When she managed to shut her eyes, it seemed to only last a moment before waking up to an empty bed. The thing that pushed her to leave as quickly as possible. There were no calls, no texts to explain as to why he never returned home, which only added fuel to the fire.

Today, she arrived at 7:38 in the morning and by 8:45 Prince had arrived carrying two coffees as before.

"Morning," she spoke walking up to his desk.

"Good morning," he responded, a bit startled, handing her her drink. "I didn't know you were here. Wasn't expecting you this early."

"Yeah, rough morning," she groaned.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah," Stacy sighed. "Just—just do your thing. I'll be in my office."

Stacy sat in her chair, reading through a distribution contract when her phone rang.

"James," she sighed into the receiver, mentally preparing herself for his excuse.

"Baby, I'm so sorry about last night. It was rough. When I left the hospital, the guys and I hit the bar. I got a little carried away," he explained. "Next thing I know, I'm waking up at Doug's place."

"You know I don't buy that," she spoke. "You never get that wasted."

"There's a first time for everything."

"At 45," she huffed, her irritation flowing through the line. "Seriously?"

"You know what, we'll just talk about this later. I have to get some sleep for this night shift."

"Really, James?"

"Yes, really, Stacy," He hung up.

Stacy stared at the cellphone until she launched it across the room.

Come lunchtime, Prince took it upon himself to grab Chipotle. Shitpotle if you asked him about it. She hadn't had the food in a while. It was her favorite, he figured it'd cheer her up. He racked his brain attempting to remember her weird burrito bowl. Chicken and sofritas, he knew that much. "Who mixes chicken and tofu?" He thought to himself.

He knocked softly on the door, before entering. "Got you lunch," he announced, sitting the bag on the desk, then once again making his exit.

Around 5pm, he prepared to leave. He knocked once more, before entering. Her chair was turned towards the view, leaving him to stare at the back of it.

"Stacy," he called. "Is there anything you need before I head out?"

Prince crept towards her chair until he was standing in front of her. "Are you okay? Did I fuck something up?

"No," she cut him off. "It has nothing to do with you. You're fine. You've been great actually."

"Well, is there anything I can do to help."

"Doubt it..." she sighed.

"Probably is but you won't let me," he countered.