Circumstantial

Chapter 11

I'm sitting at the counter, bored out of my mind. The store is as lively as a graveyard, and I'd do the financial paperwork if there were any, but I was currently drowning in debt. I think about Sarah for the tenth time and decide to give her a call. I scroll through my cellphone and hesitantly tap on her name.

"Hello?"

"Hey. It's Michael," I greet.

There's a pause. "Yes, Michael?"

"Are you at work?"

"I'm at the office, yes." There's a shuffling sound in the background.

I clear my throat. "Just checking if you're okay."

"I'm fine…"

There's an awkward silence.

"That's good, because last night you were out of it-"

"I'd rather not talk about last night. I don't remember much," she interrupts me in a professional tone. Nah, she's pretending.

"Will you be at the gym this afternoon?" I ask.

"No, I'll be going tomorrow."

Another awkward silence, then more shuffling. Probably sorting through the large stacks of cash she receives from her victims. Legal theft.

"Okay... Sarah?" I can't help myself. I have to get it out in the open.

"Yes?"

"Can you really not remember what happened last night?"

There's a long pause. "I remember you dragging me out of the club and getting into the car. That's about it. I avoid alcohol for the same reason. I blank out. If you're calling to apologize, then I accept your apology,"

Say whaaat? Apologize for what, exactly?!

"I'm also sorry. I behaved childishly and shouldn't have drank any alcohol. Thanks for driving me home," she finishes, in her business-like tone.

I'm too stunned for words. "So, you don't remember the drive to your place?" I repeat. Having an emotional breakdown about your dad? Stumbling to your apartment and inviting me in for sex?

"No. Why? Did something happen?" She sounds genuinely confused. Duh! You kissed me and said that you liked me a lot…

"Nah. See you tomorrow."

"Oh, and Michael?"

"Yeah?"

"When you visit the gym today, remember our agreement. I know you have your own little skank fan club there, but be a good boy and control yourself," she warns sternly. I can hear the mocking tone in her voice.

"Yeah, whatever." I roll my eyes and cut the call.

Hah! She has some nerve! Last night she practically threw herself at me, now she's shaming other's who want a piece of me, and she's suggesting that I can't control myself.