--
The five
co-workers continued to debate the situation when they heard Chuck come down
the stairs. They quieted down, and attempted to act nonchalant. The guest
picked up on everyone’s odd behavior in an instant.
“Is there
something wrong?” he asked
“You left
your phone on the table,” Ashley said, “and a new text message came in.”
“And, I’m
guessing you all were wondering who it was from, right?”
“It did pique
our curiosity,” Cecil admitted, “but we respected your privacy, and didn’t
check it for you.”
“Thank you
for your honesty, Cecil.”
“We didn’t
want to lose your trust, Chuck,” Kevin said. “But, you can’t blame us for
wondering who it might be from.”
“What do
you mean?”
Ashley
said, “These two seem to think the text might be from your old gal pal trying
to stir up trouble while you’re out on your dinner date.”
Chuck
sighed in exasperation. “Is that what you all think?”
Amanda
attempted to defuse the situation. “Not at all, we thought it might have been a
relative or friend who was curious to see how things are going.”
Chuck
rubbed his eyes. “Look, I know the whole ‘being in contact with my ex’ is a
sore spot in everyone’s craw, but I assure you all, she is just a friend now;
nothing more, and nothing less.”
Hank said,
“We’re sorry, Chuck. It’s just we don’t really know who this woman is. We know
she exists, but we haven’t gotten a description of her personality or what she
looks like, save for what you’ve told Ashley. Heck, we don’t even know what her
name is.”
Chuck took
a deep breath, and tried to calm himself down. He hadn’t told Ashley everything
about his former love except for the fact she didn’t love him the same way he
loved her. It was a painful relationship he had with her, and he came to the
realization the only way he could further his recovery is to tell them more
about the woman who had broken his heart.
“I suppose
you’re right. I haven’t been up front with you all about her. I didn’t think I
could feel comfortable about talk about someone in my past when I’m trying to
start something new.”
“Sometimes
to move on you have to acknowledge what has already happened,” Amanda said.
“I’m
beginning to realize that, and I feel comfortable enough to tell you all who
she is… or was.”
“So, who
is she?” Kevin asked.
Chuck
struggled to find the right words to use. “I’m afraid it’s someone you all know
very well. She’s Amanda’s cousin, Rebecca Brimley.”
No one said a word, as all of the co-workers’ jaws dropped in shock.
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