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The phone goes straight to voicemail. “What the hell.” My own voice sounds strangled and unfamiliar to me. I call him again. And again. And nothing. Straight to voicemail.
Desperate, I call Mel. She picks up, and it sounds like she’s in the car. “Hey, girl!” Her voice is chipper, and it makes my head hurt.
“Hey,” I say, sounding breathless.
“What’s wrong?” she asks. “Are you okay?”
“I can’t get ahold of Colby. Is he still out?”
She whispers something and I hear West whisper something back. “West said he left about ten minutes before we did.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Noel, what’s wrong? Talk to me.” The music that was playing in the background, probably from the radio, turns off.
“Travis sent me a photo.” My voice cracks. “It’s of Colby at the bar with two women.”
“Oh sweetie. I’m sorry. It was probably from a long time ago?”
“It was a swanky looking place, with black and gold decor.”
She’s quiet for a moment. “Okay, that sounds like the bar we were at, but maybe they were getting a photo or something. That happens all the time.”
“They were sitting on his lap.”
Silence. “There has to be an explanation. He’s not answering his phone?”
“No,” I choke out.
“I’m coming over,” she says. “We’re on our way.”
“No, it’s late. I’ll be fine.” I make my voice sound as steady as I can. “I’m sure we’ll talk tomorrow, and like you said… he’ll explain everything, and we’ll have a good laugh.”
I hope I’m convincing Mel, because I’m not convincing myself.
“I hate that you’re upset and I’m not there. I can come over.” West’s voice mutters something. “West says it’s no big deal for us to drop by.”
“It’s really fine, I’m going to sleep now. Big day tomorrow. Midterms,” I huff a laugh, trying to sound fine.
“Okay,” she says, drawing the word out, obviously not convinced. “I’m going to keep my phone on tonight. If you need anything, call me. Don’t hesitate. And Noel?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t freak out. Colby will explain this, I’m sure of it.”
“You’re right. Thanks, I feel better now.” I do not feel better.
We say goodnight and end the call.
But do I have a good night? No.
Do I try to call Colby twenty more times? Yes.
* * *
After a fitful night’s sleep, I wake up and put on my big girl panties to go about my day. I perform my scheduled lecture, one of my favorites, about the black plague. Most of my students are thrilled with their grades, only a few failed. The hockey boys see their B’s and high five me on their way out of class. That makes me genuinely smile. Once everyone has left, I prepare for the next class, which isn’t for another hour.
A knock from the doorway startles me, and Colby is standing there grinning, holding a coffee in his hand as if nothing is wrong. He’s wearing a tailored, royal blue suit that brings out his eyes. The guys always dress professionally when they travel, and his flight probably leaves soon.
