For the remainder of the time in the check-out line, he ignored Jodie’s blatant glares. After paying, he finally broke down with an exasperated, “What?!”
“I need a cigarette,” Jodie grumbled, then spun around and put several steps between them. She was already through the sliding glass doors before he processed the words.
“Hold on.” Mitch quickened his pace to catch up, then quietly watched while she fumbled with her lighter. A chill in the air signaled summer’s near conclusion, and he shivered. “Jodie, c’mon.”
She eyed him while taking a long drag, then exhaled smoke. “You gonna call him?” She responded with some detachment, but Mitch knew better, he could taste the contempt which radiated off of her in waves.
“I-” Mitch swallowed and glanced at his screen again, once more swept up in this ongoing tension between his best friend and his boyfriend. The delicate truce they established some time ago would remain uneasy at best. He nodded. “Yeah.”
He pressed the phone icon, then moved to put some distance between himself and Jodie. Several rings passed until it picked up. “Hi,” came a creaky voice through the speaker, still thick from sleep.
“Hey Calv,” Mitch squeaked out during a subdued yawn. “Sorry to be calling so late.”
“What’s going on?”
“I uh, there was an accident. During my match, I fell and I landed on my head.” After a moment of silence, he continued. “But I just got out of the hospital. My shoulder’s messed up, I’m in a sling right now, but I’m OK.”
“Jesus, Mitch,” came the response that followed another pause.
“Like I said, I’m alright!” Mitch repeated, the words now spilling out faster. When he heard the deep sigh, several visuals accompanied it: a hand running through hair, a pinched bridge of the nose, an indent appearing on a cheek that was being bit. His heart thundered in his ears.
“You know that what you do is dangerous, right?” Calvin impassively remarked. “I’ve told you this at least a hundred times. And for what?”
“I…I know that. But accidents happen, and-“
Calvin cut him off. “What are you going to do?”
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“Jodie said that I could stay with her.”
“And you said you’re fine?”
“Yeah.” He stared down at the sidewalk’s crack below his feet, specifically at an ancient piece of gum embedded in it, and ignored the way that his face flushed. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Cool. So I have a meeting first thing in the morning. Can we talk later?”
“Sure.”
“Great. Later, babe.”
And before Mitch could complete the phrase “love you”, the call disconnected. He let the buzzing drone on for a few seconds before finally lowering the phone.
“How’d it go?” Jodie’s voice rolled in gently like seafoam on the shore, its characteristic sharpness absent.
“He’s pissed.” Mitch closed his eyes and braced himself for his friend’s usual tirade, about what an asshole Calvin was and how he had no right to be angry after this and that and the other thing, and blah blah blah. Instead, she touched his good arm.
“Hey, let’s get going.” She suggested, lightly tugging the loose hoodie sleeve.
“Alright.” Putting up no resistance, he allowed her to guide him away; though in the moment, he hoped that spot of Earth would swallow him whole.
----------------------------------------
“So,” Jodie started once they were in her car, then paused to adjust the radio dial. “I let everyone know that you’re not dead. I also let ’em know to not bother you right now.”
“Thanks.” Mitch rested his head against the passenger side window and watched the streetlights pass by. “I really appreciate this, Jodie. You know that, right?”
“Don’t mention it.” Jodie took a final drag from her cigarette before flicking the butt to the road. “You hungry? We can’t exactly do Denny’s since you’re half naked. I think Taco Bell’s drive thru still open?”
He yawned and shook his head. “Nah. At this point, I just wanna sleep.”
“Sure.”
Aside from whatever alt rock played on the radio, silence hung heavy for rest of the ride. Something else loitered about, nameless and unpleasant as it wound his guts into a tight coil, and his suspicion of its existence was confirmed when they finally pulled into Jodie’s driveway. She killed the engine, inhaled sharply, and her hands grasped at the air. “I just…can I say something?”
Mitch grimaced. “I guess.”
“You’re all fucked up and Calvin like, doesn’t care. Am I wrong?”
“It’s not that he doesn’t care-“
“Bro.” She placed her forehead against the steering wheel, clearly perturbed and about to hit a wall. “Goddammit, you’re so stupid. Lemme ask: did he even offer to come get you? Did he figure out a way for you to get home?”
“Well, no. But. It’s super late, Jodie. I kinda got myself into this, and he’s got work super early. And I told him that you offered me a place to stay. I’m sure we’ll figure it out tomorrow.” Mitch’s voice cracked a little, and he rubbed his eyes. “Can we not do this right now? Please?”
“Fine. Fine.” Raising her hands in surrender, and with a small smile she forfeit the argument. “I’m just worried, dude.”
“I know.” His smile matched hers in uncertainty. Without another word, Jodie exited her side of the car, and moments later opened the passenger door. After she helped Mitch out of his seat, he pulled her into a sidehug. “Thank you,” he murmured with his nose buried in her hair.
“No worries.” She affirmatively patted his back in exchange. The conversation was far from over, he knew that, but he’d at least bought himself a few hours of contemplation.