104

When I got home, I tossed my bag on the couch and sat down, trying to calm myself. After a few deep breaths, I picked up my phone and dialed his number. It rang and rang, but no answer. I tried again, and still, nothing. Frustrated, I threw my phone onto the couch and buried my face in my hands. Why that fuck wasn’t he answering?

I must have sat there for hours, lost in thought, because the next thing I knew, it was dark outside. My phone buzzed, and I picked it up eagerly, hoping it was Victor. But it was from Cecil.

_‘Did you go see him?’_

I typed back a quick reply.

_‘Yup, but it didn't go well. Another woman was there.’_

Her response was immediate.

_‘What? Are you okay?’_

No.

I wasn't, but I didn't tell her that, I came up with lie I've been getting good at.

_‘Yeah, I'm good’_

Theo told Cecil he was going on a trip to Los Angeles to take care of his sister's automobile company because she was sick —that explained why he changed cars like clothes— Cecil and I decided