"Of course not, dufus!" she laughs - actually laughs - then I hear her smack her lips. "I don't know howBella does it, not getting frustrated with your work hours. But nevermind, it's okay.""Sure, great," I offer lamely, then finally get my shit back together. I know Alice is the queen of denialsometimes, always was, but I know she won't lie to me outright."Everything alright with you?""Yeah, why shouldn't it be?"She even sounds normal, not strained or stressed or close to tears, and that's when I realize that I'vebeen wrong. A moment the betrayal hurts but then my emotional defenses come up, and I force myselfnot to care. I would have taken her side in this, whatever it is, but if she doesn't want my loyalty, I'mnot beyond giving Jasper the benefit of the doubt when I listen to his side of things."Don't know, it was just a question. Have a nice evening.""You too!"Her chipper tone grates, and even after ending the call I stare down at the phone in my hand until
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