Page 59 of Five Stolen Rings
It doesn’t help that I’m pissed about what happened to Stella at her old job.
Calm down,I tell myself for the millionth time in the last twenty minutes.Just calm down.
But it’s no good; I’m still angry.
I’m angry that some tool thought he could make her the other woman. I’m angry that she got fired for something that wasn’t her fault.
I’m angry at myself for how angry I am.
And I’m still worrying, still studying her like a weirdo, trying to find any hint that she might remember what Benny let slip at the café.
That I was the one who called her that day—that I was the one who heard about the earthquake where she was living and temporarily lost my mind. That I was crazy about her for years.
I take a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying subtly totake myself through the breathing exercises Dr. Barb taught me. They don’t do a whole lot, but it’s good to keep trying.
I’m grateful when my phone buzzes; it’s a welcome distraction from watching Stella as she browses my bookcases. So I pull the phone out of my pocket.
A scowl forms on my face, though, when I see that it’s a text from Benny.
Benny
You can punch me if you want
Me
I do want.
Benny
Taking me to my mom’s house was cruel though
Me
You deserved it.
Benny
She hit me over the head with her shoe, man
Multiple times
Then she made me eat three helpings of her spaghetti
Me
Your mom makes the best spaghetti in the world!
Benny
I’m watching my carb intake
Me
I thought you were watching your alcoholintake too
Benny
Three punches. I’ll give you three
