"No phone coverage, you mean?"
"No. I mean my phone's gone."
"Like lost?"
"No. Like destroyed."
"Really? From what?"
"From me."
"Sorry, but I'm not following."
"When things started going south, I didn't know what was gonna happen. But Ididknow that I didn't want anyone getting ahold of your stuff."
"What stuff?"
"Numbers, messages." He paused. "Pictures."
I saw what he meant. It's not like Joel had any nude pictures of me, but hehadused his phone to take quite a few pictures that I wouldn't want to see splashed across some internet gossip site. Still, it struck me as overcautious. I said, "You think someone would've busted into your phone?"
"No. But Ididthink I'd rather smash it myself than take that chance."
I had to smile. It was vintage Joel, and I loved him all the more for it, even if I couldn’t quite agree. I asked, "Are you going to get a new one?"
"Yeah. As soon as I get time."
Oh yeah. Time. Itwas something we were sadly lacking. Still, I said, "Sorry, but I've got another question."
"Yeah? What?"
"Why'd you leave?"
"When?" he asked.
"The other night."
He gave me a look. "Is that a serious question?"
"Of course."
"I left because you locked me out."
In spite of the cold air rushing across my face, I felt a slow warmth creep across my cheeks. "You mean thebedroomdoor?" I paused. "Wait a minute. How'd you know?"
"I tried the doorknob."
I didn'thearhim try the doorknob. I glanced away. "Well, maybe I wanted some time to think."
"Yeah? You wanna know what I wanted?"
"What?"
"To kick in that door and make you talk to me whether you wanted to or not."
"You wouldn't have."
"Wanna bet? Five more minutes, and that'sexactlywhat I would've done." His voice grew quiet. "I knew I messed up. And I sure as hell didn't wanna make it worse."