Page 91 of Something True


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"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."