Free Lover's Road by E. L. Todd Page B

thing for you. Don’t insult me by denying it.”
    “You’re being ridiculous!”
    “Why are you having lunch with him and sharing a piece of cake? What the fuck, Janice?”
    “We weren’t sharing anything,” she snapped. “We ordered our own.”
    “Whatever. Why were you having lunch with him to begin with?”
    “Because he asked me. It’s what friends do.”
    “Fuck you, Janice. How would you feel if I was chummy-chummy with my female boss, who was a fucking underwear model?”
    “An underwear model?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. “Are you mad at me for spending time with Cal because you’re jealous of me? Or jealous of him? Because it sounds like you’re gay.”
    I knew my face was red because I was so livid. “I can’t talk to you right now. I’m leaving.”
    “Fine.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t want you here anyway.”
    “So you can spend more time with Cal?”
    “Are you five years old?” she hissed. “He’s my boss that happens to be a friend. Get over it, Ryan.”
    “I don’t care if you have guy friends. But platonic friends don’t act that way. I’ve hardly heard you say more than a few sentences to Cortland in the year you’ve known him, and he’s my best friend. But you act like Cal is a closer friend than Scarlet. This isn’t about jealousy anymore. You crossed a line, Janice.”
    “You’re unbelievable,” she shrieked. “You’re just insecure.”
    “Damn right. Who wouldn’t be after that show? You were about to make out.”
    She held up her hand. “I can’t do this anymore.”
    “What?”
    “Just go,” she hissed. “You’re embarrassing me.”
    “Well, I guess your work friends are more important than your boyfriend, the man you claim to love. That’s a load of crap.” I turned on my heel and stormed out. When I was on the sidewalk, I breathed through the anger that screamed in my veins. I admit I was being jealous and paranoid before. I shouldn’t have treated Janice that way. But after seeing her talk to Cal like they were lovers, I realized I was dead on about it. I waited for her to chase after me but she didn’t. When I knew she wasn’t coming, I went left—alone.

8
    Cortland
    “Hey. I haven’t talked to you in awhile.” Hazel’s sweet voice came through the receiver.
    “Yeah. I’ve been busy with work.”
    “I know how that goes,” she said with a sigh. “Want to hang tonight?”
    Monnique was at work so I had nothing to do. “Sure. What do you want to do?”
    “Honestly, nothing. I just want to sit on the couch and drink beer.”
    I laughed. “Am I talking to Ryan?”
    “I guess I’ve been reincarnated. So, your place?”
    “Sure.”
    “I’ll grab a pizza on the way.”
    “Cool.” We hung up.
    I hadn’t told Hazel about my rekindled relationship with Monnique. I decided to tell her in person. Knowing her, she’d be happy for me. Of all people, she knew how much I loved Monnique. Only a guy desperately in love could turn down sex from a beautiful woman.
    When she knocked on the door, I answered it and watched her walk inside, a pizza in her arm s.
    “I got the family size because I’m starving.” She opened the box and pulled a slice out.
    “Or you actually have five kids to feed,” I teased.
    “No. I’m just a fat ass.” She plopped down on the couch then put her feet up. “Guess what happened to me?”
    I grabbed two beers then sat beside her. “What?”
    “You remember that audition I had a few weeks ago?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Well, I got it. I’m going to be on Broadway.”
    “Wow.” The gravity of the situation dawned on me. “That’s huge, Hazel.”
    “I know.” She smiled. “I just can’t believe it’s happening.”
    “I’m so happy for you.”
    “Me too.” The elation was evident on her face. “It’s a dream come true.”
    I knew how hard she worked for this. She spent so many days rehearsing and getting her moves right. Her feet were blistered and sore every single day.