Arizona Heat by Ellie J. LaBelle Page B

something? And I didn’t even do anything wrong. I didn't cheat on you, I was just hanging out with a, uh, friend. I didn't tell you immediately because I knew you would overreact, just like you are doing.”
    “So this Reagan asshole, the rock star, didn’t try anything? You expect me to fucking believe that?”
    “Yes. I do. Because I told you the truth.”
    “Whatever, I don’t care. ” Oh you don’t fucking care . My heart pounds out of my chest with rage.
    “Great, so you won’t care if I go on a road trip with him to New York. He has a meeting with his record label in two weeks and wants me to go with him. What do you say to that? ” Ha! That’ll piss him off.
    “Go ahead, ” he says, no hint of emotion in his voice.
    “You were all mad a minute ago about us sharing a motel room because we were stuck in the middle of a monsoon and now you don't care if I go on a voluntary road trip with him? ” I ask, awestruck.
    “Nope, ” he says simply.
    “Fine then. I’m going.”
    “Have fun. ” He cannot be serious.
    “I’m going to call you later when you’ve calmed down.”
    “Look Josie, I believe that you didn't do anything with that Reagan guy. I’m frustrated you never mentioned him before now, but if he is just your friend then I trust you. It’ll be nice for you to have more time away from New York than you expected anyway. You deserve a break.”
    What the literal fuck?
    “I gotta go, I’m going out with the guys tonight, ” he says.
    He’s going out?
    “Uh, okay, ” I stutter.
    “I love you, ” he says.
    “I love you to.”
    What the hell just happened? One minute he’s screaming at me like a jealous boyfriend and the next he’s seriously okay with me spending two weeks alone with another man and sharing an RV with said man? My woman’s intuition kicks in on overdrive and I’m overwhelmed with suspicion. Since when is he going out and doing things? I’ve watched that man become one with the couch for nearly two years and he now decides to become a social human being as soon as I leave? I need to confide in someone. Francesca’s number is on speed dial and it only takes two rings for her to answer.
    “Where the hell have you been? I’m dying of anticipation over here!”
    I let out a very long sigh, trying to decide where to start. I fill her in on everything that happened, starting with the monsoon and ending with my conversation with Simon. She stays silent for an unusual amount of time, taking in my words.
    “That bastard, ” she finally says.
    “Who?”
    “Freaking Simon.”
    “Why is Simon a bastard? Wait. Stupid question. What did he say this time that makes him a bastard?”
    “You leave town and all of a sudden he’s getting mad at you about seeing another man? He says he doesn't care about you but turns around and says you deserve a break and should take your time getting home? I don't like it, Josie. I don't like it at all.”
    “And he said he’s going out tonight.”
    “ What? ” she gasps.
    “Yeah, he said he’s going out with the guys.”
    “Oh hell no. He does not get to do this to you. Not after how you’ve stood by him all this time.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I know you probably don't want to hear this Josie… ” Please don't say it out loud. My stomach drops with the knowing anticipation of what she is about to suggest.
    “Please don't say that, ” I whisper, tears forming in the corner of my eyes.
    “I’m going to keep an eye on him, ” she says firmly.
    “Okay, ” I say, knowing better than to argue with her.
    “Call Reagan and tell him you are going with him.”
    “I can’t actually do that, ” I sigh.
    “Yes, you really can. If for no other reason than Simon is being a dick. You said it yourself that you thought making him jealous would get him off his ass. I’m not saying sleep with the guy, you know, unless you want to. I won’t judge. Just might kill you in your sleep from a fit of jealousy.”
    I let out a small