Neanderthal Seeks Human(45)

I was almost out the door when I felt his hand close around mine and turn me around, “Janie, you should carry it with you.”

I pulled my hand from his and gained a half step back, “Well, you said you were the only person who would call me on it and since you and I are here, together, there is no reason for me to carry it.”

He frowned at me, “And when were you planning to pick up the phone before the weekend?”

“I wasn’t.” I crossed my arms over my chest,

“Oh, are we spending the weekend together too?” He took a full step toward me. I was forced to lift my chin to maintain eye contact.

At his words my stomach felt like it was full of honey-drunk bees; I swallowed with effort and stated what I felt to be obvious, “As far as I know we’re not working this weekend. Why would you need to call me during non-business hours?”

He opened his mouth as though he were going to say something but then clamped it shut, his jaw ticking as he ground his teeth. His eyes were half-lidded and piercing. After a long moment he pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and handed it to me, “Here, you can call your friend on this.”

I glanced at him, then the phone, then back at him again. Reluctantly I took the phone from his hand, “Thank you.” I muttered before I turned my back on him and dialed Jon’s number. For some reason it felt wrong to call Jon using Quinn’s phone, strangely deceitful. I pushed the discomfort aside, reminding myself that Jon and I were broken up and Quinn and I were co-workers. Co-workers could lend each other their phones. It was not unseemly. It was normal.

Jon’s phone rang four times then he answered with a somewhat hesitant, “Hello?”

“Hi, Jon, it’s me- Janie.” I took a few steps away from Quinn, keeping my voice low- although I didn’t precisely know why.

“Hey- I didn’t recognize the number. Sorry I took so long to pick up. Are we all set for tonight?”

“Um, that’s why I’m calling.” I glanced over my shoulder; in my peripheral vision I could see Quinn standing by the bar, facing me, a few feet away. “Listen, I have to work tonight so I can’t make it. Can we reschedule for tomorrow?”

“Oh, ok. Well, that’s too bad…” I could almost see Jon’s frown, I heard him sigh, “What time for tomorrow?”

“Do you already have plans? Don’t cancel your plans, we can always-”

“Janie, I want to see you. Of course I’ll cancel my plans. You come first.”

I felt my throat tighten, half from frustration half from guilt, and I walked a few more steps away from Quinn; I was careful to keep my voice low but still above a whisper, “Jon, you can’t say things like that.”

I was acutely aware of Quinn’s presence and, as though sensing my discomfort, I heard him say quietly “I’ll be back.” He walked by me and out of the private box.

“Who was that? Are you with someone?” Jon’s tone changed slightly, his voice rising, “Janie, is this really about work?”

It was my turn to sigh, “Jon, I am at a site visit with one of my coworkers-”

“A male co-worker?”

“Yes- in fact- if you want to get technical about it, I’m here with literally dozens of male co-workers.” I rolled my eyes.

“And you are all working late? Where are you?”

“I can’t tell you that, you know I signed a non-disclosure agreement. I can’t tell you about any of my clients.” I spun around and stalked to the other side of the room.

“This is ridiculous. No one ever works late on a Friday night. If you would just let me take care of you-”

“Jon-” I hoped he heard the warning in my voice.

“You know what, fine. Fine. You have to work late, I get it.” He sounded frustrated yet resigned, “I still want to see you tomorrow. Listen, I’m sorry- I’m sorry. Can we just start over? I want to meet your friend Steven. Can’t we just meet for dinner tomorrow and have a good time?”

I stared unseeingly at a spot on the wall, my guilt winning over my frustration, “Yes-” I turned as I heard movement from behind me. Quinn reentered the room, gave me a brief once over, then turned to the buffet of food. “Yes- that sounds good, we’ll try to make tomorrow work. I’ll call Steven next and see if he is available. Listen, I- I need to go.”

“Ok, Let me know if you need anything, money or anything. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Ok. Bye Jon.”

“I love you, Janie. Don’t forget that.”

I closed my eyes, my mouth curving into a frown. I said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” and hung up.