“You can’t be serious.”
“For the first time in a long time, all is clear. You made your choice. Peace be with you.”
Hailey left Trevon in the room to ponder what she said. Once on the other side of the room, she exhaled. She glanced at herself in the mirror. On the outside, it looked like she had it all together, but here she was suffering from low self-esteem. That’s what it had to be; otherwise, she would not be allowing Trevon or any other man to treat her the way he has treated her. She was vowing off men unless they served her purposes.
***
Garrett tossed and turned the entire night. Images of Hailey invaded his mind and groin. The shades he wore hid the bags under his eyes. He spoke to patrons as he made his way to his office. Caroline wasn’t at her desk, so he slipped into his office hoping to avoid an inquisition. He flipped the light switch and stopped in mid-step when Trevon swirled his chair around.
“About time you got here,” Trevon said.
Garrett took off his jacket and placed it on a rack. “I didn’t know I was on a time clock.”
Trevon stood and walked around the table. He didn’t sit but instead paced the floor.
He did his best to ignore him. He sat on the edge of the conference table, waiting on Trevon to make his next statement.
“I bet you’ve been feeding Hailey stories about me haven’t you?”
Garrett shook his head. “Man, you got issues. I have a number to a psychiatrist and I’m sure she’ll get you in today.”
“Everthing’s a joke to you. You supposed to be my boy, but you’re nothing but a backstabber.”
He stood up so that he and Trevon were face to face. “I’ve entertained you because I know you’re going through some things, but let that be the last time you raise your voice at me. I’m not your child.”
“What ever. Stay away from Hailey.”
“If you were so concerned about her, you wouldn’t be marrying some other woman. Now get the hell out of my face.” Garrett stared him in the face and walked around him towards his desk.
“This is just like senior year. You knew I wanted to take Pam to the prom, but you went behind my back and asked her.”
Garrett couldn’t believe what he was hearing. That happened ages ago and he was still holding a grudge. “If memory serves me correctly, it was your suggestion that I ask.”
“I was kidding and you know it.”
He shook his head. “You need to grow up. It’s a doggone shame for a thirty year old man to act like you do.”
“Leave her alone. She’s vulnerable right now. You’re the last thing she needs in her life.” Trevon backed off and started to sound defeated.
Garrett wanted to smack him but knew it wouldn’t do any good. He was beginning to question their friendship on many occasions. He realized Trevon had always been selfish and would probably never change. Their friendship was hanging on a thin thread. He refused to let Trevon and his rants stress him out.
“Let’s make a pact. You stay out of my business and I’ll stay out of yours.”
“One day somebody is going to knock that smug look off your face.”
Garrett stared him in the eyes and said, “Well today’s not the day, so I would suggest you go call that pretty fiancé of yours and let me get some work done.”
Garrett didn’t look at Trevon anymore. He knew he was still standing there, but he continued to ignore him. Trevon said a few obscenities. Garrett didn’t look up until he heard Caroline say, “There you are. I have those reports you wanted.”
Trevon snatched the folders from her and stormed out the room. Caroline looked at Garrett. He shrugged his shoulders. “This doesn’t have anything to do with Saturday night does it?” she asked.
“Ask him,” he responded.
“I always thought you and Hailey made a better couple than Trevon, but you know I try to keep my comments to myself.”
He booted up his computer. “Since when?”
Caroline walked and closed the door. “I didn’t want to say anything, but Shareeka’s left several messages on the answering service for you. She didn’t use her name, but she’s called here enough for Trevon that I know her voice.”
“I’m sure it was nothing.” Garrett pretended to be viewing the computer screen.
“I could tell Saturday night, she wasn’t too thrilled to see Hailey there.”
“For someone trying to stay out of other folks business, you’re not doing too good.” Garrett chuckled.
“Looks like the chicken has come to roost.”
“Say what?” Garrett asked. Caroline was always coming up with some stupid saying.