Page 19 of Range
Bzzz.
I searched for my cell, unsure of who was trying to reach me. There was one conversation on my mind, and it didn’t involve whoever was calling my cell. Its retrieval left me stumped.
I lifted my gaze, focusing on the rearview mirror. A slight shift with my right hand and I was rewarded generously. The overwhelming presence stirred something inside of me. Something deep. Something profound. Something wavering. Something grand.
“Teddy,” I whispered, holding the cell against my chest.
I swallowed the thick pocket of air, forcing it down my throat.
“I was just calling you.”
He nodded.
“Now you don’t have to.”
Rolling my eyes, I dismissed the initial shock of his presence.
“You’re an arrogant a–”
“I didn’t come to fight, Range. Save your theories for the judge.”
“That’s no theory. That’s a fact. I have years of evidence to prove my case.”
His silence was repulsive.
“You’re not here for nothing, Chem.”
He shook his head.
“I’m not.”
“I’m listening.”
“Good job.”
“Clap for me when I’ve done something impressive. Maybe not even then. But don’t clap for me now. I’m only doing my job. You asked for a cleaning. You have it.”
Chem’s smile was lethal. Swaying. It softened me the moment my eyes touched it.
“What did I do to upset you, baby?”
“Nothing.”
“The roll of your neck and the sassiness say otherwise.”
His posture changed. He leaned in as I started my engine. I eased out of the parking spot and into traffic, trying to find the words.
“I’m listening.”
There was no way to tell Chemistry that he was missed. Not on occasion, but every day. All day. Phone calls weren’t enough. They no longer sufficed.
“I don’t have anything to tell you that you don’t already know.”
“So you throw a fit?” He chuckled.
“Not my intention,” I admitted. “I just– I wish things were different.”
“They’re not, Range. Maybe one day, but right now this is our reality.”
