Thirty Three

'So what did she say?' Mike asked.

I laughed, trying to act casual. 'She's a woman, she's got like a ten thousand word daily quota. You expect me to remember?'

Mike nodded.

'Look, she was upset, angry. Couples go through this stuff...' I shut up, hoping he would assume nothing of real consequence was shared. Besides, my BS limit was approaching.

Mike scratched his chin and looked up, some of the concern lines leaving his face. 'You probably weren't listening anyway.'

I laughed. 'Well, this is true.' Any other time it probably would have been. 'Anyway I should leave you two to... you know...' I headed for the driver's door.

'Yeah,' said Mike

I didn't want to leave, but I didn't see any other options. Staying longer would look odd. Mike seemed to be calm, so I hoped Lisa wasn't in any danger, and I was given no choice but to trust her judgment on that anyway.

'You ok?' I asked after I started the car. Before you diss me for that, it was a genuine question. I was startign to wonder what would drive Mike to such out of character behaviour. Was it out of character?

'Yeah,' said Mike through the open window.

I hated to leave Lisa, but especially like this. 'Call me if you need anything... try not to get too... tense about things...'

I backed out and left Mike staring after my exhaust pipe as I drove home.

Thirty Four