Two days passed as I remained at home, eagerly anticipating the publication of the article at the week’s end. In my free time, I threw Louis’ gifts away and watched television.

On Thursday, to my surprise, Louis called. The urge to confront him about the incident at the nail salon and Bouncing Boba grew. With a grimace, I answered the phone with a curt “Hello.”

“Hi, Jessie! I’m sorry I haven’t called you this week, I had to attend to some affairs.”

The blood inside me boiled at the supposed false innocence in his voice.

I’ve seen your business myself! How could he think I don’t know? He stared me down at the salon while kissing that other woman!

“No problem, Louis. What else have you been up to?”

“I helped mom with gardening, bought a new camera, and that’s pretty much it. This week off is a lucky break for us, huh?”

“It is, but you did nothing else? Like, maybe have a boba tea?”

“You mean the drink with the little balls inside? Nah, I hate that stuff.”

Oh, really?

“You don’t like it?”

“Yeah, my college roommate talked me into trying it, and I never did it again.”

Did they also introduce you to the other woman?”

“It’s bad.”

“Yeah. It’s not my favorite drink.”

“How do I know you dislike it?”

“I said so.”

Liar!

“Maybe you like it and not want to tell me!”

“Jessica, why are you hung up on this?”

He knows why, he knows why!

“Because we’re a couple, and honesty is essential in a relationship!”

“I told you about my thoughts on boba. Doesn’t that mean anything?”

Our conversation stopped when I realized the ridiculousness of the argument.

“Sorry, Louis. This job has taken a toll on me. I’m wiped out.”

“Me too. We need a vacation more than one week. Maybe we can spend time together in Baja?”

“No, not right now. My stomach feels weird.”

“Is there anything I can do for you, Jessica?”

“I-I only have to rest.”

“If you say so. Our job has been awful, but I have ample evidence to discredit Miss Billings. Next Monday, she’ll be gone from the company for good, and we can relive the joy of our intern days at work.”

“It’s alright, Louis, I’m not in the mood to talk now.”

“Okay, call if you need anything. My mother says hello and thank you!”

We hung up, and I lay on the sofa in hopes the pain in my stomach would disappear.

 Editor: Lucy Cafiero