Past, Present and Passion

The Phone Call

Kelsey was dreading this phone call. She straightened her shoulders and muttered “just do it Kelsey.” She picked up her phone and clicked on her boyfriend of a year and a half. Jared really is a good guy she mused as she looked at his picture. She thought she loved him. Why shouldn’t she? He treated her so well. He was kind and thoughtful and good to her. They said I love you to each other but she still secretly thought maybe there was more somewhere else, with someone else. She hadn’t dated much when she was on the road and Jared was the first guy that she met when she took her 9-to-5 job. They were compatible in a lot of areas. Of course, sexually it’s been good. He was kind and gentle, though sometimes, Kelsey felt like she needed a little bit more than that. In the end, she was comfortable and it just felt good to be comfortable after so many years on the road. But maybe this was a chance for a change? Maybe they should take a break while she’s gone so she can think about how she actually felt about him and if she wanted to continue this relationship. She shook her head. She checked out of her thoughts as she heard Jared’s voice.

“Hello? Hello, Kelsey? Are you there?”

“Jared, hey, sorry, yes I’m here. Um, are you busy, do you have a minute?”

“Yeah, what’s up I’ve got a few minutes. I have a meeting in 10 that I’m going to be walking into. Everything OK? You don’t usually call me this time of day.”

“Yeah well um”, Kelsey froze. Did she even want to tell him over the phone? But she felt like she had no choice since she was leaving in less than 24 hours. “I have some really great news, I mean, it’s kinda crazy but still good I guess.”

“OK.” Jared said slowly. “Should I be worried right now?”

“No, um, so, Meredith has offered me a job as a partner..”

Jared interrupted excitedly, “Oh my God, Kelsey that’s amazing!”

“Yes, yes it is, uh, but it comes with a small caveat. In order to become partner I have to do one job for her, which is fine but, um, it’s in England and I have to go for like at least a month and…I leave tomorrow.” Kelsey felt like she had just vomited out all those words.

Jared was quiet for a moment. “It’s going away for a month at least? I didn’t think you did this type of thing anymore.”

“I don’t, but Meredith can’t go herself and this is a huge job, it’s just she doesn’t trust anyone else but me. We’ve been given this huge opportunity and I just have to go. I can’t miss this opportunity for my career.”

Jared let out a small sigh. “OK, well if you have to go, then you have to go. I’m not gonna say that it’s not bummer that you will be gone for a month.”

“I know, I know. I’m sorry.”

“We can still have dinner tonight right?”

“Yes, yes, it’s just that I’m trying to tie up all these loose ends today and it’s going to be crazy and I have to pack. I don’t know if I’ll have time to get home and get ready to go out for dinner and..”

Jared interrupted, “how about I cancel our reservations and just pick up your favorite Chinese food and come over help you pack and get ready?”

Kelsie felt tears spring to her eyes. Why was he so nice? “Really? That would be amazing, seriously it’s really sweet of you.”

“Yeah of course, I actually have a busy day here too. I might be a little late, can we plan for eight?”

“That’s perfect,” Kelsey said as she tried to deny the fact that he sounded a little angry. She couldn’t blame him. “I’ll finish up here ASAP and get home and try to get organized.”

“OK, I’ll see you tonight.”

“See you tonight.” It didn’t go unnoticed by Kelsey that he ended the call without his normal “I love you.” The phone call left her feeling many mixed emotions. She so badly wanted Jared to fulfill her every need. But did he? He just showed her why she should feel strongly about him. He was so kind and understanding but also Kelsey would have actually liked him to have shown a little anger with her. Or jealously. She was leaving for a month and he took it pretty casually. She wished there was more emotion, even drama from him. She sighed. She was being silly. He loves her. That should be enough. She pulled herself out of her own thoughts. Her work needed to be done. Tomorrow she was flying to England.