Staying on Course (Finding our Way 2)

*****

At nine, I’m starting to get nervous. When I finally felt it was safe, I started trying to contact Bryce. There was no answer to my voicemails or text messages. It crossed my mind to call Nicole, but I quickly dismiss the idea. The food in the oven has now been done for an hour. The aroma of Italian fills the townhome.

By nine-thirty, I’m no longer nervous. I’m totally edgy, and my head is pounding. I pace the living room then get my phone, determined to find him.

The phone rings three times before he finally picks up. But there’s no one on the line but the sound of music and laughter. It dings in my hand, and I see it has changed to Facetime. No one appears on the screen, but there is the blinding glare of strobe lights and then the shrill sound of Liza’s voice.

“Woohoo, girls! Let’s shoot ‘em back!”

I drop the phone on the couch and sit back, so no one can see my face on the screen. On the other end, arms raise with shots and then cheers.

“What exactly are we celebrating?” Dani’s voice fills the line.

“New year, new beginnings, throwing out the old, and embracing the new!” Liza practically sings.

My stomach coils. It’s as if she’s speaking directly to me. I’ve heard this tone before.

“I hate to rain on your parade, but I feel sorry for her. I truly didn’t see this coming,” Nicole says, slurring a bit. “Devon’s a cool chick.”

Bile rises in my throat, and I swallow it back.

“Nicole, not to be a bitch but I told you so. I knew this would be a process. It’s not like he could break up with her easily with Nate being his best friend. I’m a patient person, but after last night and this morning, even he can’t deny anymore…”

My body starts shaking, but I stay glued on the sofa, watching the screen and listening.

“Liza,” Dani says softly, probably unaware the phone is connected. “Think long and hard about this. Bryce loves her, and she loves him. They’re a great couple. Don’t go through with this. You know it’s not right.”

“Oh, Dani! Give your fucking do-gooding a rest. It’s done. And where’s your fucking loyalty? Devon’s a blip on our radar. She’s been around what, a few months? We’ve been friends for years. Forget the little cheerleader and get over it. Bryce seemed to forget her pretty quick when I had my mouth on his dick this morning.”

At this point, I can’t stop the vomit and reach for the trash basket by the recliner. I barely make it, almost throwing up all over myself. Tears sting my eyes and fall down my cheeks. This can’t be happening. She’s lying.

“I’m getting us another round. Be right back. Hope to God you both are in a better mood to celebrate. I plan to be ready when Bryce gets here tonight.” Liza doesn’t end the call but pushes a few buttons, leans directly into the phone and then lays it back down, walking off.

Dings sound from my phone, alerting me to new texts from Bryce’s number. Pictures pop up of Bryce and Liza. Shot after shot with them together.

The last few cause my heart to plummet. He’s laying with a sheet pulled to his hips, wearing nothing. One arm is propped behind his head and the other wrapped around her shoulders. She’s grinning at the screen with an evil gleam in her eye. It’s obvious she is naked. His eyes are lazy and unfocused but directed at her breasts. She’s curved into his body.

“I can’t believe this. This is slimy.” Dani’s voice comes back through the line and actually sounds sad.

“Liza told me they were getting closer and she thought he was starting to have feeling for her. I’m personally sick about it, but Tommy told me this morning it’s none of my business where a man slips his dick. Told me to mind my own business. I saw it with my own eyes. Walked into my living room, both of them naked on the air mattress, and she was on her knees. I backed out quietly, and when I returned to the kitchen thirty minutes later, Liza was sipping coffee and Bryce gone. She was glowing.”

The line is quiet for at least two minutes.

“I’m not sure I can stomach this. I’m leaving.” Dani’s arm reaches across the screen, and I see her haul her purse over the table. “I can’t let this happen to Devon. Someone has to stop Liza. This has gone too far.”

“Ggggiirrrl, you may want to wait to leave. Here comes Bryce, and he doesn’t look good,” Nicole slurs again. “Maybe Liza misjudged the effects of a blow job.”

“Where the FUCK is Liza?” he roars, coming partly into view.

“Right here, babe. What’s up?”

The sweetness in her voice makes me throw up again, this time harder. I’m so shaken, I can’t even move to clean myself up. My eyes and ears remain glued to the

phone on the couch.

“Did you switch my fucking phone?”

“What do you mean?”