Chapter 300: Backlash
Brad was all grumpy, "Seriously? You got no conscience. Can't you see how swamped I am? We said we'd hash this out face to face."
And with that, Brad ended the video call.
First time ever, Brad hung up on me.
I just stared at my phone, feeling kinda dumb, until the screen went black.
Man, I was so frustrated.
This misunderstanding was a big deal.
Brad hung up on me. He must be super pissed.
Brad, getting mad at me? Who taught him that trick?
Guess being a friend and a boyfriend are two totally different gigs with different perks.
One perk of being my boyfriend? He got to be mad at me.
When he was just a buddy, Brad never hung up on me or said anything harsh.
I started thinking, 'Who's more important, a friend or a boyfriend? Who treats me better?'
But then again, Brad's been misunderstood by me a bunch of times for no reason. If I were him, I'd be mad too.
What now? I gotta make it up to him since it's my bad.
So, I hopped on Facebook and sent a bunch of sweet, flattering messages, but nada in the chat.
Waited a bit longer, still nothing.
'Great, Brad's really mad this time.
This is all Jenny's fault. She's always thinking about Brad and trying to mess things up between us. I needed to deal with her to blow off some steam.' I thought.
So, I hit up the News Feed, found Jenny's post, and commented: [Don't steal a nurse's midnight snack. Her boyfriend will get mad. You're so kind and gentle, you wouldn't be a homewrecker, right?]
Only she and I could see it, so I could say whatever I wanted.
After posting the comment, I took a screenshot and sent it to Brad.
Wanted to show him I wasn't just imagining things; someone was messing with me on purpose.
Jenny must've been waiting for my move. Less than three minutes after I posted, her post was gone—she deleted it!
Good thing I saved a screenshot. Otherwise, people might think I was making stuff up and trashing her.
Still fuming, I picked up my phone and sent Jenny a direct message: [Brad and I have been together for over twenty years. It's not that easy to break us up. If you have so much energy, why not focus on your rehab and get better soon.]
Waited forever, but she didn't reply.
I really wanted to forward this message to Brad too, but then I remembered he said he was busy. A good girlfriend shouldn't bug her boyfriend at work. I told myself Brad wasn't ignoring me; he was just really busy. I should be understanding.
Slept like a baby that night.
At ten the next morning, Isabella swung by my hotel to pick us up, looking totally wiped out.
I felt bad for her, all happily exhausted. When she offered to treat us to a big meal, we politely turned her down.
"Forget it, you look beat. Since it's rare for us to hang out, let's not waste time waiting for food. Let's order in and chat while we eat."
Isabella shot a shy glance at her hubby and agreed.
So, the three of us old roommates had a blast together.
When it was time to say goodbye, we tried to hold back our tears but couldn't.
After college, everyone went their own way. It was tough to stay as close as we were back then. So, every reunion was precious, and every farewell sucked.
Brad came to pick us up, with Yancy tagging along.
I instinctively grabbed the front seat, leaving the back for Yancy and Mia, who hadn't seen each other for two days.
Brad might still be pissed. After tossing my suitcase in the trunk, he didn't say much and didn't even look at me, just focused on driving.
Meanwhile, Yancy and Mia in the back seat were up to something. They kept making rustling noises that got me curious.
I sneakily checked the rearview mirror and had to stifle a laugh.
Yancy kept trying to hold Mia's hand, but she kept shaking him off. Yet, Yancy was relentless and kept trying.
Noticing my spying, Mia blushed with embarrassment and anger. "Yancy, can you behave for a second? Jane, close your eyes."
Like I'd close my eyes just 'cause she told me to? No way!
I happily exchanged a look with Brad, but he just snorted and turned away, ignoring me.
I touched my nose and decided not to push Brad any further.
I figured once we got home, I could close the door, act all cute, and coax Brad until he softened. Finally, last night's drama would be over.
But who would've guessed Adam was actually waiting at the entrance of the community, holding something. When he saw our car, he waved coldly.
Seeing him, Brad looked even angrier when he glanced at me.
I felt a knot in my stomach.
I started thinking about how to make it up to Brad once we got home.
I got out of the car nervously. Brad slammed the door and glared at Adam.
Yancy and Mia stood behind, ready to watch the drama unfold.
I watched their drama in the car, and now it was their turn to watch mine. Karma's a real thing.
I wisely didn't speak to Adam but instead shuffled over to Brad and tried to link my arm with his.
Brad pettily tightened his arm to block me, but I persisted and finally managed to wedge my hand between his ribs and arm, firmly linking my arm with his.