Three's Company

36. Eye of the Beholder

It was getting more and more confusing for everyone involved. She knew his constant back and forth from Chicago to the farm was probably making things worse for them, but she didn't know how to refuse him.

Secretly, she liked it when he was home because it meant that she was no longer alone.

But when he said such dramatic statements and left without any warning whatsoever, it messed with her mind.

'I never fucked her', those four words had been running through her mind for days on end.

What did he mean by that? Mona wondered, desperately wanting answers. Was he being serious or was he drunk and saying anything?

She needed fucking answers.

Yet, she couldn't get any. Not when he was in Chicago, doing his best to ignore her.

She looked down at her phone, seeing how her texts were filling up the screen and he lacked in length and energy. Even throughout the phone.

The last she heard of him, Theo had texted her to let her know that he was seeing him in Chicago for a boys weekend.

That was right. The two of them were texting, and frequently at that.

It was nice, having someone interested in getting to know her on a personal level. None of that shallow bullshit.

Was it moving quickly?

Perhaps. But it wasn't like they had done anything other than talk to each other, she wasn't dating him and nor was she attempting to. They were also consenting adults and were able to whatever they wanted.

Her phone pinged a new message.

Not sure how much longer I can hold up drunk Heath for. I think he's falling asleep and won't admit it.

Reading the message, she pulled a face at it.

Why was he drinking again? She thought, concern already crawling into her.

Her fingers flew across the touchscreen keyboard as she typed back a response.

At a basketball game? That's unfortunate. I hope you at least got your money's worth.

Despite wanting to go full bear mode and tell him to look after her ex-husband, she decided to keep it nonchalant.

The game ended an hour ago, dollface.

Another message.

We're at a bar now, apparently a fan favourite according to Chicago's local drunk.

Mona frowned.

She didn't want to act crazy but since when had Heath started going to bars?

Then she wondered what he did after work and on weekends in Chicago and her stomach tightened. He was all alone.

What else would a thirty-year-old single man do in his free time? She thought to herself.

That's nice. Enjoy your night.

Had this been Heath she was texting, he would be rolling his eyes at her blunt response and asking her why she suddenly had an attitude. It was as bitter as it sounded.

But her excuse was that she was an Arab woman, and it was in her blood to be overly reactive.

Okay fine, maybe that was a horrible stereotype.