WhenTwoendsmeet

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*
Prev
iew*
Thecabdr oppedmeof fatthegat eI
paidthedriverwalki
nginpassing
mom ont hecouchshewasdr inking
carl
ingblacklabelst
rai
ghtfr
om t he
bottl
eIsighedwal ki
ngtomyr oom
thr
ewmy selfonthebedandSi ghedI
sti
l
l havetogot hr
oughsomef ilesfor
MrWay nethangivehimthefeedback
tomor r
owmor ni
ng.
Mom:
Nat
asha!
!
Sheshout
edf
rom t
hel
ounge
Me:
Mot
her
!
Ishout
edbackwal
ki
ngtothelounge
l
eaningont
hecouchopposi
tehers
Mom:canyoupl
easel
endmea
coupl
eofhundr
eds
Me:
butmom I
..
Shecutmeshor
t
Mom:j
ustgi
vemet
hismoney
Nat
asha!
!
SheshoutedIsighedindefeatgivi
ng
herthel
astR100not eIhadwi t
hme
shewalkedoutstumblingshewas
drunkAsfIshookmyheadwal king
backtomyr oom star
tedwor ki
ngon
mrWay ne'
sfil
es.Lei
lacal
ledwhileI
wasbusywi t
hmrWay ne'
sf i
l
esI
pi
ckedupsmi l
i
ngwemayhav eour
di
ff
erencesbutshe'
sst
il
lmysist
er
Me:
Lei
l
a!!
Lei
l
a:heysi
syougood?
Me:I
'm okaylovej
ustmissi
ngy
out
he
houseisquietwit
houty
ouwhenar
e
youcomi ngbackhome?
Lei
la:
tomorr
owmorni
ngloveIhat
eto
admitthi
sbutImi
ssyoutoo,
wher
e's
mother?
Me:onherwaytobuymor
eal
cohol
she'
sdrunkAsfsi
s
Shel
aughed
Lei
l
a:y
ourBossst
il
lbei
ngadi
ckhead?
Me:Isoohatehi
scolour
edAssIf
eel
l
ikestabbi
ngtheshi
toutofhi
m
ever
ytimeIseehi
m.
Shel
aughedoutl
oud
Me:i
t'
snotf
unnyl
eil
athatguywi
l
l
sendmetoanear
lygrave
Lei
la:
l
ookIhavetogoI'
llseey
ou
tomorr
owyourSonjustwokeup
Me:
ki
sst
hem f
ormeImi
sst
hem soo
much
Shehungup.
I'
m Nat
ashaNkosi 23yearsoldIhave
abigsi
sterwho's25(Leil
a)sheworks
asawaitressatSpurshehas2kids
theyar
etwi nsboy
&girl
4yearsold
.thanmom who' sadrunkar
dmom i s
aCol ouredmyFat herwasBlackI
wor katWay ne'si
ncasMrWay ne's
PAnot hingfancybutIcanputbread
ont hetable.Worki
ngformrWay neis
notnicebuti t
'sbett
erthanbei
ng
j
obless.

*
Inser
t01*
I
t'soneoft hosecoldr
ainydaysI
draggedmyf eett
othebathroom
tookaqui ckshowerquickl
ygot
dressedgr abbedmybagswal ki
ng
downst ai
rsmom wast hrowingupon
thefloorIfrowned
Mom:Ineedatl
eastt
wobeer
stost
op
t
hethrowingup
Me:
I'
mlat
eforwor
kby
emom
Isaidwalki
ngouttookacabtowor kI
putmybagsonmydeskl ooki
ngout
thewindowpeoplewererunni
ngup
anddowngoi ngtowherevert
hey'
re
goingIwasinter
rupt
edbysomeone
clear
ingthei
rthr
oatIqui
cklyt
urned
Hi
m:shoul
dn'
tyoubewor
king?
Me:Iuhm I
'
m sor
rysi
rIwasj
ust
t
hinki
ng
heshookhi
sheadwal
ki
ngt
ohi
s
of
fi
ce
Hi
m:j
ustgett
owor
k
heshoutedclosi
ngthedoorofhis
off
iceIswal
lowedthelumpinmy
thr
oatgotbusywithworkalady
weari
ngadr essbarel
ycover
ingher
bodywalkedtomydesk
Her
:wher
e'sBr
uce?
Me:MrWayneisinhisofficethough
heaskednott
obedi sturbedhe'son
acall
withapotent
ialcli
ent.
Shegavemeasi desmilewalki
ngt o
MrWay ne'
sof f
iceherhighheel
s
makingthe*cli
ckclack*soundwhi ch
i
rri
tat
edtheshitoutofmeshecl osed
thedoorbehindherIshookmyhead
gotbusywithwor kweallknow
what'shappeninginthatoffi
cet han
I'
m expectedtotidyupafterthem I
fr
ownshaki ngmyheadsomeone
cl
earingthei
rthroatdist
urbedmei n
myt houghtsIj
umpedshegi ggled
Her:
SorryIdi
dn'
tmeantoscareyou
uhm i
smySonar ound?
he'snot
answeri
nghisphonewewer e
supposedtomeet30minutesago
sai
dal
adypr
obabl
yinherear
ly40'
s
Me:uhm yesMrWaynei
saroundbut
he'
skindabusywit
hsomethingwhy
don'
tIgetyouacupofcoff
eewhile
youwaitforhi
mintheboar
droom?
Her
:cannev
ersaynot
oCof
fee
shesmi l
edbr i
ghtl
ywalkingtowar
ds
theboardroom Icall
edthecafet
eri
a
tobringupacupofcof f
eeandsome
chocolat
emuf f
insIknockedonMr
Way ne'
sofficedoor
Me:uhm si
rsorr
ytodist
urbyoubut
yourmotheri
sheretoseeyou
Hi
m:Shi
t!
hecussedont heot
hersi
deIr
oll
ed
myey eswalkingbacktomydeskhi
s
off
icedooropenedt hel
adywal
ked
outfi
xingherself
Hi
m:Sendheri
n
hecl
osedt
hedooronmyf aceIrol
led
myeyeswal
ki
ngtotheboardroom
Mr
sWay
newasbusywi
thherphone
Me:uhm MrWay
nei
sreadyt
osee
you
Her
:Fi
nal
l
y
shewalkedtohisoffi
cecl
osi
ngt
he
doorbehindhermyphonerangI
si
ghedbef or
epicki
ngup
Leil
a:wedon'
thaveany
thi
ngt
oeat
fortoni
ghtNat
asha
Me:Lei
l
aIboughtgr
oceri
es4day
s
agoyoucan'
ttel
lmeall
thati
sgone?
Lei
l
a:areyousure?Imeanther
e's
not
hinginthefr
idgebutwater
Me:
Whendi
dyougethomeany
way
s?
Lei
la:
anhouragof oundy
ourmother
passedoutonthecouchwithal
otof
emptybeerbot
tlesonthefl
oor
Me:(Si
gh)Ibetshesoldever
ythi
ng
j
usttogetallthosebeer
sit'
snot
evenpaydayy etwher
eam Igoingto
getmoney
Lei
l
a:wel
lmakeapl
ant
hanl
i
ttl
esi
s
Me:
that
'
snotf
airLei
l
aI.
..
shedroppedthecal
lohhLei
l
at ook
herannuall
eaveshe'
sonl
ygoing
backtoworknextweekmonday
Hi
m:packyourbagswe'
rel
eav
ingf
or
ameeti
ng
Me:
butsi
rit
'smyknockof
fti
me
Hi
m:I
'
llpayf
orov
ert
ime
Inodpackingmybagswal kingaft
er
MrWay nehismot herl
eftwhi l
eIwas
i
nacal lwit
hleil
aIgotinthe
passengerseatandbuckleduphe
star
tedthecardrivi
ngoutIlooked
outthewindowhepar kedout si
de
somef ancyrest
aurantwewal kedin
helookedaroundandspot tedthe
cl
ientwejoinedhim ar
oundt hetable.
Cl
i
ent
:MrWay
ne
Hi
m:Si
r
Theyshookhands
Cli
ent
:t
hankyouformeet
ingmeat
suchshor
tnoti
ceWayne
Hi
m:j
ustdon'
tgetusedt
oitNai
do
Theylaughedasthewait
erbrought
ussomef oodtheydi
scussed
busi
nessIwasbusywr i
ti
ngdown
ever
ything
Cli
ent:
I'
l
lhavemylawyer
slookatthe
contr
actfort
hel
astti
memrWay ne
Theyshookhandsast hecli
ent
walkedoutIlookedatmywr istwatch
andcussedsi l
entlyi
twasget tinglate
Iwon'tfi
ndtax i
sgoingtomyhoodi fI
don'tl
eavenowMrWay newas
hal
fwayt hr
oughhi smeal Icl
ear ed
myt hr
oathel ookedupIswal lowed
hardbeforetalki
ng.
Me:Si
risthereanyt
hingelse?
ImeanI
wannarusht othet
axiranktocat
ch
t
helasttaxigoi
ngtomyhood
Hi
m:f
iney
oucanl
eav
e
Inodr ushingtowardst
hetaxirank
l
uckyf ormei twasshortwit
hone
personIgoti nclosi
ngthedoorthe
dri
verstar t
edthecarIj
umpedof fat
myst opr unni
nghomeIpushedt he
doorwal kingi
n
Lei
l
a:Tashay
ou'
rebacky
oul
ookt
ir
ed
Me:
youhav
enoi
dea
Isai
dthr
owingmy
sel
font
hecouch
nextt
oher.
Me:
Wher
e'smom?
Lei
l
a:Idon'
tknow
Sheshr
ugged
Lei
l
a:Li
am washer
efory
ouear
li
er
Me:
thatguynev
ergi
vesupay
Isai
drol
l
ingmyey
es
Lei
la:
heboughtust
akeawaysohh
he'
salsodr
ivi
ngyoutowork
tomorr
ow
Me:
Noway
!!
Shel aughedwalki
ngtoherroom I
l
ockedt hedoorwalki
ngtomyr oom
threwmy sel
fonmybedanddozed
offthemomentmyheadhi tthe
pil
low
*
Inser
t02*
Myalarm wentoffIkickedt hecover
s
walki
ngtothebat hr
oom t ookalong
assbathgotdressedinar ed
mermaiddressjustabov emyknees
andmyblackblockheel smademy
bedwalki
ngt othekit
chenLei lawas
makingsoftporri
dge
Lei
l
a:t
hat
'sal
lwehad
Sheshr
ugged
Me:i
t'
sFi
nelei
l
aI'
llmakeaplan
pay
dayisappr
oachi
ngIguesswe'
l
l
befi
ne
Lei
l
a:nodon'
twor
ryIcal
l
edJakehe'
s
br
ingi
ngusgr
ocer
iesl
atert
oday
Me:youhav
etost
opt
roubl
i
ngJake
l
eil
a
Lei
l
a:yeahwhat
everohhLi
am i
s
wai
tingfory
ououtsi
de
Me:
pleaset
ell
mey
ou'
rej
oki
ng
Isai
dlooki
ngoutthewindowIsawa
redgol
f7parkedoutsi
deourgat
e
Lei
la:
it'
shighti
meyoust
artdat
ing
Tashay ou'
re23andy
ouneverhada
boyfr
iend
Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Me:
don'
tst
artwi
thmel
eil
a
Lei
l
a:Li
am i
sagoodguymanygi
rl
s
woul
dki
l
ltohav
eaboy
fri
endl
i
kehi
m
Me:
you'
rer
ightI
'
m notmanygi
rl
sI'
m
Nat
ashaNkosi
Sherol
ledhereyesIl
aughedwal
king
outLi
am openedthedoorforme
thanwenttohi
ssidedri
vi
ngaway
Li
am:thanIhadt
owaitformor
ethan
anhourforyout
ogetready
Me:
i
t'
snotl
i
keIaskedy
out
o
Imumbledhegl
ancedatmef
ocusi
ng
onther
oad
Li
am:
Idi
dn'
tgett
hatNat
t
Irol
l
edmyeyesthi
sguyhasbeen
aski
ngmeoutformor
ethan4y ear
s
Me:
Isai
dSor
ryIov
ersl
ept
Li
am:y
ou'r
ebeaut
if
ulbyt
hewayRed
l
ooksgoodonyou
Me:
oht
hanky
ou
Li
am:Somyf r
iendi
shavi
ngahouse
warmingpartytomorr
owplease
comewi t
hmeev er
yonewil
lbe
havi
ngtheirpl
usone'spl
easesayy
es
Me:youknowhowIf eelaboutpar
ti
es
Li
am can'tyouasksomebodyelse
bet
teryettakel
eil
awith
Li
am:
NoIwanty
out
ocomewi
thme
Me:f
inej
ustpr
omi setodriv
eme
homebefor
emi dnightIhaveal
otof
worktodo.
Li
am:
Ipr
omi
se
Hesmiledbri
ght
lyandpar
kedont
he
par
kinglot
Me:
thanksf
ort
hel
i
ft
Li
am:don'
tsweati
tI'
mfet
chi
ngy
ou
af
terwork
Inodwal kingt omydeskMrWay ne
wasal r
eadywor ki
ngIswal l
owed
hardlookingatmywr istwatchohh
I'
m notlatehe' sjusttooear lyIgot
busywi t
hwor kIgotdi stractedby
someonecl earingtheirthroatI
l
ookeduponl ytobemetbyanol der
versi
onofmrWay nef i
gur edhe'sthe
fat
herIclear edmyt hroat
Me:
Goodmor
ningSi
r
Hi
m:Goodmor
ningi
sBr
uceav
ail
abl
e?
Me:
l
etmecheckf
ory
ousi
r
Henodssit
ti
ngonthecouchIwalked
t
omrWay ne'sof
fi
ceknockedt
wice
l
ett
ingmysel
finhewasbusywithhis
l
aptop
Me:Goodmorni
ngmrWayneuhm
yourf
atheri
sheret
oseeyou
Hi
m:sendhi
min
Inodwal
ki
ngout
Me:
he'
sreadyf
ory
ouSi
r
Henodswal
kingtot
heofficemy
phoner
angIsmil
edpicki
ngup
Desi
re:
myl
ongl
ostf
ri
end
Me:
Deewher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Dee:j
ustgotbackfrom Engl
and
honeyjoshishavi
ngahouse
warmingpartytomorr
owIcouldn'
t
missitfordays
Me:ar
eyoutwost
il
ltoget
her
?Li
am i
s
coolwi
tht
hat?
Dee:
hedi
dn'thav
eachoicel
ovet
he
hear
twantwhatitwant
s.
OhhLiam i
sDesir
e'sbigbrot
herdee
i
smyagel i
am is4y ear
soldert
han
herj
oshisLiam'
sfriendandDee'
s
boyf
ri
end
Me:
Cool
guessI
'
llseey
out
omor
row
t
hanyourbr
otheract
ual
lyf
orcedme
t
ocomewi t
hhimt ot
hatpar
ty
Dee:
Shamemypoorbrot
herj
ustgi
ve
hi
m achancel
oveI
'
m suret
hatwon'
t
hur
t
Me:don'
tst
artwi
thmeDeeIhad
enoughoft
hatfr
om l
eil
aear
li
ert
oday
Dee:
FineI
'
lll
ett
hisgoohhwebett
er
goshoppi
ngtomorrowmor
ning
Me:
I'
m br
okeAsf
Dee:
i
t'
sonmehoneydon'
twor
ry
Me:DeeIhav
etogoGr
umpyi
s
comingtomydesk
Idi
dn'
twai
tforhert
oanswerIhung
upMrWaynewasl
ooki
ngdownat
meIswal
l
owedhar
dlooki
ngup
Hi
m:Cancel
allmymeeti
ngsf
ortoday
I
'mleav
ingyoucangohometoo
Me:
Yessi
r
Hewal kedoutwit
hhisfat
herI
cancell
edallhi
m meeti
ngspacked
mybagscal l
ingLi
am hepickedupon
thefi
rstri
ng
Li
am:
Sunshi
ne
Me:I'
m onmywaytothetaxi
rankmy
bossgavemeanafter
noonoffdon'
t
botherf
etchi
ngmel
ater
Liam:
Giv
eme5mi
nut
esI
'
mfet
chi
ng
you.
HehungupIr ol
ledmyeyeswai
ting
forhi
m byt
hepar ki
ngl
ot.
heparked
nextt
omeIl ookedatmywri
stwatch
Me:
thatwasqui
ck
Li
am:
fory
ouIcanmov
emount
ains
Me:
Ohpl
ease
Irol
l
edmyey
eshechuckl
eddr
ivi
ng
out
Me:
that
'
snotawayhome
Li
am:IknowIj
ustwantedt
ogr ab
somethi
ngtoeatbef
oredr
ivi
ngy ou
home.
Hesaidpar
kinghi
sgol
f7i
nthe
par
kingl
otwewalkedt
oSpurIgot
busywit
hmyphonewhi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
or
ouror
der
Li
am:
Desi
resay
sHi
i
Hej ustgotof facallwi
thherohhDee
i
smybestf ri
endmyonl yfri
endfor
thatmat t
ert hanthere'
sNinaher
fri
endIdon' tli
kethatgirl
onebit
she'salway sdraggingDeewi t
hher
i
ntodoi ngbadt hingsourordercame
weat eov ercomf ort
ablesil
ence
Liam:
Whatt
imeshoul
dIpi
cky
ouup
tomor
row?
Me:
Around6:
30
Li
am:
Finewi
thme
Heset
tl
edt
hebi
l
lwewal
kedoutwi
th
him dr
ivi
ngmebackhomeheki ssed
mycheekIf orcedasmi l
edwal kingi
n
mom wassi tt
ingont hecouch
watchi
ngt vwithaplateoffoodi n
handallshedoesiseatgetdr unk
thanpassoutont hecouch
Mom:
You'
rebackear
ly
That
'sbecausei
t'
sfr
iday sai
dmy
i
nnervoi
ce
Me:mybossgav
emeanaf
ter
noon
of
f
Mom:pl
easegetmybeerf
rom t
he
f
ri
dge
Inodwalki
ngtothefri
dgetookout
thebeergi
vi
ngittoheryou'
re
probabl
yaskingyoursel
fwher edid
shegetthemoneyt obuyt hatbeer
wheneverwebuygr oceri
eswebut
hersomebeer stoavoidherhavingto
sellt
hegroceri
estobuybeerLei l
a
walkedtotheloungesit
ti
ngnextt o
me
Me:
heysi
s
Lei
la:
heysi
showwasy
ourday
?You
know
Me:f
ineIguess ‍♀heaskedmet
o
comewi t
hhimtosomepar
ty
tomorr
ow
Lei
la:
great
!Isoowannadoyourhai
r
ri
ghtnowuhm boxedbrai
dsmaybe?
Me:t
here'
snot
hingwr
ongwi
thmy
hai
rlei
l
a
Sher
oll
edherey
es
Lei
la:
Ifor
getwehav
elongnat
ural
beaut
iful
hai
r
Webustoutl
aughi
ng
Me:yeahwhat
ev erwhenisJake
br
ingingt
hetwinsoverforavisi
t?
Lei
la:
Idon'
tknowsisbuthedoesn'
t
wantthem l
i
vingher
ewithus
becauseofuhm
Me:(
Chuckl
i
ng)
Iknowr
ightIdon'
t
bl
amehim
Jakedoesn'
twanthi
ski
dsl
i
vingwi
th
usbecauseofMom bei
ngadr
unkar
d
Lei
la:
butst
il
lIthi
nkyouneedtodo
somethi
ngdiff
erentwi
thyourhai
r
Me:
we'
rebr
oker
emember
?
Lei
l
a:Speakf
ory
oursel
fhoneyJake
gavemesomecashbeforehelef
t
Me:
Goodf
ory
ou
Lei
la:
i
t'
sfort
ranspor
tI'
m goi
ngback
toworkonMonday
Il
aughedsoft
lywal ki
ngtomyroom
shefoll
owedmet heremom wastoo
busyconcent
rat
ingonherbeerI
changedoutmydr essgotdr
essedi
n
mypy j
amas
Lei
l
a:y
ou'
resl
eepi
ngal
readyi
t'
s18:
30
Me:
I'
mti
redl
eil
agoodni
ght
Lei
l
a:goodni
ght
Sheki
ssedmycheekwal
ki
ngoutI
si
ghedpul
li
ngt
hecover
sovermy
head.

*
Inser
t03*
Justfi
nishedgetti
ngdressedinmy
kappatracksuit
swi t
hmyal l
-st
ar
bootsDeeboughtt heseformeon
mybi r
thdayt ookmyphonewal ki
ng
tothekitchenLeil
awasmaki ng
breakf
ast
Leil
a:Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
owear
forthepar
ty?
Me:
Deei
staki
ngmeshoppi
ng
Lei
la:
Idi
dn'
tknowshewasbackuhm
comelemmest r
aightenyourhairy
ou
havetol
ookgoodwhoknowsmay be
you'
ll
meetapotentialbaether
e
Me:
Leil
aI'
ll
bewi t
hLiam t
her
e'sno
t
imeforpotent
ial
baes
Shelaugheddi
shi
ngupf
orusweat
e
overconver
sat
ion
Lei
la:
I'
ll
str
aight
enyourhai
rbef
ore
youleavef
orthepart
yokay.
Me:
yesma'
am
Wel aughedmom walkedin
stumblingabitshewal
kedstrai
ghtto
thefri
dget aki
ngoutabott
leofbeer
gulpi
ngi tdownsheburpedli
cki
ng
herli
ps
Mom: Whaty
oulookingat
?don'tyou
hav
et hi
ngstodothantosithere
l
ookingatmehuh(Burp)
Me:
Act
ual
l
yIdo,
byel
eil
a
Iki
ssedhercheekwal
ki
ngout
Me:
thanksf
orsav
ingme
Isai
dthatbuckl
i
ngup
Dee:
yourmom'
sbackati
tagai
n?
Me:
yeah
Shenodsfocusi
ngonther
oadmy
phonerangIpi
ckedup
Li
am:
Goodmor
ningSunshi
ne
Me:
l
iam Hi
Liam:wasj
ustremi
ndi
ngyouoflat
er
todayhopeyouhav
en'
tchangedyour
mi nd
Me:
i
t'
snotl
i
keIhav
eachoi
ce
Hel
aughedsof
tl
yIr
oll
edmyey
es
Li
am:
you'
reget
ti
ngusedt
oitIsee
Me:
yeahwhat
ever
HelaughedandhungupDeegl
anced
atmef ocusi
ngonther
oad
Me:
Whatsaywhat
every
ouwanna
say
Dee:
ifIsayitwe'r
egonnaendup
fi
ght
ingbetterIkeepmymouthshut
ohhwe'rehere
Sheparkedint
heparki
nglotwe
walkedinshewasbusyty
pingonher
phone
Me:
hel
l
oI'
m st
il
lher
eyouknow
Dee:
IknowI'
mjustaski
ngJoshf
or
ext
racash
Me:
what
ever
Dee:
j
eal
ousar
en'
twe
Shel
aughedpul
l
ingmyhandt
osome
bout
ique
Me:
every
thi
ngl
ooksexpensi
veDee
whydon'
twetr
yanot
hershop?
Dee:
ther
e'st
hisdr
essIsawher
eit
'
s
goi
ngtolookgoodonyou
Shesai
dwavi
ngashor
tnudedr
ess
atmyface
Dee:
goonandt
ryi
ton
Inodwalki
ngtot
hefi
tt
ingr
oom got
dressedi
nthi
sdr
ess
Dee:
got
chy
ou'
resoobeaut
if
ulRN
Me:
i
t'
sal
i
ttl
etoot
ightt
hough
Dee:
Ithi
nki
t'
sper
fect
lyf
ine
Me:
NoIdon'
tl
ikei
tit
'st
ooshor
t
Sher
oll
edherey
esIchangedbackt
o
mycl
othes
Dee:
I'
mtaki
ngt
hisdr
essma'
am
Shesai
dpay i
ngf
oritwewalkedt
o
anot
hershopsheboughtmenude
bl
ockheelsandanudeclut
chbag
Dee:
l
et'
sgodoournai
l
s
Me:
ther
e'sr
eal
l
ynoneedf
ort
hat
Shepull
edmyarmtosomesalon
theydi
dmynai
lsandeyel
ashes
Dee:
Josh
Shesaidansweri
ngherphoneIrol
l
ed
myey esshewasblushi
ngli
kea
teenageri
nlov
eshegavemet hecar
keysIwaitedf
orherint
hecarshe
wasleani
ngagainsti
ttal
ki
ngt
ojosh
shegotinthecaraft
ersomet
ime
Dee:
sor
ryaboutt
hat
Me:
noi
t'
sfi
nel
ovedon'
twor
ry
Shenodsfocusi
ngont her
oadshe'
s
dri
vingmebackhomenowshe
parkedout
sideourgat
e
Dee:
guessI
'
llseey
ouatt
hepar
ty
l
oveyou
Me:
l
ovey
out
oo
Ibl
ewheraki
sswal
ki
ngi
n
Lei
la:
youl
ookgood,
wheni
she
fet
chi
ngyou?
Me:
hal
f6
Lei
la:i
t'
sfiv
eo' cl
ockcomel
emme
str
aightenyourhair
Me:
Ineedashowerf
ir
st
Isai
dwal kingtomyr oom wi t
hmy
paperbagst ookaquickshowergot
outwithat owelwrappedar oundmy
bodyleil
awassi tt
ingonmybedwi t
h
asmi r
kpl ast
eredonherf aceshe
str
aightenedmyhai rIgotdressedi
n
thedressdeeboughtf orme
Lei
l
a:headswi
l
lbet
urni
ngwi
thy
ou
Me:
you'
reexagger
ati
ng
Lei
l
a:Li
am i
sher
ecomel
emmet
ake
pi
ctur
esfi
rst
Shet
ookpi
ctur
esofmet
hanki
ssed
mycheekIwalkedoutLiam meetme
hal
fwaypul
l
ingmei nforahug
Li
am:
Jesusy
ou'
resoobeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou
Li
am:
uhm l
et'
sgowe'
rer
unni
ngl
ate
Shesai
dopeni
ngthedoorforme
thanwentt
ohi
ssidehelookedatme
foral
ongti
mebef
oredri
vingaway
Liam:It
hinkI'
m goi
ngtochangemy
mi ndaboutgoi
ngtothatpar
tyi
f
you'ret
hishot.
Hesaidbi
ti
nghisl
ipIl
ookedoutthe
wi
ndowheparkedhiscarwewalked
i
njoini
nghisf
ri
endsaroundt
hetable
Li
am:
gent
s
Theyf
istpumped
Li
am:thi
sisNatashamyFr i
enduhm
Tashathi
sisluke,
bri
ghtt
hanJosh
andthei
rplusone'
s
Them:
nicet
omeety
ouTasha
Ismi
ledshyl
ysi
tt
ingnextt
oDeeshe
wassippi
ngonaglassofwine
Dee:
boor
elaxy
ou'
rebeaut
if
ul
Inodsippingonamygr apl
etiserwe
sattherewiththem dri
nki
ngand
tal
kingMrWay newalkedinallthe
l
adiesscreamedhewaswear inga
shortsl
eev et-
shir
twithapairof
j
eansi t
'st
hef i
rstti
meIseehi m not
wear
ingasui
t
Luke:
that
'sbr
uceforyoual
way
s
makingagrandentr
ance
Josh:
he'
ssoof
ull
ofhi
msel
f
Hewalkedtoourtabl
ewithasmil
e
pl
aster
edonhisfaceIswall
owed
hardgul
pingdownDee'sgl
assof
wine
Dee:
arey
ouokay
?
Me:
yey
esIt
hinkIneedat
oil
et
Isaidrushingt
othet oi
l
etclosingthe
doorbehindmel ett
ingoutaloud
sighWhati shedoinghere?Ishe
fri
endswi t
hJosh?Iputmy self
togetherandwalkedbacktot hetabl
e
ev
eryonewasgett
ingal
i
ttl
edr
unkI
wasbusyty
pingonmyphone
Li
am:
you'
regood?
Me:
yeahI
'
m okaydon'
twor
ry
Luke:
sinceev
eryonehaslefthow
aboutweplaySpinthebott
le?
Them:
per
fect
!!
Li
am:
you'
repl
ayi
ng?
Me:
noNot
hanky
ou
Them:comeondon'
tbeapar
ty
popper
Me:
Fine
Wemadeacir
clelukewasspinni
ng
t
hebot
tl
eitpoi
ntedatli
am and
somegi
rl
Li
am:
youdon'
tmi
ndr
ight
?
Me:
Idon'
t
Li
am:
ohwel
li
t'
sjustagame
Theyshar edakissev eryonewas
screaminghespi nnedt hebottl
e
againitpoint
edatj oshandDeet hey
sharedapassi onatekisseveryone
wasscr eaminghespi nnedt hebottl
e
againitpoint
edatmeandMrWay ne
myey espoppedout
Dee:
bet
tergogett
hatki
ssmyl
ove!
!
SheshoutedIl
ookeddownMrWay ne
walkedtomewithasmirkplast
ered
onhisfacehewasali
ttl
ebittoo
dr
unkhegrabbedmywai stpul
l
ing
meclosert
ohim Icl
ear
edmyt hroat
Me:Ican'
tki
sst
hiswi
l
lbemyf
ir
st
ki
ss
Iwhi
sper
edhebi
thi
sli
p
Br
uce:
fol
l
owmyl
ead
Hewhi sper
edbackpushingmyhair
backthankissedtheshi
toutofmeI
pul
ledoutthekissandlookeddown
Dee:
Ookayt
hatwaspassi
onat
e!!
Sheshoutedkissi
ngmycheekshe
wasdrunkAsfwecont i
nuedplay
ing
Spi
nthebottl
eBr uceleftwi
thsome
gi
rlt
oprobablygof ucki
ng
Me:l
i
am y
oupromisedt
odr
iveme
homebef
oremidni
ght
Li
am:I
'm soodr
unkIdon'
tthi
nkI
'
llbe
abl
etodrive
Me:
Fine
Iwalkedtosomebedroom l
ocki
ng
thedoorgotundert
hecover
sand
sleptIwassooti
red

*
Inser
t04*
Ijustgotoffacall wi
thlei
lashesaidI
hav etobehomei nanhourJakeis
bringingthetwinsoverforashort
visitIknowit'
sprobablygoingtobe
foranhouri fnotlessImadet hebed
goingt ot heensui tebathroom t ooka
quickshowergotdr essedwal king
downst airst herewer eempt ywhi skey
bottl
esont hef l
oorIalsosawused
condomsbyt heki t
chenent ranceI'
m
suretheyar emrWay ne'sIshookmy
headwal kingt akinganuberhomeI
pushedt hedoorwal kinginleil
a
l
ookedatmewi tha" TalkI'
m
l
ist
eni ng"l ookIr oll
edmyey es
walkingt omyr oom changedi nto
comf ortabl eclothesthanmyf li
p
fl
opsl eil
awassi tti
ngonmybed
l
ookingatmeIsi ghed
Me:
WhenisJakeget
ti
ngher
eImi
ss
t
heRascal
s
Lei
l
a:I'
m notsur
eheshoul
dbehere
any
timesoon,Howwasthepar
ty?
Me:
fi
ne
Lei
l
a:det
ail
sNat
t
IglaredathersheknowshowmuchI
disl
ikethatnameLiam cal
l
sNatt
shorteni
ngNatashasheburstout
l
aughi ng
Lei
la:
Sorr
ynattIjustwannaknow
howwast heparty?didyoumeet
someoney oul
ike?clear
lyyoudon'
t
l
ikeli
am
Me:NoIdi
dn'
tmeetsomeonelei
la,
the
par
tywasfunexceptf
ort
hepartI
hadtoki
ssMrWay ne
Herey
espoppedout
Lei
la:
youmeany ou2ki ssed?Damn
wereyouthatdrunk?
Idon'tblame
youthoughthatguyishotAsf
Me:
Nonoi tdidn'
tmeananyt
hingwe
wer
ejustplay
ingspi
nthebott
le
Lei
l
a:Sti
l
lthi
sguyisyourf
ir
stki
ss
uhm l
iam wasokaywit
hthi
s?
Me:
i
t'
snotl
i
kehe'
smyboy
fri
end
Lei
la:
l
et'
shopey ouwon'
tfal
li
nlov
e
wit
hthisguy.
fr
om whatIhear
dhe'
s
anAssaar r
ogantsonofabit
ch
Me:
Iknowr
ight
Lei
l
a:GoodohhJakei
sout
side
ShesaidwalkinginIwalkedaft
erher
l
olarantomehuggi ngmykneesI
cr
ouchedinfrontofherkissi
ngher
al
lov
erherfaceshegi ggled
Me:
Imi
ssedy
ousoomuchl
ola
Lol
a:Imi
ssedy
out
ooNat
t
Irol
l
edmyey esshegott
hatname
fr
om li
am andshel
ikedi
t
Me:
how'
sgr
andma?
Lol
a:she'
sfi
nebutImi
ssi
ther
eI
wannasleepov
er
Jake:
Nothappeni
ngpr
incess
Hesai
dpicki
ngherupshesul
kedjj
wasbusycl
ingi
ngoverhi
smom that
oneistoocl
osetoleil
ayoucoul
d
swearhe'
sagirlIki
ssedhi
scheek
l
eaningagai
nstJake'
scar
Jake:
yougood?l
eil
atell
smey ou
wentoutpar
tyi
ngyesterday
Il
aughedwel
lj
akeandIarecloseI
tr
eathi
m asmybi
gbrothernow
Me:
didsher
eal
l
yhav
etot
ell
yout
hat
?
Jake:
yeahI
'
mthebi
gbr
other
remember
Me:
yeahwhat
ever
Jake:
So?
Me:
i
twasf
ine
Mom wal
kedi
nthegat
eshewas
struggl
i
ngtowalkproper
lyshekept
stumbli
ngJakefrownedandputlol
a
i
nt hecart
ogetherwit
hjj
closi
ngthe
door
Mom:you'
repar
kingyourexpensi
ve
carnearmygate(bur
p)
Jake:
Ithi
nkwehavet
ogol
eil
ayou'
re
comingwithmeri
ght
?
Shenodsgetti
ngont heCart hey
droveawayIturnedwalki
nginside
l
eavingmom Shout i
ngandcussi ng
bythegateIwalkedstr
aighttomy
room t
hrewmy selfonbedIgot3
missedcall
sfrom DeeIsmiled
call
i
ngherback
Me:
Dee
Dee:
youlef
twi t
houtt
ell
i
ngmej esusI
wassoowor r
iedthi
nki
ngt hat
somethi
nghappenedtoy ou
Me:I
'mf i
nedeeIhadtocomebackt
o
seethetwinstheywer
eher
efora30
minutesvisi
t
Shel
aughed
Dee:
soabouty
ourki
sswi
thBr
uce?
Me:whataboutit?Deei
twasjusta
gameandI '
m notint
ohimift
hat'
s
whatyou'
reasking
Dee:
GoodI '
m gl
adyoudi
dn'
tfal
lfor
hi
mt hatguyisatr
uedef
ini
ti
onofa
manwhor e
Me:don'
tl
etjoshheary
ousayt
hat
abouthi
sfr
iend
Dee:he'
staki
ngashowery
ouknow
hejustwokeup
Me:
how'sLi
am?Hewasalr
eady
f
uckedbef
oreIwentt
obed
Dee:
uhm he'sst
il
lsl
eepi
nghehadt
oo
muchtodrink
Me:
Iknow
Mom pushedt
hedoorofmyr
oom
wal
ki
ngin
Mom:
ther
e'snobeeront
hef
ri
dge
Me:
l
ookdeeIhav
etogo
Dee:
cool
Ihav
etocheckupont
he
guy
sany
way
s
ShehungupIlookedmom shehad
tear
sinherey
es
Me:
i
sev
ery
thi
ngokaymom?
Mom:howcanevery t
hingbeokay
whenIsawyourfatherwit
hhisSon
att
hemallear
li
ertodayhuh
Iswallowedhar dImeani tbeenyear
s
withoutseeingfatherhetooka
Secondwi fewhenIwast woy ear
s
oldandl at
erleftwit
hherandnev er
l
ookedbackt hanmot herstar
ted
dri
nkingbeeraswat er
.
Me:
mom I
'
m sor
ryI
..
Mom:
not
hatbust
ardl
eftmehel
eft
mef oranotherwomantel
lmeTasha
whatisitthatshehast
hatIdon'
t
have?
Me:mom don'
tdothatt
oyour
sel
f
you'
reonl
yhurt
ingyour
sel
fmore
Mom:
am Inotenough?
Me:
mom st
op
Shewasbr eaki
ngdownIcoul dn'
t
bri
ngmy sel
fintohuggingher
somethi
ngi nmewant edtohugher
andtel
lhereverythi
ngisgoingtobe
fi
nebutIcouldn't.
Mom:nev
ermindmeI'
mjusta
wor
thl
essdrunkar
d
Shesai
dwi
pinghert
ear
swal
ki
ngout
Isi
ghedtaki
ngoutt
hefi
l
eIhadto
workonandgotbusywi
thwor
kyou.
-
BRUCE-
Iwokeupwi t
ht hemot herof
hangoversIsatupr ubbingmyey es
I'
m sl
eepingwi t
h2womenont hebed
Ismirkedwalkingt ot heshowertook
acoldshowergotdr essedwalki
ng
downst ai
rsJoshwassi t
ti
ngonthe
ki
tchenhighchai rdr
inkingacanof
beer
Me:
Josh
Josh:
Bruceyou'
reupIthoughtyou'
re
goi
ngt obepassedoutfort
hewhol e
daytodayyouandLiam we'
refucked
y
est
erday
Me:
Iwasn'
tthatdr
unkyouknowI
r
emembereveryt
hingt
hathappened
Josh:GoodIdoubtl
i
am wi
ll
rememberanythi
ngwhenhewakes
upy ouknowhewenttobedwi
th3
gir
lsandyougot2
Me:
thosegi
rl
skeptmeupal
lnight
manI'
m sooti
redl
emmegetgoing
Josh:
yourpl
ace?
Me:
Nahhome
Wef i
stpumpedIwalkedoutdri
vi
ng
homeIparkedmycari nt
hegarage
wal
kinginmom anddadwer esit
ting
onthecouchwatchi
ngTvdadt urned
downthev
olumeassoonasI
ent
ered
Dad:Br
ucecomej
oinuswewanna
tal
ktoyou
Me:
soundsser
ious
Isai
dsi
tt
ingont
hecouchopposi
te
them
Dad:
SonIthi
nky
ouhav
etoget
marr
iednow
Me:
I'
m notr
eadyf
orget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
Dad:
yesy
ouar
e
Mom:
andwealreadyfoundaperfect
wi
fef
oryoushejustdoesn'
tknowy et
Me:
guy
scomeon
Dad:
mywor
disf
inal
boy
Me:j
ustknowthaty
outwowi l
lbet
o
bl
amewhent hepoorgi
rlget
sher
hear
tbr
oken
Mom:we'
revisi
ti
ngherf
ami
l
ynext
weekSat
urday
Me:
yeahwhat
ever
Isai
dwal
kingawaybumpedint
o
Lukeont
hepassagewefi
stpumped
Luke:
Bro
Me:
ki
d
Luke:
okaywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
guesswho'
saboutt
ogetmar
ri
ed?
Luke:
Idon'
tknowbecausei
t'
s
def
ini
tel
ynoty
ou
Me:
ki
dI'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
Hebur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Luke:
you'
reki
ddi
ngr
ight
?
Me:
wishIwas
Isaidwal ki
ngtomyr oom t hrew
my selfonmybedandSi ghedI '
m
surey '
allar
ewonder ingwhyam I
evenal l
owingthis?Idon'twantdad
disowningmey eahev erythingwe
havewasboughtwi t
hdadsmoney
we'rewhaty oucal l
trustfund
babies ohhbr uceismyl i
t t
le
brothernotreal
lymybr otherbutI
takehi m asmyl i
ttl
ebrohe' smy
aunt'
sboy
fri
endsSont heybot
bdied
whenhewasl i
ke4y earsol
ddad
tookhimi
nashi s.

Mynamei sBr uceWay neI '

mt heonly
sonofMrandMr sWay ne28y ears
oldt
hanthere'sLuke26y earsoldI
workatWay ne'sincasaCeot hat's
oneofmyf atherscompani est han
Lukeisalawy er
satDad' slawf ir
m
si
ncedadi smor einter
estedinLaw
heworksatt hefi
r m whil
emom hasa
bouti
queshe'salsoaweddi ng
pl
anner.
*
Inser
t05*
Lei
lashookmeupIpul
l
edt
hecov
ers
overmyhead
Me:
5mor
emi
nut
es
Lei
l
a:yousai
dthat30minut
esago
Natty
ou'r
egoingtobel
ate
Shesai dpull
ingthecov
ersof fmeI
groanedwal kingtot
hebathroom
tookaqui ckshowergotdressedin
blackjeans,
blackkneel
engthboot s
blackpoloneckandablackbi ker
j
ackett ookmyphonewal ki
ngt othe
kitchen
Lei
la:
l
adyi
nbl
ackhuh?Comeeatup
l
iam i
sgoi
ngt
obehereanyt
imenow
Me:
yesma'
am
Welaughedeatingourbreakfastohh
l
eil
acamebacky est
erdayaround
22:
00hbecauseshei sgoingbackt o
worktoday.Li
am sentatextsaying
he'
soutside
Me:
wegot
tagol
i
am i
sout
side
Lei
l
a:Jesushel
ooksHot
Shewhi
sper
edaswegott ot
hecarI
gi
ggl
edgett
ingi
nthebackwi
thl
eil
a
Li
am:
I'
m noty
ourchauf
feurNat
t
Me:
meani
ng?
Li
am:
Comet
othef
ront
Ir
oll
edmyey
esget
ti
ngont
he
passengerseatandbuckl
eduphe
l
ookedatmeandsmi l
edbefor
e
dri
vi
ngaway
Li
am:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ull
ove
Me:
thanky
ou
Ilookedoutt
hewindowwef i
rst
droppedoffl
eil
aatthemallhethan
drovemet oworkhekeptsteali
ng
glancesatmethanfocussedont he
road
Me:
j
ustsayi
tli
am
Li
am:you'
renotmadatmeabout
whathappenedatt
hepar
ty?
Me:
No
Li
am:
yousur
e?
Inodhel
etoutaloudsi
ghpar
king
hi
scaronparki
nglot
Me:
Thanksf
ort
hel
i
ft
Isaidr
ushinginsi
dewal
kedst
rai
ght
tomydeskgotbusywi t
hworkti
l
lmy
off
icephonerang
MrWay
ne:
Comet
omyOf
fi
ce
HehungupIr oll
edmyey eswal ki
ng
tohisoffi
cesi
tt
ingont hechair
oppositehi
m heclosedhislapt
op
l
ookingatmewi ththisst
upidgrin
plast
eredonhisfaceIkeptastraight
face
Me:
youcal
l
edf
orme
Him:
Yesrememberthatf
il
eyoutook
hometheoneyouhadtoworkon?
Me:
YeahIhav
eev
ery
thi
ngt
ypedon
myl
aptop
Hi
m:l
et'
shav
eal
ookati
t
Ishif
teduncomf
ort
abl
ysi
ncehewas
breat
hingdownmyneck
Him:i
t'sgoodpri
nti
toutthanmake
about20copiesIneedthem f
ormy
meetingtomorr
owmor ning
Hesai
dwal ki
ngbackt
ohischai
rI
nodwal
kingbacktomydesksome
l
adywalkedtomydesk
Her
:i
sbr
uceav
ail
abl
e?
Me:
Yeah
Shesmi rkedwal kingtohi sof fi
ce
closingt hedoorbehi ndherI
continuedwor kingherl oudmoans
andmrWay ne'
sgr oansf ill
edthe
room j eeztheywer etool oudI
decidedt ogogetsomet hingt oeat
ont hecaf eteri
aIboughtmy self
chickenandmay osandwi cheswi t
ha
cupofcof feewal kingbackt omy
deskt hemoani ngandgr oani ng
fi
nallydi edoutt heybot hwal kedout
witht hegi r
lfi
xingher self
Her
:Don'
tbeast
rangerbr
uceCal
l
Sheki
ssedhi
scheekwal
ki
ngaway
MrWay
newal
kedbackt
ohi
sof
fi
ce
"
Ift
hisi
sn'
tthebeaut
if
ulNat
asha"
Iqui
ckl
ylookeduptheguywas
smil
i
ngtotheearIsmil
edback
Me:
Hi
Him:I
'm Lukebyt
hewaysoy
ouwor
k
here
Me:y
epI
'v
ebeenworki
ngher
efor
al
mostayearnow
Hi
m:damnt
hatl
ongIbetmybr
other
t
ri
edmaki
ngamoveony ou
Me:
who'
syourbr
other
?
Hi
m:Br
uceWay
ney
ourboss
Me:
Ohhnahhenev
ermadeamov
e
besi
desI
'
m notev
eni
nter
est
edi
n
hi
m
Hi
sey
espoppedout
Hi
m:Wowthat
'safir
stmanygi
rl
s
t
hrowt
hemsel
v esathi
m
Me:
you'
rer
ightI
'
m notmanygi
rl
sI'
m
Nat
asha
WelaughedmrWay newalkedout
andbrohuggedhi
sbrother
Luke:
guessI
'
llseey
ouar
oundTasha
HesaidwalkingoutwithmrWayneI
breat
hedoutloudpackingmybags
l
iam wasalr
eadywai t
ingformeat
theparki
nglotIhoppedin
Li
am:
youl
ookt
ir
ed
Me:
I'
m nott
hatt
ir
ed
Li
am:CanItakey
ououtonSaturday
pl
easesayyesIj
ustwannaspend
ti
mewithyou
Me:Ihav
epl
answit
hDeeandlei
l
a
howaboutf
ri
dayaf
ter
noon?
Li
am:
Per
fect
Hesmi l
edbri
ghtl
yandpar ked
outsideourgatekissedmycheekI
forcedasmi l
edwal ki
ngstrai
ghtto
thekitchentaki
ngoutev eryt
hingI'
ll
needf ormakingdinnerl
eil
awal kedin
sit
tingonthechairandSighed
dramat i
cal
ly
Me:
howwaswor
k?
Lei
l
a:ughIdon'
twannat
alkabouti
t
Me:
Finebyme
-
BRUCE-
We'reatt hi
sclubwi t
htheguy s
catchingupov eracoupleofbeers
thegirlssit
ti
ngont hetabl
eopposite
uskeptl ookingatussmi l
i
ngI
noticedtheyarestarri
ngandWi nked
theyblushedIchuckledcalli
ngthe
waiter
Me:giv
et hatl
adyi
nareddress
whatevershewantsI
'l
lpayf
oritohh
gethernumber sf
orme
"
Yessi
r"
Hewal
kedawayJoshshookherhead
Josh:
yout
aki
ngherhome?
Me:
nottodayIhav
ealotofworkto
dotoni
ghtbef
oregoi
ngtobedbutI
doplanonhavi
ngfunwi
thheraft
er
Bri
ght
:I
'mtaki
ngoneofherf
ri
ends
homethough
Wel
aughedt
hegi
rl
sjoi
nedusi
nour
t
abl
e
Josh:
l
ookgent
sIhav
etogo
Bri
ght
:Cowar
dyour
unni
ngawayf
rom
pussy
Welaughedasheshookhi
shead
wal
kingawaywehadfewmore
dri
nksget t
ingtoknowtheladieswe
l
aterdecidedtocalli
tani
ght
bri
ght,
lukeandLiam wenthomewi t
h
thesechicksIparkedmycarinthe
garagewal ki
nginathomeohhl uke
drovetohishousehecouldn'tbri
ng
thegir
lhomepassedmom anddad
makingoutont hecouch
Me:
heyguy
sandgoodni
ght
Isaidwal
ki
ngtomyroom thr
ew
my sel
fonmybedanddozedoff

*
Inser
t06*
-
BRUCE-
Iwal
keddownst
air
sjoi
ningmom and
dadar
oundt
het
abl
edi
shi
ngupf
or
mysel
f
Me:
mor
ning
Dad:mor
ningSonmakey oudon'
t
haveanyplansonSat
urday
Me:
Ial
readyhav
epl
answi
thMr
Nai
do
Dad:
Cancel
them
Heki
ssedmom'
scheekwal
ki
ngout
Luke:
Goodmor
ningf
ami
l
y
Hey
awnedwal
ki
ngdownst
air
s
Me:
wor
k?
Luke:
I'
m wor
kingf
rom homet
oday
Mom:
l
etmegetgoi
ngby
eboy
s
Shewal
kedoutLukechuckl
ed
Luke:I
'
m cancel
li
ngall
myplansfor
tomorrowjustwannameetyour
wife
Me:
Idon'
tseeany
thi
ngf
unnyabout
t
hat
Luke:
lemmegograbmylapt
opbag
I'
m worki
ngf
rom y
ourof
fi
cetoday
Hesaidrunningupstair
sIshookmy
headwalkingtomycardr ivi
ngto
workNatashawasal readyworki
ngI
passedherwalki
ngt oclosi
ngthe
doorbehindmeIsmi rkedasIsaw
thegir
lfr
om theclubsitt
ingonthe
couchinaSexypositionshewasonly
wear ingherunder wearwe'v ebeen
havingsexf or3day snowIl ocked
thedoorwal kingt ohershemoaned
softlyasshef ingerfuckedher sel
fI
swearIbecamehar dasar ockthat
momentIbi tmyl i
passhecame
all
ov erherfingerl i
ckingitcleanI
smashedmyl ipsonher stakingmy
clothesof fsher olledthecondom on
myhar ddickIgr oanedasIi nsert
ed
my selfgoingi nandoutofhershe
wasscr eami ngmynameshewas
tool oudIsmashedmyl i
psonher s
shemoanedi nmymout h
Her
:OhgodI
'
m cumi
ng
Me:
Comef
ormebaby
!
Shereleasedherj
uicesIcoll
apsedon
thecouchnexttoherbreathi
nghard.
Her
:t
hatwasmi
ndbl
owi
ng
Shesaidput
ti
ngherheadonmy
chest
^
NATASHA^
Idecidedtoplug-
inmyearphones
si
nceMrWay neandhishoewer e
makingnoisesomeonetappedmy
shoulderIt
urnedtaki
ngoffthe
earphones
Me:Sor
ryaboutt
hat,
howcanIhel
p
you
Luke:Iwantedtoaski
fmybrotheri
s
avai
lablebutfort
heobvi
ousreasons
Iknowhe'
sbusyyoudon'tmi
ndi
f
waitf
orhi
minthatcouch?
Me:
NoIdon'
tmi
nd
Henodswalki
ngt othecouchgot
busywit
hhisl
aptopIcont i
nued
worki
ngIdi
dn'thavemuchwor kto
dotodaysi
nceit'
saf r
iday
Luke:
doyouhav
eanypl
anson
Satur
day
?
Me:
yeahI
'
m goi
ngoutwi
tht
hegi
rl
s
Luke:
ohhIwant
edt
oaskyout
o
comewithmetowat
chthi
scr
icket
match
Il
aughed
Me:Idon'
tevenunder
standcr
icketI
wouldhavebeenbori
ngcompany
Luke:
Iwasgoi
ngt
oexpl
ain
every
thi
ngt
oyou,
youl
ooklikeaf
ast
l
earner
Me:
may
benextt
ime
Hesmi l
eslookingbackathislaptop
MrWay newalkedoutl aughi
ngher
hoetheyhavebeenl ockedupint hat
off
iceforhourshesawhi sbrother
andsmi r
kedwal ki
ngtohimt hefist
pumped
Gi
rl
:by
ebr
uce
Shebl
ewhi
m aki
sswal
ki
ngaway
Luke:
l
uckybast
ard
Br
uce:
dudey
ouknowme
Luke:
youhavetosoundproofy
our
off
icey'
al
lweretooloud
Br
uce:
tr
ustmeIwi
l
l
TheylaughedoncemoreIroll
edmy
eyespackingmybagsit
'sknockof
f
ti
meal r
eadyIcl
earedmythroat
Luke:
knocki
ngof
fal
ready
?
Me:
yesby
eLuke
IwalkedoutLiam openedthedoor
formet hanwenttohissidehe
l
ookedf oralongt
imebeforedri
vi
ng
away
Me:
What
?
Li
am:
you'
rebeaut
if
ulandIl
ovey
ou
Ismi
l
edshy
ly
Me:
thanks
Hechuckl
edtaki
ngmyhandi
nhi
s
changi
nggear
swithem
Li
am:
howwasy
ourday
?
Me:
notbadhowabouty
our
s?
Li
am:
cool
Hepar kedhiscarintheparkinglothe
tookmyhandi nhiswewalkedi n
handinhandpeopl ewerest ari
ngat
usItri
edpul l
ingmyheadf rom hishe
ti
ghtenedt hegri
bandsmi l
edatme
wef i
ndt hetabl
einthecornerhe
pul
ledoutthechai
rformethanwent
tohischai
rcal
li
ngthewai
terhegave
usthemenus
Wait
er:
CanIgety'
all
somethi
ngto
dr
inkwhil
edeci
dingonwhattoor
der
?
Li
am:
2gl
assesofdr
yredwi
ne
Henodswalki
ngawaycameback
wi
thourdr
inksthant
ookouror
der
wal
ki
ngaway
Li
am:
rel
axwi
l
lyou?
Me:Iam r
elaxedt
rustmej
ustt
hatI
'
m
sootir
ed.
Henodssippingonagl asswi
nethe
wai
terbroughtusourordersweate
i
ncomf ort
ablesi
lence.
Her:Fancyseei
ngyouherel
i
am y
ou
saidyoudon'tdor
estaur
ant
sohhhey
there
Shesai
dlooki
ngatme
Me:
Hey
Her:shemustbespeci al
foryoutobe
seeni npubli
cwithdoesNatasha
knowy ou'
reouther
ehav i
ngdinner
withher ?
Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow
Li
am:
nancyy
ou'
recausi
ngascene
Her:
gir
l whatdoy ouhavet hatwe
don'
thav eforyoutobet akenouton
di
nnerdat essomeofuswer et
old
aboutthisNatashachickwho
shoul
dn'tseeuswi
thhi
sdear
boyfr
iend
Ichuckl
edl
ooki
ngatl
i
am hel
ooked
away
Me:
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hathunohhI
'
m
Nat
ashabytheway
Herey
espoppedout
Liam:
Cany ouexcuseusIwannat
alk
tomyFianceplease
Shewalkedawaywithhert
ail
bet
weenherlegsli
am set
tl
edthebil
l
walki
ngoutdri
vi
ngmebackhomehe
par
kedoutsi
deourgateandlooked
atme
Li
am:
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
Me:
Noy
oudon'
thav
etoapol
ogi
se
Liam:Natty
oudon'tunder st
anddo
you?IloveyouNatashaf orthepast4
yearsIhavebeenaskingy ououtand
younotshowinganysi gnofi nt
erest
i
nmemakesmel oosehopet hatyou
evergoingtosayyes
Me:Soyout
ell
ever
ygir
lyoufuck
aboutmeLi
am wenotevendati
ng
Li
am:
Tomewear
e
Ibl
ushedt
hisguydoesn'
tgi
veuphey
Me:Igot
tagoIst
il
lhav
etocook
supper
Heki
ssedmycheekIbl
ushed
wal
ki
nginIf
rownedwhenIsawuncl
e
si
tti
ngonthecouchwi
thmom Iwas
supri
sedt
oseemom Sober
Me:
greet
ings
Isai
dwalki
ngstraighttomyroom
changedi
ntocomf ort
ablecl
othesI
wonderwhatuncleisdoinghere
He'
sonegreedyMFlei
lawal
kedi
n
myroom wi
thherbl
anket
s
Me:
andt
hen?
Leil
a:uncl
eisusi
ngmyr
oom f
or
toni
ght
Me:
whyi
sheher
eany
way
s?
Sheshruggedwalki
ngbackt
othe
ki
tchenIwalkedaft
erher
Lei
la:
don'
tjustst
andt
her
ehel
pme
wit
hdishi
ngup
Me:
don'
tdi
shupf
ormeI
'
mful
l
Sher
aisedherey
ebr
ow
Me:
l
iam t
ookmeoutaf
terwor
k
Lei
l
a:t
ell
memor
e
Shegavemom anduncl
ethei
rfood
walki
ngtomyr
oom Ifol
lowedher
shemademesitnextt
oher
Lei
l
a:t
alkI
'
mli
steni
ng
Me:there'
snothingtotalkaboutl
eil
a
wehadni cefoodi nt
hisexpensive
rest
aurantthanheconf essedhis
undyingloveforme
Lei
la:
poorLi
am whenar
eyoul
ett
ing
hi
mi nanyway?
Me:
(bl
ushi
ng)
Lei
l
ast
opi
t
Shel
aughed
Lei
l
a:got
chNat
tyou'
ref
all
i
ngf
orhi
m
Me:
Goodni
ght
Isai
dpul l
i
ngthecov
ersov
ermyhead
shelaughedj
oini
ngmeundert
he
covers.

*
Inser
t07*
^
NATASHA^
Igr
oanedwal
kingt
ot hebat
hroom t
o
washmyfaceandbrushmyt eet
h
wal
ki
ngbackt
omyr
oom l
eil
awas
maki
ngt
hebed
Lei
la:Whot
hehelldoeshethi
nkhei
s
wakingusupat04:30am!
?
Shehal
fshout
ed
Me:dudekeepi
tdowny oudon'
twant
hi
m budgingi
nhereshouti
ngand
cussi
ngatus
Shecli
ckedhert
onguewal
kingtothe
ki
tchenwit
hmewal ki
ngaf
terher
Uncle:
Goody ou'
reupIwasaboutto
comedr agy ououtthatr
oom,hel
p
yourmot herwiththecl
eani
ng
Me:
cleani
ngat4:
30am?Coul
dn'
ti
t
wai
t?
Lei
l
a:Si
ncewhendoesmom cl
ean?
Uncl
e:st
opQuest
ioni
ngmeanddoas
Isay
!
Heshoutedwal ki
ngtohisr
oom I
roll
edmyeyesandst ar
tedcl
eaning
withmom stoppingher
eandt her
eto
takeaSiponherbeerwef i
nished
cleani
ngat06:30
Mom: y
'al
lcangobackt
osleepI
'
ll
wakeyouupat07:30wehave
vi
sit
ors
Lei
l
a:Whatv
isi
tor
s?
Mom:
uhuhm i
t'
speopl
efr
om chur
ch
Me:
Sincewhendoy
ougot
ochur
ch?
Mom:t
hey
'r
efr
om y
ouruncl
e'
schur
ch
si
l
ly
Me:
I'
m gl
adIwon'
tbear
oundwhen
t
heygether
e
Mom:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
Ihav
epl
answi
thDeer
emember
?
Isai
dwal
kingtothebathroom t
ooka
l
ongassbathgotdressedinashort
j
umpsui
tandwhiteSandal s
Lei
l
a:Ihaveafeel
ingwe'r
enotgoi
ng
tol
iketheout
comeoft hese
myster
iousvi
sit
ors
Me:whathar
m cantheydoImeani
t'
s
peopl
efrom chur
ch?
Lei
la:don'
ttellmeyoubel
i
evethat
churchbulltasha?
webothknowhow
mom hat eschurch
Me:
guesswehav
etowai
tandsee
Ishr
uggedanswer
ingmyphone
Me:
Liam
Li
am:
Goodmor
ningSunshi
ne
Igi
ggl
ed
Me:
whatcanIdof
ory
oumrWal
ker
?
Li
am:uhm canIpl
easeseeyou
bef
orethemeeti
ngwiththegi
rl
s?
Me:
youknowI'
m meet
ingt
hegi
rl
sat
t
owninanhour
Li
am:
Iknowt
hat
'swhyI
'
m out
side
y
ourgat
enow
Il
ookedoutt hewindowsawaBl ack
AudiR9parkedout si
deourgateI
l
aughedwal kingoutheopenedthe
doorformet hanwenttohisside
dri
vi
ngawayt aki
ngmyhandi nhis
changinggearswithem Ibl
ushed
Li
am:
Whatt
imeam Ipi
cki
ngy
ouup?
Me:
don'
tDeei
sdr
ivi
ngmehome
Li
am:
OkayguessI
'
llgowat
chCr
icket
wi
tht
heguys
Heparkedhi
scarintheparki
ngl
ot
whereI'
m meet
ingwithDeeand
l
ookedatmesmi l
ing
Me:
What
?
Li
am:You'r
ebeauti
ful
makesme
wannakisstheshi
toutofy
ou
Me:
(gi
ggl
es)
stopi
tli
am Ir
eal
l
yhav
e
t
ogoDeehateswai
ti
ng
Li
am:Doy oureal
l
yhavetogo? wecan
j
uststayhereint
hisminutel
ooseall
tr
ackofti
mel ett
hewor l
dspi
non
wit
houtusforawhile
Il
ookeddownhepushedmyfaceup
wi
thhisi
ndexfi
ngerl
ooki
ngdeepi
n
myeyesIbl
ushed
Li
am:
Ilov
eyou
Hesai dandpekedmylipsmyphone
rangIhecussedmov i
ngbacktohi
s
chairIsuckedi
nbreat
hbefor
e
pi
cki
ngup
Dee:
themov i
eisaboutt
ost
artand
you'
renother
ey et
!
Me:
giv
eme5mi
nut
es
Shehungup
Me:
l
ookLeeIr
eal
l
yhav
etogo
Henodsopeni ngthedoorformeI
rushedinfounddeeandninawai t
ing
formebyt hecinemawehugged
goinginohhwe'reheretowatch"The
perfectmatch"t
hanami nishoppi
ng
themov i
eendedIwast hefir
stto
walkoutninaroll
edhereyes
Dee:
youwer
elat
e
Me:
IknowandI
'
m sor
ryy
ourbr
other
mademelat
e
Dee:i
sthataSmil
eI'
m seei
ngony
our
faceri
ghtnow?
Ni
na:
myGodshe'
sbl
ushi
ng
Dee:
OkayI
'
mli
steni
ng
It
oldt
hem ev
ery
thi
ngt
heyl
aughed
Ni
na:
fi
nal
l
yyou'
ref
all
i
ngf
orhi
m
Dee:
l
ethi
min
Me:I
'
m scar
edofreachingoutt
ohi
m
onl
ytohavehi
m pullaway
Nina:
thanyou'
l
lbesi
ngl
efort
her
est
ofyourli
fehun
-
BRUCE-
Ij
ustfinishedgetti
ngdressedwal ked
downst air
sev er
yonewassitti
ng
aroundt hetablehavi
ngbreakfastI
j
oinedthem
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Mom: mor
ninguhyoudoknowthat
we'r
emeetingwi
thyouri
n-l
awstoday
r
ight?
Me:DoIreall
yhavetobethere?I
wannagowi thLuketowatchthe
cr
icketmatch
Mom:Fi
newe'l
lmakeupanexcuse
f
oryouaboutwor
k
Dad:
wegot
tagetgoi
ngl
ovewedon'
t
wannabel
ate
Theywal
kedoutLukebur
stout
l
aughi
ng
Luke:
ManIcan'
tbeli
evethi
sisreal
l
y
happeni
ngYou'
regett
ingmarri
ed
bro
Me:
Fucky
ou
Isaidwal ki
ngoutwithhim af
terme
wet ookasi ngl
ecartotheground
Josh,bri
ghtandliam werealr
eady
waiti
ngf oruswef i
stpumped
walkinginfoundourseats
Luke:
Brucei
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
Theybur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Me:
Dudecomeon!
!
Br
ight:
dudey
ou'r
ereal
lyget
ti
ng
marri
ed?Whoistheunl
uckygi
rl
?
Josh:
(Chuckl
i
ng)doessheknowwhat
she'
sgetti
ngher
selfi
n?
Me:Guysst
opwe'
renother
etotal
k
aboutmewe'r
eher
etowatchthe
match
Li
am:
doy
oupehar
pshav
eherpi
ctur
e?
Me:
Guy
s
Iwar
ned
Li
am:
Finet
hanl
etswat
cht
hemat
ch
%LEI
LA%
Iwaswokenupbypeopl
elaughingi
n
thel
oungeaf
terNat
tsl
eftIwentback
tobedIwassupert i
redIdi dn'
there
thosepeoplegett
ingi nonet hi
ngI
cantel
ly ouaboutmei sthatI'
ma
heavysleeperImadet hebedwal ki
ng
tothecouchmyey espoppedout
whenIsawuncl eCount i
ngal otof
moneywi t
hsomewhi teman
Woman:
Wher
eissheany
way
s?
Mom:
Shehadsomeimportantt
hings
t
odowit
hherfr
iendwher
e'syourSon?
Woman:
OhBrucehadsomet
hingst
o
t
akecar
eof
fattheoff
ice
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Mom:l
eil
aIdi
dn'tseeyouther
ehow
l
onghaveyoubeenstandi
ngther
e?
Me:
Longenough
Man:
that
saR150000
Unclesmi
rkedshaki
nghandswi
th
thi
sman
Woman:
we'
llbeonourwayoutI
'm
sur
ebr
ucecan'
twai
ttomeethiswif
e
Shesaidastheyst
oodont
hei
rfeet
shaki
nghands
Man:
mrJackson
Uncl
e:MrWay
ne
Myey espoppednowt hathesays
theyaret
heWay ne'sIbetthi
sis
BruceWay ne'
sparentst
hequest i
on
i
swhatar etheydoinghere?whatwas
t
hatmoneyf
or?
Me:
Mom what
'sgoi
ngon
Isai
dassoonast
heWay
ne'
swal
ked
out
Uncl
e:Natashai
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
edwi
th
mrWay ne'sSon
Me:What!?Doessheev
enknow
aboutt
his?
Mom:Nobutwe'
regoi
ngt
otel
lher
whensheget
sback
Me:Fuckmom you'r
esooevi
lwi
th
t
hisgreedybr
otherofy
ours
Unclebacksl
appedmeIheldmy
cheekTashapushedt
hedoor
wal
ki
nginshest
oppedonhert
racks
l
ooki
ngatme
Tasha:
i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Mom:ev
eryt
hingi
sper
fect
lyf
inenana
si
twehavetotal
k
Shenodssi
tt
ingont
hecouch
Mom:YouknowIlovey
ouri
ght
?andI
onl
ywantwhat'
sbestf
ory
ou
Me:
ohcutt
heactmom andt
ell
her
t
hetr
uth
Mom:
Shut
upl
eil
a!!
Me:
j
ustt
ell
hert
rut
h
Mom:You'
reget
ti
ngmarr
iedt
othe
Ri
chestf
amil
yI'
veev
erseen
Tasha:
What
!?
Me:You'
regetti
ngmarri
edtothe
mostarrogantsonofabit
ch
can't
bel
i
ev eyou'
reget
ti
ngmar r
iedt
o
BruceWay ne
Tasha:
Nonomom y oucan'
tdot
hat
tomepleasedon'
tdothi
s
Shesaidt
ear
srol
l
ingdownher
cheeks
Mom:
i
t'
sdoneal
readyTasha
Tasha:
Mom pl
ease
Shewentdownonherkneescr
ying
Uncle:
i
twaseitherhi
m ort
hat
annoyi
ngtaxi
dr i
vert
hatwasf
ri
ends
withyourf
atherhecamet ousweeks
agoaskingforyourhandinmarri
age
thantheWay ne'
scamet oyour
rescue
Tasha:
Pleasedon'
tdot
hist
ome
Me:GetupNat
ashanothi
ngyousay
ordoisgoi
ngtochanget
hei
rmind
Isai
dpull
ingherar
mt oherr
oom
cl
osingt
hedoorbehindus
Me:I
'
m sooSorrynat
ashather
e's
not
hingIcandoaboutthi
s
Isai
dwr appi
ngmyar
msar
oundher
shecri
edinmyarms
Tasha:Whymeleil
a?Maybei
fIhada
boyfr
iendnoneofthi
swoul
dbe
happeni
ng
Me:
Nonobabydon'
tbeatyour
selfup
f
ort
hist
hei
rgr
eeddrovethem t
ot hi
s
Shedowned2pai nki
ll
erswit
hagl ass
ofwatergett
ingundert
hecov er
sI
gotinthebednexttohershecri
ed
hersel
ftosl
eep.

*
Inser
t08*
^
NATASHA^
Leil
awokemeupt ogetr eadyfor
workIdraggedmyfeettothe
bathroom t
ookacol
dshowergot
dressedinmyKappatracksui
tsand
Vanssneakerst
ookmybagwal ki
ng
downst
air
sjoi
ningt
hem ar
oundt
he
tabl
e
Jake:
Goodmor
ning
Me:
Hi
Leil
a:ImadeyousomeOatsy
ouhav e
toeatsomethingt
ashay
oudidn'
teat
yesterday
Me:
I'
m nothungryl
eil
aIj
ustneed
mor
esleepI'
llbeokay
Jake:
comel
emmedr
ivey
'al
ltowor
k
Het ookhiscarkey swal ki
ngoutwi t
h
uswal kingaft
erhi m ohhwegother e
yesterdaymor ninglei
lathoughtit
bestIcomewi thherf oradayvisi
t
hereJakedi dn'thaveapr obl
em with
thatmyphonehasbeenswi t
chedoff
sinceSat
urdayIdon'
tfeel
li
ketal
king
toanyonejakepar
kedhiscarint
he
parki
nglot
Lei
l
a:y
ou'
regoi
ngt
obef
iner
ight
?
Me:
hopef
ull
y
Sheki
ssedmycheekIwal
kedi
nthe
companybui
l
ding
Recept
ioni
st:
Goodmor
ningNat
asha
Me:
HiBr
adl
ey
Ifakedasmilet
akingali
ftt
oour
fl
oorwalkedstr
aightt
omydeskhad
myf acebur
iedinmyhands
Hi
m:(
clear
ingt
hroat
)shoul
dn'
tyoube
wor
king?
Ilookeduponl
ytobemetbyMr
Way ne'
sangr
yfaceIfelttears
threat
eni
ngmyey esIblinkedto
preventt
hem f
rom fal
l
ingout
Me:
I'
m sor
ryIj
usthav
eaheadache
Hi
m:anymessagesf
orme?
Ishookmyheadhenodswal kingt o
hisoff
icefol
lowedbyawomant hey
cl
osedt hedoorbehindthem Ishook
myheadgotbusywi thworkIfeltmy
angerriseasthewomanwas
moaningoutl oudwithmrWay ne
groani
ngoutl oudwhythehellwoul d
hewantt omar ryme?whythehel l
wouldhesendhi sparentst
opay
l
obolaformet hanhecomesand
havesexint heofficeknowing
exactl
ythatIam her ethewoman
walkedoutIstor medintomrWayne'
s
off
iceheraisedhi seyebrow
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
Hi
m:Huh?
Me:Whatdoy ouwantf
rom me?Man
Iknowyoudisli
kemeandIhateyou
toobutwhychooseme?
Hi
m:woahwhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:St
opplayi
ngdumbwithmey
ou
knowexactl
ywhatyoudi
d
Hi
m:I
'
m notsur
eIunder
standwhat
y
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
Me:
Fucky
ou!
!
Iscreamedwal kingt omydesk
grabbedmybagr ushingoutthe
buil
dingtookacabbackt oJake'
s
houseIpushedt hedoorwal ki
ngin
Jakewassi tt
ingont hecouchwith
thetwinslol
ar ant omeIf akeda
smilehuggingherback
Lol
a:ar
eyouOkayNat
t?y
ourey
esar
e
swol
lenandr
ed
Me:
I'
m okayj
ustaheadache
Jake:
Lolal
etNat
tgoandt
akeaNap
she'
sti
red
Shenodswal
ki
ngbackt
ohi
sfat
herI
mouthedaThankyout oJake
walki
ngst
rai
ghttotheroom I'
m usi
ng
tookmyshoesoffgotunderthe
cover
scry
ingmyselftosleep
-
BRUCE-
Whatjusthappened? shebudgedin
myof f
iceaskingmewhatt hehel
lI
wantfrom her?sayi
ngshehat esmy
Assthanr anoutImeani twasn't
evenknockof fti
mewhati ssheon
about?Ishookmyheadpackedmy
bagswal kingoutdr
ivingtomyhouse
Ipushedt hedoorwalkingin
Luke:
you'
rebackear
ly
Me:
dudewhatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmy
house?
Luke:well
Iranoutofwhiskeyi
nmy
housefiguredwhydon'
tIcomet omy
brother
'shouseandenjoysomef r
ee
whiskey
Il
aughedthrowingmysel
fonthe
couchoppositehi
m Iwon'
tev
enask
howhegotinbecausehe'spr
obabl
y
goingt
osay" Ihavemyownways"
Luke:
bri
ghti
sonhi
swayher
e
Me:
Cool
man
Br
ightwal
kedi
nwef
istpumped
Br
ight
:t
heeWay
ne'
s
Me:
Pissof
fmanj
ustgetmesome
beeront
hef
ri
dge
Br
ight
:Saypl
ease
Me:
comeon
Helaughedwal
ki
ngt
othekit
chen
camebackwitht
wobeer
sthansat
nextt
oluke
Br
ight:
arey
ouokaymany
ouseem
di
stant
Me:I
'mfinemanI'
mjustt
hinki
ng
aboutNatasha
Luke:
Whatabouther
?
Br
ight
:Pl
easedon'
ttel
lmeyou'
rein
l
ovewithherLi
am l
i
kesthatgi
rl
Me:
NoI
'
m noti
nlov
ewi
thher
Br
ight
:t
hanwhat
?
Me:shebudgedinmyofficetel
l
ing
meshehat esmyAssaski ngme
whatthehelldoIwantf
rom herthan
sheranouttheoff
ice
Theybur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Luke:DamnI'
m sur
ethatbr
uisedyour
egoknowingthatt
heresagi
rlthat
hatesyourbut
t
Me:
stopr
ubbi
ngsal
tont
hewound
l
uke
Br
ight
:whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?
Me:Not
hingIwasconf
usedAsfwhen
shewasscreami
ngandcussi
ngat
me
Luke:
wai
taminutesheaskedy
ou
whatdoyouwantfr
om her?
Me:
Yeah
Luke:
thanAskedWhyher
?
Inodhechuckl
edsi
ppi
ngonhi
s
whiskey
Br
ight
:we'
rel
i
steni
ng
Luke:
Ithi
nkshe'
stheoney
ou'
re
supposedtowif
e
Me:
What
!!
?
Br
ight
:She'
scut
eandsexyasf
Me:dudethi
sgi
rlhasseent
he
badsi
deofmewhywoul dshewantt
o
getmarri
edtome?
Bright:
thisdoesn'
tmakesense
thoughi fsheagreedtobeingyour
wifewhydi dbudgei nyouroff
ice
say i
ngshehat esyourbutt
?
Luke:
unl
essshe'
sfor
cedt
oget
marri
edtoyou.
Bright
:Whyar
eyouev enall
owingthi
s
tohappenweallknowy ou'
renot
readytogetmar
ried
Me:
Idon'
thav
eachoi
ceman
Br
ight
:weal
way
shav
eachoi
ce
Me:
youdon'
tunder
standbr
ight
Isai
dgul
pingdownmybeer
Luke:
thi
sisgoi
ngt
ocauseconf
li
ct
bet
weeny
ouandl
i
am
Me:It
hinkit
'sbestifwedon'
ttel
lhim
any
thingfornow,cany'
al
ldothatfor
me?
Them:
Fine
%LEI
LA%
Jakecal
l
edsayinghe'sout
sideItook
mybagwalki
ngt ot
hecarhel ooked
atmeandsmiledIblushed
Jake:
howwasy
our
day
?
Me:nott
hatbadI'mj
usttir
edj
ust
t
ir
edIneedaf eetmassage
Hechuckl
edki
ssi
ngmycheek
f
ocusi
ngontheroad
Jake:
I'
m wor
ri
edaboutTashayou
knowshecamebackhomeaf teran
hourl
ookedl
ikeshewascryi
ng
Me:
OhGodpl
easedr
ivef
ast
er
Henodsi ncreasi
ngthespeedI
l
ookedoutt hewindowwonder i
ng
whatthatmanwhor edidtomysi st
er
j
akeparkedi nthedr
ivewayIranto
herroom shewassitti
ngonthebed
star
ingint
ospace
Me:t
alkt
omet
ashawhatdi
dhedot
o
you?
Shesuckedinbreat
hbefor
etel
li
ng
mewhathappenedIdon'twannali
eI
waspissedAsfbrucei
sanAss
Me:I
'
m sooSorr
ynat
ashamay
bey
ou
canaskforaf
ewdaysoff
Tasha:
he'sgoingtofi
remel eil
aI
needthatjobmay beIcanpayback
hi
smoneyt hanIwon'thavetoget
marri
edtohi m pl
easetell
mehow
muchhepai d
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkyou'
regoi
ngt
ohav
e
t
hatmoneyTasha
Tasha:
howmuchwasi
tlei
l
a?
Me:
R150000
Myey
espoppedout
Tasha:
OhGodIdon'
thaveachoi
ce
buttogetmar
ri
edtot
hisguy
Me:
Shhbabydon'
tcr
y
Isaidwr appi
ngmyarmsar oundher
shecriedi nmyarmsti
llshedozed
offIputheronthebedcov eredher
withat hrowwalki
ngbackdownst ai
rs
j
akeandt hetwi
nswerehav i
ngpizzaI
j
oinedt hem.
Jake:
howi
sshe?
Me:She'
sbreaki
ngdownJakey
ou
knowbruceissuchanAss
Jake:
Iknowri
ghtbutshe'
sgoingto
beokayshe'
sgoingtogetusedto
thewholei
deaofgett
ingmarri
ed
Me:
Iknow
Isai
drest
ingmyheadonhi
s
shoul
der

*
Inser
t09*
•
LIAM•
Me:
Nat
tI'
mli
steni
ng
Shel
ookeddownl et
ti
ngoutaheav y
si
ghIpushedherfaceupusingmy
i
ndexfi
ngerlooki
ngdeepinhereyesI
fr
ownedwhenIsawt ear
srolli
ng
downhercheeks
Me:
tal
ktomeNat
t
Tasha:
I'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
Me:
WHAT!
?
Ishout
edshel
ookeddown
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeany
ou'
reget
ti
ng
mar
ri
ed?
Tasha:
I'
m sor
ry
Me: yeahyoushouldbesor r
yy ou
shoul dhavetoldmey ou'realr
eady
seeingsomeoneIwoul dn'thave
wast edmyt i
mewi thyou, youknow
howwor ri
edIwaswhenIcoul dn'tget
holdofy oufor2weeksy ourphone
tookmest r
aightt
ov oicemaily ou
didn'
tgot owor kf
orthewhol e
2weeks
Tasha:
Isai
dI'
m sorr
yDamnit
!Stop
shouti
ngatmeit'
snotl
i
keIhavea
choi
ceIhavet
ogetmar r
iedt
othis
guythesooneryouacceptt
hatbet
ter
becausether
e'snot
hingwecando
aboutit
.
Shehal fshoutedtookherhandbag
walkingawayohhwel lIbumpedi nt
o
herinthemal l
shesai dshe'sfrom a
doctory eahshe'slostabi tof
weight,
hav edarkcirclesunderher
eyesIset tl
edthebi l
lwalkingout
drovebackhomepar kedint he
dri
vewaywal ki
nginDesi rewas
watchingamov ieIthrewmy sel
fon
thecouchnextt oher
Dee:
heybr
o
Me:
whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
meTashai
s
get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Shechokedonhersal
i
va
Dee:
howdi
dyouknow?
Me:
doesn'
tmat
ternowt
ell
me
Dee:
i
t'
sanar
rangedmar
ri
ageLi
am
Me:
What
?who'
sthehusband?
Dee:
shedi
dn'
ttell
methehusbands
namebuthepaidR150t
housandsfor
her
Me:soomuchmoneyev enifIwanted
tohelpherdeeIdon'
thavethatmuch
moneyy ouknowIusedallt
hemoney
Ihadtopayformom'streat
ment
Dee:
Speaki
ngofmom'
str
eat
ment
howi
sshenow?
Me:thesur
gerywentwel
lshehasa
newheartnowsheshoul
dbeupand
runni
nginafewweeks
Dee:
Iwannagoseeher
Me:
youknowy
oucan'
tri
ght
?
Mom didn'twantusv isit
ingherint
he
hospit
alshehadahear tprobl
em and
cerv
icalcancertheyr emov edher
wombandgotheranewhear tIhad
topaymi l
li
onsf orthatt hat
'swhyI'
m
l
eftbrokenotreallybr okeIhave
aboutR30t housandsi nmycar d
Me:
She'
sgoingt
obeokaysi
sdon'
t
wor
ryokay
Dee:
Iknow,
I'
m sor
rybrotherbutyou
wil
lfi
ndsomeoneelseyou'r
egoingto
Love
Me:Idon'
twantany
oneel
seDesi
reI
wanther
Dee:
buty
oucan'
thav
eher
Icussedwal
ki
ngupst
air
s
^
NATASHA^
MrsWaynewal kedi
nIfrowned
l
ooki
ngatlei
lashelookedawaymr
s
Waynesatnexttome
Her
:uhm hel
l
o
Jake:
Mrsway
ne
Her
:al
lherbagspacked?
HenodsIr
aisedmyey
ebr
ow
Me:
Whatar
ey'
al
ltal
ki
ngabout
?
Jake:
wehav
edecidedyougost
ay
wit
htheWayne'
sti
lly
ougetmarr
ied
Me:
What
?
Leil
a:Tashawe' reworri
edabout
you,youknowweoncef oundyouin
yourroom ov erdosedonpainki
ll
ers
we'reafraidyou'r
egoingtodo
somet hi
ngst upidwheny ou'
rel
eft
aloneher eyouknowj akeandIare
alwaysawaywecomebackl at
efrom
wor kMr sWay neisalwayshome
she'l
ltakecareofy ou.
Her
:Don'
twor
rybr
ucedoesn'
tst
ay
wit
husheownsahousey'al
lar
e
goi
ngtol
ivet
oget
heraf
teryour
weddi
ngday
Me:Whosai dIwantsomebody
l
ookingaftermejeezI'
m nota
t
oddlerIcantakecareofmy sel
f
Jake:noyou'r
enottakingcareof
yoursel
ftashalookathowhor r
ibl
e
youlooky ouhavelostweightt
asha
becausey ou'
renottaki
ngcareof
yoursel
f
Leil
a:y
oucanal
way
scomev
isi
t
though
Her:
wegott
agetgoi
ngmrWaynei
s
aboutt
oknockof
fIhav
etopr
epar
e
di
nnerandst
artpl
anni
ngf
ory
our
weddi
ng
Shesmi l
edbrightl
ywalkingtowar ds
thedoorIdraggedmyf eetwal king
aft
erherjakeloadedmybagsi nt he
carlei
l
ahuggedmet i
ght l
yandki ssed
mycheekIgoti nthecarl ooki
ngout
thewindowasMr sWay nestarted
dri
vi
ng
Her:
whenwegethomeI'mr unni
ng
youabathwhenyoudonebat hi
ngI'l
l
makeyouahotchocol
atewi t
h
marshmall
owswhil
eIpreparedinner
Ii
gnor
edhershepar
kedhercari
nthe
gar
agewewalkedi
nwithmybags
sheshowedmet omyr oom Itooka
l
ongassbat hgotdr
essedinleggi
ngs
abaggyt-shi
rtwi
thuggsthanwalked
downstai
rsshegavethehot
chocol
ate
Her
:Feel
athome
Me:
thanks
Shesmi
ledwalki
ngt
otheki
tchenmr
Waynewalkedi
nandsmi
ledatme
Hi
m:Nat
asha
Me:
mrWay
ne
Hewalkedupstai
rsprobablyt
o
fr
eshenupMr sWaynecalledus
sayi
ngdinnerwesataroundthetabl
e
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y
Mrway ne:
you'r
enotleav
ingthet
abl
e
wit
houteatingyouhavetoeat
something
Me:I'
l
lhavey
oghur
tandahot
chocolat
e
Henods
-
BRUCE-
Ipushedthedoorwalkinginathome
myey espoppedoutwhenIsaw
natashahavi
ngdinnerwithmy
parent'
sshelookedl
ikeamessI
cl
earedmyt hroat
Dad:
yourey
esar
egoi
ngt
ofal
lout
comejoi
nus
Me:uhm I
'
m notst
ayi
ngjustneeded
somefil
esIl
efti
nmyr oom
Dad:
Iknowy
ou'
rel
yi
ngcomej
oinus
Ij
oinedt
hem ar
oundt
het
abl
edi
shi
ng
upformysel
f
Mom:
wher
e'sLuke?
Me:
myhouse
Shenodsf
ocusi
ngonherpl
ate
Dad:
wasthinki
ngwhydon'
ty'
al
lget
marr
iednextmont
h
Tashachockedonhersal
i
va
Me:
butdadt
hat
'sl
i
ke2weeksaway
Dad:
IknowIdidn'
tsayatthe
begi
nni
ngofthemont hyoucanget
mar
ri
edmont
hend.
Me:i
sn'
titt
oosoonImeantasha
can'
tgetmarr
iedl
ooki
ngl
ikethat
Mom:l
eavethatt
omeshe'
ll
beback
t
otheoldtashai
naweek
Tasha:
uhm excuseme
Shesai
dwal
ki
ngupst
air
s
Me:
Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Mom:
Shel
i
vesher
enow
Me:
Igott
agetgoi
ngIst
il
lhav
etoget
t
hosefi
l
esinmyroom
Isai
drunni
ngupstai
rsIpushedt
he
doori
nmyr oom andfr
ozewhenI
sawtashahal
fnakedshewas
changingi
ntoherpyj
amasshe
coveredher
sel
fwithathr
owthatwas
onthebed
Me:Iuhm I
'
m sor
ryj
ustneededsome
f
il
es
Itookt
hefil
eswal
ki
ngtowar
dsthe
doorstoppedonmytr
acksl
ooki
ng
ather
Me:
yourj
obsti
l
lwai
ti
ngf
ory
ouback
i
ntheCompany
Tasha:
Ijustneedafewdaysof
f
pl
easegivemet il
lfr
iday
Me:
Okayuhm TashaI
'
m sor
ry
Tasha:goawayIhaveamean
headachejustwannasl
eep
Me:
Goodni
ght
Isaidwalkingoutmom l ookedatme
witharaisedey ebr
owIwal kedout
drivi
ngtomyhousepour edmy sel
fa
glassofwhi skeygul
pingitdown
Luke:
thatt
ookl
ong
Me:
Iknowgoodni
ghtmanwe'
l
ltal
kin
t
hemorni
ng
Luke:
Okay
Iwal
kedt
omyr oom t
hrewmy
sel
fon
mybedanddozedoff

*
Inser
t10*
-
BRUCE-
Irubbedmyey eswalki
ngdownstair
s
toopent hedoort
hegirlf
rom t
he
clubsmiledbri
ght
lypushi
ngmeasi de
wal ki
ngi
nIclosedthedoorwalki
ng
afterher
Her:
Iwai
tedfory
ourcal
lbr
ucey
ou
nev
ercal
led
Me:
uhm i
tsl
i
ppedmymi
nd
Her:
nowt hatI
'm her
ewhydon'tIgiv
e
yousomet hi
ngthatcanhel
pyout o
neverf
orgetcall
i
ng
Shesai
dcircl
i
ngherfi
ngersonmy
bar
echestIbitmyl
ipbecauseshe
wastur
ningmeon
Me:
I'
m sor
ryl
i
ndaIcan'
tdot
his
Her
:i
t'
sLi
sawhybecauseyouwant
measmuchasIwanty ou
Shesai
dgr
abbi
ngmybonerIcussed
Luke:Dudey ou'
vebeenupf
ora
l
ongt i
meIt houghty
ou'
dbedonewi
th
breakfastnow
Hesai
dwalki
ngdownstai
rshe
st
oppedonhi
str
ackslooki
ngatLi
sa
Luke:
ohhIdi
dn'
tknowy
ouhad
company
Me:
l
indawasj
ustl
eav
ing
Ipul
l
edherar m outshel
ookedatme
andcrossedherarms
Her
:Whatgoi
ngonBr
uce?Fort
he
pastf
ewweeksy oucoul
dn'
tsayno
tomeit'
sli
kemybodywasy our
addi
cti
onwhat'
schanged?
Me:
I'
m aboutt
ogetmar
ri
ed
Her:
What
!?Soyouwerehavi
ngsex
wit
hmewhilehav
ingafi
ance?
Me:Li
sait'
snotl
ikewewer eina
r
elati
onshi
pImadei tcl
earthefi
rst
t
imewef uckedt
hatwe'rejusthavi
ng
f
unnost ri
ngsat
tached
Her:
IIthoughtmay
bet
hathas
changed
Me:l
ookIgot
tagopreparef
orwor
kI
don'
twannabelat
e,Takeacabgo
backhomemaybegoshoppingI
don'
tknowbutIr
eal
l
yhav
etogo
Isai
dgi v
inghersomecashwalki
ng
backinsideLukeRai
sedhi
seyebrow
Luke:Seri
ousl
yman?You'rest
il
lgoi
ng
tofuckhoesev eni
fyou'
regoi
ngto
bemar redinafewmonths
Me:Idi
dn'
tfuckherokay !
asmuchasI
wantedtofucktheshitoutofherI
hadtoholdmy sel
fbecauseofTash
Luke:
(Smi
rki
ng)
Soy
oudocar
eabout
her?
Me:Nomay beyesIdon'
tknow
maybeIdobecauseIfeelsor
ryfor
herbecauseIknowshe'sfor
cedto
marryme
Luke:
Okayl
et'
sgetr
eadyf
orwor
k
Inodwal ki
ngtomyroom t
ooka
quickshowergotdr
essedwalki
ng
downst ai
rsl
ukewashavi
ngapeanut
buttersandwi
chwit
haglassofmil
k
Me:coul
dn'
tyoumakepr
oper
br
eakfast
?
Luke:
Nopewe'
rer
unni
ngl
atebr
other
Me:
I'
l
lgr
absomet
hingt
oeatatwor
k
Iwalkedoutdri
vi
ngtoworkIhada
l
otofwor ktodoIwalkedtomy
off
icegotbusywit
hwor k
Bri
ght
:Dudei
t'
salr
eadyknockof
f
ti
meyou'r
esti
ll
worki
ng
Me:
Whendi
dyouguy
sgether
e?
Luke:
aboutami
nut
eago
Me:
whatbr
ingsy
'al
lher
e?
Isai
dcl
osi
ngmyl
apt
opl
ooki
ngat
them
Luke:
Liam cametousaski
ngf
ora
R150thousands
Me:
butIt
houghthefini
shedpay
ing
f
orhi
smot her
'st
reat
ment
Bri
ght:
hef
ini
shedpayi
ngfort
hati
t
l
efthi
m br
okethat
'swhyheneeds
cash
Me:
Forwhat
?
Luke:
hewannahel
ptashapayback
themoneygi
vent
oherpar
ent
sbyt
he
husband
Me:What
?Hopey
'al
ldi
dn'
tgi
vehi
m
any
thi
ng
Br
ight
:wedi
dn'
t
Me:
thanksguy
s
Br
ight
:butIst
il
lthi
nkyouhavet
otell
hi
m aboutyoubeingt
asha'
shusband
Me:
IknowI
'
m goingt
otel
lhi
m when
t
heti
meisr
ight
Luke:
hopei
twon'
tbet
ool
ate
Br
ight:
enoughabouthi
m howi
s
Natashaanyways?
Me:
She'
sget
ti
ngt
her
ebutt
hisi
shar
d
f
orher
Br
ight
:Takecar
eofher
Inodwalki
ngoutwi
tht
hem af
terme
dri
vi
ngtomyhouse
^
NATASHA^
Ijustfi
nishedeat i
ngf orthe4tht i
me
nowMr sWay neismaki ngmeeata
l
otsheev entookmet oabeat yspar
togetaf ullbodymassaget obe
honestIf eelrej
uvenatedIf eelli
kea
newper sonIhav eev enaccept edthe
factthatI'
m getti
ngmar ri
edt oBruce
Way netheRi chestfami l
yinour
ProvincebutIst i
llkeepaski ngmy sel
f
whydi dtheychoosemeamongst
othergirl
southeregi
rl
sinhi
sleague
notmecomeonI '
mjustaPAwi t
ha
businessmanagementdipl
omaher :
a
pennyf oryourt
hought
s?
Me:Iwasj
ustwonder
ingwhydi
dyou
chooseme?
Her:that'
sbecausey ou'
rediffer
ent
tashay ou'r
enotl ikethegirl
sout
therey oudidn'tthrowyourselfatmy
sonlikeal lt
hesegol ddigginghoes
Bruceneedssomeonewhocanhel p
him buildthislegacynotsomeone' s
who'sgoi ngt obeobsessi ngover
fakehai r
,nai
lsandspendi ngmoney
Me:
OkayIunder
stand
Her:
Soaboutyourweddi
nghowbig
doyouwantittobe?Imeandoyou
havepeopley
ouwannaaddonthe
guestl
ist
?
Me:Noactuall
yIwantustogoand
si
gni nCourtwi
thf
amilyandcl
ose
fr
iendsonly
Her:Noway sBruceistheCEOofone
ofthebiggestcompaniesinour
Provincehi
sweddi ngshoul
dbebig
andunf or
gett
able
Me:
arey
ousur
ethat
'swhathewant
s?
Her
:Iknowmysont ashay
oudon'
t
hav
et owor
ryaboutwhathewant
s
Me:
okay
Her
:Sowhoar
eyouaddi
ngont
hel
i
st?
Me:
mysi
ster
,j
akeanddesi
re
Her
:uhm wantany
thi
ngt
oeat
?
Me:
Not
hanks
Her:
you'
rehel
pingmewi
thdi
nner
r
ight
?
Me:
don'
twor
ryI
'
llmakedi
nner
ShenodsIsmil
edwal
ki
ngt
othe
ki
tchen maki
ngdi
nner
Hi
m:Smel
l
sni
cei
nher
e
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngi
nIf
rownedset
ti
ng
t
hetabl
e
Me:
Dinneri
sready
Theyj
oinedmear
oundt
het
abl
e
MrWay ne:
thi
sisni
cecan'tremember
thel
astti
meIhadsomet hingthi
s
good
Mr
sWay
ne:
John!
MrW:comeonsweethear
tyouknow
t
hisgotnot
hingony
ourcooki
ng
Shesmiledfocusingonherpl
ateI
giggl
edsoft
lyasmrWay nest
uckhis
tongueoutwithouthi
swifenot
ici
ng
MrsW:SoBrucewewer
etal
ki
ng
abouty
ourweddi
ng
Br
uce:
Whatabouti
t?
MrsW:Canyoubeli
evetashawant
ed
y'
al
ltogotothecour
tandsign
Bruce:
i
fshewant
sthatl
etusgi
vei
t
toher
Mom:wetal
kedaboutt
hisshef
inal
l
y
agr
eedt
oabi gweddi
ng
Br
uce:
Fineby
eme
Me:uhm excusemeIneeda
bat
hroom
Isai
dwal
ki
ngtomyroom changing
i
ntomypyjamasget
ti
ngunderthe
cover
s
*
Inser
t11*
^
LIAM^
Desi
reandIarefr
om t
heHospit
alwe
wentther
etocheckuponmother
she'
sstil
loutofitthedoct
orssai
d
hersit
uati
onispromi si
nganywho
we'renowhavinglunchatSpurLeil
a
walkedtouspull
edoutachai rsi
tt
ing
nexttoDee
Lei
la:
Whenwasthelastt
imey
'al
l
spoketoNat
asha?
Dee:
uhm aweekagoshe'
snot
answer
ingmycal
ls
Me:
l
ike4-
5daysagowhenshet
old
meshe'
sget
ti
ngmarr
ied
Leil
a:I
'm wor
ri
edaboutherShe'
snot
taki
ngmycal l
swhenIcallMrs
Way ne'
sphoneshesaystasha
doesn'twannatal
ktome
Dee:
she'
swor
kingf
ormr
sWay
ne
now?
Lei
la:
Nosill
yshel
ivest
her
enow
she'
sgett
ingmarr
iedtoBr
ucei
na
fewweekstocome
Me:
WHAT!
!?
Dee:
tell
mey ou'r
ejoki
nghowcan
br
ucedot hatknowingexact
lyt
hat
Li
am lovesNatasha?
Shehalfshout
edIcl
enchedmyj
aws
shaki
ngmyheadi ndi
sbeli
ef
Lei
l
a:Youdi
dn'
tknow?
Me:Nonobodyt
oldmeany
thi
ngf
uck
br
uceisanAss
Isettledthebi
llwal kingoutdr i
vingt
o
Way ne'sincIparkedmycari nthe
parkinglotmarchedt ohisof f
iceI
pushedt hedoorwal kingstrai
ghtto
him andpunchedt heshi toutofhim
Hi
m:DudeWTF?
Me:
You!
!
Isaidthrowingpunchesathim he
didn'tfi
ghtbackguessit
'sbecause
heknowshe' swr
onghonest l
y
speakingifhewer et
ofightbackhe
woul dkickmybutthewasal wayst he
strongestamongstusthanBr i
ght
foll
owedbyLuke, j
oshandInev erhad
thest r
engthforf
ight
ingBri
ghtpulled
meof fhim hol
dingmebackbruce
spitoutbl
oodt aki
ngof
fhisshi
rtt
o
wipeoffthebloodcomingouthi
s
nose.
Br
ight
:Cal
m downman
Me:howthehel
lam Igoi
ngtocalm
downknowingthatbr
uceisgoi
ngto
fuckthewomanIlove
Bruce:
I'
m notgoi
ngtofuckherI
'
m
goingtogetmarr
iedtoher
Me:
you'r
estil
lgoi
ngt ofuckher !
!t
he
t
houghtofyoutwof uckingmakes
mesickIknowshewi llneverfal
lin
l
ovewithyouknowingt heshityoudo
Br
uce:
you'
renosai
ntei
therl
i
am me
andy
ouar
ethesame
Me:
I'
m not
hingl
i
key
ouman
Bright:
Canyout woshutt hef uckup!!
I
'mt ir
edoflist
eningtoy ouar guing
l
ikebitchesshoutingwon' tundot he
factthatBruceisget t
ingmar r
iedto
Tashat hesoonery ouacceptt hat
bettersothatwecanal l
mov eon
from thi
sli
am justgetthef uckoutI
hav etodri
vebrucet othedoct or.
Hesai
dpushi ngmeoutIwal
kedto
mycarrestedmyheadonthest
ari
ng
wheellett
ingoutal
oudsigh
-
BRUCE-
Igr
oanedi
npai
nasIt
ri
edt
ogetof
f
mychai
rbr
ightr
ushedt
omehel
ping
meup
Br
ight
:t
akeiteasyt
her
eIt
hinkhe
br
okeyournose
Me:
Fuckmyshoul
derhur
ts
Bri
ght:
comeI
'
lldr
ivey
out
othe
doctor
Me:
nahj
ustdr
ivemehome
Henodsdriv
ingmehomeIpushed
thedoorwal
kinginTashawassit
ti
ng
onthecouchreadi
ngamagazineshe
l
ookedatmeherey espoppedout
Tasha:
Whathappenedt
oyou?
Me:
don'
twor
ryaboutt
hisI
'
lll
i
ve
Shenodsf ocusingonhermagazi
neI
walkedtomyr oom t
ookahot
showergotdr essedinmy
sweatpantsandat anktopwal
ki
ng
downstair
s
Me:
Wher
e'smot
her
?
Tasha:
shewenttocheckont
he
bouti
quesheshoul
dbebackany
time
now
Lukepushedt
hedoorwal
ki
nginhe
fr
ownedwhenhesawmyf ace
Luke:
Whatt
hehel
lhappenedt
oyour
face?
Me:
l
iam happened
Luke:
hef
oundoutabouty
ouand
t
asha?
Inodhechuckl
ed
Luke:
youshoul
dhav
ebeatt
heshi
t
outofhi
m
Me:
Pissof
f
Hepouredusglassesofwhiskeywe
gulpedi
tdownmom wal kedtothe
ki
tchenwit
htakeaways
Mom:
Boy
s
Us:
mom
Mom:
whathappenedt
oyourf
ace?
Me:
uhm somegangst
erwannabes
t
ri
edhi
jacki
ngme
Mom:
you'
renott
hathur
tri
ght
?
Me:
mom I
'
mfi
nedon'
twor
ry
Shenodssett
ingthetabl
ewej
oined
herar
oundthetable
^
NATASHA^
wejustfini
shedhav ingdinnerMr s
Way neandherhusbandwentt obed
ear
lyI'
m nowsi tt
ingi nf
rontoftheTV
watchingamov i
e"Av engersinf
ini
ty
war"Brucej oi
nedmei nthelounge
si
tt
ingont hecouchopposi t
emi ne
myphoner angforthet hi
rdtimenow
Ii
gnoredi t
Br
uce:
don'
tyouwannaanswert
hat
?
Me:
i
t'
snoonei
mpor
tant
Henodsf
ocusi
ngont
hemov
iemy
phoner
angagai
nIpi
ckedup
Hi
m:Whenwerey ougoi
ngtotel
lme
t
hatyou'
reget
ti
ngmar r
iedt
omy
f
ri
end?
Me:Iwantedtotel
lyoutr
ustmeI
wantedtobutIdidn'
twantyou
fi
ghti
ngwi t
hbrucebecauseofmeI
'
m
sorr
y
Him:Stopapologizi
ngNattI
'm mor
e
angryatbrucefornottel
l
ingmeI
meanhe' smyf r
iendheshouldhav
e
tol
dme
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Hesi
ghed
Hi
m:Fi
net
hanbuti
fev
ery
ouneed
someonet
otal
ktoI
'
m her
efory
ou
Me:
Iknow
Hechuckl
ed
Hi
m:okaysl
eept
ightIl
ovey
ou
IblushedandhungupBr ucewas
stari
ngatmeIcl earedmyt hroathe
shookhi sheadwal kingupst air
sI
switchedofftheTvwal kingupst ai
rs
sinceIwasf eel
ingdr owsygoti nmy
room brucewassl eepingi nar oom
oppositemineIlockedt hedoorgot
underthecov er
sanddozedof f
IKNOW I
T'SSHORTICOULDN'
T
TYPEMOREIHAVETOPREPARE
FORATEST,FLUEI
SALSOKICKI
NG
MYBUTT

*
Inser
t12*
^
NATASHA^
Justfinishedt
aki
ngashowerI
l
otionedmybodygotdr essedina
maxi dresswit
hwhi tesandalsI
walkeddownst ai
rssinceMr sWay ne
hascal l
edmef orbreakfastIj
oined
them aroundthetable
Me:
mor
ning
Them:
Goodmor
ning
MrsW: it
'sagoodthi
ngyou'r
eup
we'r
er unni
nglatef
oryour
appointmentwit
hapersonwho'
s
makingy ourweddi
ngdress
Me:
doesi
treal
l
yhav
etobet
oday
?
MrsW:yesdarl
ingeatupwe'
re
r
unni
nglatebruceyouneedtoget
r
eadyforyourappoi
ntmenti
nanhour
MrW:
Iri
stheki
dsar
egoi
ngt
ochoke
sl
owdown
I
ris:
sor
rymybadI'
mjustexci
ted
Johnyoudon'
tunder
stand
Me:i
t'
sfi
newecangoI
'
llf
ini
shmy
pl
ateint
hecar
Shenodswal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hedoor
wi
thmeaf
terher
I
r i
s:bruceremembery ou'
remeeting
usaf teryourappoi
ntmentwiththe
designerwehav etogof orcake
tasting
Bruce:
Iknowmom j
ustgoal
ready
y'
allar
egoingt
obelat
e
Shegiggledwalkingt ohercarIgotin
thebacksinceIwant edt ofi
nish
eati
ngshekeptl ookingatmei nt
he
rearv
iewmi rr
orsmilingIroll
edmy
eyesfini
shedmypl at esheparked
outsi
desomebui l
dingwet ookal i
ft
tothe5thfloorwemetwi thsome
whitewomanwhom shei ntr
oduced
her
sel
fast
hedesi
gner
Her:l
emmet akey
ourmeasurements
beforechoosi
ngyourdr
eam weddi
ng
dress
Shesmil
edbr
ight
lyt
aki
ngmy
measur
ement
s
Her:
youcanchoosef
rom t
hese
beaut
if
uldr
esses
I
ri
s:It
hinkt
hisonei
sbeaut
iful
but
we'
dneedtochangeital
it
tl
ebit
Her:
l
etthepoorgi
rlchooseherown
weddingdr
ess
Me:
Ili
kei
t
Her
:you'
resur
e?
InodsheSmi
l
edwr
it
ingsomet
hing
down
Her:
Nowwehav etofindaper
fect
shoefort
hisper
fectdress
I
ri
s:Thanksbet
ty
Shenodswewalkedoutbumpi
ng
i
ntoBruceatt
hedoor
Br
uce:
Thatt
ookl ongI
'
vebeen
wai
ti
ngfory
'al
lfor30minut
esnow
Ir
is:Oopssor
ryt
hatmeanswe'
re
alreadyl
atef
orcaket
asti
ng
Me:can'
twedoitsomeothert
ime?
I
hav
et hi
sbangi
ngheadache
I
ri
s:Nope
Wet ookal if
tt othe3rdfloorwalked
i
ntoapl acet hatmakesweddi ng
cakeswet asteddiff
erentcakestill
weagr eedt ov ani
ll
aandchocol ates
tobehonestchocol atehasalway s
beenmyf avoritemrsWay newas
busywi t
hherphone
I
ris:
uhm TashaI
'm sor
ryIcan'
tdr
ive
youbackhomeIhav etorushtot
he
bouti
quesomethi
ngcameup
Me:i
t'
sfi
neIcanal
way
stakeacab
home
I
ris:
NonsenseBr
uceisgoi
ngtodrive
youhomer ememberyoust
il
lhaveto
goandchooseyourri
ngsByekids
Shesai
dwalki
ngoutIsi
ghedwal
ki
ng
tot
heRingshop
Br
uce:
Ithi
nkt
hisone'
sper
fect
Me:
Noway
sit
'
stooexpensi
ve!
!
Ihal
fshout
edhel
aughedsof
tl
y
Bruce:don'
twor
ryaboutt
hepr
icei
f
youlikeitt
hanwe'
llt
akei
tdoyoul
ike
i
t?
Me:
yes
Br
uce:
Thanwe'
l
ltakei
t
Inodwal
ki
ngoutwi
thhi
m af
terme
hesai
dhewil
lpayf
ort
heri
ngslat
er
-
BRUCE-
aswe'
rewal
ki
ngoutt
hebui
l
dingwe
gottomycarshebuckl
eduplooki
ng
outthewi
ndowIstar
tedthecar
dri
vi
ngaway
Me:uhm wannagr
absomet
hingt
o
eat
?
Tasha:
I'
m notreal
l
yhungr
yI'
mjust
cr
avingforspurRi
bs
Me:
youl
i
ket
hose?Il
i
ket
hem t
oo
Tasha:
yep
Ismiledfocusi
ngont heroadparked
i
nt heparki
nglotwewal kedinat
Spurlei
larantotashatheyhugged
ti
ghtl
y
Lei
l
a:Imi
ssedy
ousoomuchsi
s
Tasha:
Imissedy
out
oosishoware
thetwi
ns?Whenwasthel
astt
ime
youspoketomom?
Leil
a:onequest
ionatt
het imetasha
thetwinsarefi
neuhm Ilastspoket
o
motherthedaywemov edout
Tasha:
Ihopeshe'
sfi
nel
eil
apl
ease
goandcheckuponheraft
erwor
k
Lei
l
a:Fi
ne
TheyhuggedIaccept edourorderwe
walkedoutdr ivingtomyhouseshe
wasbusyenj oyingherri
bstonoti
ce
thatI'
m driv
ingt othedif
fer
entrout
e
sinceBright'
scarwaspar kedinthe
drivewayIpar kedbehindhi
m
Tasha:
Whatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?
Me:ohhsorrythi
sismyhousef i
gur
ed
wewoul dchil
lherf
oracoupleof
minutestofamil
iar
izey
ouwi t
hthe
housebeforewegetmar r
ied
Shenodswal
ki
ngaf
terme
Luke:
bro
Br
ight
:t
hebi
gdawg
Wef
istpumped
Br
ight
:Heybr
idet
obe
Tasha:
Hi
Shesaidlooki
ngdownf rom whatI
'
ve
noti
cedaboutheristhatshe'
sshy
aroundpeopleshe'
snotusedto
Bri
ght
:Readyf
ort
hebi
gday
?It
'sj
ust
fewweeksaway
Me:
dudey
ou'
remaki
ngmywi
feshy
Luke:
notyety
ourwi
fei
diotshe'
sst
il
l
yourf
iance
Me:
What
everbutshe'
sst
il
lgoi
ngt
o
bemywi
fe
Wel
aughedt
ashacl
ear
edhert
hroat
Tasha:
CanIgolaydownabi
t?Ihav
e
ameanheadache
Me:
l
emmeshowy
out
oyourr
oom
Shenodswal
kingaftermeIshowed
hert
othemainbedroom gi
vi
ngher
pai
nki
ll
erswi
thaglasswatershe
gul
pedt
hem down
Me:
Wantmet
otucky
oui
n?
Herey
espoppedoutIl
aughedout
l
oud
Tasha:
Iuhm
Shelookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thher
fi
ngers
Me:Rel
axI
'
m ki
ddi
ngI
'
llcomewake
youupwheni
t'
sti
metogohome
Shenodsgetti
ngunderthecoversI
walkedoutcl
osingthedoorbehi
nd
mebr i
ghtwaslookingatmewiththi
s
st
upidgri
nplaster
edonhisface
Me:
What
?
Br
ight:
pleasedon'
ttel
lmey
ouhav
e
al
readytappedtheAss
Me:
j
eezNo
Br
ight
:IknowI
'
mjustpul
l
ingy
ourl
eg
Luke:I
'
m glady'
al
lareget
ti
ngal
ong
wewantl i
ttl
eWayne'
srunni
ng
aroundthi
shugeyard
Me:we'r
enotyetmarr
iedandyou'
re
al
readythi
nki
ngaboutli
tt
leWayne'
s
ay
i you'
ret
oomuch
Wel
aughedoutl
oud
Br
ight
:i
t'
sboundt
ohappent
hough
Me:
Shutup
Isai
dgul
pingdownagl
assof
whi
skey
Luke:
Liam i
soneoft
hegr
oomsmen?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkhe'
dwantt
obepar
t
ofourwedding
Bri
ght
:you'
l
lnev
erknowunl
essy
ou
tr
ybuddy
Me:
pissof
fbr
ii
Luke:
I'
mthebestmanr
ight
?
Bri
ght:
dudeNo!I'
mthebestf
ri
endI
gettobethebestman
Luke:
Noway sI
'
mthebr
otherIshoul
d
bethebestman
Me:
noneofy
oui
smybestman
Luke:
i
fnotust
hanwho?
Me:
Liam
Them:
WHAT!
!?
Ibur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Me:y
oushoul
dseeyourf
acesright
now Iwasjustpul
l
ingyourl
egs
Br
ight
:Fucky
ou!
!
Me:Iwon'
tbehavi
ngabestman
si
ncey'al
lar
efi
ghti
ngf
ortheposi
ti
on
Br
ight
:you'
remadI
'
mthebestman
Luke:
Finet
hanbestman
Me:
l
emmegocheckuponTasha
Br
ight
:NosityourAssdownshe'
s
pr
obablyasl
eep
Hesai
dpull
ingmedownWel aughed
somemoregulpi
ngdownourglasses
ofwhi
skey

*
Inser
t13*
^
NATASHA^
Brucedi dn'
twakemeupy esterday
weendedspendi ngthenighthereI
fr
eakedoutal i
tt
lewhenIwokeupi n
hi
sr oom hewasn' theret
houghhe
sl
epti ntheguestbedroom anywhoI
j
ustf i
nishedgetti
ngdressedIwal ked
downst air
sBrucewaswal ki
ng
barefootandtoplesshewashol di
ng
acupofcof f
eeandhi sphoneont he
ot
herhandIcl
ear
edmyt
hroat
Br
uce:
Readyt
ogo?
Me:
yes
Henodsr
unningupt
hest
air
sI
hel
pedmysel
fwit
hhi
scoff
ee
Br
uce:
Soyoudeci
dedt
ohel
pyour
sel
f
wi
thmycoff
eehuh?
Hesai
dwalki
ngtowardsmehewas
f
ull
ydr
essedandreadytogo
Me:
sor
ryIcr
avedf
orsome
Him:
(smil
i
ng)Readyt
ogowhenev
er
youaremiss
Iwal
kedoutwi
thhi
m walki
ngbehi
nd
meIbuckl
eduphestar
tedthecar
dr
ivi
ngaway
Br
uce:
Whatt
imeshoul
dIpi
cky
ouup?
Me:don'
twor
ryI
'
llbet
aki
ngacab
home
Henodsf
ocusi
ngont
her
oad
Br
uce:
I'
vebeent
hinki
ng
Me:
about
?
Bruce:
yourj
obbacki
ntheCompany
uhm doyousti
l
lwannaworkf
orme?
Ibitmyliplooki
ngawayt obehonest
Idon'twannawor kforhi
m anymore
giv
eni m nowgoingtobehi swif
eI
don'twannaseet hethi
ngshe'l
lbe
doinginthatoff
iceofhisyouknow
bruceisamanhoehebr i
ngs
dif
ferentgi
rl
sforfucki
nginhi
sof
fi
ce
Idon'twannaseeanyofthatI
cl
earedmyt hroat
Me:
uhm no
Br
uce:
Soy
ouwannabeahousewi
fe?
Me:NowaysI
'
lll
ookf
orsomet
hing
el
setodo
Heraisedhi
seyebr
owandpar
ked
out
sideourgat
e
Me:
thanksbr
uce
Isai
dwalkinginsi
demom was
passedoutinthecouchthehouse
wassoodirtywithemptybeerbot
tl
es
onthefl
oorIletoutaloudsi
gh
st
art
edcleaningmyphonerangasI
wasbusycleaningIpi
ckedupsmi
li
ng
Me:
Lee
Li
am:
someonei
sinagoodmood
Me:NoI
'
mjusthappyt
oheary
our
voi
ce
Liam:
Wherear
eyouIjustwannasee
youevenf
or5minut
es?
Me:
uhm I'
m atmymother
'spl
ace
may
bey oucandri
vemebacktothe
Wayne'
slat
er?
Li
am:
can'
twai
ttoseey
ou
Me:
byel
i
am
Il
aughedandhungupmom satup
r
ubbi
ngherey
es
Mom:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:Whenwast
hel
astt
imey
ouhada
pr
opermeal
?
Mom:
about2weeksago
Me:
Mom!
!
Ishoutedshehel
dherheadcl
osi
ng
hereyesti
ghtl
y
Mom:Noshoutingpl
easeIhav
ea
bangi
ngheadache
Me:GotakeaShowerI'
ll
order
somethi
nginI
'm noti
nthemoodf
or
cooki
ng
Shenodswal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
he
bathroom Iorder
ed3burgersand
l
argeChi psShemayhav esoldme
butIstil
lloveherShe'
sst
illmy
mot hershecamebackdr essedin
Tracksuit
swi t
hherredsl
eepersI
gavehert hefoodsit
ti
ngont he
couchnextt oherweateinawkwar d
si
lence
Mom:
Cany
oul
endmeR150
Me:pl
easedon'
ttel
lmeyouhave
f
ini
sheda150000inafewweeks
mom whatdidyoudotothatmoney
?
Mom:youruncl
etookhal
foft
he
money
Me:
FineI
'
llgi
vey
ousomecashl
ook
mom Ihav
etogo
Isai
dgivi
nghersomecashwalki
ng
outsi
nceli
am wasal
readywai
ti
ngfor
mebyt hegat
e
%LI
AM%
shewal kedtowardsthecarlooki
ng
fl
yIsmi ledassheopenedt hedoor
gett
ingint hepassengerseatand
buckledup
Me:
heyBeaut
if
ul
Shegiggl
edhi
dingherf
aceusi
ngher
hands
Tasha:
Hii
Me:
Imi
ssedy
ouNat
t
Tasha:
Ihat
etoadmitt
hatImissed
youtoo,
howhaveyoubeen?
Me:
I'
vebeenokayhowhav
eyoubeen?
Tasha:
I'
m get
ti
ngusedt
oev
ery
thi
ng
Inodf ocusi
ngont heroadIpar
ked
mycari nthedriv
ewaysher ai
sedher
eyebrowwal ki
ngaftermeDeer ant
o
hertheyhuggedt i
ghtl
y
Dee:
Imi
ssedy
ousoomuchNat
t
Tasha:
ImissedyoutooDeeI
'
m sor
ry
fori
gnori
ngyourcal
l
s
Dee:
Nahit'
sfi
neIunder
standyou
werehur
tuhm Joshi
swai t
ingf
orme
byeguys
Sheki
ssedhercheekwal
ki
ngout
Tasha:
Ithi
nkIhavet
ogetgoi
ngMr
s
Wayneisprobabl
yworr
ied
Igrabbedherwaistpul
l
inghercl
oser
tomeshel ookeddownIpushedher
faceupwithmyi ndexf
ingerl
ooki
ng
deepinhereyessheblushed
Me:
Ilov
eyouNat
ts
Tasha:
butbr
ucei
s..
Icuthershor
t
Me:Tohel
lwi
thBr
uceIknowthat
he'
sanAsshe'
sgoingt
obreakyour
heart
Shebl
i
nkedandst
aredbacki
nmy
eyesIperkedherl
i
psandwr apped
myar msaroundhersher
estedher
headonmychestshepulledback
andlookeddown
Me:
l
emmedr
ivey
ouhome
Shenodswal kingoutshebuckledup
Istart
edt hecardr i
vingawayIkept
steali
nggl ancesathert hanf
ocussed
ont heroadIpar kedout si
det
hegate
shewav edr unninginside.
-
BRUCE-
Iwaspacingupanddownt helounge
areaIsawli
am dropofft
ashaatthe
gateIknowtashawasstart
ingto
havesomef eel
i
ngsforli
am Li
am
knowst hathe'
sgoingt odoany t
hing
towintasha'sheartIfrownedi nthe
thoughtofthem beingt ogether
anywhoNat ashawal kedi nshe
walkedpastme
Me:
howi
syourmot
her
?
Tasha:
she'
sfi
ne
Me:pl
easetell
mom I '
m notcomi
ng
overf
ordinnertodayIhavesome
st
ufftodo
Tasha:Ar
eyouokay
?youreyesar
e
redthevei
nsar
epoppingout
Me:
yeahI
'
mfi
nej
ustaheadache
Isai
dwalki
ngoutl
eftherst
andi
ng
ther
edr
ivi
ngtomyhouseIparkedmy
cari
nthegar
agewal
ki
nginLukeand
bri
ghtwer
ehavi
ngwhi
skeyi
nthe
l
ounge.
Me:Whatar
eyout
wodoi
ngi
nmy
house?
Br
ight
:ar
eyouokayman?
Me:
yeahI
'
m good
Isaidgul
pingdownagl assof
whiskeypouredmy sel
fasecond
glassgul
pingitdown.
Luke:
Iknowyou'
renotokayman
what'
sgoingon?
Me:Li
am happenedy
ouknowhe's
busyspendi
ngtimewit
htasha
Bri
ght:j
ustt
apherAssshe'
sgoi
ngt
o
fal
lforyou
Me:
Ican'
trushherint
ohavingsex
wi
thmeifshe'snotyetr
eady.
Luke:
wantl
i
am t
odoi
tfory
ou?
Me:
Noy
ouknowIdon'
t
Br
ight
:t
hant
apt
hatass
Igulpeddownanot
hergl
assof
whiskey
Me:
Ineedt
otakeaShower
Isaidwalki
ngupstai
rst
ookacold
showergotdressedinashor
tanda
tanktopwalkeddownstai
rst
ochi
ll
withtheguys.
*
Inser
t14*
-
BRUCE-
Luke:
Getoutbr
ucedoesn'
twanna
tal
ktoyou!
!
Heshout
ed
Her:
I'
m notgoinganywher
eIneedt
o
speaktobrucefi
rst
Sheshout
edbackIcussedsi
tt
ingup
rubbi
ngmyeyes
Me:
Jeezwhat
'swi
tht
heshout
ing
Luke:
whydon'
tyouasky
ourbi
tch
here?
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngt
otheki
tchenwel
l
yest
erdayweal
lpassedoutont
he
couchguesswehadtoomuchto
dri
nk
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eli
nda?
Her
:mynamei
sLi
sanotl
i
nda
Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
eswalki
ng
cl
osert
omeIr ai
sedmyey
ebrow
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Her
:You,
you'
rewhatIwant
Me:
isthatwhatyoucamehere
f
or?
womany ouknowI'
m get
ti
ng
marr
iedonSaturday
Her:
WhatcanIdotochangeyour
mindbr
uceIlovey
ouIdon'twantyou
get
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
oher
Me:
you'
recr
azy
Shegr abbedmydi ckbiti
ngherli
pI
cussedcl osi
ngmyey est i
ghtl
yshe
tri
edkissingmeTasha' sfacefl
ashed
throughmymi ndIpushedher
roughlyshelandedonherbut t
Me:
GETYOURASSOUTTAMY
HOUSEBEFOREIFUCKYOUUP!
!
Iroar
edrubbi
ngmyf
acer
oughl
yshe
nodsrunni
ngout
Luke:
I'
m apr
oudbr
other
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngt
owar
dsme
Me:
mycarkey
slukeIIneedt
ogo
Br
ight
:di
dImi
sssomet
hing?
HesaidrubbinghiseyesIgrabbed
mycarkey sont het
ablerushi
ngout
dr
ivi
ngstraighthomeIparkedinthe
dr
ivewaywal ki
ngin
Mom:
brucear
eyouokay
?
Me:
yesIj
ustneedsomet
hingf
rom
myroom.
Isaidrunningupstai
rsIpushedthe
doorwal ki
ngintashawasmaki ngthe
bedIgr abbedherwaistkissi
ngthe
shitoutofhershemoanedi n
betweent hekissIpul
ledoutasIfel
t
my sel
fget t
inghardshelookeddown
Tasha:
BruceII
..
Me:
I'
m sor
ryI
Isai
dwal
ki
ngdr
ivi
ngbackt
omy
house
Br
ight
:What
thehel
li
swr
ongwi
thy
ou
man?
Me:
Ijustneedacoldshowerf
ir
st
t
hanI'
llexpl
ainev
eryt
hing
Isai
dwalki
ngtomyr oom t
ookacol d
showergotdr
essedinsweatpants
andatanktopwalkeddownstai
rs
l
ukebroughtmeacupofcof fee
Luke:
youlefti
nahur
rypleaset
ell
me
youdidn'
tfoll
owt
hatbi
tch
Me:
NoIdidn'
tasmuchasIwantedto
f
uckherbr
aincel
l
soutbecauseshe
wast
urni
ngmeonIcoul
dn'
tdoit
manIcoul
dn'
tdot
hatt
oNatasha
Br
ight
:OhboyIt
hinky
ou'
rei
nlov
e
Me:
Imessedupman
Luke:
whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:
Iki
ssedher
Br
ight
:Det
ail
sBr
ucey
ouknowwe
wantt
ohearmore
Isi
ghedtel
li
ngthem ev
ery
thi
ngbr
ight
bustoutl
aughi
ng
Bri
ght
:nevert
houghtI
'
lll
i
v et
osee
thi
sday,wowBruceWay nei
sinl
ove
Luke:
He'
swhi
ppedman
Me:
guy
scomeoni
t'
snotf
unny
Bri
ght:
you'
rei
nlov
ewit
hthegi
rl
al
readyaft
ert
appi
ngherAssy
ou'
re
goi
ngtobeobsessedmyman
Luke:
noteveryt
hingi
sabouttappi
ng
someAssbr i
ght.Uhm sothought
abouthaveabacheloret
tepart
y
Satur
dayisli
ke3day saway.
Me:
Idon'
twantone
Them:you'r
ecrazywe'
real
ready
organi
singit
Me:Whatev
er,
Whenwast
hel
astt
ime
youspoketoJosh?
Luke:
yester
daybef
oreIpassedout
rel
axhe'scomingt
othewedding
Br
ight
:Joshhasal
way
sbeencl
oset
o
l
i
am I
'
m sur
ehe'st
aki
nghi
ssi
deon
t
hei
ssueonhand
Luke:
enought
alki
ngI
'
m hungr
ylet
's
goeatout
Br
ight
:Rocomamasr
ight
?
Wel
augheddr
ivi
ngt
oRocomamas
^
NATASHA^
Hewalkedoutclosi
ngt hedoor
behi
ndhim Isatonthebedsincemy
l
egswerefeeli
ngabi twobbly
Me:
Okayt
hatwasawkwar
d
Isai
dtomy sel
fmaki
ngt
hebedIput
onmysleeperswal
ki
ngdownst
air
s
I
ri
s:I
'
m al
readyl
atef
orwor
k
Shesai dr ushingoutImademy sel
f
cereal sinceImi ssedbr eakf
astIate
browsi ngt hroughf acebookwhile
wai t
ingf oracabI '
m meet i
ngupwi t
h
DeeandNi naf orlunchatRoco
mamasIr insedmybowl walki
ngout
sincet hecabwasal readywait
ingI
gotint hebackpl uggedi nmyear
phonesl isteningt o"edsheeran-Di
ve"
thecabpar kedint heparki
nglotI
paidt hedr iverwalkinginNinaand
Deewer eal readywai ti
ngwehugged
brief
ly
Ni
na:
you'
regl
owi
nghuh?
Dee:
She'
sri
ghtyoul
ookmuchbett
er
fr
om whaty
ou'v
ebeenint
helastf
ew
weeks
Me:
Iknow
Nina:
Soyourweddi
ngisl
ikeafew
daysawayhowareyoufeel
ing?
Me:tobehonestI'
m scar
edbutIhav
e
accept
edeveryt
hingnow
Dee:We'
ret
hrowi
ngy
ouapar
tyon
Fr
idayni
ght
Me:
dowhat
every
ouwannadoDee
Ni
na:Howist
hehotnesst
reat
ingy
ou
t
houghishest
il
lbei
nganAss?
Me:
Nohe.
.
Shecutmeshor
t
Ni
na:
tal
kaboutahandsomedev
il
Wet ur
nedBrucewaswithlukeand
br
ightlaughi
ngatwhat
everthey'
re
l
aughingat
Ni
na:
hel
aughs?
Wow
Me:
heki
ssedmet
hismor
ning
Them:
What
?
It
oldt
hem ev
erythi
ngt
hathappened
Ni
nasmil
edbrightl
y
Nina:
Justgiv
et heguyachance
Tashacan'tyouseethathel
ovesy
ou
Dee:Ni
nastoppr
essuri
ngNat
tifshe
doesn'
tlov
ehimletherbe
Ni
na:she'
sgoi
ngtofal
li
nlov
ewit
h
hi
m anywayst
heseguyshav
ea
l
if
eti
metoget
hert
hey'
reget
ti
ng
marr
iedi
n3daysti
me.
Deef
rownedNi
nanev erl
ikedLiam
fr
om t
hever
yfi
rstst
artIsighed
Me:Howi
sJoshhav
en'
tseenhi
mina
l
ongti
menow
Dee:
He'sfi
nehe'sbeencomfor
ti
ng
l
iam f
orthepastfewweeks
Nina:Ohpl
easeDesi
reLi
am seems
perfect
lyf
inet
ome
Me:
enoughaboutt
hem
Ni
na:
Don'tlookbackbr
ucei
scomi
ng
t
oourtable
Heki
ssedmycheekpul
l
ingouta
chai
rsi
tt
ingnextt
ome
Br
uce:
Ladi
es
Ni
na:
Hey
Br
uce:CanIst
eal
herf
oraf
ew
minut
es?
Ni
na:
takey
ourt
ime
Hesmiledtaki
ngmyhandi nhi
s
wal
ki
ngt owardsthet
oil
etspul
l
ing
meclosertohim
Me:
BruceI
..
Wordsfail
edmeIl
ookeddownhe
chuckl
edpushi
ngmyfaceupwi
thhi
s
i
ndexfinger
Br
uce:
Whatt
imeam Ipi
cki
ngy
ou
up?Idon'
twanty
out
aki
ngacab
home
Hesai
dfr
owni
ng
Me:
I'
l
lcal
lyouwhenwe'
redone
Br
uce:
Per
fect
Hesai dsmil
inghel
etgoofmywaist
Ibreathedoutl
oudIdi
dn'
teven
real
izeIwasholdi
ngmybreathhe
chuckledwalki
ngmebacktothegir
ls
Br
uce:
Ladi
es
Hesai
dwalki
ngawayNi
nawas
smi
li
ngtot
heearDeewasannoy
ed
Ni
na:
Nat
ashaar
eyoubl
ushi
ng!
?
Me:
NoI
'
m not
Ni
na:
yesy
ouar
e
Ismi
l
edl
ooki
ngdownshel
aughed
Nina:
Ohwelll
et'
sgoshoppi
ngbef
ore
Desir
emurder
sus
Dee:
y'
al
lcangoshoppi
ngwi
thoutme
Ihav
etogoJoshneedsme
Shelef
tNi naroll
edherey eswe
beganshoppi ngwithninabusytel
ling
meaboutherboy fr
iendthisgi
rlt
alks
alotwef i
nishedshoppingIsent
bruceatextthatheshoul dcomepi ck
meupf rom theparkinglot
Ni
na:oopsIfor
gottobuyyour
pr
esentI'
m sor
rybutyou'
regoi
ngto
wai
tforyourmanaloneIneedto
r
ushi
nsi
det
hemal
l
Shesai drushi
ngi nIr ol
ledmyey es
brucepar kednextt omeIputmy
bagsont hebackseatgoti nthecar
andbuckl eduphest art
edt hecar
drivi
ngawayIl ookedoutt hewi ndow
sil
encef i
lledt
ill
hedeci dedt oplug-i
n
hisauxandpl aysomemusi chewas
singingalongwi ththesongInot i
ced
helistensmor eto" Bas, BigKrit
,RussandPar tyNextDoor "heparked
i
nt hedr i
vewayhel pingmewi thmy
bagswal kinginsidemr sWay ne
smi l
ed
I
ri
s:y
'al
lwentshoppi
ngt
oget
her
?
Br
uce:
Nah
Hesai
dwalkingpastMr
sWaynet
o
myroom heputmybagsont
hebed
Me:
Thanks
Br
uce:
Don'
tsweati
t
Inodhewal
kst
othedoorandst
ops
Br
uce:
Goodni
ght
Hewal kedoutIputt heshoppi ng
bagsi ntheclosestchangedi ntomy
pyjamasget ti
ngundert hecov ersI'
m
notjoiningtheWay ne'
sf ordinner
todayI'mt i
redAsfIalsohav esome
Remi nisci
ngtodoIhuggedt hepil
l
ow
thi
nkingaboutev eryt
hingt hat
happenedt oday.
*
Inser
t15*
^
NATASHA^
Iwokeuptomyr i
ngingphoneI
answeredwi
thoutl
ookingatt
he
cal
lerI
D
Me:
Tashahel
l
o
Li
am:
mor
ningsl
eepyhead
Me:
Liam hi
Li
am:howaboutItakey
ououtf
or
l
unchtodaysayar
ound12:
30?
Me:
Ialr
eadyhav
epl
answi
thMr
s
Waynesorr
y
Li
am:
may
benextt
ime
Me:
yeah
Li
am:
hav
eagr
eatday
HehungupImadet hebedwal ki
ngto
theensuitebathroom tookal ongass
bathgotdr essedinleggingsablack
poloneckandabl ackbikerj
acketmy
phoner angIpickedupsmi l
ing
Nina:
morningbbes,
beadar l
ingand
getyourAssoutofthathousebefor
e
brucefi
ndsyouinthere
Me:
he'
scomi
ngher
e?
Nina:
yesnowcomeoutbef
oreIdr
ag
yououtmy sel
f
ShehungupIlaughedwalki
ng
downst
air
sthehousehelperwas
maki
ngbr
eakf
astsheSmi
l
ed
Her
:r
eadyf
ort
hebi
gday
?
Ishr
uggedshegi
ggl
ed
Me:
I'
m scar
edmama
Her:
It
'snormalf
orever
ybridet
obe
f
eeli
ngt hewayyou'
ref
eeli
ngbutI
t
rustbrucetot
akecareofyou
Me:
Hopeful
lymamaIhav
etogoNi
na
i
swait
ingoutsi
de
ShenodsIwal kedoutrunni
ngto
nina'
scareIgotinthepassenger
seatandbuckledupsher ol
ledher
eyesdri
vi
ngaway
Ni
na:
thatt
ookl
ong
Me:
sor
ry
Nina:
youknowi t'
sbadl
uckifthe
groom getstoseethebr
idetheday
befor
et hei
rmarri
age?
Me:
pleasedon'
ttel
lmey
oubel
i
evei
n
t
hat
?
Ni
na:
Idothat
'swhyyou'
renotgoi
ng
t
oseeBrucetoday
.
Me:
What
ever
Shelaughedf
ocusi
ngonther
oadmy
phonerangIr
oll
edmyeyespi
cki
ng
up
I
ri
s:Goodmor
ningbaby
Me:
mor
ningMr
sWay
ne
I
ri
s:j
ustcal
lmeMom
Me:yesMom uhm NinaandIare
al
readyonourwayt othef
inalf
it
ti
ng
ofourdressesI
'
llcal
lyoul
ateraft
er
we'r
edone
I
ri
s:Okayby
ebaby
ShehungupDeegiggl
edparkedher
cari
nthepar
kingl
otwewalkedin
l
eil
arantomewehuggedtightl
y
Lei
l
a:Imi
ssedy
ousoomuchsi
s
Me:
Imi
ssedy
out
ooLei
l
a
Bet
ty:
Not i
mef
orhugsl
adi
esl
et'
s
st
artwit
hthef
it
ti
ng.
Shesai
dpul
l
ingmyhandt
owar
ds
someroom helpi
ngmeinmydressi
t
fi
tt
edmeper f
ectl
ysheSmi
led
bri
ght
ly
Bett
y:Per
fect
!!MyGody
oul
ook
beauti
ful
Me:
Thanksbet
ty
Shesmi l
edhelpi
ngmeof fmydr essI
changedbackintomyclothes
walki
ngtowher elei
l
aandni nawere
fi
tt
ingthei
rdresses
Me:
Deedi
dn'
tcomet
othef
it
ti
ng?
Nina:she'
sbusyorgani
singt
hepar
ty
l
ov edon'twor
ryherdressfi
ts
perfectl
y
Lei
l
a:Soi
t'
sonl
ygoi
ngt
obet
he4of
us?
Ni
na:
Nope
Shesai dsmili
ngtheychangedback
totheirclot
heswewal kedoutNina
dri
vingust oabeautySparweall got
ourbodi esmassagedthandrovet o
Jake'shousethat'
swher et
hepar tyi
s
Dee:
Igot
tagof
reshenupt
hanwe'
l
l
gett
hepart
yst
art
ed
Shesai
dwalki
ngupst
air
sIwalkedt
o
thebal
conyt
oanswermyphone
Me:
Hey
Li
am:
canIseey
ou?
Me:
l
iam I
'
m busyIcan'
tseey
ou
Liam:
pleaseIj
ustneed5mi nutesof
yourt
imepleaseI'
m outsi
det hegat
e
Me:
fi
negi
vemeami
nut
e
Ihungupwalki
ngoutsi
deheopened
thedoorformethanwenttohi
ssi
de
helookedatmeintheeyes
Liam:Soy
ou'
rer
eal
l
yget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
tohim?
Me:
Liam wet
alkedaboutt
his
Li
am: Ican'
tacceptitNat
tyouknowI
tr
iedaccepti
ngt hi
sbutIcan'
t
becauseIloveyouDamni t
!!
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Isai
dlooki
ngdown
Li
am:
Iwantyout
olookatmeint
he
ey
esandtel
lmeyoudon'
tl
oveme
Me:
Liam pl
ease
Li
am:
youowemet
hatmuchNat
t
Me:
Liam y
ouknowIloveyoubutI
l
oveyouli
kemybigbrot
her
Henodslooki
ngoutthewindowI
wal
kedouthiscarwalki
nginNi
na
r
oll
edhereyes
Ni
na:
real
l
yNat
asha?
Me:hewantedtotalknot
hing
happenedNinaIpromise
Ni
na:
Good
Lei
l
a:whatwer
eyout
alki
ngabout
Me:
theusual
stuf
f,hi
mlov
ingme
TheynodDeewal keddownstai
rs
somegirlsj
oineduswehad
food,
dri
nkstalkedandlaughedwith
them gi
vi
ngmegi ft
smyey espopped
outwhenIsawwhatNi naboughtme.
Me:
Nina!
!
Ni
na:
l
ikemygi
ft
?
Shesai
dsmi
l
ing
Me:
ali
ngeri
eni
na?
whatam Igoi
ngt
o
dowi
ththi
s?
Nina:
wrapitar
oundy
ourheadl
i
kea
headscarf
Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
esal
i
ttl
ebi
t
annoy
edt
hegi
rl
slaughed
Lei
l
a:I
'l
lbuyyouapairofr
edheel
sto
matchwitht
hatsexynumber
Me:
guy
scomeon
Gir
l:
youdoknowthatyou'
reboundt
o
havesexonyourweddi
ngnight?
Dee:
excuseme
Shesaidwal
ki
ngoutni
nar
oll
edher
eyesIgi
ggl
ed
Nina:Sheknowst
hat'
swhyIbought
herthisl
it
tl
ebabyher
e
Shesai
dfl
ashi
ngt
hel
i
nger
iei
nthe
ai
r
Gi
rl
:byt
hist
imet
omor
rowy
ouwon'
t
bev
irgi
nMar
y
Lei
l
a:someonei
sfi
nal
l
yget
ti
ngl
aid
ohh
TheylaughedIgul
peddownagl
ass
ofwineclear
ingmythr
oat.
Gi
rl
:r
elaxgi
rly
ou'
regoi
ngt
oenj
oyi
t
Ni
na:
enoughaboutsexladi
est
asha
i
sget
ti
nguncomfortabl
e
Me:
Thanky
ou
Wel
aughedsi
ppi
ngonourgl
asses
-
BRUCE-
Justfini
shedtaki
ngashowergot
dressedwalki
ngdownstair
stheguy
s
wereal r
eadypart
yingwi
thoutmeI
roll
edmyey eswal kingt otheki t
chen
tookouty est erday '
sleftovers
war medt hem upsatont hekitchen
highchai
randdugi nI'm wayt ootired
I'
m comi ngf rom wor kIhadt of i
nish
allt
hewor kIhadsi nceI '
m going
awayf orthewhol eweekf ormy
honey moont heguy sscreamed
walkingtot heki tchenwi t
h6
stri
ppersIr aisedmyey ebrow
Luke:
Gir
lsmeett
hemanoft
hehour
BruceWayne
Gi
rl
s:Ni
cet
omeety
ouWay
ne
Theysai
dbi
ti
ngt
hei
rli
pswal
ki
ngt
o
me
Br
ight
:I
'l
ltaket
heset
wowi
th
Luke:
Onei
senoughf
orme
Josh:
guessIhav
etot
akeonet
oo
Theysaidwalki
ngbackt othel
ounge
witht
hegi r
lsIwasleftwit
h2girl
s
theywalkedtomeci r
cli
ngthei
rs
fi
ngersaroundmychestIpushed
them of
fmegent l
yandf akedasmil
e
Me:uhm l
adi
esjustwannat
alkt
omy
br
other
sforli
ke5minutesI
'l
lbeback
Isai
dwalki
ngt
othel
ounget
urnedof
f
ther
adi
o
Me:
myst
udynow!
Isai
dwal
ki
ngt
omyst
udyt
hey
f
oll
owedmet
omyst
udy
Me:t
houghtweagreedt
onost
ri
pper
s
whatthehel
li
sthi
s?
Luke:
wewantedyoutotapsome
di
ffer
entassbef
orecommitt
ingt
o
oneAss.
Me:
Idon'
twannat
apnoAss
Bri
ght:
WTFmay begetti
ngmarr
iedi
s
abadideayou'
renotyetmar
ri
edbut
you'
realr
eadybor
ingAsf
Me:
GetRi
doft
hosehooker
sin
5mi
nut
es
Br
ight
:par
typopper
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngoutwi
thl
ukeand
j
oshaf t
erhim Igulpeddownagl ass
ofwhiskeydial
ingtasha'snumber
theyr
angt ovoicemai l
Itr
iedagai
n
theyr
angt ovoicemai l
Icussed
walki
ngdownst air
st hegir
lsandJosh
weregone
Me:
Josh?
Br
ight
:l
eftwi
tht
hehooker
s
Luke:
l
et'
shopehe'
sgoi
ngt
obeon
ti
mefortheweddi
ng
Me:
yeahr
ight
.
Bri
ght
:what'
supwi
thy
oumanar
e
youokay?
Me:I
'vebeentr
yingtocal
lNatasha
herphoneri
ngsstrai
ghtt
ov oi
cemail
Luke:she'
sprobabl
yhavi
ngf
unwi
th
theladiesst
opworryi
ng
Me:IknowIjustwannahearherv
oice
bef
oregoingtobed
Theybur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Luke:
Fucky
ou'
reWhi
ppedAsf
Br
ight
:t
hisi
snotl
ovei
t'
sobsessi
on
Me:
Fucky
oubr
ight
Br
ight
:t
rycal
l
inghersi
ster
Me:
Idon'
thav
eher
enumber
s
Luke:
I'
l
lcal
lNi
na
Me:howthehel
ldi
dyougether
numbers?Whatar
eyougoingt
odo
wit
hthem?
Luke:IwantedtoshagherIhel
d
my selfbecauseshe'
sfr
iendswi
th
yourwi fe
Me:
Good
Hedi
aledhernumber
sshepi
ckedup
ont
he5thring
Luke:Heybeaut
if
ulpleasebea
darl
ingandgiveTashathephone
Hegav
emet
hephone
Tasha:
Luke
Me:
Nat
asha
Tasha:
ohhheyBr
uce
Me:
Imi
ssy
ou
Shegi
ggl
edsof
tl
yIsmi
l
eddamnher
gi
ggl
eswer
etur
ningmeon
Tasha:y
ouknowt hegroom can'
tsee
thebri
detheni
ghtbeforethe
weddingdayapparent
lyit
'sbadl
uck.
Me:I
'
m sur
eav
ideocal
lwon'
tcause
anyhar
m
Shel
aughed
Tasha:
brucej
ustenjoyt
hepar
tywi
th
yourfr
iendsI
'
lldoexact
lyt
hesame
Me:
Fineseey
ouatt
heal
termyl
ove
Shel aughedandhungupf r
om the
callIpickedupthatshe'
sal i
ttl
ebit
ti
psyl et'
shopeshewon' tbetoo
drunkt omorrowmor ni
ngIgav eluke
hi
sphone.
Bri
ght:
Whatdi
dshefeedyouman
you'
rel
ikeal
ovesi
ckpuppy
Me:
i
t'
snott
hatbad
Them:
i
tisBadwi
thacapi
tal
let
terB
Welaughedsi
ppi
ngonourgl
assesof
whi
skey

*
Inser
t16*
-
BRUCE-
Wejustfi
nishedget
ti
ngdr essedwit
h
t
heguy sLi
am pushesthedoor
wal
kinginheburpedbalancingwit
h
t
hewall
Li
am:
Soy
ou'
rer
eal
l
yget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
t
omygi
rl
?
Luke:
wedon'thav
etimefory
ourshi t
l
iam wehavewaymor ei
mpor t
ant
thi
ngstodothantosi
therel
isteni
ng
toyourShi
t.
Liam: shutt
hehelluplukeI
'm not
talkingtoyou,SoBruceyou'
rereal
ly
goi ngtomar r
yherknowingexactl
y
thaty ou'
reamanhoe?
Ichuckl
edgulpi
ngdownagl assof
waterbri
ghthandedmeagl assof
whiskeyIshookmyheadI'm pl
anni
ng
ongetti
ngdrunktodayIwanttobe
soberasfonmyweddi ngday
Li
am:
you'
regoi
ngt
oignor
eme?
Me:Whatdoy ouwantmet osayli
am?
Youwantmet odenythatI
'
m aman
hoe?wantmet oliet
oy ouandsay
I
'm notget
ti
ngmar ri
edtoTasha?
Li
am:Soyou'
renotev
engoi
ngt
o
denyt
hatyou'
reamanhoe?
Me:Idon'
thav
etoexpl
ainmy
sel
fto
youli
am.
Li
am:
Sonofabi
tch
Il
osti
tandt
hrewapunchathi
m he
wentdowbr
ighthel
dmeback
Br
ight
:cal
m downhe'
sjustdr
unk
Josh:
we'r
erunni
ngl
ategent
slet
sget
outofher
e.
Luke:
Let
'
sgogety
oumar
ri
ed
Hesaidwal ki
ngoutwewal kedout
aft
erhimliam haspassedoutonthe
fl
oorjoshputhim onthecouch
walki
ngafteruswedr ovet
ot he
weddingvenue
Br
ight
:wecanalwayscancel
the
weddi
ngthanskipt
hecountryman
i
t'
snottoolat
etochangeyourmind
Me:
Nev
er
Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Josh:
Jesussoy
our
eal
l
ylov
ethegi
rl
?
Luke:
he'
swhi
pped
Me:
Shutup
Wel aughedJoshpar
kedinthe
parkingl
otwewalkedtowardst
he
venuemom wasShout i
ngatsome
peopleIchuckl
edwalki
ngtoher
Mom:Br
uceyou'
rel
ateyoushoul
d
hav
ebeenhere30minut
esago
Me:Iknowmom t
heguy
swokeup
l
ate
Mom:Gowaitf
ort
hebri
deint
heul
ter
we'
rest
art
ingi
n10minut
es
Me:
Yesma'
am
Shegiggl
edwalkingawayIsmi l
ed
walki
ngtotheulterwit
htheguysthe
bri
desmaidswalkedinjoi
ningusby
theul
terwait
ingforthebri
detowalk
downt heai
sle" Toni Braxt
on--
I
wannabey ourbaby "playedasTasha
walkeddownt heaisleIsmi l
ed
meetingherhalf
way .
Me:
Jesusy
ou'
resoobeaut
if
ul
Shebl ushedJakechuckled
squeezingmyshoul derandnodded
hewast heonewalkingtashadown
theaisleIsmil
edwal ki
ngbacktothe
preacherwithTasha.
Pastor:we'
regatheredheretodayto
unit
et hesetwosoul sinaholy
matrimony ,
butbeforewepr oceedis
ther
eany onewho' sagainstthi
sunit
y?
Speaknoworf oreverholdyourpeace
Luke:
Idareany
onet
ost
opt
he
wedding
Heshoutedj
oki
ngl
yev
ery
one
l
aughed
Pastor
:Nat
ashaNkosidoyoutake
BruceWaynetobeyourlawf
ull
y
weddedhusband?
Tasha:
Ido
Pastor:
BruceWay nedoyoutake
NatashaNkosi t
obey ourl
awful
ly
weddedwi fe?
Me:
hel
lyeah
Helaughedblessi
ngt
her
ingsbef
ore
gi
vingthem t
ousweexchangedt
he
ri
ngs
Pastor
:Inowpr
onouncey
ouas
husbandandwif
eyoumayki
ssthe
bri
de
Me:
i
t'
saboutt
imePast
or
ThepeopleburstoutlaughingI
smir
kedandgr abbedherwai st
pul
li
ngherclosertomeshel ooked
downIsmi l
edpushingherf aceup
wit
hmyi ndexfingersheblushed.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oki
ssy
ounow
Br
ight
:Justki
ssheral
ready
!!
Me:
Ready
?
Shenodsshyl
yIsmashedmylipson
hersshemoanedi
nbetweentheki
ss
Ichuckl
edpul
li
ngoutpeopl
ewere
scr
eami
ngandcl
appi
ngt
hei
rhands
^
NATASHA^
We'r
enowinthechangingr
ooms
wi
ththegir
lsl
eil
akeptonsteal
i
ng
gl
ancesatmethansmile
Me:
j
ustsayi
tlei
l
a
Lei
la:
Brucel
ovesyousishaveyou
seenthewayhelooksatyou?
Me:
l
eil
ayou'
rei
magi
ningt
hings
Ni
na:
Not
imef
orchi
tchatl
adi
es
Shesai
dimit
ati
ngbet
ty'
svoi
cewe
bur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Dee:
you'
l
lfi
ndmei
nther
ecept
ion
Shesai
dwal
ki
ngoutNi
nar
oll
edher
ey
esgi
vi
ngmet
hel
i
nger
ie
Ni
na:
weart
hisundery
ourdr
ess
Me:
DoIr
eal
l
yhav
eto?
Lei
l
a:Yeshur
ryupgetdr
essed
Irol
ledmyey esweari
ngt heli
ngeri
e
thanmydr esstheyal
sochangedi nt
o
thei
rseconddresseswet ookalif
tto
the3rdfl
oorjoi
ningever
y oneBruce
smiledwalki
ngt oust
akingmyhand
i
nhi s
Br
uce:
canIst
eal
herf
or10mi
nut
es?
Ni
na:
j
ustpr
omi
set
obr
ingherback
Br
uce:
promi
se
Wewal
kedar
oundwi
thhi
m
i
ntroducingmet
ohi
scol
l
eaguesand
everyone.
"
SircanIhav
eapi
ctur
e"
Br
uce:
Smi
l
efort
heCamer
ababy
Hesaidcircl
inghisarm aroundmy
waistshetookmanypi cturesofusI
t
hanexcusedmy selfashewasbusy
t
alkingtohiscli
ents.
Lei
l
a:bor
edal
ready
?
Me:
youhav
enoi
dea
Ni
na:at
leastthepart
yisovernowy'
al
l
wi
llbeherdingtoyourhousenow
Me:Ij
ustneedonegl
assofwi
net
han
I
'l
lbefi
ne
Isai
dgul
pingdownagl
assofwi
ne
Ni
na:
rel
axy
ou'
regoi
ngt
oenj
oyi
t
Me:
yeahr
ight
Br
uce:
guy
swe'
rel
eav
ing
Br
ight:
youcan'tl
eav
euswi
thy
our
vi
sit
orsbruce
Br
uce:
IcanandIwi
l
l
Hesai
dtaki
ngmyhandwalki
ngto
hi
scardr
ivi
ngt
ohishousehepar
ked
i
nthegar
agewalki
ngi
n
Br
uce:
Sowe'
rer
eal
l
ymar
ri
edhuh?
Hesai dwal
kingclosert
omeI
clear
edmyt hroatwalki
ngt
owar
ds
thestair
s
Br
uce:
uhm doy
ouneedany
thi
ng?
Me:Nopej
ustwannagetoft
hisdr
ess
andshoes
Br
uce:
needsomehel
p?
Ichokedonmysal i
vahelaughed
walkingupstair
sIwalkedaft
erhim
hewal kedtotheensuit
ebathroom
heardtheshowerr unni
nghecame
backwi thatowelwrappedaround
hislowerbodyIbitmyl i
pashe
droppedt hetowelhechuckl
edsoftl
y
Br
uce:
l
ikewhaty
ousee?
Me:
Iuhm
Isaidlooki
ngawayhel
aughed
walkingtowar
dsmehisshaf
thar
d
asf,
faci
ngnor
thIswal
l
owedhar
d
Br
uce:
youneededhel
pwi
thy
our
dr
ess
Me:
NoI
Hecutmeshor
t
Bruce:Soyou'
regoi
ngtounzi
p
yourselff
rom t
heback?
Ishookmyheadhesmi
rked
Br
uce:
Exact
ly
Iturnedheunzi
ppedmydress
helpingmeoffi
thecussedbi
ti
nghi
s
l
ip
Br
uce:
Fuck!We'
renaught
yar
en'
twe?
Me:
Ninaf
orcedmet
oweart
his
Bruce:
remindmet
obuyheraboxof
chocol
atesasamythanksgi
vi
ng
Hesai dtakingofftheli
nger i
elooki
ng
atmebi t
inghi sli
p.Smashi nghisli
ps
onmi negr abbingmybut theleftmy
l
ipsfortheneckhi shandt ravel
l
edto
mynunar ubbingmycl i
tImoanedhe
pushedmet othebedget t
ingontop
ofmesucki ngonmyneckpushi ng
hisfi
ngerinmynunaImoaned
Br
uce:
Iwanty
ouNat
asha
Me:
OhBr
uceII
Br
uce:
Ican'
theary
oubaby
?
Me:
Iwanty
out
wobr
uce
Hesmi
rkedki
ssi
ngmef
rom my
j
awl i
negoi ngdownhegott omy
nunalickingandsucki ngonitIwas
screaminghi snameIwasf eel
ing
somet ypeofwayIr el
easedmy
j
uicesalloverhisfacehelickedme
cl
eancomi ngbackt omyf acehe
perkedmyl i
pslookinginmyey es
Br
uce:
Heyt
her
ebaby
Me:
Hi
Isaidbl
ushi
nghestart
edf
inger
fucki
ngmewhilesucki
ngonmyneck
herubbedhi
sti
ponmynuna
Me:
ArhBr
uce!
!
Bruce:
i
t'
sgoi
ngtohur
tal
i
ttl
eletme
knowifyouwantmet
ost
op
Inodquicklyhetri
edtopushhi msel
f
i
nIbitmyl i
pasIfel
tunbearablepai
n
downt herehetr
iedagaint
il
l hewas
fi
nall
yinhemov edslowlyIclosedmy
eyesti
ght l
yasIfel
tsoomuchpai n
andther esti
shi
story.
Br
uce:
Ilov
eyou
Inodcl
osi
ngmyey
es.

*
Inser
t17*
^
NATASHA^
Brucewokemeupwi thbreakf
astin
bedhewental l
outprepari
ngbacon
,eggs,f
ishf
ingers,
beefbangersand
toast
edbreadwithacupofcof feeI
cl
ear
edmythroatbecausehewas
st
ari
ngatme
Me:
stopst
ari
ng
Br
uce:
what
'ssoobadwi
thst
ari
ngat
mywif
e?
Me:
you'
remaki
ngmeShy
Br
uce:
butIl
i
kei
twheny
oubl
ush
Me:
Brucest
opi
t!
Isai
dblushi
nghel
aughedki
ssi
ngmy
cheek.
Br
uce:
comeI
'
ver
any
ouabat
h
Hesaidpull
i
ngmet othebathroom
taki
nghiscl
othesof
fgett
inginthe
showerIswall
owedhardl
ookingat
hi
shar
ddi
ckhechuckl
edsof
tl
y
Br
uce:
l
ikewhaty
ouseebaby
?
Me:
Iuhm
Helaughedpul
l
ingmecl
osert
ohim
sucki
ngonmyneckImoanedsof
tl
y
Bruce:
Forgetthebat
hlet
'st
akea
showertogether.
Itookmyclothesoffj
oini
nghimin
theshowerhesmi r
kedpull
ingme
closert
ohim hiser
ect
ionpokingmy
stomach
Me:
Brucewe'
rer
unni
ngl
ate
Br
uce:
huh?
Heaskedpushi
nghi
sfi
ngeri
nmy
nunaImoanedsof t
lyhesuckedon
myneckashi sf
ingerwasgoi ngi
n
andoutofmynunaandt heresti
s
hi
st ory.
anywhoI
'm nowget ti
ng
dressedmyphoner angasIwas
puttingonmyshoesIpi ckedup
withoutlooki
ngatthecallerI
D.
Me:
Nat
ashahel
l
o
Liam:canIseeyoubef
orey
oul
eav
e
foryourhoneymoon?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea
l
iam
Li
am:
please
Me:(
Sigh)
FineI
'
llhavel
atelunchwi
th
youmeetmeatt heSuncoastat
15:
00
Li
am:
Okayhav
eagoodday
.
Ihungupwalki
ngdownstai
rsbr
uce
wassippi
ngonaglassofbeert
ypi
ng
somethi
ngonhisphone
Me:
I'
mreadyt
ogo
Br
uce:
yesma'
am
Hewalkedoutwit
hmewal ki
ngafter
hi
m heopenedthedoorf
ormet han
wentt
ohissidedri
vi
ngawaysinging
al
ongto"Russ-
-l
oosi
ngcontr
ol"
Bruce:
(si
ngi
ng)She'
sfal
l
ingi
nlov
e
now, l
osi
ngcontr
olnow
Fi
ght
ingt
het
rut
h,t
ryi
ngt
ohi
de
ButIt
hinki
t'
sal
ri
ght
,gi
rl
Yeah,
Ithi
nki
t'
sal
ri
ght
,gi
rl
,ooh
She'
sfall
ingi
nlov
enow,
losi
ng
cont
rolnow
Fi
ght
ingt
het
rut
h,t
ryi
ngt
ohi
de
ButIt
hinki
t'
sal
ri
ght
,gi
rl
Yeah,
Ithi
nki
t'
sal
ri
ght
,gi
rl
,ooh
Iblushedlookingoutt hewindowi sit
thatobviousthatIhav efal
lenforhim?
IneverthoughtI '
dbet hi
sinlovewi t
h
him provi
dedIknowt hathe'sa
fuckboyhepar kedinthedr i
vewayat
theWay ne'sapar t
mentwewal kedin
mr sWay nesmi ledhuggingus.
I
ri
s:y
out
woar
egl
owi
nghuh
Br
uce:
notnowmom
Hesai
dwalki
ngt
ot hest
udytofi
nd
hi
sfat
hermrsWayneandIsatdown
wi
thatubofI
cecr
eam
I
ri
s:howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
(Bl
ushi
ng)I
'
m okay
I
ri
s:I
'
m gladyou'
reokaydar
li
ngr
eady
f
oryourhoneymoon?
InodbruceandmrWaynejoi
nedus
aroundthet
abl
ehavi
nglunch
Me:uhm br
uceI
'm goi
ngt
oseemom
bef
oreweleave
Br
uce:
I'
l
lgr
abmycarkey
sanddr
ive
y
ou
Me:NoIuhm ImeanIhaveal
ready
cal
ledacabI
'll
bebackbefor
ey ou
knowit
.
Bruce:
cal
lwheny
ouwantmet
opi
ck
youup
Inodwal
ki
ngoutt
aki
ngacabt
o
town.
%LI
AM%
Shewalkedi
nlooki
ngfl
yIbitmyli
p
asshesatonthechai
ropposi
temine
Me:
Jesusy
ou'
resoobeaut
if
ul
Tasha:
Whathappenedt
oyourf
ace?
Me:
Brucepunchedmey
est
erdaybut
don'
twor
ryaboutt
hati
tdoesn'
thur
t
Shenodssi
ppi
ngonagl
assofwi
ne
Tasha:
whatam Idoi
ngher
eli
am?
Me:
Imi
ssedseei
ngy
ourpr
ett
yface
Tasha:
Iwast
edmyt
imecomi
ngher
e
Shesai
dwalki
ngoutIr
anaf
terher
hel
dherar
m
Me:
tashawai
tyouknowIl
ovey
ou
Tasha:
I'
m someone'
swi
fel
i
am
Me:it
'snotl
ikey
ou'
rei
nlovewit
hhi
m
yourmarri
agewasarr
angedand
bruceisamanhoe
Tasha:
doest
hatr
eal
l
ymat
ter
?
Me:
whyar
eyoudef
endi
nghi
m nat
t?
Tasha:
that
'sbecauseIl
ovehi
m
Damnit
!!
Sheshout
edmyey
espoppedout
Me:
youwhat
?
Tasha:Isai
dIlovehim Iknowour
marri
agewasar rangedandIdidn't
wantthisbutIhavefal
lenforhi
mI
havelearntt
olovehim.Nowpl ease
l
etgoofmyar m Ineedtogopr epar
e
fort
hehoney moon.
Shewal
kedaway
.
Dee:
thatdi
dn'
tgowel
l
Me:
fuckshel
oveshi
m al
ready
Isai
dget
ti
ngonmycardr
ivi
ngaway
ohhDeewasi nthecarthewhole
ti
meshewant edtobetherewhenI
tal
ktoNattIdon'
tknowwhyt houghI
l
eftheri
ntheparki
nglotshecancall
j
oshtopickherupI'
m sooAngr yand
IwannabealoneRightnow.
-
BRUCE-
WhenTashalefttoseehermotherI
deci
dedt
ocall t
heguystocomeov er
tomyhousetowat chsoccerov
era
coupl
eofbeers.
Br
ight
:Howwasi
tman?
Me:I
'
m notaboutt
odi
scussmysex
l
if
ewithyouguys
Luke:
yougot
tabeki
ddi
ng
Bri
ght:
younev
erhadapr
obl
em
tal
ki
ngabouti
tbefor
e
Me:I
'm notdi
scussi
ngmywi
fewi
th
you
Luke:
Fucky
ou
Wel aughedmyphonev i
brated
i
ndicat i
ngthatI '
vegotfacebook
noti
ficati
ont hatI'
mt aggedinsome
pict
ur eIloggedi nonfacebookI
chuckledwhenIsawl i
am andt asha
i
napar kinglotofsomemal l l
iam
washol dingt asha'
sarm wi t
hcapt ion
"t
hehear twant swhatitwant s"I
chuckledgul pingdownmybeer
Luke:
ever
ythi
ngokay
?
Me:yeahyeahI
'm okayj
ustwanna
takeashowerandgetreadyf
orthe
BLOODYHONEYMOON!
Luke:
we'
l
lbeonourwayout
Inodwal kingupst ai
rstakingahot
showertrinnacal m my sel
fdown
becauser i
ghtnowI '
m pissedAsfI
feelli
kebeat i
ngt heshitoutofDesir
e
fortaki
ngt hatpi ctureIgotdressin
shortsagol ft-shirtandf l
i
pf l
ops
walkingdownst airstashapushedthe
doorwalkingi n.
Me:
youdi
dn'
tcal
l
Tasha:
Idi
dn'
twannat
roubl
eyou
Me:
how'
syourmot
her
?
Tasha:
She'
sokay
Inodherphoner
ingsshepi
ckedup
Tasha:
Ninahey
"
Hav
ey ouseenthepi
ctur
e?Jesus
y
oucan'tl
etbr
uceseethatpi
ctur
e?"
Tasha:
Whatpi
ctur
e?
"
Gotoyourf
acebookyou'
ret
aggedi
n
api
ctur
eofyouandli
am"
Tasha:
What
!!
?
Shehal
fshout
edanddr
oppedt
he
cal
l
Tasha:
BruceIcanexpl
ain?
Me:
pleasedo
Tasha:
I'
m sor
ryt
hatIl
i
edaboutgoi
ng
toseemotherliam call
edbeggi
ngto
seemeforatleast5mi nut
esIagr
eed
tohavel
atelunchwi thhim
Me:
nahi
t'
sfi
nej
ustdon'
tdoi
tagai
n
Shenodsl
ooki
ngdown
Me:l
et'
sgowe'regoingtomissthe
f
li
ghtI'
veal
readyloadedthebagson
t
heboot
Shenodswalkingtowardst
hedoorI
walkedaf
terherdri
vingtot
heai
rpor
t
weboardedaf l
ight
.
Tasha:
I'
m sor
ry
Me:I'
m wayoverthatmylovebutI'
m
sti
l
lgoingtoki
cky ourf
ri
endsbuttfor
posti
ngthatpi
cture.
Shegiggl
edputt
ingherheadonmy
chestIsmil
edki
ssingherhead
*
Inser
t18*
^
NATASHA^
Br
uceshookmeupIr
ubbedmyey
es
si
tt
ingupr
ight
Br
uce:we'
rel
andi
ngi
n5mi
nut
esput
onyourseat
bel
t
Inodput
ti
ngonmyseatbel
tsmi
l
ing
tomysel
fDamnI
'minl
ove
Br
uce:
youokay
?
Me:
YeahI
'
m goodj
ustt
ir
ed
Henodsundoi
nghi
sseat
bel
t
t
oget
herwit
hminewewal
kedout
Br
uce:
Wel
comet
oDubai
myl
ove
Me:
ohmygoshbr
uce!
!
Ishoutedexcit
edlythrowingmyself
i
nhisar mshel aughedpickingmeup
Iwrappedmyl egsar oundhiswaist
smashingmyl ipsonhi shesqueezed
mybut tocksIl
aughedpul li
ngoutthe
ki
ss.
Me:
takei
teasyt
her
emrWay
ne
Br
uce:
yesma'
am
Hel
aughedputt
ingmedownWe
wal
kedtowar
dst hecar
.
Br
uce:
Shabba
Theyf
istpumpedandbr
ohugged
Shabba:
i
t'
sbeenl
ongmanwehav
eto
cat
chup
Br
uce:
l
aterbr
ost
il
lwannabondwi
th
mywif
e
Shabba:I
'
m Shabbabyt
hewayy
our
husband'
svarsi
tyf
ri
end
Me:
nicet
omeety
ou
Henodsget ti
ngonthef r
ontseatI
gotinthebackwithbrucehedrove
awaywi t
hhim andbrucetal
king
aboutthei
rvarsi
tydaysheparkedin
thethecarhelpi
nguswi t
hourbags
wetookal i
fttoourfl
oor.
Shabba:
guessI
'
llseey
ouar
oundman
Br
uce:
we'
rei
nthesamebui
l
dingy
ou
i
diotj
ustdi
ff
erentf
loor
s
Helaughedwalki
ngoutcl osi
ngthe
doorbehi
ndhim Iroll
edmyey es
walki
ngtothebathroom bruce
fol
l
owedmet here
Br
uce:
i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
Idon'
tl
ikey
ourf
ri
end
Bruce:
(l
aughi
ng)
what
?Ev
ery
onel
i
kes
Shabbababy
Me:y
ou'
reri
ghtI'
m notev
ery
one
Br
uceI'
m NatashaWayne
Isai
dcrossi
ngmyar mshechuckled
taki
nghiscl
othesoffget
ti
ngint
he
showerCallmechil
dishordr
amatic
butIdon'
tli
kethi
sshabbaguy
somet hingabouthim doesn'
tsitwel
l
withme.Hewasbusyt al
kingto
Bruceabouthi swhori
ngday s
remindinghim abouthishoesinfr
ont
ofmemxm whataner ve!
Bruce:
soyou'
renotj
oini
ngmei
nthe
shower?
Me:
nahI
'
llshoweral
one
Br
uce:comeonbabewe'
l
lbesav
ing
water
.
Hesaidwiththisstupidgri
nplastered
onhisfaceIsighedtakingmycl othes
of
fjoini
nghimi ntheshowerhe
smir
kedpulli
ngmecl osercl
oserto
hi
m
Me:
BruceI
..
.
Br
uce:
you'
rewhatbaby
?
Heaskedsucki ngonmyneckIl et
outasof tmoanhechuckl edwashi
ng
everyinchofmybodyIdi dthesame
tohim wegotoutt heshowergot
dressedwalkingtothekit
chenI
madeussomet hingtoeatbrucewas
busywi thhi
sphonehecl i
ckedhis
tongue
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngokay
?
Bruce:
yeahit
'sbusi
nessstuf
fthought
Imademy selfcl
eart
hatI'
m going
awayforthewholeweek
Me:
gett
heHRdepar
tmentt
ogety
ou
aPAy ou'
l
lhav
eli
tt
lewor
kwhenwe
r
etur
nhome
Br
uce:
I'
l
lcal
ll
ukel
atert
oday
Inoddi shi
ngupweat eov er
conversati
onf r
om ourconversati
onI
foundoutt hatwehaveal oti
n
commonIcl earedmythroatasbr uce
wasst ari
ngatmehesmi ledperki
ng
myl i
ps
Br
uce:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
*
LUKE*
I'
m chi
ll
ingwi
ththeguysatthecl
ub
catchi
ngupoveracoupleofbeer
s
Br
ight
:hasbr
ucecal
l
ed?
Me:
Nahhe'
spr
obabl
ysl
eepi
ngnow
Henodssippi
ngonhisbeermy
phoner
ingsIpi
ckedup
Me:
Bruce
Bruce:
mancany oudomeafavor
?
Pl
easet el
lPet
ertogetmeaP.
A
Asap
Me:
not
edsohowar
ey'
al
ldoi
ng?
Bruce:
we'r
egoodmanI '
m st
il
langr
y
aboutthepict
uret
hough
Me:Isoowant
edtoki
ckDesir
e'sass
whenIbumpedint
oheryest
erdayat
someclub
Br
uce:I
'
m glady oudi
dn'
twewoul
dn'
t
wantunnecessarydr
ama
Me:
yeahr
ight
Br
uce:
wher
ear
ethepar
ent
s?
Me:
homeI
'
m wi
thbr
ightatt
hecl
ub
Br
uce:
putmeonl
oudspeaker
Br
ight
:don'
tchowt
hegi
rlt
oomuch
Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng
Br
uce:
fucky
ou!
Me:
ohboyher
ecomest
roubl
e
Liam walkedtoourtabl
epul
l
ingout
thechairjoi
ningus
Li
am:
gent
s
Us:
bro
Wef
istpumped
Br
uce:
what
'supwi
tht
heshout
ing?
Li
am:
you'
reonacal
l
?
Inod
Br
uce:
I'
m wi
thShabbaher
einDubai
Me:Staythehellawayf r
om shabba
whydi dfat
herbooky 'al
la
honeymooni nDubai knowingexact
ly
thatshabbaisthere!
!
Ihal
fshout
edbangi
ngt
het
abl
e
Bruce:duderel
axI'
m notgoingtofal
l
forhistri
cksthi
sti
meIl ov
et ashaI
wouldn'twantanyt
hingtoruinthat
Me:Goodav
oidhi
m asmuchasy
ou
can
Br
uce:
yesf
ather
Wel
aughedsomemor
e
Br
uce:
lookmanwe'
l
ltal
klat
ert
asha
j
ustwokeup
Hehungupl
i
am cl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
Li
am:
they
'r
efi
ner
ight
?
Bri
ght
:whydoesitmatt
erl
iam? af
ter
thest
untyouandyoursi
sterpull
ed?
Li
am:Idi
dn'
tknowany
thi
ngaboutt
he
pi
ctur
eman
Br
ight
:youwantmet
obel
i
evet
hat
?
Li
am:
yes
Bri
ght:
you'r
ecr
azyi
fyouwantmet
o
bel
iev
et hat
.
Li
am:
Fucky
ou!
!
Me:guyscomeonepeopl
eare
l
ookingatusr
ightnowy'
al
lar
e
causi
ngascene
Bri
ghtcl
i
ckedhistonguegul
ping
downaglassofbeer
Br
ight
:I
'm out
taher
e
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngoutIshookmyhead
Li
am:
sor
rymanIj
ust
..
.
Me:Idon'
twannaheari
tli
am j
ust
shutupandenjoyt
hebeer
Li
am:
ri
ght
Wesatther
elaughi
ngwhi
l
esi
ppi
ng
onourbeer
.

*
Inser
t19*
^
BRUCE^
It
'sbeenanawesomeweekher ein
Dubai eventhoughIhadami norfi
ght
withbr ucethisotherdayhewentout
withShabbaf ordri
nkscameback
DrunkAsfIt oldShabbatofuckoff
andsl appedhi m,Iwassooangrywith
bruceheapol ogi
zedandav oi
ded
Shabbaf ort
hewhol eweekany who
wej ustfini
shedpackingnowwehad
togohomebecauseofworkwe
coul
dn'
tst
ayforanot
herday.
Br
uce:
yougood?
Inodconcentr
atingonmybaghe
si
ghedwalkingtowardsme
Bruce:youstil
lgiv
ingt hi
ssil
ent
tr
eat ment?howmanyt i
mesmustI
apologizetashaIdi dn'
tdoanythi
ng
stupidIjustwentoutwi t
hShabbafor
acoupl eofdrinksguessIwasn' t
noticedthatIhadt oomucht odrink
al
ready
Igl
ancedathi
m zippi
ngmybaghe
huggedmefrom behindbreat
hingin
myearIbitmyli
pt oprev
entmef rom
moani
ngbecausehewast
urni
ngme
on
Br
uce:
Sunshi
neIsai
dI'
m sor
ry
Hesai
dsucki
ngonmyneckmybody
f
ail
edmeIletoutamoan
Me:
Bruce
I
tcameoutasawhi
sper
Br
uce:
huh?
Hesai
dhishandcuppingmyboobs
t
heotherhandtr
avel
i
ngt omynuna
r
ubbi
ngmycl i
tontopofmypanti
es
Br
uce:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
ohshi
tIl
ovey
out
oobr
uce
Hel
aughedwal
ki
ngawayf
rom me
zi
ppi
nghisbagIfel
tli
kescreami
ng
mylungsdi
dthi
sguyjustleaveme
hor
ny?
Me:
BruceI
..
.
Br
uce:
you'
rewhatmyl
ove?
Me:
youcan'
tj
ustl
eav
emel
i
ket
his?
Br
uce:
Likewhat
?
Heaskedwit
hthi
sstupi
dgrin
pl
ast
eredonhisf
aceIhuff
ed
Me:
hor
ny
Br
uce:
(l
aughi
ng)
you'
l
lhav
etobegme
mylov
e
Me:
WHAT?You'
reki
ddi
ngr
ight
?
Br
uce:
I'
m deadser
ious
Hesai dlookingbackathisbagI
huffedisthisguyseri
oushe'sreal
l
y
goingtohav emebegf orsex?I
walkedtohi m huggi
nghimf r
om
behindrunningmyhandsupand
downhi sabshechuckl ed
Me:
Brucepl
ease
Br
uce:
pleasewhatbut
ercup?
Me:
pleasemakel
ovet
ome
Isai
dtearsthreateni
ngmyeyeshe
smir
kedpickingmeuppi nnedme
agai
nstthewal lr
ubbingonmycl
itI
moanedsoftly
Me:
brucepl
easeIneedt
ofeel
you
i
nsi
de
Henodsi nsert
inghi
msel fIgaspedas
hestart
edmov i
ngandt herestis
hi
storywet ookaninnocentshower
gotdressedtookalifttothe
basementbumpi ngintoShabbawi t
h
somegi r
lIfrownedbr ucesqueezed
myhand
Shabba:Don'
ttel
lmeyou'
rel
eavi
ng
alr
eadyIhadthispar
tyor
gani
sedjust
foryou
Br
uce:y
ouknowIdon'
tl
ikepart
ies
mananywaysIhav
etogetbackto
work
Hesai
dpull
i
ngmyhandwalki
ng
t
owardst
hecarwegott
othecart
he
driversmi l
eddr i
vingust otheairpor
t
appar entl
yShabbawasor ganizi
nga
partymxm asshol eIknowhe
probabl ywant edbrucetogetdr unk
thant ryhisluckwi t
hmet hedayI
slappedhi m het r
iedkissingmeIl ost
i
tandsl appedhi m brucewast oo
drunkt oseeany t
hingatthismoment
I'
m gladwehadt oleaveear l
ybruce
kissedmycheekIf orcedasmi l
ed
Br
uce:
i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
yeahI
'
m good
Br
uce:Iknowyou'
renotokayt
ashai
s
i
tbecauseofShabba?
If
rownedhear
inghi
snamemakes
meangr
y
Me:
No,
YesIdon'
tl
iket
hatguy
Bruce:
IknowandIdon'
tbl
amey
ou
I
'm sor
rysunshi
ne
Inodresti
ngmyheadonhisshoulder
thedri
verpar
kedhi
scarhel
pingus
withourbagsweboar
dedaflight
goingbackhome.
'
SHABBA'
Icussedast heywalkedouttaki
nga
cabt otheai
rportIplannedonruini
ng
thingsfort
hem intheirhoney
moon
from whatI'
venoticedbrucelov
eshis
wi f
ealotact
uall
yhe'skindaobsessed
wi t
hherthedaywewentoutf or
dri
nksIhadt obeghi mt ogooutwi th
mehet urnedmedownadozenof
ti
mesunt i
lhiswi f
esai dhecangowe
hadacoupl eofbeer st alki
ngabout
goodol dday swel latl
eastf orhim not
mebecausehesl eptwi t
hmysi ster
thandumpedhert hef oll
owi ng
mor ningalsohadsexwi thmy
gir
lfri
endIr eal
lylovedt hatgi r
lbut
shet hrowedher selftobr uceIknow
gir
lsar ebit
chesIt rustedbr ucet o
turnherdownbecauseoft hebr o
codebuthedi dn'tthanIl ostthel ove
ofmyl i
fehadmysi sterf al
linginto
depressionIknowmysi sterisnota
saintshel i
kesthrowi ngher selfonhe
probablydidthesamewi thbrucebut
hedidn'thavetodumphert he
fol
lowingmor ni
ngaf t
ertheyhadsex
myphoner angdistur
bingmef r
om
myt houghtsIpickedup
Me:
Dinkyhel
l
o
Di
nky
:Shabbat
hepar
tyst
il
lon?
Me(
sigh)
Nosi
shel
eftanhourago
Di
nky:
maybeyoushoul
dleav
ehi
m
al
onebrot
her
Me:Ican'
tsi
sIwannahur
thi
m ashe
hur
tme
Shesi
ghed
Di
nky
:Fi
neIneedmoney
Me:I'
l
lhaveitdeposi
tedi
ntoy
our
accountl
ater
ShehungupIgul
peddownagl
assof
whiskey
%LUKE%
mom keptsteal
i
nggl
ancesatmeI
r
oll
edmyey es
Me:
saywhat
every
ouwannasay
mom
Mom:what'
swrongwit
hyou?You'
ve
beensourf
or3days
Me:Whywoul dy'
allsendbruceto
Dubaiknowingexactlyt
hatshabbais
ther
e?Doy ouguyswannar uinthi
ngs
forhi
m?
Mom:
What
!?Shabbai
sther
e?
Dad:what'
swr
ongwit
hshabbabei
ng
i
nDubai ?
Imeant
heyusedtobe
fr
iends
Me:Shabbai
sbadnewsf at
heryou
knowhehasalwaystri
edcompeti
ng
wit
hbrucefr
iendsdon'
tdothat
Dad:
hewasaki
dbackthenhe'
s
gr
ownupnowI'
m sur
ehe'schanged
Me:(Chuckl
ing)
I'
m sor
rytosaythis
fat
herbutyou'dbeafoolifyou
bel
ievethatshabbawil
leverchange
Mom:
Lukest
op
Me:mom i
t'
sthet r
uthShabbawi
l
l
nev
erchange,excuseme
Isai
dwalki
ngawaydri
vi
ngt oBr
ight'
s
houseIpar
kedbehi
ndhiscarwalki
ng
i
nwef i
stpumped
Br
ight
:myman
Me:dudeI'm sooangryfat
herknew
thatshabbaisindubaibuthesti
ll
sentbrucethereknowingexact
lythat
shabbaistrouble
Bri
ght:
ohboyIguesshet
houghthe'
s
changed
Me:
Shabbachange?Nev
er
Br
ight
:yeahri
ghtuhm t
heygotbr
uce
aPAshest ar
tedworki
ng2daysago
Me:goodhopeshewon'
tcauseany
t
roubles
Br
ight
:hopef
ull
y.
uhm Li
am has
movedonwi t
hthi
ssexychickbut
..
.
Me:
butwhat
?
Br
ight
:she'
smar
ri
ed
Me:
What
!?
Bright:
Iknowt
hat
'sexact
lyhowI
reactedwhenhet
oldme
Me:
wel
li
fhe'
shav
ingf
unl
ethi
m be
Bri
ght:
yeahbr
ucei
sonhi
swayback
ri
ght?
Inodhesmi
rkedsi
ppi
ngonhi
s
whiskey
Me:
What
'sony
ourmi
nd?
Br
ight
:Whydon'
twehav
ethem ami
ni
wel
comehomepar
ty?
Me:Idon'tt
hinkthat
'sagoodidea
they'
ll
probablybeti
redandneed
somer estmay bewecandoitonthe
foll
owingday
Br
ight
:cool
Me:
manIhav
etogoIhav
ewor
k
t
omorr
ow
Wef i
stpumpedIwal
kedoutdr
ivi
ng
tomyhousewalkedst
rai
ghtt
omy
room t
hrewmysel
fonmybedand
dozedoff.

*
Inser
t20*
-
BRUCE-
wej ustl
andedintheairportlukeand
bri
ghtwer eal
readywaitingforus
theywalkedtouswef istpumped
theyhelpeduswi t
hourbagswal king
towardsthecarwegoti nt heback
l
ukesmi leddr
ivingaway .
Luke:
howwast
hehoney
moont
asha?
Tasha:
i
twasf
ine
Sheshr uggedlooki
ngoutthewi ndow
Isighedt aki
ngherhandinmineand
kissedi tshegiggl
edsoftl
y.
Shabba
reall
yr uinedmyhoney moonmywi fe
didn'tenjoyherhoneymoonpr operl
y
yeswedi dgooutshoppi
ngwentt o
thosefancyr estaurant
st ookmany
pictur
est ogetherwentf oratourbut
stil
lmywi fewasn' thappybecauseof
ShabbaguessI '
l
lhavetomakei tup
toherbysendi ngherandherf ri
ends
forahol i
dayinMaur i
ti
usmay be?No
Capetowni sf i
neshepokedme
distur
bingmef rom myt houghts
Me:
huh?
Tasha:
we'
rehome
Inodwet ookourbagswalki
ngi nthe
houseItookaquickshowergot
dressedwalki
ngdownstai
rstasha
washav i
ngahotchocolat
eIsmi led
taki
ngasiponhercupshesul ked.
Me:babyjustwannadashtoworkget
somef i
l
est hanworkonthem f
or
today
Tasha:
Okaybr
ingsomehotwingsfor
meandCalamarif
rom Wool
worths
Ir
aisedmyey ebrowki
ssedhercheek
walki
ngoutdrivi
ngtoworkIpar
ked
i
nthedr i
vewaywalki
nginthe
Recepti
on
Br
adl
ey:
mor
ningmrWay
ne
Me:
mor
ningBr
adl
ey
Isaidtakingali
fttomyf loorpassed
myPAsdeskshe' snother ey etI
walkedinmyof ficesearchingf ort
he
fi
lesI'
ml ooki
ngf orIf
inall
yf ound
them l
ockedmyoffi
cewalkingout
dri
vingtothemal
ltobuytasha'
shot
wingsandCalamariIbumpedint
o
l
iam andsomewoman.
Li
am:
myman
Webr
ohugged
Me:Soar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
oint
roduce
us?
Li
am:(
laughi
ng)
wherearemy
mannerssor
ryaboutt
hatbabe
Hesai
dki
ssi
nghercheek
Her
:(
giggl
i
ng)
youl
eftt
hem athome
Li
am:Br
ucethi
sisBri
tneymygi
rl
Br
it
neythi
sisBrucemyhomeboy
Me:
Nicet
omeety
ou
Shesmi l
edextendi
ngherhandfora
handshakeIfr
ownedwhenIsawa
ri
ngonherfinger,
weshookhands
Me:we'
rehavi
ngdr
inksl
ateri
nmy
housewit
htheguy
s
Li
am:
guessI
'
llseey
out
hen
Inodwalki
ngawayboughtev
ery
thing
Ineededdr
ivi
ngbackhomebumping
i
ntotashaatt
hegate
Tasha:
ninaisher
etofetchmewe'
re
spendi
ngtimewithl
eil
a
Shekissedmycheekwalkingaway
gottonina'
scart
heydr
ov eaway.l
uke
parkedbehi
ndmewef i
stpumped
wal
ki
ngi
n.
Luke:
howwast hehoney
moon
real
ly
?Iwanty
out obehonestwi
th
me
Me:i
twasokaymant houghImessed
upabitwentoutwi
thShabbafor
dr
inkscamebackDrunkAsf
Luke:
What
?
Me:y
eahIknowImessedupbutI
apol
ogi
zedwe'
ref
inenow.
Henodssippi
ngonhi
swhi
skeyl
iam
andbr
ightwal
kedi
nwefi
stpumped
Me:
befor
ewehavefunandal
ldude
i
syourgi
rlmar
ri
ed?
Li
am:yeahmanIknowwhatyou'r
e
goi
ngtosayI'
vehadenoughf
rom
bri
ghtandJosh.
Me: Iwon'tsayany
thi
ngmanjustbe
carefulwhenbadhappensdon'
tsayI
didn'twar
ny ou.
Henodsgul
pingdownhi
sgl
assof
whi
skey
^
NATASHA^
Lei
l
arol
l
edherey
esIl
aughed
Me:
fi
neI
'l
ltal
kbutyou'
ll
haveto
makemeahotchocolat
efi
rst
Ni
na:
I'
l
lmakei
t
Shesai
drunni
ngt
otheki
tchenmy
phonebeepedi
ndi
cati
ngthatIhav
ea
messageIsmil
edreadi
ngthe
message
*
Imi
ssy
oual
readycomebackhome
*
Ni
na:
tal
kI'
mli
steni
ng
Shesaidhandingmet hehot
chocolateIl
aughedtel
li
ngthem
ever
ythingDeeroll
edhereyes
Dee:It
oldyouget
ti
ngmar
riedto
BrucewasabadideaNat
ty oushoul
d
fi
l
ef ordi
vorce
Ni
na:
(chuckl
i
ng)
adi
vor
ce?Real
l
ynow
Dee:
yessav
eher
sel
ffr
om get
ti
ng
hur
t
Nina:ohpleaseDesiret heguydi
dn'
t
doany thi
ngst upi
dhewentoutf or
dri
nkswi thhisfri
endy eahsuret
asha
doesn'tli
ketheguybr ucegotthe
pointandav oi
dedshabbawhatmor e
doy ouwantf rom hi
m?
Dee:
Sti
l
lbrucecan'
tbetr
ustedwho
knowswhathegotupthatday?
Ni
na:
You'
resoobi
tt
erdesi
re
Lei
la:
Whatthehel
liswrongwi
thy
ou
Desir
estopfi
l
li
ngtasha'
sheadwi
th
nonsense
Me:
STOPI
TALLOFYOU!
!
Ishoutedt
earsst
reami
ngdownmy
cheeksIwipedt
hem wi
tht
hebackof
myhandl
eil
apul
l
edmei
nforahug
Lei
l
a:I
'
m sor
rymyl
ove
Ni
na:shhnev
ermi
ndDesi
reshe'
sjust
bi
tt
er
Shesaidwipi
ngmytearswit
hher
thumbIsuckedi
nbreathpul
li
ngout
thehugdeehadherarmscrossed
Me:whatifshe'
sri
ghtni
na?whatif
brucesleptwi
thsomeonethatdayat
theclubweallknowhe..
.
Ninacutmeshor
ttakingmyhandsi
n
hersl
ooki
nginmyey es
Nina:weallknowt hathelovesyou
andnohedi dn'
tsleepwithanyone
don'tletdeefil
lyourheadwith
nonsense
Inodqui
ckl
ysheSmi ledbr
ight
ly
walki
ngt
ot heki
tchencameback
wit
hbott
ledwater.
Ni
na:
comel
emmedr
ivey
ouhome
Inodhugginglei
l
awal kingoutwit
h
ninadri
vinghomeshepar kedoutsi
de
thegateIwavedrunninginsi
deI
stoppedonmyt r
ackswhenIsaw
l
iam sit
ti
ngcomfortablynextt
oluke
Br
uce:
Babear
eyouokay
?
Me:
yey
esI
'
m okayj
ustt
ir
ed
Isai
dwal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hest
air
s
Li
am:
You'
regl
owi
nghuh?
Hesai
dsmi
l
ingIgi
ggl
ed
Me:
youknowI
'
veal
way
sbeencut
e
Li
am:
youcute?Getoutofher
eyou'
re
ev
engai
ningweighthi
tthegy
m man
Theyl
aughedIsul
ked
Br
uce:You'
regai
ningint
her
ight
pl
acesthoughmyl ov
eandIl
oveit
Hesaidwalki
ngt
owar
dspul
li
ngme
i
nf orahugIr
est
edmyheadonhi
s
chest
Br
uce:
Ilov
eyou
Hewhi
sper
edi
nmyearIbl
ushed
Luke:
guy
sgetar
oom
Br
uce:
youdon'
tgett
otel
lmeshi
t
l
uket
hisi
smyhouse
Luke:
What
ever
Hesaidr
oll
i
nghi
sey
esIgi
ggl
ed
sof
tl
y
Br
uce:
wantmet
otucky
oui
n?
Me:nahhav
ef unwitht
heguysl
oveI
'
ll
havemywi ngsthangotobedI
'
m
ti
red
Henodswal ki
ngbackt ot
hecouchI
wenttotheki t
chenwar medupmy
foodwalkingupstai
rstoourroom
changedint omypyjamasatemy
wingsgettingunderthecover
sand
dozedoff
*
Inser
t21*
-
BRUCE-
Itookalifttomyf l
oorwentst
rai
ght
tomyof ficetaki
ngoutmylaptop
andstartedwor ki
ngIhear
dmyof fi
ce
doorclosingIlookedupwhil
erai
sing
myey ebrowsheSmi l
edbri
ght
ly.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eli
nda?
Her:Jesushowmanyt i
mesdoIhave
totellyouthatmynameisLi
sanot
Lindaany waysHeyBr
uce
Me:What
everyournamei
s,
whatar
e
youdoi
nghere?
Her
:Iwor
kher
enowbr
uceI
'
myour
PA
Me:
(Shout
ing)
WHAT!
!?
Her
:I
'my
ourPAbr
uce
Me:
(mumbl
i
ng)
I'
m scr
ewed
Her
:SoIwast
hinki
ng
Shesaidwalki
ngclosertomebi ti
ng
herl
ipwhileunbutt
oninghershi
rtI
swallowedhardasIfeltmysel
f
gett
inghardAsfshesatont hetabl
e
nearmychairbit
ingherli
p
Me:
pleasegetof
fmyt
abl
e
Itcameoutasawhi
spershesmi
l
ed
standi
ngbehi
ndmegivi
ngmea
massage
Her
:br
ucey
ou'
ret
enser
elaxwi
l
lyou
Me:
Nogetoffl
i
ndaI
'
m mar
ri
edandI
l
ovemyWife
Isai
dpushingherof
fmesherol
l
ed
hereyesbutt
oni
nghershi
rt
.
Her
:ughy
ouf
ust
rat
eme
Shest ompedoutmyof ficeIbreathed
outloudgulpingdownagl assof
waterhowt hehel l
am Igoi ngtowor k
withthisgir
l?She'sgoingtomake
thi
ngsdi f
fi
cultformeIcl osedmy
l
aptopwal kingtothewi ndowst ood
therelooki
ngout si
deIknowsomeof
youaresay i
ngIshoul djustfir
eherI
can'tf
ireherwithoutav ali
dreason
she'sgoingtotakemet oCCMAor
talkt
ojournal
ist
saboutwhat
happenedbetweenussomeone
bangingmyof fi
cedoordist
urbedme
from mythoughtsIt
urnedquickl
y
l
ookingattheangrynatasha
Tasha:
WHATI
SSHEDOI
NGHERE?
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Tasha:
DON'
TPLAYDUMBWI THME
BRUCE!AREYOUSTI
LLFUCKING
HER?
Me:
NoI
'
m notf
ucki
nghermyl
ove
Tasha:
thanwhati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Me:
She'
smyPA
Tasha:
you'
reki
ddi
ngr
ight
?
Me:
No
Shechuckl
edbi
tt
erl
y
Tasha:
guessDesi
rewasr
ightImade
amistakebyget
ti
ngmarr
iedtoyou
Shesaidwalki
ngtowardsthedoorI
walkedaf
terherheldherhandt
o
st
opherfrom l
eaving.
Me:butbabyy
ou'r
ebeingunfai
rI'
m
nottheonewhohiredhert
heHr
depart
mentgotherforme
Tasha:Idon'
tcar
eaboutanyoft
hat
brucewhydon'tyoufi
rehery
ou'
ret
he
fuckenCEOf orf
uckssake
Me:Ican'
tj
ustf
ir
ehermyl
oveshe'
s
goi
ngt ot
akeustoCCMA
Tasha:
Fine!
!
Sheshout
edstormingoutmyoffi
ceI
tr
iedr
unni
ngafterherbutIbumped
i
ntoDadwithourcli
ent
Hi
m:MrWayneI'
m gl
adIcaughty
ou
weneedt
otal
kaboutsomethi
ng
Ifakedasmi l
ewalkingbackt omy
officewiththem wesatdownt al
ki
ng
aboutev eryt
hinghewant edt o
discussIwasn' tr
eall
ypay i
ng
attentiontowhatthey'
resay i
ng
guessdadnot i
cedsomet hingwas
wr ongbecausehehandl edt he
meet inghimselft
heyshookhands
theclientwalkedout.
Dad:
i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
No
Dad:
What
'swr
ong?
It
oldhi
m ev
ery
thi
nghecussed
Dad:Fi
ret
hegi
rlwe'
l
ldeal
wit
hCCMA
l
aterson
Inodhet appedmyshoul
derwalki
ng
outIpackedmybagswalkingout
%DESI
RE%
Ismir
kedasshecametomecryi
ngI
knewthant
hatbr
ucehasdone
somethi
ng
Me:
i
sev
ery
thi
ngOkay
?
Tasha:
nodesi
reev
ery
thi
ngi
samess
Me:
Shhst
opcr
yingNat
tandt
alkt
o
me
Shesuckedinbreathbef
oretel
l
ing
meeverythi
ngIclappedonce
Me:
Itol
dyougett
ingmar
ri
edt
oBr
uce
wasabadideaNatt
Li
am:That'
snottr
uedesireyesbruce
i
snosaintbuthelovesNatthewon't
doanyt
hingtohurtheri
ntent
ional
ly
Hesai
dwal ki
ngt
owardsussit
ti
ng
nex
ttotashapul
l
ingheri
nforahug
Me:
howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
andi
ng
t
her
e?
Liam:l
ongenoughdesir
estopf
il
li
ng
tasha'
sheadwithnonsense
Me:
butl
i
am
Hegavemet
hehandf
ocusi
ngon
t
asha
Li
am: Ithi
nkyou'
reexaggerat
ingNat
t
brucedidn'
tknowaboutthePAhe
onlyfoundouttodayIthi
nkyou'r
e
beingtoohardonhim
Tasha:
Yout
hink?
Li
am:y
escomeI'
l
ldriv
eyouhome
br
ucemustbeworr
iedabouty
ou
Shenodswalki
ngoutwit
hliam I
rol
ledmyeyesIreal
l
ydon'
tgetwhat
bruceseesi
nNatashay
eahsur e
natashai
smyfri
endbutevery
thing
aboutheri
sbori
ngshe'
salways
l
ockedi nsidet hehousel i
steningt o
musi cifnotr eadingnov elsy ouknow
I'
vet r
iedshowi ngBr ucet hatIl ove
him buthe' snev erpai dat t
ent i
ont o
thatIhav elov edbr ucesi nceIwasa
kid(15)buthenev erpaidat tent i
onto
me, shedi dn'tonlyt akemyman
she'salsot akingmyf r
iendaway
from meNi naandherar eget t
ing
mor ecloset heyr eallydidn'tget
alongatf i
rstbutnowt hey '
ret oo
closeughIgul peddownagl assof
wi ne
^
NATASHA^
Li
am par
kedoutsi
deourgateIwav
ed
wal
ki
nginsi
dethehousebrucewas
si
tti
ngont hecouchwi thal itblunton
hi
shandhel ookedatmef oral ong
ti
mewi thoutsay ingany thingI
cl
earedmyt hr
oatwal ki
ngt othe
ki
tchentaki ngoutthingsI 'l
lbe
needi
ngf ormaki ngdi nnerIopt edfor
spaghettiandmeat ball
swhi l
eIwas
busymaki ngdi nnerbrightwal kedin
j
oini
ngbr uceont hecouchIdi shed
upforthem gi vi
ngt hem t heirplates
si
tti
ngont hecouchopposi t
et hem.
Bri
ght:
canIhavemor
eoft
hisman
thi
sisgoodstuf
f
Bruce:
youcanhav
emypl
ateI
'
m not
hungry
Henodst
aki
ngBr
uce'
spl
ateanddug
i
n
Br
ight
:I
'v
ebeentryi
ngtocally
ou
br
ucewhathappenedt
oy ourphone?
Bruce:
I'
m cur
rent
lyphonel
essfornow
I
'll
havetobuyanewonemay be
tomorr
ow
Br
ight
:Whathappenedt
otheol
done
Bruce:
let'
sjustsayIaccidental
ly
threwitagainstt
hewal luhm excuse
memanIhav esomewor ktodohe
saidwalkingtohisstudybrightrai
sed
hiseyebrowIshrugged.
Bri
ght:
uhm Igot
tagot
hanksf
ort
he
food
HesaidwalkingoutIl ockedthedoor
walki
ngupstairsItri
edget t
ingsome
sl
eepbutIcoul dn'
tIwant edbruce
nextt
omeIwor emysl eepers
walki
ngtohisst udyIpushedt he
doorwal
kingi n.
Me:BruceI'
m sorr
yIover
reactedabit
Ishouldn'
thaveblamedyouforthi
s
Hegl
ancedatmefocusi
ngonhis
l
apt
opIsighedwal
ki
ngclosert
ohim
Me:
Brucet
alkt
ome
Bruce:Soever
yti
met hi
ngsgosouth
you'
regoingtopulloutt
he"Imadea
mistakebygetti
ngmar r
iedtoyou"
cardt hanr
untoliamsar msand
hav
ehi
m comf
ort
ingy
ou?
Me:
BruceI
..
.
Br
uce:
yesornonat
asha?
Me:NoI
'm sorr
ybr
ucei
twon'
thappen
agai
nIpr
omi se
HegavemeabrownenvelopeI
openedt
heenv
elopandraisedmy
eyebr
ow
Me:
planet
icket
stoCapet
own?
Bruce:y
eahsinceourhoneymoon
wasr ui
nedfiguredletmemakei
tup
toyout akeyoursist
erandNi
nago
outandhav esomef un.
Me:
you'
renotcomi
ng?
Br
uce:
NopeI
'
llbebusywi
thwor
k
If
rownedhechuckl
edcl
osi
nghi
s
l
aptop
Bruce:
I'
m goingt
ofir
ehertomor
row
mor ni
ngy oudon'
thavet
oworry
abouther
Me:
Okayt
hanksf
ort
hisBr
ucei
t
meansal
ott
ome
Br
uce:
don'
tsweati
t
Hesai
dwit
hasmi
rkpl
ast
eredonhi
s
f
aceIgi
ggl
ed
Me:
Okaynowcomet
obedI
'
m sl
eepy
Hesmil
edtakingmywalkingt
owar
ds
ourr
oom changedi
ntohispyj
amas
j
oini
ngmeunderthecov
ershol
ding
mefrom behi
ndki
ssi
ngmycheek.
Bruce:
Ilov
eyouTashanev
erdoubt
that
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooBr
uce.

*
Inser
t22*
-
BRUCE-
Iparkedmycari
ntheparki
nglot
taki
ngalif
ttomyfl
oorpassedli
nda
i
nherdesksheSmiledbri
ghtl
y
Her
:Goodmor
ningbr
uce
Me:
Myof
fi
cenow
Isai
dwal
ki
ngt
omyof
fi
ceshe
walkedaft
ermesatont
hechai
r
opposit
emineIgav
eheranenv
elope
Her
:anenv
eloper
eal
l
ybr
uce?
Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
es
Me:Iwoul
dn'tberolli
ngmyey esi fI
wereyouwhydon' tyouopent hat
env
elopethanseei fyousti
ll
goi ngto
berol
li
ngyoureyesaf tery
ousee
what'
sini
t?
Isai
dleani
ngbackonmychairshe
openedtheenv
elopherey
espopped
out
Her
:I
'M FI
RED?
Me:
seewho'
srol
l
ingey
esnow?
Br
ight
:am Ii
nter
rupt
ingsomet
hing?
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngi
nIshookmyhead
Me:
NahLi
ndawasj
ustl
eav
ing
Her:
YOU'
RENOTGETTINGAWAY
WITHTHISBRUCENEVER!
!
Bright
:ohhe'sdefi
nit
elygetti
ngaway
withithoneytakeyourflatassand
getoutofher ebef
oreTashaf inds
youher eandmopt hef l
oorwithyour
face
SheStor
medoutmyof
fi
ceIbr
eat
hed
outl
oud
Br
ight
:Goodr
iddance
Me:
youknowTashacan'
tfi
ghtr
ight
Bri
ght:
(l
aughi
ng)IknowI
'
mtr
inna
scar
eheraway
Me:(l
aughi
ng)y
ou'r
ecr
azywhydon'
t
youjustwor
kformebroyou'
re
alwaysinmyoffi
ce
Br
ight
:andbey
ourPA?Nev
er
Me:mxm any
way
swhatbr
ingsy
ou
her
e?
Br
ight
:we'r
echi
ll
ingatt
heShadow'
s
Cl
ublatert
oday
Me:
I'
l
l meetyouther
esti
llhav
eto
t
aketheladi
estotheai
rport
Wef
ir
stpumpedwal
ki
ngout
^
NATASHA^
Justfini
shedpackingIzippedmybag
walkingtothebathroom tookoffmy
cl
othesget t
ingi
nt heshowerhis
col
ognef il
l
edmynost r
il
sbeforehe
couldreachmehehuggedmef rom
behindhishandscuppingmyboobs
Me:
Bruce
I
tcameoutasawhi
sper
Br
uce:
huh
HesaidsuckingonmyneckI
moanedsof t
lyashi
shandt r
avel
led
tomynunar ubbi
ngmycl i
tImoaned
soft
lyhepushedhisfi
ngerinmy
nunafingerf
ucki
ngmeIl etouta
l
oudmoanhewentdownonhi s
kneesputmyl eftlegonhisshoulder
muf f
ingmeIreleasedmyj ui
ces
all
overhisf
acehel i
ckedmeclean
comingbacktomyl ipssmashinghis
l
ipsonmi neImoanedi nhi
smout h
hechuckledpini
ngmeont hewal l
i
nsertinghi
mselfIgaspedashe
star
tedmov i
ngsl owly
Me:
arhbr
uceI
'
m cumi
ng
Br
uce:
Cum f
ormebaby
Hesaidincr
easinghispaceI
scrat
chedhisbackcumi ngall
over
hisdi
ckhecum af t
ermewef ini
shed
taki
ngashowergotdr essedwalki
ng
downstai
rswit
hmybags
Br
uce:
Ilov
eyou
Iblushedget ti
ngont hepassenger
seatandbuckl eduphechuckled
get ti
ngonhi ssidedri
vi
ngawaywe' re
pickingleil
aandNi naupsincebruce
i
sdr i
vingust otheai
rportheparked
out si
det hegateninaandleil
awer e
al
r eadywai t
ingtheygotinthecar.
Nina:
Heybrucethanksf
ort
hisIr
eal
l
y
neededavacati
on
Henodsf
ocusi
ngont
her
oad
Lei
la:
thoughtaboutwhatyou'
regoi
ng
todoafterthevacat
ionoryou'
re
goi
ngt obeahousewi fe?
Me:
I'
l
llookf
orsomet
hing
Brucegl
ancedatmef ocusingonthe
roadheparkedi
ntheparkinglot
helpi
nguswithourbags
Br
uce:
I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssy
oumyl
ove
Me:
I'
l
lmi
ssy
out
oobr
uce
Hepul
l
edmeclosert
ohim ki
ssi
ng
t
heshi
toutofmeIpul
ledoutt
heki
ss
Me:
byebr
uce
Heparkedmyli
pswal
kingawaywe
boar
dedafli
ghtt
oCapetown
%LUKE%
Brucewal
kedi
njoi
ningusar
oundt
he
tabl
ewefi
stpumped
Br
uce:
hav
en'
tseeny
oui
nal
ongt
ime
br
other
Luke:
I'
vebeenawayonbusi
nessbr
o
Josh:
i
sn'
tthaty
ourgi
rl
?
Hesai
dlooki
ngatli
am weallt
urned
l
iam'
seyespoppedoutwhenhesaw
herwalki
ngaroundinbumshort
s
andabi
kinit
opservi
ngcust
omer s
Li
am:
Whatt
hehel
li
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Weshr uggedsomeguywal kedt
oher
grabbedherbuttshefl
i
nchedasthe
guykissedhercheekshefakeda
smile
Br
uce:
Whot
hehel
li
sthatguy
?
Li
am:
Ihav
enoi
dea
Br
uceshookhi
sheadandcal
ledthe
wai
terBr
it
neywal
kedt
oourtable
Li
am:
soy
ouwor
kher
enow?
Her:
Ican'
treal
l
yexpl
ainf
ornow
becausehe'
swatchi
ngme
Shepretendedt
owr
it
esomet
hingon
hernotepad
Li
am:canwehav
eabot
tl
eof
Hennessey
Shenodswalki
ngawaycameback
wit
habottl
eofHennesseyand5
gl
assesshetri
edwal
kingawaybr
uce
hel
dherarm
Br
uce:meetusbyt
hepar
kingl
oti
n5
minut
es
Her:
letgoofmyar
m Zayi
swat
chi
ng
ever
ymov eImake
Shef l
ashedafakesmilebr
uce
ret
urnedthesmilel
ett
inggoofher
arm shewalkedaway.
Li
am:
thanksman
Henodsgul
pingdownagl
assof
whi
skey
Me:Sowe'regoingtodi
str
actthe
manandsaywewannahi retheclub
fornextweekfr
idaygothegi
r l
is
probabl
ywaiti
ng
Theynodwalki
ngoutwecal
l
edt
he
dudeovert
oourtabl
e
*
LIAM*
Wewal kedtotheparki
nglotBr
it
ney
wasleaningonmycarIt ookof
fmy
j
acketcov er
ingherwit
hit
Me:
Who'
sthatguy
?
Br
it
:myHusbandheownst
hispl
ace
Me:
youwor
kher
enow?
Brit
:Noheforcesmet oworkhere
Liam heownsapl acewherehedrug
girl
sandsell
t hem t
omenf orsex
,he'sadruglordalsothePri
nceof
theHy def
ami l
y
Br
uce:
Soy
ou'
remar
ri
edt
oroy
alt
y?
Shenodsl
ooki
ngdownIchuckl
ed
Br
uce:
weshoul
dgobacki
nsi
de
Me:don'
tfor
getourdat
etomor
rowat
10
Shenodsgi vi
ngmemyj acket
runninginsi
dewewalkedbackin
j
oiningtheguysar
oundthetable
Luke:
So?
Me:he'st
hehusbandandhe's
i
nvolvedi
nsomei l
legal
stuf
f
Br
ight
:Iknewi
t
Me:weshoul
dpr
obabl
ycal
li
tani
ght
now
Josh:
What'
sther
ushmant
heni
ghti
s
sti
l
lyoung
Br
uce:
Say
samanwho'
sdr
unkAsf
Bri
ght
:(
laughi
ng)he'
sgoi
ngt
opass
outi
naf ewminutes
Josh:
Fucky
ou
Wel aughedsett
ledthebill
walki
ng
outdrivi
ngawayIpar kedmycarin
thegaragewalki
ngst rai
ghttomy
room threwmyselfonmybedand
dozed.

*
Inser
t23*
^
NATASHA^
Iwokeupwi ththeurgetothrowupI
rant
ot hebathroom t
hrewup
ever
ythingIateyest
erdayri
nsedmy
moutht ookoffmyclothesgett
ingi
n
theshowertaki
ngaqui ckshowergot
dressedi
nleggingsabaggyt -
shi
rt
withuggsIwasn'tplanni
ngongoing
anywheretodayI'
mf eeli
ngl
ight
headedninawal kedinmyroom
rol
li
nghereyes
Nina:
pleasedon'
ttel
lmey
ou'
regoi
ng
outdressedli
kethat
?
Me:What
'swr
ongwi
tht
hewayI
'
m
dr
essed?
Isai
dwalki
ngdownstai
rsl
eil
awas
si
tti
ngonthekit
chenhi
ghchai
r
si
ppingonaglassofwi
ne
Ni
na:y
oulookl
i
keacoll
egestudent
Nat
ashawhydon'
tyouchangeint
o
somet
hingmor
esexi
ert
hant
hat
?
Me:NobesidesI
'
m notgoi
ng
anywherey
ouguy scangoI'
l
l
probabl
ysl
eepthewholedayI'
mti
red
Lei
la:
nothappeni
nghoneygogr
ab
yourhandbagwe'
rel
eavingi
n5
minutes
Me:
Idon'
tneedahandbagwecango
Isai
dwalki
ngoutt
hedri
veropened
thedoorf
ormeIgoti
nthecarand
buckl
eduplei
l
aandni
nagotinthe
back
Dr
iver
:mor
ning
Ni
na:
Goodmor
ningpl
easedr
iveust
o
t
hemall
Henodsdriv
ingawaylei
l
a'sphone
rangsherol
ledherey
esgivi
ngme
herphone
Lei
l
a:y
ourcal
lmr
sWay
ne
Igi
ggl
edt
aki
ngt
hephonef
rom her
Me:
Bruce
Bruce:ar
eyouokay?ImeanI'
vebeen
call
ingyouthewholemorni
ng
Me:ohshi
tIf
orgotmyphoneatt
he
house
Br
uce:
Imi
ssy
oual
ready
Me:(
giggl
ing)I
'
vebeengonef
oraday
br
ucey oucan'
treal
l
ymissme
Br
uce:
yeahwhat
everhow'
s
Capet
ownt
reat
ingy
ou?
Ni
na:
Byebr
ucecal
lherl
ater
Shesaidtaki
ngt
hephonef
rom me
thanhungup
Me:
Nina!
!
Nina:ohpleaseBruceisnotgoi
ng
anywherey ou'
ll
callhi
ml at
ernow
we'reheretohavef un
Me:
What
ever
Isai
dwalkingt
owardst
hemall
entr
ancetheyl
aughedr
unni
ngaft
er
me
Lei
la:
I'
mf amishedl
et'
sgr
ab
somethingtoeat
Shesaidpulli
ngmyar mtowards
wimpywehadbr eakfastatwimpy
thanwentShoppi ngItellyouNina
andLeilacanshopf orthewhol eday
withouttaki
ngabr eakIwast i
redAsf
Me:remindmetonev
ergoout
shoppingwi
thy
ouguy s
Isai
dtaki
ngsi
ppi
ngonmyguav
a
j
uice
Leil
a:Ar
eyoureal
lydr
inki
ngguava
j
uice?Tashawe'r
eall
ergi
ctoguavas
Me:
IknowIj
ustcr
avedsome
Shenodssi
ppingonherwineni
na
wasbusysmil
ingherphonethe
wait
erbr
oughtmeanothergl
assof
guav
ajui
ce
Me:
sor
rybutIdi
dn'
taskf
orar
efi
l
l
"
Thatguyovert
heretol
dmet ogiv
e
y
ouar ef
il
lofwhatyou'
redr
inki
ng"
Hesaidpointi
ngatsomeguyhe
wavedme: pl
easedomethisone
f
avortel
ltheguytocomejoinus
Henodswal
ki
ngawayl
eil
arai
sedher
ey
ebrow
Lei
la:
Neveracceptdr
inksf
rom
str
anger
s
Me:
IknowIknow
Ifr
ownedwhenShabbapull
edt
he
chai
rjoi
ningusar
oundourt
abl
e
Shabba:
Ladi
es
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Shabba:
Imovedt
hissideyest
erdayI
gotoff
eredaj
obthatpayswell
Ni
na:
aren'
tyougonnai
ntr
oduceus?
Me:
Nohe'
snoonei
mpor
tant
Hechuckl
edsof
tl
yst
andi
ngonhi
s
f
eet
Shabba:
guessI
'
llseey
ouar
ound
l
adies
Heki
ssedmycheekwalki
ngawayI
f
rownedrubbi
ngmycheek
Ni
na:
Whatwast
hatabout
?
Me:
Idon'
twannat
alkabouti
tlet
's
getoutofher
e
Theynodwewal kedt otheparki
ng
l
otgotinthecart hedr i
vergl
ancedat
medr i
vi
ngawayIl ookedoutthe
windowwhatt hehel l
ishedoinghere?
Thedriv
erparkedhi scaroutsi
det he
gate
Dri
ver
:I
'm notgoi
nginIhavet
obe
somewherein15minutes
Wenodget
ti
ngoutt
hecarhesped
of
fIfr
ownedwhenIsawShabba
Me:WhydoIgett
hefeel
i
ngt
hat
you'
ref
oll
owi
ngus?
Shabba:
notatal
lIl
i
veher
e
Hesai
dpoi
nti
ngatt
hehousenextt
o
our
sInodwal
ki
ngi
nsi
de.
Ni
na:
okaywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
that
'
sShabba
Lei
la:
What
!?It
hinkhe'
sfol
l
owi
ng
you
Me:
Nohe'snothowdi
dheknowI
'
m
i
nCapet
own
Ni
na:
thi
sdoesn'
tmakesense
Me:
you'
reov
ert
hinki
ngt
his
Isaidwal
ki
ngtomyr
oom di
ali
ng
Bruce'
snumber
s.
-
BRUCE-
Myphoner
angfort
het
hirdti
menow
Icl
osedmyl
apt
opandpickedup
wi
thoutl
ooki
ngatt
hecal
l
erI
D
Me:
BruceSpeaki
nghel
l
o
Tasha:
Cany
out
alk?
Me:
foryouI'
m al
waysav
ail
abl
emy
l
oveareyouokay?
Tasha:
yesI
'
m okayI
'
mjustannoy
ed
Me:
tal
ktomemyl
ove
Tasha:
Shabbaisher
einCapet
own
he'
sourneighbor
Me:
WHAT!
?
Tasha:
Isai
dShabbai
sournei
ghbor
herei
nCapetown.
Shehal
fshout
edannoy
ed
Me:
butwhati
shedoi
ngi
nCapet
own
Tasha:
HowAm ISupposedt
oKnow
thatBr
uce!
!
SheShoutedandhungupIr ubbed
myf acer
oughlytr
iedcal
li
ngherback
herphonerangunansweredIpacked
mybagswal ki
ngoutdriv
ingstr
aight
homeIpushedt hedoorwalki
ngin.
Mom:OhBrucey
oudon'tl
oveus
any
moreyoudon'
tcal
l,
norvisi
tus
Me:sor
rymom butI
'
vebeentry
ingto
cat
chupwithworkwher
e'sFat
her?
Mom:
play
inggol
fwi
thhi
scl
i
ent
s
Inodwalki
ngupstai
rst
akingahot
showergotdr
essedinshort
sanda
tankt
opwalki
ngdownstairs
Luke:
myman
Me:
bigdawg
HelaughedwefistpumpedIgrabbed
abeeronthefr
idgesitt
ingonthe
couchnextt
ohim gulpi
ngitdown.
Me:Shabbai
sinCapet
ownhe'
s
nei
ghborwit
hDad'
shouse
Luke:Whatt
hehell
isshedoi
ngt
her
e?
Isn'
thesupposedt
obeinDubai
Me:
avacat
ionmay
be?
Ishruggedl
ukechuckl
edshaki
nghi
s
head
Luke:
Nohe'supt
osomet hi
ngmanI
canfeel
iti
nmyblood.
.t
ellNat
ashat
o
av
oidhi
m asmuchast
heycan
Me:She'
snottaki
ngmycal
l
sman
l
eil
asphonetakesmest
rai
ghtt
o
voi
cemail
Luke:
I'
l
lcal
lNi
na
Hesaiddi
ali
nghisnumber
sshe
pi
ckedupont he4t
hri
ng
Luke:
heyni
nsuhm cany
ouplease
gi
vetashat
hephoneIwannatal
kto
her
Nina:
Shecan'
ttal
katt
hemoment
she'
sbeenthr
owingupfor15mi
nut
es
now
Me:What'
swrongwithher
?Isi
t
somethi
ngsheate?
Ni
na:
Ithi
nkso
Luke:
you'
l
lcal
lwhenshe'
sdone
thr
owingupri
ght
?
Nina:
Noshedoesn'
twannaspeakt
o
anyofyou
Me:Bull
shi
tni
nahowthehellam I
supposedtoknowi
fy'al
lar
eokayif
shedoesn'
twannaspeaktome
Nina:l
ookbruceIgot
tagomay
bet
ry
call
inghert
omor r
ow
ShehungupIcussedgul
pingdown
mybeerlukeshookhi
shead
Luke:
Whatdi
dyoudot
hist
ime?
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatIdi
dwr
ong
manshecal ledtel
l
ingmeShabbais
thei
rneighborthenextt
hingshe'
s
shouti
ngatmeandhungup
Luke:
(l
aughi
ng)shemustr
eal
l
yhat
e
Shabbathan
Me:Ididn'
tknowShabbawasi
n
Capetownmani fIknewI
'
dhavesent
them somewhereelse
Luke:
Iknow
Me:
Igot
tacheckuponl
i
am
Isai
ddi
ali
nghi
snumber
s
%LI
AM%
I
'mlazi
ngaroundathomewalki
ng
bar
efootandtopl
esssomeone
knockedont
hedoor
Me:
Comei
n
Br
itneypushedthedoorwal
kingi
n
cl
osingthedoorbehi
ndherIrai
sed
myey ebr
owasshesatont hecouch
Her
:Li
am
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eBr
it
ney
?
Her
:I
'm sor
ryIcoul
dn'
tmakeittoour
dat
eearli
erXavi
erwashomet he
wholedayIcoul
dn'
tgoanywhere
Me:
Wher
eishenow?
Her:
Idon'
tknowhe'
shandl
i
ngoneof
hi
soperat
ions
Me:
tal
kfastIgot
tadr
ivey
ouhome
wecan'tr
iskhi
mfi
ndi
ngouty
ou'
re
nothome
Shel
etoutaheav
ysi
ghl
ooki
ngdown
Her:
Iwasforcedt
ogetmarr
iedt
o
hi
m Idon'
tlovehi
m Inev
erl
ovehi
m
Me:
What
?
Her
:asIsaidy
esterdayXavi
eri
sa
monsterhewatchesever
ymov eI
make.
Me:Whydon'
tyour
epor
thi
mtot
he
pol
i
ce?
Her:
XaviernevergoestoJailLi
am he
hasconnectionseverywhereXavi
er
i
sf r
om Royaltyandnextinli
nefor
thethr
onehe' si
nvolv
edi nsome
danger
ousandil
l
egalshit
,Li
am y
ou
havetohel
pmeIdon'twannabewit
h
hi
m anymorepl
easehel
pme
Me:i
t'
sOkaydon'
tcr
yI'
l
lseewhatI
cando
Her
:Ihav
etogoIl
ovey
ou
Me:
Doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etogo?
Shenodswal kingoutIl
ockedthe
doorwalki
ngupst ai
rsIhadmissed
call
sfrom br
uceIswi t
chedmyphone
offgotunderthecoversanddozed
off.

*
Inser
t24*
-
BRUCE-
Idialedhernumbersforthe5tht
ime
todayt heytookmestrai
ghtt
o
voicemai ly
ouIcussedrubbi
ngmy
facer oughly
Br
ight
:t
ri
edcal
l
inghersi
ster
?
Me:dudeal
lthei
rphonesar
eoffand
Ihaveabadfeel
ingaboutt
his
Bri
ght
:youwor r
ytoomuchbruceI'm
sur
etheirbat
teri
esdiedandthey
for
gott
ochar gethei
rphones
Me:
You'
repr
obabl
yri
ght
Br
ight
:l
etmegetbackt
owor
kman
Wef
istpumpedhewal
kedoutI
sighedandst art
edworkingIcoul
dn'
t
reall
yconcentrateonwor kIwas
wor r
iedaboutTashamyphone
beepedindicati
ngthatIhavea
messageIf rownedreadingthe
message
"You'
renotget t
ingawaywi ththis
Bruce,bythewayy ourWi f
eis
beauti
ful
"If rowneddi al
ingthis
numberitdidn'tgothroughIpacked
mybagsdr ivi
ngbackt omyhouse
tookaquickshowergotdr essed
packi
nganov erni
ghtbagwal king
downstai
rslukepushedt hedoor
walki
ngin
Luke:
IcameassoonasIgoty
our
messagewhat
'sup?
Me:Idon'
tknowmanbutev er
ythi
ng
i
smessedupTasha' snott
aki
ngmy
cal
l
sear l
i
ertodayIwassentt
his
message
Isai
dshowi
nghi
mthemessagehe
fr
owned
Luke:
fucky
out
hinkTasha'
sindanger
?
Me:yesthat
'swhyI'
mf l
yi
ngt o
CapetownpleasegetBr
adleyto
cancelal
lmymeet i
ngsfortomorr
ow
Luke:
(henods)
letmedr
ivet
othe
ai
rpor
t
Inodwal
ki
ngouthelockedwal
king
aft
ermeIgoti
nthecarandbuckled
uphegl
ancedatmedr
ivi
ngaway
Luke:
yout
hinkShabbasentt
his
message?
Me:Idon'
tknowmanwhywoul d
ShabbasayI'
m notgett
ingawaywi
th
thi
s?Idi
dnothi
ngwr ongtohi
m
Luke:
dudeyouChowedhi
ssi
sterand
hi
sgirl
fr
iend
Me:Thatwasalongt
imeagomanwe
gotoveri
tandconti
nuedbei
ngPal
s
Luke:
(chuckl
ing)Cl
earlywe'
ret
alki
ng
aboutthedif
ferentShabbathe
ShabbaIknownev ergetov
erthi
ngs
Me:
may
bey
ou'
rer
ight
Henodsparki
nghiscari
ntheparki
ng
l
otwewalkedtowardsDad'
sPri
vate
j
et
Luke:
You'
ref
lyi
ngont
hePr
ivat
ejet
onyourownhuh
Me:I
'
m Br
uceWaynemant
hatshoul
d
t
ell
yousomet
hing
Webur stoutlaughingfistpumpedI
tookaf l
ightt
oCapet ownIar r
ived
afteraf ewhour staki
ngacabt ot he
housemyhear tski
ppedabeatwhen
Iwal kedi nanempt yhouseIdialed
Pet er'
snumber shepi ckedupont he
3rdr i
ng
Pet
er:
Boss
Me:
manwher
ear
ethegi
rl
s?
Peter
:t
hey'
reokaybossthei
rinsi
de
thecl
ubI'm wai
ti
ngfort
hem inthe
parki
nglot
Me:
Prot
ectt
hem Pet
er
Mybat
ter
ydi
edIcussedt
hrowi
ngi
t
ont
hebed
^
NATASHA^
Ibli
nkedsippi
ngonmysecondgl ass
ofwi nel
eil
aandninawer eontheir
fourthgl
assesofwinewel lt
odaywe
decidedtoswitchourphonesoffand
touraroundCapetownwewer e
havingsoomuchf ununtilwe
bumpedi ntoShabbaatthetable
mount ainheaskedt oj oinusonour
tourIturnedhim downt here'
snoway
I
'm spending20mi nut esofmyt i
me
wi t
hthisguyheirri
tatest heshitout
ofmeni napokedmedi st
urbi
ngme
from myt hought
s
Me:
huh?
Ni
na:
Ineedt
hel
oo
Igr
oanedtakinghertothel
ooshe
wasbusyblabbingshi
tguessi
tst
he
al
cohol
Ni
na:
Desi
rewant
sBr
ucet
oher
sel
f
Me:t
hat
'
sabsurdnina,
Deehates
br
ucewithev
eryf
ibrei
nherbody
Ni
na:
Bul
l
shi
tnat
ashashel
oveshi
m
y
ouknowI
'
veknownt
hisf
or7y
ear
s
Me:
What
!?
Ni
na:
yeahIcoul
dn'
ttel
lyouthoughI
di
dn'
twannacauset
rouble
Me:
fi
neNi
na
Wewalkedbacktot
hetablel
eil
awas
wi
thsomegirli
nherear
ly20s
Her
:heyy
oumustbeNat
asha
Shesaidextendi
ngherhandf
ora
handshakeIfakedasmil
eshaki
ng
herhand
Me:
doIknowy
ou?
Her:
I'
m notsureyourememberme
butwewentt othesamecol
lege3
y
ear
sago
Me:
sor
ryIdon'
tremembery
ou
Her
:ar
hthatr
eal
lydoesn'
tmat
terhow
hav
eyoubeen?
Me:
I'
vebeengoodIguess
IshruggedsheSmi ledbright
lyshe
i
nt r
oducedherselfasmandywe
exchangednumber stalkedandhit
thedancef l
oor,
Peterwalkedinthe
clubpull
ingpul
li
ngourar mst othe
cardriv
ingusbackhome.
Lei
la:
wewer
est
il
lhav
ingf
uny
ou
know
Hegl
aredatherandfocusedonthe
r
oadIsuddenl
yfeltaneedtothr
ow
up
Me:
pleasest
opt
hecar
Pet
er:
Nothappeni
ng
Iswall
owedhardhepar kedt hecari
n
thedri
vewayIranst
raighttot he
bathr
oom thr
ewupev erythingIate
ri
nsedmymout hwalkingt omyr oom
myey espoppedoutwhenIsaw
Brucesit
ti
ngonthebedbusywi thhis
l
aptop
Me:
Bruce
Br
uce:Si
ncewhendoy
oudr
ink
al
coholNat
asha?
Me:
IIcanexpl
ain
Br
uce:
Ohpl
easeexpl
ainnat
asha
Il
ookeddownplayi
ngwi
thmyf
inger
s
act
uall
yIdi
dn'
tknowWhatt
osay
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Br
uce:
Doy
ouknowhowwor
ri
edI
was?
Ishookmyheadhechuckl
ed
Bruce:
yeahYouwouldn'
tknow
becauseyoudon'
tcare
Me:
that
'
snott
ruebr
uce
MyphonerangIlookedatt
hecal
l
er
I
dandignoredt
hecal l
Br
uce:
aren'
tyougonnaanswert
hat
?
Me:
i
t'
snoonei
mpor
tant
Henodswal
ki
ngtowardsmetaki
ng
myphonel
ooki
ngatthecal
l
erID
Br
uce:
Who'
sMandy
?
Me:uhm Imetheratt
hecl
ubtoday
apparent
lyweatt
endedt
hesame
col
lege3y ear
sago
Henodsgoi
ngt
hroughmyphonehe
r
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ow
Br
uce:
Youknowwhot
hisi
s?
Me:
No
Hechuckl
edshakinghisheadgiv
ing
memyphonewal kingawayfrom me
Bruce:
ThatisShabba'
ssi
sterst
ay
awayfrom her
Me:
WHAT!
?
Heignor
edmegetti
ngunderthe
cov
ersIchangedi
ntomypyjamas
Bruce:
takeashowerf
irstt
her
e'sno
wayI'm shari
ngt
hebedwithyou
smelli
nglikeabr
ewery
Igroanedwalkingtothebathroom
tookal ongassbathgotdressedin
mypy jamasjoini
ngbruceunderthe
covers
Me:
BruceI
'
m sor
ry
Br
uce:
Goodni
ghtNat
asha.
Me:
BruceI
..
Hecutmeshor
t
Br
uce:
Nat
ashaI
'
mtr
yingt
osl
eep
Hesaidpul
li
ngthecoversov
erhis
headIbi
tmyliptoprev
entmefrom
cry
ingmyheartacheswhenhe
i
gnoresmeIblockedMandy'
s
numbersfr
om myphoneanddozed
off
.

*
Inser
t25*
-BRUCE-
If
ini
shedtakingaShowerwr apped
atowelaroundmyl owerbody
walki
ngtoourr oom Tashawas
makingthebedIdr oppedthetowel
l
oti
oningmybodyShebi therl
ip
huggi
ngmefr
om behi
ndrunningher
fi
nger
sonmyAbsIturnedpushing
herof
fmegent
ly
Tasha:
brucepl
ease
Ii
gnoredherget t
ingdr
essedgrabbed
myphonewal kingdownstai
rswith
herwalki
ngafterme
Ni
na:GoodMorningBrucear
eyou
j
oini
ngusforbreakf
ast?
Me:
NahI'
l
lgr
absomet
hingont
he
r
oadby
eladi
es
Lei
l
a:(
shout
ing)
Byebr
uce
Ismil
edwalkingoutPet
erwas
alr
eadywai
tingformeinthecarwe
fi
stpumpedbef or
ehedroveout
Pet
er:
Iseey
ouwor
koutal
othuh
Me:
amangot
takeepi
nShapePet
er
Pet
er:
(l
aughi
ng)
ohShutup
Me:
SoWher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
Pet
er:
ther
e'st
hisni
cepubandgr
il
l
downtheroad
Ishookmyheadhelaughedand
parkedwewalkedi
nt hePubpl
aced
ourordermyphonerangIpi
ckedup
Me:I
'
m star
ti
ngtothi
nkyouhav
ea
cr
ushonmebr oyou'
real
wayswit
h
meifnotyoual
wayscall
Br
ight
:f
ucky
ouBr
ucewher
eyouat
?
Me:
(l
aughi
ng)
I'
m wi
thPet
ercat
chi
ng
upi
nthepubwhat
'sup?
Bri
ght:
Tasha'
smom washitbyaCar
yest
erdayj
ustout
sidehery
ard
Me:
What
!?She'
sfi
ner
ight
?
Br
ight
:yeahshe'
sokaymandon'
t
worr
ybutshebrokeherl
eg
Me:
l
et'
shopeshe'
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine
Ihungupgul
pingdownmybeer
Her
:Wel
lwell
wel
li
fthisi
sn'
tthe
f
amousbruceWayne
Me:
arey
ouf
oll
owi
ngme?
Her
:Whywoul
dIf
oll
owy
oumrWay
ne?
Me:Idon'
tknowmaybey
ouandyour
br
othercantel
lmewhyyout
woare
f
oll
owi
ngmywi
fe?
Her:
Idon'tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ng
aboutBruce
Me:Justst
ayawayf
rom myWife
Mandynowi fy
oudon'
tmindexcuse
us
Isaidwalki
ngawaywi
thpet
er
walkingaft
ermewegoti
nthecar
dri
vingaway
^
NATASHA^
Iglancedatmywri
stwatchand
swal l
owedthel
umpinmyt hroat
brucehasbeengonefor5hour shei
s
i
gnor i
ngmycall
sNinasatnexttome
ont hecouchwi
thtwocupsof
Hot
chocol
ate
Ni
na:
arey
ouokay
?
Me:Br
ucei
smadatmeNi
nahowcan
Ibeokay?
Ni
na:
Inot
iced,
comeher
e
Shesai dpul
li
ngmyar mt omyr oom
sheranmeabubbl ebat hwhile
taki
ngoutwhati 'm goingtowearI
tookmycl ot
hesof fgetti
nginthe
bathtubshewasl eaningont hewall
watchingmewhi l
eIwassoaki ngin
thebathtubIfi
nishedbat hi
ng
wrappedat owel ar
oundmybody
walkingbacktomyr oom toget
dressedIrai
sedmyey ebrow
Ni
na:r
elaxwe'
renotgoingany
wher
e
j
ustwannamakebr uceJel
ous
Me:(
laughi
ng)
Yout
hinkhe'
sgoi
ngt
o
buythat
?
Nina:
trustmehewill
,
comel
emme
helpyouinthi
sli
ngeri
e
Me:
DoIr
eal
l
yhav
etoweart
his?
Ni
na:
yes
Inodgetti
ngdressedwewalkedto
theki
tchenlei
l
awal kedi
nYawning
Lei
la:
Wher
ear
eya'
l
lgoi
ngl
ooki
ng
thi
sgood?
Ni
na:
uhm we'
regoi
ngout
Sher
aisedherey
ebr
owBr
ucepushed
thedoorwal
ki
ngi
nherai
sedhis
eyebr
owclosi
ngt
hedoorbehi
ndhi
m
Ni
na:
uhm l
eil
adon'
twai
tup
Shesai
dpul
l
ingmyar
mtowar
dst
he
door
Br
uce:
Goi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:uhm y
eahwe'
remeet
ingupwi
th
somefri
ends
Br
uce:
Whatf
ri
ends?
Me:
uhm i
ts
Nina:Someguy
swemetatt
hecl
ub
yesterday
Br
uce:
WHAT!
?
Ni
na:
we'
rer
unni
ngl
ateNat
asha
Br
uce:CanIt
alkt
oNat
ashaf
ora
minut
e
Me:
Brucewe'
rel
atef
or
Br
uce:
j
ustami
nut
e
Hesai dpul
li
ngmyar mt oourroom
hepinnedmeont hedoorki
ssi
ngt he
shi
toutofmeImoanedsof tl
yhel ef
t
mylipssuckingonmyneckhel ping
meof fmydr esshecussedwhenhe
sawt heli
ngeri
e
Bruce:
You'
regoi
ngoutwi
thmeny
ou
hardl
yknowhuh?
Hesaidpushi
nghisfi
ngeri
nmynuna
Igaspedhefi
ngerf
uckedmeI
moanedoutloud
Br
uce:
AnswermeNat
asha
Me:
Arhbr
uceI
Br
uce:
you'
rewhatt
asha?
Me:j
esusNoIwasn'
treal
l
ygoingout
j
ustwantedt
omakey oujeal
ous
Hechuckledri
ppingoffmyl
inger
iehe
gent
lypushedmet othebedleav
ing
wetkissesal
lovermybody
Me:
Brucepl
ease
Br
uce:
pleasewhatmyl
ove?
Me:
MakeLov
etome
Hesmi r
kedr ubbi
nghisti
ponmy
nunaandther esti
shist
ory.
any
who
wejustfi
nishedtaki
ngashower
Me:
Dower
eal
l
yhav
etogot
oday
?
Bruce:
yeahbefor
eIdosomet
hingi
'
m
goingtoregr
et
Inodgett
ingdressedwewalked
downstai
rslei
l
aandNi nawere
al
readywait
ingpeterdrov
eustothe
ai
rpotwetooktheJetbackhome.
%XAVI
ER%
Shewal kedi nfakedasmilewal ki
ng
str
aightt oourroom Ichuckled
l
ockingt hedoorwal ki
ngafterher
Bri
tneyt hinksIdon'
tknowt hatshe's
cheatingonmeImademy self
comf ortableonthebedasshewas
busyt akingashowershewal kedin
theroom withatowel
wr apped
aroundherbodyIsmirkedwalking
closertoherhuggi
ngherfrom behi
nd
suckingonherneck
Br
it
:Xav
ierpl
easei
'
m noti
nthemood
Me:y
ou'
renoti
nthemoodf
orwhat
br
it
ney?
Br
it
:I
'm noti
nthemoodf
orSexXav
ier
Ichuckledl
eani
ngont
hewal
land
crossedmyarms
Me:Iknowyou'
recheati
ngonmewi
th
someWhi t
edickhead
Herey espoppedoutIwal
ked
towardshershemov edbackt
il
lshe
hitt
hewal l
Br
it
:howdi
dyouknow?
Me:You'r
eforgeti
ngwhoIam Bri
tney
nowcallhim andtel
lhi
m what
ever
nonsensethatwashappeni
ng
betweenyout womustend
Br
it
:NoIl
ovehi
m
Me:
WHAT!
?
Sheswal
l
owedhardpl
ayi
ngwit
hher
fi
nger
sIl
aughedamocki
ngl
augh
Me:
Cal
lhi
m
Shedi
aledhi
snumber
shepi
ckedup
Hi
m:Br
it
neyar
eyouOkay
?
Br
it
:Liam Iuhm wehavet
ostopuhm
whateverwasgoingonbetweenus
Hi
m:WHAT?Br
it
neyIt
houghty
ou
l
oveme
Br
it
:Idi
dIuhm
It
ookt
hephonef
rom her
Me:doyoursel
fafavourandst
op
cal
li
ngthisphoneandstayaway
fr
om br
itney
Ihungupt hr
owingherphoneagainst
thewallandtri
edki
ssinghershe
pushedmeawayIbacksl appedher
sheheldhercheekwithtears
str
eamingdownhercheeks
Bri
t:
youpr
omi
sedt
onev
erhi
tme
agai
n
Me:
Bri
tneyI
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
o
hi
tyou
Sheignoredmegetti
ngunderthe
coverspull
i
ngthecoversov
erher
headIcussedwalki
ngtothe
bathroom t
ookahotshowerjoi
ning
bri
tneyundert
hecovers.
*
Inser
t26*
^
NATASHA^
Il
ockedthegat etaki
nganubertothe
Hospit
aljustwantedtocheckupon
mom sinceshewashi tbyacarjust
outsi
deourgat eohhwecameback
fr
om capet own3daysagoIknow
Bruceisgoi ngt
oScoldmewhenhe
fi
ndsoutt hatIwentoutal
oneever
si
ncewecamebackf rom Capet
own
hedoesn'
twantmegoi ngoutwi
thout
hi
m anywayt
heuberdr oppedmeoff
att
hegateIwalkedst
raightt
oMom' s
ward
Doc:
morningmrsWay neyourmot her
wasabouttocal
lyouI'
m dischargi
ng
hert
odaybutsheneedstor estshe
mustn'
tputastr
ainonherankl e
Mom:pl
easegi
vemesomet
hingf
or
t
hepain
Henodswal ki
ngoutmom gl ancedat
meandl ookeddownIsignedher
di
schargepaperstookherbag
wal
kingoutshelimpedafterme
Mom:
I'
m sor
rynat
asha
Me:nowi
snott
hetimemom we'
l
l
t
alkwhenwegethome
ShenodsIhuf
fedsi
ncet
heuberwas
taki
ngi
tsti
me
"Well
wellwel
lift
hisi
sn'
tthe
beauti
ful
mrsWay newhogotme
fi
redfr
om work"
Shesaidwalki
ngtowardsmeI
frownedshewalkedar
oundme
touchi
ngmyhair
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
Her:
Areyouseri
ouslygoi
ngtoask
methatquest
ionyouknowexactl
y
whatyoudidyoutookBruceaway
f
rom me,
thanhadmef
ir
edf
rom wor
k
Sheshoutedst
il
lst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontof
meIcrossedmyarms
Me:hewasneveryour
st obeginwit
h
youwerenothi
ngbuthissperm di
sh
youwerehi
shoeifhewasy ourswhy
didheputt
hisonmyf i
nger?
Isaidflashingmyl ef
thandonher
faceshej umpedonmebeat ingthe
shitoutofmeIt r
iedfi
ghtingbackbut
shewasst rongthenextthingIknow
Iwasl ayingonapool ofbl oodthanit
wasl i
ghtsoutf orme
-BRUCE-
Li
am pushedt
hedooratt
he
boardr
oom mar chi
ngtomehe
punchedmeIhel dmybleedi
ngnose
andchuckledwhatthehel
liswr
ong
withhi
m Ithoughtwewerewaypast
theNatashathi
ng
Li
am:
Asshol
e!!
Thesecur i
tyguardst hr
ewhim out
thebuildi
ngIexcusedmy sel
ffrom
themeet i
ngwal ki
ngt omyof fi
ce
takingoffmyshi r
tsinceitwasf ull
offbloodIgrabbedmyphoneI
not i
cedIhad10mi ssedcall
sfrom
brightIdi
aledhisnumber shepi cked
upont he2ndr i
ng
Me:
missedmet
hatmuch?
Bri
ght
:(chuckli
ng)Notimeforjokes
manTashawasat t
ackedoutsidet
he
hospi
talearl
iertoday
Me:
What
?
Ihal
fshout
ed
Bri
ght:
Isai
dtashawasat
tacked
out
sidethehospi
tal
man
Me:Iheardyouthefi
rstt
imeIwas
hopingyou'
l
l sayy
ou'rej
oki
ng
Bri
ght
:notatal
lcomet
othehospi
tal
Asap
HehungupIcussedpackedmybags
runni
ngtomycarIwasdr ivi
nglikea
maniacIdidn'
tevencareabout
getti
ngt
icketsf
orexceedingthe
speedli
mi tIpar
kedmycarinthe
parki
nglotrunni
nginthehospit
al
bumpedi ntobri
ghtatt
herecepti
on
Br
ight
:Whathappenedt
oyournose?
Me:l
iam punchedme,
Wher
eisshe
br
ight?
issheokay?
Br
ight
:t
hedoctori
sst
il
lbusywit
hher
manwedon'tknowanyt
hingyet
Heshruggedwalkingtowardsher
wardIwalkedafterhimtasha'
smom
wassit
tingatthebenchjustoutsi
de
herwardIwalkedstrai
ghttoher
Me:
Whodi
dthi
s?whathappened
Her
:wewerewai
ti
ngforacabout
side
t
hegatesomegi
rlcameand
attackedherther
ewassoomuch
bloodbruceIthoughtshei
sdy
ingI
screamedf orhel
p
Me:
Fuck!
!
Ishout
edr ubbingmyf acer
oughl
y
thedoct
orwal kedoutherroom
l
ookingdrainedIrushedtohim
Me:
i
ssheokaydoct
or?
Doc:
I'
m sor
rymrWaynewedi
d
ever
ythi
ngwecoul
dbutshel
ostt
he
baby
Me:
Shewaspr
egnant
?
Itcameoutasawhi sperhenodsI
swearmyheartdiedat housand
deathswhenthedoctorsaidshelost
ourbabyIswal
l
owedt
hel
umpi
nmy
thr
oat
Me:
CanIseeher
?
Doc:onl
yfor5mi
nut
essheneedst
o
rest
Inodwalkinginherwardshewas
faci
ngther ooft
ear
sstreamingdown
hercheeksIsatonthechairnextt
o
herbedtakingherhandinmine
Me:
thedoct
orsai
dyoul
ostt
hebaby
Shegl
aredatmeandsni
ff
ed
Me:Whatr
eal
lyhappenedt
ashawho
di
dthi
stoyou?
Shei
gnor
edmet
aki
ngherhandaway
fr
om mi
neIsuckedi
nbr
eathl
ooki
ng
downwonder
ingwhodi
dthi
stoher
Tasha:
Leav
e
Iqui
ckl
ylookedupasobescapedher
mouth
Tasha:BruceIwantyout
oleaveand
nevercomebacki fi
twasn'
tfory
ouI
wouldn'thavel
ostmybaby
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutt
asha?
Tasha:
yourHoeattackedmeBr uce!
!
Shesai
dIt ookyouawayfrom him
,t
hanhadherf i
red
Sheshoutedwit
htearsst
reaming
downhercheeksItr
iedholdi
ngher
butshepushedmeaway
Me:
I'
m sor
ryl
oveI
Shecutmeshor
t
Tasha:
Brucel
eav
eIdon'
twannasee
youagai
ninmylif
e
Shesai
dtaki
ngoffherr
ingt
hrowi
ng
i
tatmeIswallowedhar
dwalki
ngout
Bri
ght
:Br
uceyoushoul
dlett
he
par
entsknow
Ii
gnor edhim walkingst
raighttomy
carputmyheadont hestarr
ingwheel
andl eti
talloutIknowtheysayman
don'tcrybutIcriedNatashal ostour
babybecauseofmeIgat hered
mysel fdri
vi
ngst rai
ghtt
omyhouse
walkedt otheinhousegy m punching
t
heshi
toutoft
hepunchi
ngbag.
%LI
AM%
Br
itneyf
rownedcr
ossi
ngherar
msI
si
ghed
Her
:butLi
am we'
rest
il
ltal
ki
ng
Me:
IknowbutIhavetogocheckup
onNattshej
ustl
ostherbaby
Her
:Soshe'
smor
eimpor
tantt
hanme?
Me:Goddamni tbri
tneythepoor
womanj ustlostherbabyandif
you'
reaskingifi'
m overheryesIam
she'
smar ri
edt omyf r
iendforf
ucks
sake
Her
:Thesamef
ri
endy
oupunched
becauseofher
Me:
Bri
tneyComeon
Her
:Fi
net
hany
oucango
Me:
Arey
ouj
eal
ous?
Her
:Nowhywoul
dIbej
eal
ous?
Il
aughedkissi
nghercheekshe
gi
ggledwalki
ngoutIwalkedaf
terher
dr
ivi
ngtothehospi
tal
Doc:si
rshe'
soutofi
twehadt
o
sadateher
Me:
okaythanIwi
l
lcomeback
t
omorrow
HenodsIwal
kedoutdr
ivi
ngbackt
o
myhouse
*
Inser
t27*
-BRUCE-
Thesecur
ityguar
dshel
dmebackI
t
ri
edpushi
ngmywayi nbutthehel
d
mebackIrubbedmyfacer
oughly
Me:
I'
m herhusbandforf
uckssake
whycan'
tIseeher?
Nurse:
there'
snothi
ngIcandosirshe
hadyour emovedfr
om hervi
sit
ors
l
ist
Guar
d:Si
rI'
m goi
ngt
ohav
etoasky
ou
t
oleave
Me:I
'm notgoinganywher
et hat'
smy
wif
eint her
efineshedoesn'
twanna
seemebutI 'l
lst
ayhereoutsideher
war
d
Nurse:
i
t'
sfi
nel
ethi
m st
ayj
ustmake
sur
ehedoesn'
tgoi
n
Theguardnodsast henursewal ks
awayIsatont hefloorburiedmyf ace
i
nmykneesIcan' tbel i
eveNat asha
yeahsureIgetthatshe'shur tthat
shelostourbabyshe' snottheonl y
onewho'shurtIam t ooIdon' tknow
whyshe'spushingmeawaywe
shouldbeeachot her'
sshouldert o
cryonsomeonecl earingtheirt hr
oat
dist
urbedmef rom myt hought sI
l
ookedupbr i
ghtraisedhisey ebr ow
Br
ight
:It
hinky
oushoul
dgohome
andrestmany
oucancomeback
l
ater
Me:y
eahyou'
rer
ightIshoul
d
pr
obabl
ygetgoi
ng
Br
ight
:ar
eyousur
eyou'
reokay
?
Inodwalkingoutbumpingi
ntomy
fami
lyi
nt heparki
nglot
Mom: t
hanwehadtoheari
tfr
om
br
ightwhydi
dn'
tyoucal
lusbruce?
Me:
i
tsl
i
ppedmymi
nd
Luke:
anyi
deawhodi
dthi
s?
Me:
LindaorLi
sawhat
everhername
i
s
Isai
dget
ti
ngi
nmycarl
uker
anaf
ter
megett
ingont
heot
hersi
deIst
art
ed
t
hecardri
vi
ngt
omyhouse
Luke:
dudeyou'
regoi
ngt
ohaveus
ki
ll
edyou'
redri
vingl
i
keamani
c
Me:
ohwel
lIwoul
dn'
tmi
nd
Iparkedi
nthedri
vewaywalki
ng
strai
ghtt
omystudypouredmy sel
fa
glassofwhi
skeygul
pingi
tdown
Luke:
Real
lybrucey
ou'
regoi
ngto
dri
nkyourl
if
eawaybecauseofa
woman?
Me:
She'
snotj
ustawomanl
ukeshe'
s
t
hewomanIlove
Luke:
Iknowshelovesyout
ooman
she'
ssti
llhur
tandangr
y
Ichuckledbi
tter
lygulpi
ngdowna3rd
glassofwhiskeyhisphoneranghe
glancedathiswrist
watch
Luke:
lookbr
oIgottagoI
'
llcome
checkupony oul
ater
Het ookmycarkey swalkingoutI
walkedtotheloungewi t
hmy
whiskeybott
lethrewmy selfonthe
couchdrinki
ngwhi skeyst
raightf
rom
thebottl
e
%LEI
LA%
Irushedi
nherwar dIfr
ownedwhenI
sawmom si tti
ngont hechai
rnextto
herbedshel ookedawayliam hel
d
herhandkissingthebackofit
Liam:
ever
ythi
ngi
sgoingtobeokay
Natti
tmaynotbetodaynor
tomorr
owbutever
ythi
ngisgoi
ngto
beokay
Tasha:
Whydoesi
thur
tsoomuch
l
iam?
Shesaidtearsstr
eamingdownher
cheeksli
am pull
edherinforahug
brushi
ngherbackNi narol
ledher
eyesgotbusywi thherphoneI
cl
earedmyt hroat
Me:uhm Li
am t
hanksf
orther
idecan
It
alktotashai
npri
vat
e?
Henodspl
ant
edaki
ssonhercheek
wal
ki
ngoutwit
hmom Imademysel
f
comf
ort
abl
eont
hechai
rnextt
oher
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngr
eal
l
y?
Sheshr
uggedInodl
ooki
ngatni
na
Nina:
Heardyouremov
edBr
ucef
rom
yourvi
sit
orsl
ist
Tasha:
Idon'
twanthi
m any
wher
e
nearme
Ni
na:
youwantLi
am neary
ouhuh?
Tasha:
Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
Nina:
y oudon'
thavetosayitNatasha
he'stheoneIfoundherewithyou
cryi
ngi nhi
sarmsisn'tt
hatwhat
bruceshouldbedoing?
Shel
ookeddownpl
ayi
ngwi
thher
f
inger
sni
naShookherhead
Nina:
He'str
yingtashahe'
sgoi
ngto
getti
redoftr
y i
ngbythanitwi
l
lbetoo
l
ateforyoutof i
xthi
ngs
Shesaidwalki
ngoutasobescaped
tasha'
smouthIwipedhertearswi
th
myt humbandkissedhercheek
Me:Ni
naisr
ightnat
ashat
hinkt
his
t
hrough
Isaidwalki
ngoutsincej
akewas
alr
eadywaiti
ngformeoutsidet
he
gateIgotinthecarandsi
ghed
Jake:
i
sshecopi
ng?
Me:Shebannedbrucef
rom v
isi
ti
ng
heri
nthehospit
alcanyoui
magine
Jake:She'
shur
tandconfusedl
eil
a
brucehastounder
stand
Inodl
ooki
ngoutt
hewi
ndow
*
LIAM*
Bri
ghtpushedthedoorwal
ki
nginhe
madehimselfcomfort
abl
eonthe
couch
Me:Whatar
ey oudoi
ngher
enott
hat
I
'm compl
aini
ng
Bri
ght:
Younev
ergotov
ert
ashadi
d
you?
Hesai
dsi
ppi
ngonagl
assofwhi
skey
Me:Iam overhermanwhyar
eyou
ev
enaski ngmet hat
?
Bright:
Youbar gedintheboardr
oom
wher ebrucewashol dingameeting
withhisst af
fandpunchedhim onthe
nosecal l
inghim anAssholethat
reall
ydoesn'tshowt hatyou'
reover
her
Me:TrustmeIam ov
erhermanIj
ust
l
ostitwhenIhear
dshelostt
hebaby
becauseofBr
uce'
shoe
Bri
ght:
Soyou'
real
sobl
ami
ngbr
uce
fort
hishuh?
Me:YesNoIdon'
tknowmanwhy
wasn'theatt
hehospi
tal
ear
li
ert
oday
?
Bri
ght
:Apparent
lyTashahadbruce
remov
edf r
om hervisi
tor
sli
st
Hesai
dgul
pingdownhi
sdr
ink
Me:
Howi
sbr
ucet
aki
ngt
his?
Heshr
ugged
Bright
:Idon'
tknowwasthi
nki
ngof
stoppi
ngbyathi scr
ibonmyway
home
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngt
owar
dst
hedoor
Me:
wai
tI'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou
Hedr oveoutIdrov
ebehindhi
m we
parkedwalki
nginbrucewaspassed
outinthecouchwith2empty
whiskeybottl
esonthefl
oorIf
rowned
shakinghim up
Br
ight
:you'
rewast
ingy
ourt
imeman
he'
soutofi
t
Me:t
hisi
sn'tl
i
kebruceImeantheguy
bar
elydr
inksseei
nghimli
kethi
s
Ishookmyheadpi
cki
ngupt
he
empties
Bri
ght
:Iknowthat
'swhyI
'
m spendi
ng
theni
ghthere
Li
am:
cal
lmeassoonashe'
sup
HenodsIwal
kedoutdr
ivi
ngback
home

*
Inser
t28*
-BRUCE-
i
thasbeenaweeksi
nceNat
asha
wasdi schargedf r
om thehospi tal
she
i
sst i
llpushingmeawayshedoesn' t
evenwantt oseemeshemov edin
withLei l
aandJakei nt heirhouseI
haven'tseenhersi ncet hedayshe
remov edmef rom hervisitorsli
stany
whoI 'm onmywayt ot heof ficeI
parkedmycari nt
hepar ki
ngl ot
walkingst r
aighttomyof f
icetowait
forNat hanItookoutmyl aptop
start
edwor kingheknockedonce
l
etti
nghi msel finwefistpumped.
Nat
han:
Brot
herhowar
eyou
Me:
I'
m okayman
Nat
han:
Doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etoGoman?
Me:
YepIneedsomeai
r,Soar
eyou
r
eadyt
otakeover
?
Nathan:
Iwasbor
nreadymany
ou
knowme
Wef i
stpumpedwal ki
ngt
othe
parki
nglothegavemeasuitcase
fi
ll
edwi t
hcashandanewcellphone
andaf akepasspor
t
Nathan:
Makesur
eyoul
eav
eyour
cr
editcar
dsbehi
nd
Me:
DudeIknow
Nathan:
Ifeelbadforhel
pingyoudo
t
hismant hisisgoi
ngtoCr ushyour
mother
Me:
I'
l
lleav
eheranot
e
Nat
han:
Ist
il
lthi
nkt
hisi
sabadi
dea
Me:Nat
hanI
'
m notdy
ingIj
ustneed
someair
Nat
han:
What
everman
Ichuckl
edgetti
nginmycarhewent
tohiscardri
vi
ngaftermeIpar
ked
mycari nthedri
vewaybehi
nd
Bri
ght'
scarwewal kedin
Luke:
Thehel
lmanwhati
shedoi
ng
here?
Br
ight
:Myman
Theybr
ohuggedbrighthasalways
l
ikedNathanohy'
al
lareprobabl
y
wonder
ingwhothehelli
sthisNathan
guyNathanismyCousinhermother
andmi near
esister
sLukehat es
NathanbecauseofWhat everreasonI
don'
tknowanywhoIpour edmy sel
fa
gl
assofWhi skeygul
pingitdown
pouredasecondglassgulpingit
down
Br
ight
:i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:Yeahevery
thi
ngisokaymanIjust
needtobesomewher e,
uhm Nat
han
canyoupleasedr
ivemet her
e
Henodswal ki
ngoutIwalkedaft
er
him heparkedoutsi
dethegateat
homeIwal kedinandhuggedmom
ti
ghtlyshehuggedmebackIf elt
tear
st hr
eateni
ngmyey esIbli
nked
pul
l
ingoutt
hehug
Mom:
what
'sgoi
ngonBr
uce?
Me:Not
hingIj
ustmi
ssedy
ouwher
e's
dad?
Mom:
He'
shav
ingal
atemeet
ing
Inodwalki
ngupstai
rslef
tanoteon
herbedwalki
ngtowardsthedoorI
stoppedonmytracks
Me:
Mom Il
ovey
ou
Idi
dn'twai
tforherresponseIr
ushed
tothecarNathanglancedatme
dri
vingawayIletoutaloudsi
gh
Nathan:
Arey
ousur
eyouwannado
t
hisman?
Me:
Yeahi
t'
snowornev
ery
ouknow
Henodspar ki
ngout si
deJakeshouse
Isuckedinbreathwalki
nginTasha
wassitt
ingont hecouchherhead
rest
edonLei l
a'
st hi
gh
Lei
l
a:Br
uceyouknowshedoesn'
t
wannatal
k
Me:IknowlookIwon'ttakel
ongj
ust
wannat el
lhersomet
hing
Lei
l
a:I
'
llbeupst
air
s
Shesai
dwal
ki
ngupst
air
s
Me:Iknowy ou'r
eblamingmef orour
baby '
sdeathandIdon'tbl
amey ou
forthatbecauseI'
mtheonewho
broughtherintoourl
iv
esright
.but
tashadon'
tyout
hinkIhav
esuf
fer
ed
enough?
Shei
gnor
edmewi
pinghert
ear
s
Me:
Nat
ashaDoy
oul
oveme?
Shebitherl
i
plooki
ngawayI
swal
lowedthelumpinmythr
oat
Me:
I'
ll
taket
hatasaNo
Shegul
peddownagl
assofwat
er
Me:SoI'
m gonnasmokeany t
hingthat
bur
nsdrinkeverythi
ngtheyservejust
tofor
getyouI'l
lgonumbt oallthi
s
hur
tdrownt hememor yofwhatwe
wereatthebottom oft
hisbottl
eifI
havetoI
'll
pretendIneverl
ovedy ou
andmakey ourlif
esoeasyget t
ingby
withoutmeI'
l
lst
opcal
li
ng,
stop
t
ext i
ngI'
l
lst
ayoutofy
ourl
ifeasy
ou
wishbutIwil
lal
waysl
oveyou
Natasha
Isai
dwalki
ngoutNathanrol
l
edhi
s
eyesassoonasIgotint
hecar
Nat
han:Thoughty
'al
lwer
ehav
ing
makeupSex
Me:j
ustdr
iveIdon'
twannami
ssmy
f
li
ghtman
Henodsdr
ivi
ngmet
otheai
rpor
t
Me:Takecar
eofmyMot
herNat
han
andmyCompany
Nat
han:
trustmeIwi
l
l
WebrohuggedIgoti
nthepl
anehe
wav
edwalkingaway
^
NATASHA^
AssoonasBr ucewalkedoutIl
eti
t
alloutLei
l
arantomepul l
i
ngmei n
forahugshebrushedmyback
Lei
la:
areyouokay
?Whatdi
dhedot
o
youNatt?
Icouldn'tt
alkt
herewast hi
shuge
l
umpi nmyt hr
oattear
skept
str
eami ngdownmycheeksshe
pull
edoutt hehugdial
ingNina'
s
number sshepickedup
Lei
la:
heyNi
nacany
oubeabl
eto
comebymyhousenowi
t'
surgent
Shehungupwal
ki
ngt ot
hekitchen
camebackwi
thaglassofsugar
water
Leil
a:Dr
inkt
hisitcomeshi
ghl
y
recommendf orcalmi
ngdown
Itookitwithmyhandstr
embli
ngI
gulpeditdownNinapushedt
hedoor
walkingin
Ni
na:
Icameasqui
ckasIcani
s
ev
ery
thi
ngokay
Theybot
hlookedatmeIsuckedi
n
breat
handstar
tedtal
ki
ng
Me:
Imi
ssBr
uce
Lei
la:
buthewasher
eandl
eftl
i
ke35
minut
esago
Nina:i
fyoumi
sshim whydon'
tyou
callhi
m andf
ixt
hings?
Me:
that
'
sthethi
ngNinahe'
stry
ingt
o
moveonwit
hhisli
fewi
thoutmeini
t
Ni
na:Bul
l
shi
ttashaweal
lknowBr
uce
l
ovesyou
Me:hesaidhe'sgoi
ngtopr
etendhe
neverl
ovedmeNi nahesai
dhe's
goi
ngtost ayawayfr
om me,never
cal
lnortextmeohmygodwhatam I
goi
ngtodo
Leil
a:Ihat
etosaythi
sbutItol
dy ou
tostoppushi
nghim awayl
ooknow
youwannaf i
xthi
ngsandit
'sal
ready
toolat
e
Nina:
it
'snev
ertoolat
egirl
s,comeI
'l
l
dri
veyoutohishousethanyoutwo
cantal
k
Hesaidpul
l
ingmyarmtohercarl
eil
a
gotint
hebackshest
art
edthecar
dri
vi
ngout
%LUKE%
Weheardacardri
vi
nginfi
guredi
t'
s
Br
uceandNathanIrai
sedmy
ey
ebrowasNathanwalkedi
nalone
Me:
Wher
e'sBr
uce?
Nat
han:
Idon'
tanswert
oyouLuke
Me:l
ookmanIj
ustwannaknow
where'
sBr
uce?
Nathan:
Whydon'
tyoucal
lhi
m and
askwherehei
s
Luke:
Fine
Isai
ddial
inghi
snumber
stheytook
mestrai
ghttoVoi
cemai
lIcussed
Me:
i
t'
sonv
oicemai
l
Heshruggedgul
pingdownaglassof
whi
skeymyphoner angIpi
ckedup
Me:
mom
Mom:(
Cry
ing)pl
easecomehome
Br
ucei
sgoneI..
.
Mybatt
erydiedIcussedrunni
ngout
wit
hNathanwalkingaft
ermewe
usedasi
nglecardriv
inghome
Me:
What
'shappeni
ngmom?
Mom:Br
ucei
sGoneLukeIf
oundt
his
not
eontopmybed
Shesai
dgivingmet
hel
ett
erIr
eadi
t
andcussed
Nathan:It
hinkhemadeagood
choicebyl
eaving
Me:
Youknewaboutt
hisdi
dn'
tyou?
Isai
dgrabbi
nghim byhi
scol
orhe
chuckl
edsof
tly
Nathan:Doyoursel
fafavorandget
yourhandsoffmebeforeIloosei
t
Icl
earedmyt
hroatandmov
edaway
fr
om him
Nathan:Iwassay i
ngBrucemadea
ri
ghtchoicebyleavi
ngyouallknow
hewasdr inki
ngdayindayoutforthe
pastweekt hi
sgetawayisgoodfor
hi
m
Me:
May
bey
ou'
rer
ight
Natashapushedthedoorwal
ki
ngi
n
wit
hhersisterandNi
na
Tasha:
uhm canIt
alkt
oBr
uce
Mom:He'
sgoneNat
ashaBr
ucei
s
gone
Tasha:
Whatdoy
oumeanHe'
sgone?
Igaveherthenot
eshereadi
taSob
escapedhermouthLei
l
apull
edheri
n
forahug
Nat
han:
(yawni
ng)It
hinkIneedsome
Sl
eep
Hesaidwal ki
ngupst air
sdadwal ked
aft
erhim Ichuckledsoftlycan'
t
bel
ieveBruceleftwithouttell
i
ng
me,Nathanisrightthisisgoodf or
hi
m butwhataboutmom t hi
si s
goi
ngt ocrushherIshookmyhead
l
efteveryoneintheloungewal kingto
myr oom.

*
Inser
t29*
^
NATASHA^
I
tbeen2monthssi
ncebrucel
eftwe
hav
en'
thear
dfrom hi
myetNathan
refusestot el
luswher ebr ucei sI'
m
sureheknowswher ehei s,Ir
ishas
beenwor riedsickaboutBr uceohh
I'
vebeenwor kingatt hebout i
quewi t
h
herforamont hnowki ndahel psme
rel
axany whoIj ustfi
nishedt aki nga
showerwr appedat owel aroundmy
bodywal kingbackt omyr oom
droppedt hetowel l
otionedNat han
pushedt hedoorwal kingi nIgr abbed
athrowcov eri
ngmybodyhecl eared
histhroat
Nat
han:
uhm Sor
ryIwasj
ustuh
hescr
atchedhi
sheadIhuf
fed
me:
ther
ear
edoor
sforar
eason,
l
ear
n
t
oknockMor
on!
!
Ishout
edannoy
edAsf
nat
han:
Sorr
ybutthere'
suhm
someonedownst
airshewantst
osee
you
hesaidwalkingoutIcli
ckedmy
tongueget
tingdressedIwal ked
downstai
rsandf r
ownedwhenIsaw
Shabbasit
tingcomf or
tablyonour
Couchhesmi l
edbri
ghtlyIcrossed
myar ms
Shabba:
Heyt
her
eSunshi
ne
me:Whatar
eyoudoingher
e?Howdi
d
youknowwhereIl
i
ve?
Shabba:
Iknowev
ery
thi
ngabouty
ou
l
ove
If
rownhesmi
rkedwal
ki
ngcl
osert
o
me
Shabba:
Gograby
ourhandbagI
'
m
dri
vi
ngyoutowork
Me:Whatmakesyouthi
nkIwould
wantt
ogoany wher
ewithyou?
Shabba:
that
'sbecauseI
'
m notaski
ng
youbuttel
li
ngyouthatyou'
recomi
ng
wit
hme
HesaidandgrabbedmyarmI
f
li
nchedNathanpushedt
hedoor
wal
kingin.
Nat
han:
i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Shabba:
yesIwasj
ustl
eav
ing
Iwantedtosaysomet
hingbutt
her
e
wasthishugelumpi
nmyt hr
oatI
swal
lowedhard
Shabba:
I'
l
lkeepi
ntouchNat
t
Hefl
ashedaf
akesmilewal
ki
ngoutI
bl
i
nkedandbr
eathedoutl
oud
Nat
han:
arey
ousur
eyou'
reokay
?
Me:Howthehellam Igoi
ngtobe
okay?Whenyouleftmealonewitha
many ouhar
dlyknowi nt
hishuge
house
Nat
han:
i
sn'
they
ourf
ri
end?
Me:
goddamni
tNat
hany
ou'
resoo
st
upi
d
Ishout
edwal
kingoutt
akingacabto
workMrsWaynewasalreadywor
king
I
ri
s:ar
eyouokay
?
Inodwal ki
ngtotherestr
oom locked
my sel
finandletital
loutIcr
iedfor
mybabyIcr iedforbr
uceIcri
edf or
everyt
hingmyphoner angIpickedup
Ni
na:
Ihear
dwhathappenedt
asha
ar
eyouokay?
Me:I
'
m okayreal
l
yIjustwi
shbr
uce
washerethi
ngswouldhav
ebeen
di
ff
erent
Nina:
I'
m sor
rytashaevery
thi
ngi
s
goingtobeokaybruceisgoi
ngt
o
comeback
Me:butwhenninait
sbeen2mont
hs
wi
thouthear
ingfrom hi
m
Shel
etoutal
oudsi
gh
Ni
na:
knowwhatI
'
m comi
ng
ShehungupIwi
pedmyt
ear
sand
si
ghed
-
BRUCE-
I
'm pl
ayi
ngchesswi thCr ai
ginhis
housewellI
'vebeenher efor2
monthsnowt hispl
acei snicebutI
misshomeImi ssNatashamor e
Crai
g'
sgirl
fr
iendwalkedi nsit
ti
ngon
hi
slaptheykissed
Me:
guy
sgetar
oom
Crai
g:(
laughi
ng)
Dudethi
sismy
houseI'
lldoany
thi
ngIwant
Me:
What
ever
WelaughedMyphoner
angIpi
cked
up
Me:
Brot
her
Nathan:
uhm Somethi
nghappened
earl
iert
odayTashawaskinda
att
ackedinthehousebysomeguy
Me:
WHAT!
?
Heexplai
nedevery
thingtomeI
cussedhowthehelldidShabbaknow
whereweliv
e,howdidheknowI
wasn'
thome
Me:lookI
'm catchi
ngaf l
i
ght
t
omor rowev eni
ngdon'ttel
lany
one
I
'm comingbackt hough
Nat
han:
cool
Igot
tago
HehungupIr anupst
air
st otheroom
I'
m usi
ngpackedevery
thi
ngIowned
crai
gwalkedi
nt her
oom looking
concer
ned
Cr
aig:
ever
ythi
ngokay
?
Me:nahmywif
ewasat
tackedi
nthe
houseear
li
ert
oday
Cr
aig:
Shi
tshe'
sokayr
ight
?
Inodbooki
ngaf
li
ghtbackhome
%XAVI
ER%
Ismi rkedgulpingdownagl assof
whi skeyI'
vebeent ail
ingbr i
ttney'
s
boy fri
endforaweeknowInowknow
hisr outi
newellI'm pl
anningonki ll
ing
him nobodyt akeswhat '
smi neand
l
ivet otellt
hetaleI'm XavierHy dethe
Princeoft heHy defamilynobody
messeswi thmeBr i
tneywal kedinthe
housewi t
hhershoppi ngbags
Me:
howwasshoppi
ngmyl
ove?
Her
:j
ustshoppi
ng
Sheshr
uggedwalkingt
otheki
tchen
pour
edhersel
faglassofwi
neand
gul
peditdownIchuckl
edsof
tl
y
Bri
tneyt
hinksIdon'
tknowshewas
bookedi
ntoahot el
witht
his
di
ckheadfor2hours
Me:howaboutvi
sit
inghomef
ora
coupl
eofdays?
Shefr
ownedgul
pingdownanot
her
gl
assofwine
Her:
uhm noIhavesomet
hingst
odo
youcangoalone
Me:
fi
nebyme
Ichuckledwalki
ngupstair
sthrew
my sel
fonmybedt hi
nkingofhowI'
m
goingtokil
lthi
sdickheadthesooner
Iki
llhi
mt hebetter
*
Inser
t30*
^
NATASHA^
Ilaughedandhungupl ei
laisstupid
Jakeaskedhert omar r
yhi m sheran
tot hebathroom andl ockedher selfi
n
thereAndcr i
edherey eballsoutthan
Ihadt ocall
hersinceshewasf eeli
ng
ov erwhelmedany whoIwal ked
downst ai
rsIr
iswasal readywai ti
ng
formeIgr abbedanappl ewal ki
ngout
wel ltodaywe'reusingacabsi nceher
carwentt obeServicedl i
am ran
towar dsushewassweat i
ngIr ai
sed
myey ebrow
Li
am:
Nat
tunl
ockt
hegat
e!!
Heshout edcatchinghisbr eathIdug
i
nmyhandbagl ooki ngforthegate
remot ebutIcoul
dn' tfi
nditguessit
wasbecausemyhandswer eshaking
Icussedgunshot swer efir
edIhi d
behindtheflowertreesput ti
ngmy
handsonmyear st hegunshot s
fi
nallydi
edIsuckedi nbreath
Li
am:
Fuck
HecussedIwalkedt
ohi
m Mr s
Waynewaslayi
nginapoolofher
ownbloodIscr
eamedshaki
ngherup
Me:
cal
lanambul
ancel
i
am!
!
Ishoutedtaki
ngof fmyt-
shir
t
pressi
ngitagainstherwoundshe
gr
oanedi
npai
n
Me:helpisonthewayma'am
ev
erythingisgoi
ngtobeokay
I
ri
s:BrBr
uce
I
tcameoutasawhispershecl
osed
herey
esaf
tercal
l
inghi
sname
Me:
What'
staki
ngthem sool
ongl
i
am
we'
rel
oosi
ngher
Li
am:theyshoul
dbeher
eany
time
soon
Ibi
tmyl iptopreventmef rom
screamingtheambul ancefinall
y
arr
ivedtheytookMr sWay net oget
her
wit
hLi am t
ot hehospit
alsincehei s
shotinthearm Iwaspaci ngupand
downthehospit
alIwasgoi
ngcr azyI
di
aledNat
han'snumberhepickedup
Nathan:
Ican'
ttal
kNatashaI
'
mint
he
middleofsomethi
ng
Me:Mr
sWay newasshot30minutes
agoNathanshel
osttoomuchblood
Nat
han:
WHAT!
?
HeshoutedIl
etoutasobhecussed
andhungupsatonthefl
oorputt
ing
myheadonmykneesNat hanranto
mepull
ingmeinforahugIcri
edin
hi
sarms
Nat
han:
Whathappened?
Me:
ever
ythi
nghappenedt
oof
ast
Nat
hanII
Nat
han:
Breat
htashay
ou'
ret
alki
ngt
o
f
ast
Isuckedinbreathandst art
ed
expl
aini
ngev er
ythi
ngt hathappened
heclenchedhisjawsandcal ledMr
Way netel
li
nghimt hatMr sWay ne
wasshot
Nat
han:
Wher
e'sLi
am?
Me:i
nsomeofthewardst
heyar
e
goi
ngtost
it
chhim up
Henodstypi
ngsomet
hingonhi
s
phoneLukeandmrWaynerant
ous
Luke:
Whodi
dthi
s?
Me:
Idon'
tknowbutwhoev
erdi
dthi
s
wasaf
terl
iam
Henodspulli
ngmeupNathan
excusedhi
mselfwal
ki
ngawayfr
om
us
-
BRUCE-
Ichuckl
edsof
tl
yandgul
peddownmy
beershebi
therl
ipi
naseduct
iveway
Me:
Soy
ousai
dyournamei
sCi
ndy
?
Her:
yesandIl
ovehowyou
pr
onouncemynameBruce
Shesai
dli
cki
ngherbot
tom l
i
pI
l
aughed
Me:Cr
aigcanIhav
eyourcarkey
s
pl
ease
Hesmi
rkedgi
vi
ngmet
hekey
s
Cr
aig:
GoandTapt
hatAssbr
o
Hewhi
speredinmyearIchuckl
ed
andWhi
speredback
Me:
I'
mtappi
ngnoAssbroI
'
ma
mar
ri
edmanremember
Herol
ledhi
sey
esmyphoner
angI
pi
ckedup
Me:
Brot
her
Nat
han:
pleasetel
lmey
ou'
reony
our
waytot
heai r
port
Me:
Notyetmyf
li
ghti
sar
ound08pm
What
'sup?
Nat
han:
Motherwasshotout
sidet
he
gat
eear
li
ertoday
Me:
What
?
Ihal
fshout
edhesi ghedtel
l
ingme
ever
ythi
ngthathappenedIcussed
Me:
Howbadi
sitman?
Nat
han:
ver
ybadman
Me:
Fuck!
!
Ihungupr
ubbi
ngmyf
acer
oughl
y
Cr
aig:
ever
ythi
ngokay
?
Me:Mot
herwasshotout
sideourgat
e
ear
li
ert
oday
Isai
drunni
ngupst
air
sgrabbedmy
bagswalki
ngdownst
air
s
Cr
aig:
I'
l
ldr
ivey
out
otheai
rpor
t
Inodgi
vi
nghi
mthecarkey
shedr
ove
metot
heair
portwebrohuggedI
t
ooka fl
i
ghtbackhome
%XAVI
ER%
Ismirkedgulpingdownaglassof
whiskeyBri
tneywi pedhert
ear
sbut
theykeptonf all
i
ng
Me:It
oldyout
ostayawayfr
om hi
mif
yousti
ll
wannaseehi
m al
iv
e
Br
it
:you'
reoneheart
less
motherf
uckerIknowXavier
Ibacksl
appedhershescr
eamed
holdi
nghercheek
Me:youdon'
tgett
otel
lmeshi
tthi
sis
al
lyourfaul
t
Br
it
t:
Fucky
ou!
!
Sheshoutedr unni
ngupst ai
rsI
cl
enchedmyj awsgul pingdowna
gl
assofwhi skeyshewal ked
downstai
rswi thherbagsIfrow
walki
ngclosert ohersheswall
owed
har
d
Me:Wher
edoy
out
hinky
ou'
regoi
ng
wi
fey?
Br
it
t:
Hohome
Me:t
hisishomeBritneyyou'r
enot
goi
ngany wher
ejustsityourAss
downwhi l
eIcel
ebrateyour
di
ckheadsdeath
Asobescapedhermout
hIsmi
rked
gul
pingdownanot
hergl
assof
whi
skey
Me:
Goodni
ghtmyl
ove
Shehuf
fedwal
ki
ngupst
air
s

*
Inser
t31*
%LI
AM%
Iopenedmyey esandscannedthe
room Igroanedinpai
nasItri
edto
turnIwasshotinthear
m
Dee:
takei
teasybr
oyou'
rehur
t
Me:
Justaf
leshwoundhowi
sMr
s
Wayne?
Dee:
she'
sinai
nducedcoma
Me:
Fuck!
!
Isai
dbi
ti
ngmybot
tom
Me:
Bri
tneyj
esusIhav
etocal
lher
Dee:
Sheal
mosthady
oukil
l
edliam
youhav
etost
ayawayfr
om her
Me:
Ican'
tDesi
reIl
oveher
Dee:
FineI
'
llcal
lher
Shesaiddi
ali
nghernumbersthey
tookherst
rai
ghtt
ov oi
cemailI
cussedwhythehel
lisherphoneoff
Dee:l
etmegetgoingbr
otherI'
l
lget
Bri
ghttocheckuponyoulater
Inodshekissedmycheekwalki
ng
awayIletoutaloudsi
ght
hinki
ng
aboutwhatisBrucegoi
ngtosay
aboutt
hisbecausehewarnedme
aboutmyRelati
onshi
pwithBri
tney
-
BRUCE-
Justlandedi ntheai rportItookacab
tothehospi talIhaven'ttoldany one
thatIhavel andedt hecabpar ked
outsi
det hehospi talIpaidrunni ngi
n
thehospital t
heRecept i
onistshowed
met omom' swar dIcussedasIsaw
allt
hosepi pesconnect edtoherbody
Iheldherhandki ssingthebackofi t
Me:Mom t
hisi
sBr uceIcamebackas
soonasIhear
dy ouwereshot
,f
ight
fory
ourl
if
emot heryouknowIsti
ll
needy
ouweal
lneedy
ou
Nathan:
Youdoknowt
hatshecan'
t
hearyouri
ght
?
It
urnedhewasl
eaningont
hedoor
wi
thhisar
mscrossed
Me:
howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
andi
ng
t
her
e?
Nat
han:
foracoupl
eofmi
nut
es
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngi
nwebr
ohugged
Me:
how'
sfat
her
?
Nathan:
he'sf
all
i
ngapar
tmany
ou
shouldseehi
m
Me:y
ou'
rer
ightI'
ll
goseehim nowI
al
soneedt
ot akeaShowermybody
f
eel
sst
icky
HenodsIwal kedoutdr
ivi
nghiscar
homeIparkedi nt
hedri
veway
walki
nginfat
herhadhisheadonhis
handsIcl
earedmyt hr
oathelooked
up
Dad:
WhyBr
uce?
Me:
I'
m sor
rydad
Dad:
wewer
ewor
ri
edabouty
ouBr
uce
Me:Iknowi
twi
l
lnev
erhappened
agai
n
Hesmi l
edfai
ntlywal
ki
ngclosert
o
mepul l
i
ngmei nforahughepull
ed
outthehugIranupst
air
stookahot
showergotdressedi
nsweatpant
s
andat
ankt
opwal
ki
ngdownst
air
s
Dad:
aren'
tyougoi
ngt
oeat
somethi
ng?
Me:NahI'
ll
getsomet
hingatt
he
hospi
tal
Henodswal
kingoutIwalkedaf
ter
hi
m dr
ivi
ngt
ot hehospi
tal
Dad:
hercondi
ti
oni
scr
it
ical
Son
Hesaidtear
sfi
ll
i
nghisey
esI
squeezedhi
sshoul
der
Me:
She'
sgoingt
obeokaydadj
ust
wai
tandsee
Henodstaki
ngmom'
shandi
nhi
s
ki
ssi
ngit
^
NATASHA^
Il
etoutal oudsi
ghithasbeenabusy
dayhereinthebouti
queitnearl
y
knockofftimeAtall
caramellooki
ng
manwal kedinwit
hagi r
lwhoi s
probabl
y18y ear
soldtheywalkedto
me
Man:Canyoupl
easehelpmy
daught
erf
indadressshecanwear
onhermatri
cdanceshecan'
tdeci
de
onwhatshewants
Gi
rl
:DadcomeonIknowwhatIwantI
j
usthaven'
tfoundi
tyet
Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
esIgi
ggl
ed
Me:
Ihav
ethi
sper
fectdr
esswanna
seei
t?
Shenodsexcit
ementwr
it
teni
nher
faceIshowedhert
hedr
essherey
es
poppedout
Gi
rl
:Wow
Me:
youl
i
kei
t?
Gi
rl
:noIl
ovei
t!
!!
Sheshoutedjumpi ngupanddownI
l
aughedwalkingt othecounterI
noticedt
hemanst ar
ingatmeI
cl
ear edmythroathepaidforthe
dress
Me:
Thanky
ouMruhm?
Man:
Nkosi
Inodweshookhandsthegi
rlsmi
l
ed
bri
ght
lyIsmi
ledback
Man:
Idi
dn'
tgety
ournamemi
ss
Me:
Nat
ashaWay
nesi
r
Henodswal ki
ngawayy oucoul dsee
hewant edtosaysomethi
ngbuthel d
hi
mselfIshookmyheadpacki ngmy
bagsIlockedwalki
ngoutBr i
ghtwas
al
readywaiti
ngformei ntheparking
l
otIgoti nt
hecarandbuckleduphe
gl
ancedatmeandst ar
tedthecar
dri
vi
ngaway
Br
ight
:Yougood?
Me:
YeahI
'm Okayj
ustt
ir
edanynews
onMrsWayne?
Heshookhisheadconcent
rati
ngon
theroadIl
ookedoutthewi
ndowhe
parkedint
heparki
nglotwewalkedin
Ifr
ozewhenIsawBr ucesi
tt
ingon
thechai
rnextt
oMr sWayne'
sbedour
eyesmetIcouldn'
thol
dmyselftear
s
str
eam down
MycheeksIdi
dn'
treal
i
zehowmuchI
mi
ssedhim hel
ookedaway
Br
ight
:Asshol
e
Hesaidl
ooki
ngatBrucehechuckl
ed
sof
tl
ywalki
ngtowar
dshim
Bruce:
Iknowyoumissedbr
other
don'tj
ustst
andther
ecomeongive
meahug
Br
ight
:(
laughi
ng)
Fucky
ou
TheyhuggedTi
ght
ly
Br
uce:
Howi
sli
am?
Br
ight
:he'
sokayman
Henodswal
kingt
owardsmewi
ping
mytear
swit
hhisthumb
Br
uce:
YouknowIhat
eitwheny
ou
cr
yTasha
Me:
Ican'
thel
pitBr
uceImi
ssedy
ou
HeSmi
rkedpul
l
ingmecl
osert
ohi
m
Br
uce:
Youdi
d?
Inodqui
ckl
yhesmi
l
edandki
ssed
mycheek
Br
ight
:don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
twe'
re
i
nthehospi
tal
forf
uckssake
Br
uce:
(l
aughi
ng)SoWhat
?
Brightroll
edhiseyesIgi
ggledLuke
wal kedinandmar chedt
obr uceand
punchedhi m onthestomachhe
groanedhol di
nghisstomach
Luke:
Fuckyoubrucey
ouknowhow
worri
edever
yonewasabouty
ou
Br
uce:
NopebutnowIknow
Hesmi l
edbright
lyLukesighedin
defeatt
heyhuggedbr ucepull
edout
thehuglaughing
Br
uce:
y'
al
lar
egayIt
ell
you
Them:
Fucky
ou
TheylaughedIsmi l
edlooki
ngat
them j
okingaroundmant her
e'sno
wayI'
m ev erl
ett
ingBrucego
goddamni tIl
ovethi
sguy .

*
Inser
t32*
%LI
AM%
I
t'
sbeen2day ssinceIwas
di
schargedfrom theHospi t
althere
hasn'
tbeenanyi mprovementf r
om
MrsWay neIhaven'tseenbr ucesince
hecamebackmay bei
t'
sf orthebest
becauseIdon'tt
hinkI'
llbeabl eto
l
ookathimi ntheey eknowinghi s
mom islayi
ngont hehospi t
al bed
becauseofmet
her
ewasaknocki
n
thedoor
Me:
It
'sopen
Ishout
edBrit
neypushedthedoor
walki
nginshesatonthecouch
opposi
teminedesi
refrowned
Dee:
Whatarey oudoi
ngher e?
you
wantyourhusbandtofi
nishoffmy
br
other?
Me:
Desi
re
Iwarnedsherol
l
edhereyes
concent
rat
ingonherphone
Bri
t:
I'
m her
etowar nyouli
am Xavier
heardyoudi
dn'tdiehewannafi
nish
whathestart
edy ouhavet
obe
car
eful
li
am Ican'
tl
oosey
ou
Shesaidtearsr
unningdownher
cheeksIwipedthem wi
thmythumb
andkissedhercheek
Me:
ShhNothi
ngisgoi
ngtohappento
meIpr
omisetobeext
racar
efult
his
t
ime
ShenodsIfakedasmi l
epull
ingher
i
nf orahug,
tobehonestIam freaked
outshepull
edoutt
hehugpl anteda
kissonmymout hwalki
ngtowar ds
thedoor
Br
it
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Shewal
kedoutIgr
abbedmycarkey
s
dr
ivingtothehospitalt
ocheckupon
mrsWay neIparkedmycarwal ki
ngin
Iswal lowedhardwhenIsawBr uce
si
tt
ingont hechairnexttohi
s
mother'sbedIclearedmythroat
walkingtowardshim
Me:Br
uceI'
m sor
ryIreal
lyam Iknow
youwarnedmeaboutmy
Rel
ati
onshi
pwithBri
tneyandyou
werer
ight
Heglancedatmeandsai
dnot
hingI
r
ubbedmyf acer
oughl
y
Me:I
'
m sorr
yforput
ti
ngmr
sWay
ne
andtashai
ndanger
Br
uce:
It
'sOkayl
i
am st
opapol
ogi
zi
ng
Me:
Sowe'
regood?
Henodsl
ooki
ngathi
swr
ist
wat
ch
Bruce:
LookmanIhavetogoIneedt
o
takeaShowerthenr
estI
'v
ebeen
sleepi
ngher
efor2days
Me:Damnandy
ousur
eneeda
Shower
Wefistpumpedhewal
kedoutI
si
ghedlooki
ngatMrsWayne
^
NATASHA^
Iclear
edmythr
oathel
ookedatme
foralongt
imebef
oret
alki
ng
Hi
m:Iboughtyousomet
hingj
ustto
t
hankyouforhel
pingmydaught
er
wi
tht
hedr
esst
heot
herday
Me:y
oudi
dn'
thav
etomrNkosi
Iwas
doi
ngmyjob
Hi
m:Iwant
edt
o
Iforcedasmi l
edtaki
ngt hepaperbag
fr
om hi m hesmi l
edbrightl
ywalki
ng
awayIl ockedwal ki
ngoutt ookacab
homeIsmi ledwhenIsawNi na
standingout si
deourgatesher anto
mewehuggedt i
ght
ly
Ni
na:
Imi
ssedy
ousoomuch
Me:
Imi
ssedy
out
oobabe
Wewal
kedi
nthehouse
Ni
na:
Ineedagl
assofwi
nef
ir
st
Shesai
dwalki
ngtotheki
tchen
pour
edher
selfagl
assofwinejoi
ning
meonthecouch
Nina:Iheardaboutwhathappenedt
o
mr sWay neI'
m sorr
yIwasn'tt
heret
o
comf ortyouI'
m gl
adyou'r
eokay
though
Me:i
tOkayNi
naI'
mf i
neIjustmi
ssed
youhowhaveyoubeen?
Nina:
Ver
ygoodeventhought
hatguy
i
saSnobIneverwannaseehim
again
Me:
Ihat
etosayt
hisbutIt
oldy
ou
Ni
na:
ohhpl
ease
Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
esIl
aughed
Ni
na:wel
lat
leastIgott
oSpendhi
s
moneyheevenboughtmeanew
l
apt
op
Me:Luckybi
tch,
CanIasky
oua
Questi
onIwantyoutobehonestwi
th
meokay ?
Shenodssi
ppi
ngonherwi
ne
Me:
doy
ouhav
efeel
i
ngsf
ort
heguy
?
Ni
na:
NoIdon'
t
Me:
Real
l
y?
Ni
na:
OkayFi
neIdoj
ustal
i
ttl
ebi
t
Me:
Sowhaty
ougonnadoaboutem?
Nina:
Idon'
tknowTashay
esIlikehi
m
buthe'
ssoofull
ofhi
mselfandRude
Me:Whydon'
tyoutal
ktohi
m may
be
he'
sgoi
ngtochange
Ni
na:
Hopef
ull
y
Br
ucepushedt
hedoorwal
ki
ngi n
Ni
nagl
ancedatmeandsmiled
Nina:
BruceIdi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
e
back
Bruce:
heyNi
naIcamebackfewdays
agoexcusemeIjustneedaShower
thenrest
Hesaidwalki
ngupst
air
sninalooked
atmewi t
hthi
sstupi
dgri
nplaster
ed
onherface
Ni
na:
youguy
smadeup?
Me:Nohe'sbeensl
eepingatt
he
hospi
tal
wehav en'
tgotti
metotal
k
Nina:
Nowist
heti
met
ashagoonand
speaktoy
ourman
Me:
may
bey
ou'
rer
ight
Wehuggedshewal kedoutIsucked
i
nbreathwalkingupstai
rsBrucehas
j
ustfi
nishedtaki
ngashowerhegot
dr
essedinhispy j
amas
Me:
uhm Br
ucecanwet
alk?
Br
uce:
Dowehav
etoDoi
tnow?
Me:
Pleasebr
uceIj
ustwantust
otal
k
Bruce:
we'l
ltal
ktomor
rowmor ni
ng
tashaIhavethi
smeanheadacheand
Ineedt
orest
Hesaidgett
ingundert hecov ersI
swall
owedhar dwalki
ngt ot he
bathr
oom br
ushedmyt eet
hwal king
backtoourroom joi
ningbr uceunder
thecover
shewassnor ingsof t
ly
guesshewasr eal
lyti
redIki ssedhis
cheekandslept.

*
Inser
t33*
^
NATASHA^
Iwokeupal oneinbedIstretched
my selfmadethebedwal kingtothe
bathroom t
ookaqui ckshowergot
dressedwal ki
ngdownstairsNathan
washav
ingbr
eakf
astal
one
Nat
han:
Mor
ningNat
asha
Me:
heywher
e'sbr
uce?
Heshruggedconcent
rat
ingonhi
s
pl
ate
Me:
Nat
hanI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyou
Nathan:
Idon'
tknowOkay!
!Whydon'
t
youCallhi
m andaskhi
m wher
eheis
Hehalfshoutedbangingthet abl
e
andwalkedoutIswallowedhar d
gulpi
ngdownagl assofwat erWhat
thehell
justhappenedNat han
Snappedatmef ornor easonIshook
myheaddr ivi
ngtowor k
Louse:
Goodmorni
ngMrsWayneuhm
Someoneisher
etoseeyou
Me:
I'
l
lbei
ntheof
fi
ce
Shenodswal ki
ngawayIwalkedin
theoffi
ceasIwasabouttositdown
MrNkosi '
sdaught
erandsomeguy
probabl
yhisbigbr
otherwal
kedin
theoffi
ceShesmiledbri
ght
ly
Her
:Morni
ngMr sWayneI
'
m sor
ryt
o
bot
heryoubutIwant
edyoutomeet
mybrot
her
Hi
m:Act
ual
lyI
'
mt heonewhowant
ed
t
o meetyoumiss
Heextendedhishandfora
handshakeIgavehim mi
neki
ssed
myhandIf
rowned
Hi
m:I'
m Siy
abythewayt
hisi
smy
l
it
tl
esist
erBuhl
e
Me:
I'
m Nat
ashaWay
ne
Him:You'
rewhatdadandbuhletal
ks
aboutint
hepastfewdaysIhadt o
seethebeaut
ytheytal
kedaboutfor
myself
Igi
ggl
edsof
tl
y
Hi
m:you'
vegott
hemostpr
eci
ous
smi
le
Me:IknowmyHusbandt
ell
sme
al
mostev er
yday
Hi
m:uhm excusemel
adi
esIhav
eto
t
aket
hiscal
l
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngaway
Buhl
e:For
giv
emybr
otherIknow he
canbetoomuch
Me:i
t'
sokayuhm I'
m ki
ndahungr
yI
ski
ppedbreakf
astwannagrab
somethi
ngtoeat?
Buhl
e:y
espl
ease
Inodwal
ki
ngt
othecount
er
Me:I
'
m goi
ngoutforanhourLouse
yougoi
ngtocopeonyourown?
Louse:
Yes
Inodwal
kingoutwi
thbuhl
eaf
terme
someonebumpedinmeandcli
cked
hert
ongue
Her
:Bi
tchwat
chwher
eyou'
regoi
ng
Me:
Sor
ryI
..
.
Ist
oppedtal
ki
ngwhenIsawwhoshe
i
sIfrowned
Me:
You'
repr
egnant
?
Sher
oll
edherey
es
Her:
i
sn'
tthatobvi
ousdi
dn'tbr
ucet
ell
youhe'
sgoingtobeaFather?
Shesai
dbr
ushi
ngherswol
l
ent
ummy
Me:
What
?
Itcameoutasawhispershehadthi
s
stupi
dgri
nplast
eredonherface
Her
:Ihav
etogoby
eMr
sWay
ne
Shewal
kedawayswayi
ngherhi
ps
si
dewaysIswal
l
owedhugel
umpi n
mythr
oat
Me:
Sor
ryIj
ustl
ostmyappet
it
e
Isai
dwalki
ngawayIdi
aledni
na'
s
numbershepi
ckeduponthe3rdr
ing
Ni
na:
dar
li
nghel
l
o
Me:
caCany
oupl
easepi
ckmeupat
t
hemall
?
Isai
dwi
thabr
eaki
ngv
oice
Nina:
I'
minameet i
ngtashawhydon't
youdri
veyourselfhome?butI
'
llget
Bri
ghttof
etchy ou
ShehungupIbi
tmyl
i
ptopr
eventme
from cryi
ngIdon'twannacr yinfront
ofall t
hesepeoplebri
ghtcalled
sayinghe'sattheparkinglotIwal ked
tohim gotinthecarandl etitall
out
hegl ancedatmef ocusingont he
road
-
BRUCE-
Me:
Youdi
dWhat
?
Lisa:
ItoldherI
'
m pr egnantwi
thyour
babybr uceIdi
dn'tknowy ouwer
e
keepingthisasecret
Me:NoI
'
m notIjustwant
edagood
ti
metotel
lrememberyouki
l
ledour
baby
Li
sa:
IknowandI
'
m sor
ryuhm t
he
doctorsaidourdaught
eri
sper f
ect
ly
fi
neIshoul dcomebackont he25t
h
foranothercheckupbyeBruce.
Shesai dwalkingawayIsuckedi n
breathwalkingbackt omom' sward
ohhmom cameoutt heComa
yesterdayaround00: 00hIonlyfound
outthismor ni
ngt houghthedoct or
saidmom wi l
lbeonawheel chai
rfor
therestofherl i
felukebroughtme
backf rom myt houghts
Luke:
Whenareyougoi
ngt
otel
ltasha
aboutt
hepr
egnancy?
Me:
TonightmaybeI
'
m notinthe
moodforfi
ght
ingwi
thNatashaluke
Luke:
ohmanIsoodon'
twannabe
youri
ghtnow
Me:manI'
llcomecheckuponmot
her
l
aterIhav
et otal
ktot
asha
Wef i
stpumpedIwal kedoutdri
v i
ng
tomyhouseIpar kedinthedri
veway
walki
nginTashawassi tti
ngi
nt he
darkwit
hagl assofwineinhandI
tur
nedthelightsonsitt
ingonthe
couchoppositeher
Tasha:
Youmadeherpregnant?When
wereyougoingt
otel
lmeBr uce?How
didyouknowshe'
spregnantwit
h
yourbaby?
Me:
l
ukehear
dthatshe'
spr
egnant
whil
eIwasawayhet r
ackedherdown
thandidsometeststoproveift
he
babyisreal
l
ymi neIonl
yf oundout5
daysagonatashaIwasgoi ngtotel
l
you
Tasha:butyoudi
dn'
tsoy
ou'regoi
ng
todiv
or cemeandgetmarr
iedtoher
?
Me:Idon'tevenloveherandIhaven'
t
for
got t
enthatsheki l
l
edourbabythe
onl
yt hi
ngt hatkeptmefrom ki
l
li
ng
herismybabyi nsi
dehertummy
Tasha:
Soherbabyget
stol
i
vewhi
l
e
minedied?
Me:
Whatareyousay
ingt
ome
Nat
asha?Youwantmetoki
l
lmy
baby
?
Tasha:
Nomay
beYesIdon'
tknow
Bruce!
!
Sheshout
edIchuckl
edshaki
ngmy
head
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his
Isaidwalki
ngupst
air
swi t
hher
runningaft
ermeshouti
ngand
cussing
Me:li
stenTashaI'
m notint
hemood
forfi
ghti
ngwi t
hyouIjustf
oundout
thatmom wi l
lnev
erbeabletowal
k
againI'
mt i
redAsfIneedtosl
eep
Tasha:
Fucky
oubr
uce
Me:
Goodni
ghtbut
ercup
Iki
ssedhercheekget
ti
ngundert
he
cover
sanddozedoff
*
Inser
t34*
^
NATASHA^
Iwokeupwi ththemot herof
hangov ersIsatupclosingmyey es
ti
ghtlybrucewasn'tnexttomeI
groanedwal kingtothebathroom
tookal ongassbat hgotdressedi n
sweat pantsandat anktopwal ki
ng
downst air
sBrucewasmaki ng
breakfastNathanwassi tt
ingont he
kit
chenhi ghchairt
ypingsomet hi
ng
onhisphone
Nathan:
Iknowyoul
ov eherbr
uceand
youwouldn'
tdoany
thingtohurther
i
ntenti
onal
lywomencanbedr amati
c
atti
mesIknowbrother
Bruce:Iknowithurt
sNathanbutshe
can'texpectmet oki
ll
mybabyi fshe
want sthebabydeadshemi ghtas
wellgoki l
li
thersel
f
Nathan:(
laughing)I
'
m sureshedidn'
t
meant hatbruceitwasthealcohol
t
alking
Br
uce:
Iknow
Nat
han:
Whenl i
sagi
vesbi
rt
hwhat
's
goi
ngtohappen?
Br
uce:
Brot
hery
ouknowI
'
mjust
wait
ingf
orhertogivebi
rt
hthanfuck
herupIhav
en'tf
orgott
enthatshe
ki
ll
edmybaby
Nathan:
butyouknowy
oucan'
tuhm
ki
ll
herright
?
Bruce:IknowNat hanbutI
'm goingt
o
takethebabyawayf r
om herthat
shouldhur therl
i
keshehur tTasha
Nathan:
Soaboutt
ashawhaty
ou
gonnado?
Br
uce:Idon'
tknowmanI'
m notsur
e
i
fshesti
lll
ovesmeornot
Nat
han:
Whatabouty
oudoy
oust
il
l
l
oveher
?
Br
uce:
Tashai
smyl
i
feNat
hanI
f
uckenl
oveher
Nathan:
Don'
tyoumeany
ou'
re
obsessedwi
thher
?
Bruce:MaybeIam dudeIl
ove
Natashawi t
hevery
thi
nginmeI'
m not
sureifshefeel
sthesame
Hesaidl
ooki
ngdownIcl
ear
edmy
t
hroatwal
ki
ngtowar
dshi
m
Me:YesIf
eel
thesameIl
ovey
out
oo
br
uce
Nathan:
Whydoesitf
eel
li
key
ou
heardever
ythi
ng?
Me:
Idi
d
Br
uce:
I'
m sor
ryTashaIr
eal
l
yam
Me:
it
'sOkayBruceI
'
m al
soi
nthe
wr
ongf or
giv
eme
Br
uce:
Comeher
e
Iwalkedtohim heplantedakisson
mymout handpull
edmei nf
orahug
Irestedmyheadonhi schest
l
isteningtohi
sheartbeat
Nat
han:
Canweeatsomeofusar
e
r
unni
nglat
e
Il
aughedsi
tti
ngnexttohi
m br
uce
di
shedupwehadbr eakf
asti
n
comfort
abl
esil
ence
Nat
han:Igott
agoI'
ml at
eformy
meeti
ngby eWayne'
s
-
BRUCE-
Ilefttashacl ear
ingthetablewal ki
ng
upst ai
rstotakeaShowerI 'm glad
tashaandImadeupIcoul dn'tstand
thistensionbet weenusany whoI
fi
nishedt akingashowerwal kedi n
myr oom tashawasmaki ngt hebedI
droppedt het owel andl
otionedmy
bodyt ashacl earedhert
hr oatI
chuckl ed
Me:
Likewhaty
ousee?
Shebl
ushedconcent
rat
ingonwhat
shewasdoingIsmir
ked
Me:
Stopst
ari
ngmr
sWay
ne
Tasha:
NoI
'
m not
Inodwal
ki
ngt
owar
dshershecl
osed
herey
es
Tasha:
BruceWhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
Nothi
ngI
'mjusttr
yingt
oreach
myboxer
sbehi
ndy ou
Isai
dputt
ingmyhandonherwai
st
theot
herhandt
aki
ngmyboxers
Tasha:
OohBr
uce
Shesaidresti
ngherheadonmy
chestIwhisper
edinherear
Me:
youhav
etobegmeMr
sWay
ne
Tasha:
pleasemakel
ovet
omebr
uce
Shesai
dtear
sthreat
eni
nghereyesI
smir
kedsmashi
ngmyl ipsonhers
pi
ckedheruppi
nningheragai
nstthe
wal
landt
heresti
shistorywe'
renow
l
ayi
ngonthefl
oorbuttnaked
Me:
Ilov
eyouBut
ercup
Tasha:
Ilov
eyout
oobabe
Myphonerangfort
het
hir
dti
menow
Igr
oanedpicki
ngup
Br
ight
:Ar
eyouwat
chi
ngt
henews
man?
Me:NahI'
m busywi
thsomet
hing
what'
sup?
Bri
ght:
Shabbaj
ustdiedinacar
acci
dentmanapparentl
yhelost
contr
olofhi
scar
Me:
Ohboy
Br
ight
:Goodr
iddancet
obadr
ubbi
sh
Me:
BroI
'
llhav
etocal
lyoubackl
ater
Ihungupj oi
ningtashai
ntheshower
wet ookaninnocentshowergot
dressedwalki
ngoutdr i
vi
ngtothe
hospital
tocheckuponmot herwe
walkedinherward
Mom: Br
uceIcan'
tfeel
myl
egswhat
's
happeni
ngtome?
Me:uhm mom hav
eyouseent
he
doctor
?
Mom:y
esshemademedr
inkal
otof
pi
l
ls
Me:I
'
m surei
tthepil
l
sthatmakes
younotf
eelyourl
egs
Isaidl
ooki
ngawayIdon'twannabe
theonewhotel
lsherthatshewil
l
neverbeabl
etowalkagainthi
sis
goingtobr
eakherheart
Mom:
ever
ythi
ngokayatt
hebout
ique?
Shesai
dlooki
ngatt
asha
Tasha:
Yesev
ery
thi
ngi
sper
fect
lyf
ine
mom
Shenodsclosi
nghereyesguessshe
needstor
estIkissedhercheek
walki
ngouttashakeptsteal
i
ng
gl
ancesatme
Tasha:
Whydi
dyoul
i
etoher
?
Me:Idi
dn'
twanttobetheonewho
t
ell
shernatashaIhat
etoseehercr
y
Tasha:Iunderst
andbuty
oudoknow
thaty
'allhavetotel
l
Me:
Iknow
Isai
dst
art
ingt
hecardr
ivi
ngback
home
*
Inser
t35*
-
BRUCE-
me:Idon'
tfeell
i
kegoi
ngbacktowor
k
yetmanbesidesNat
hanhasbeen
t
akinggoodcareofthecompany
Luke:
Tohell
wit
hNathanhehast
ogo
backtohi
smother
Me:Nathani
sourcousi
nlukeandhe
canstayher
easl
ongashewant s
Luke:
ughIneedasmoke
Hesaidwalki
ngoutIshookmyhead
gul
pingdownaglassofwater
Bri
ght:
I'
m wit
hlukeont
hisoneIdon'
t
l
ikeyourcousi
n
Me:
Youcan'
tbeser
ious
Bri
ght:
Iam youknowhesleptwi
th
hal
ftheempl oy
eesf
rom Wayne'
sinc
i
ny ourabsence
Me:
WHAT!?Heknowst
hati
sagai
nst
t
herul
es
Heshruggedconcentr
ati
ngonhis
gl
assofwhiskeyNathanwalkedi
n
mystudybri
ghtrol
ledhisey
es
Nat
han:
Am Ii
nter
rupt
ingsomet
hing?
Me:Notatal
lWhatar
ey oudoi
ngher
e
shoul
dn'
tyoubeatwork?
Nat
han:
justneededt
ogetsomet
hing
f
rom myroom thanI
'
m out
Br
ight
:t
hisai
n'
tyourr
oom i
t'
sBr
uce'
s
st
udy
Nat
han:
IknowsweetcheeksIneeded
agl
assofVodka
Hesai
dstandingbehindbri
ght
l
eanedfor
wardpouringhimsel
fa
gl
assandwalkedout
Bri
ght:
Didhej
ustcal
lmeSweet
cheeks?
Me:
(Laughi
ng)
ohwel
lyouhear
dthe
man
Hefrownedgulpi
ngdownanother
gl
assofwhiskeylukebur
stout
l
aughing
Luke:
Whatwashedoi
ngher
eany
way
?
Me:dudehewasj
ustchecki
ngupon
hi
scousin
Br
ight
:Ihav
etogetgoi
nggent
s
Wefistpumpedhewalkedwit
hluke
af
terhim It
ookmyphonedial
i
ng
Cr
aig'
snumber shepi
ckeduponthe
3r
dr i
ng
Cr
aig:
mast
erWay
ne
Me:(
Laughi
ng)howar
eyouhol
ding
up?
Craig:Al
lgoodbr
otherhowar
eyou
holdingup?
Me:
I'
m okaymancany
oupl
easedo
meaf avor
Cr
aig:
cool
Shoot
Me:Youdoknowt
hatmymot
herwas
shotri
ght
?
Craig:
yeahIknow,youwantmet
o
takeouttheshoot
erright
?
Me:uhm Yeshowfastcany
oube
abl
etoflythi
ssi
de?
Cr
aig:
j
ustgi
vemeanhourI
'
llbet
her
e
Me:Nev
erheardofa1hourf
li
ghtf
rom
Engl
andtoSouthAf
ri
caman
Cr
aig:
(Laughi
ng)
I'
m al
readyi
nS.
A.
myfri
endIgothereaweekago
Me:WhydoIgett
hefeel
i
ngthaty
ou
hav
eahandinShabba'
sdeat
h
Cr
aig:
wel
lIjustt
emperedwi
tht
he
br
akesofhi
scarnothi
ngmorel
ook
br
ucetal
kinanhour
HehungupIshookmyheadf
ocusi
ng
onmyglass
^
NATASHA^
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryNat
ashaIr
eal
l
yam
Me:
Idon'
tunder
standmrNkosi
why
ar
eyouapol
ogi
zi
ng?
Hi
m:II
'
myourf
ather
Hesaidlooki
ngdownlei
l
arani
nthe
bouti
queItext
edhert
ogether
efast
si
nceMrnkosi wasmaki
ngme
uncomfort
able
Lei
l
a:Ar
eyouOkayTasha?
Inodnott
aki
ngmyey
esof
fmrNkosi
Lei
l
a:Fat
her
Hesai
dlooki
ngatmrNkosi
Hi
m:Thandi
wel
ookathowgr
owny
ou
ar
e
TheyhuggedTi
ght
lyIj
uststoodther
e
notknowi
ngwhattodotheypull
ed
outt
hehug
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngonl
eil
a?
Him:ThandekaI'
m sor
ryIdon'
tblame
youfornotrememberingmey ou
weretooy oungwhenIlef
tI'
m sorr
y
Me:
YouYoul
eftme,
usy
oul
eftMom
f
orwhat
?
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryThandeka
Me:
Nodon'
tcomeany
wher
enearme
Isai
dshakingmyheadhewrapped
hisarmsaroundmeIcr
iedi
nhis
armstil
lIcal
meddownandpull
ed
outthehug
Me:
Ifor
giv
eyouf
ather
Hesmi
l
edwipi
ngmytear
swit
hhi
s
t
humbIsmi
l
edafai
ntsmil
e
Hi
m:Thandi
wehowhav
eyoubeen?
Lei
l
a:Al
lgoodIhav
e2ki
dsnow
Hi
m:y
ounotmar
ri
ed?
Lei
l
a:NoI
'
m notmar
ri
ed
Henodsl
ooki
ngathi
swr
ist
wat
ch
Hi
m: Lookgi
rl
sIhavetogofet
chyour
si
sterfr
om school
I'
ll
cal
lyoul
ater
Heki
ssedourcheekswal
ki
ngout
Lei
l
a:Ievenf
orgothowheusedtocal
l
ustashaImissedhi
m soomuch
Me:
Can'
tsayt
hesameIbar
elyknow
t
heguy
Shegi
ggl
edt
akingmyhandi
nher
s
l
eadi
ngmetothecouch
Lei
la:
SitandI
'
llt
ell
youev
ery
thi
ng
abouthim
%NATHAN%
I'
m Nat hanGr een28y earsoldI'
m
Bruce'scousinwel ly'
allare
wonder ingwhyLukehat emesoo
muchi t'sbecauseheknowsI '
m
bisexual I
'
m notmuchi ntogirl
s
thoughIaskedhi mt okeept hat
secretformebecauseI 'm notyet
readytot ell
thef amil
yaboutmy
sexualityIknowmot herhategays
togetherwi t
hl ukeyoucouldswear
heismymot her '
ssonanywhoI '
m at
thi
sCl ubhavingacoupl eofdri
nks
withsomegi rlIsawbr i
ghtShaki
ng
handswi thsomeol dmanf igur
ed
he'saclienthenodswal ki
ngawayI
smi r
kedasbr ightsatdownasking
forar ef
il
l
Me:uhm excusemef
oraminut
ejust
wannagreetmyoldf
ri
endov
erther
e
ShenodsIwal
kedt
ohi
stabl
e
Me:
Fancyseei
ngy
ouher
e
Isai
dwhisper i
nginhisearhetur
ned
ourl
ipsaccidental
lyt
ouchedhe
fr
ownedwi pinghismouthIchuckl
ed
Br
ight
:j
eezmanwhatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?
Me:
thi
sisacl
ubi
sn'
t?
Herol
l
edhi
sey
esconcent
rat
ingon
hi
sbeer
Me:
dudey
ou'
resweat
ing
Br
ight:
forChr
ist
'ssakest
op
br
eathi
ngdownmyneckIcan't
br
eathe
Ichuckl
edsi
tt
ingonthechair
opposit
ehi
m dri
nki
ngfrom hi
sgl
ass
Br
ight
:l
ookmanIhav
etogo
Hesettl
edthebil
lwal
kingoutI
smil
edgulpi
ngdownhi sdr
ink.
.y
eah
y'
al
lareri
ghtIl
ikeBri
ghtIwoul
dn't
mindbeinginar el
ati
onshipwithhi
m
Iclear
edmyt hroatwalki
ngbackt o
thegir
lIfakedasmi l
ekissi
ngher
cheekwalkingoutdri
vingstr
aight
home.

*
Inser
t36*
-
BRUCE-
Br
ight
:Makesuret
odoacleanJob
Cr
aigwedon'twantt
heRussi
an
Mafi
aaft
erusman
Luke:
he'
snotf
rom Russi
ahe'
sfr
om
Germanywhywoul
dt hemafi
asbe
aft
erus?
Nat
han:
He'
sfr
iendswi
tht
he
Russi
ansmandon'
tunder
est
imat
e
hi
m he'
stoopower
ful
Craig:
Ihav
eapl ant
houghuhm li
am
saidtheHyde'
shaveafamil
yreunion
l
atertheyrent
edthewhol
erestaur
ant
Nat
han:
i
sthaty
ourpl
an?
Hesai
drol
l
inghi
sey
es
Crai
g:wel
lI'
l
lhav
etogot
her
eandki
l
l
them wi
thGas
Me:manIdon'
tcar
ehowy oudoi
t
asl
ongasthi
sbastar
disdead
Cr
aig:
Ibet
tergoandgetr
eady
Wefistpumpedhewal
kedoutwi
th
Nat
hanIgulpeddownmybeer
Br
ight
:thoughtaboutgoi
ngbackt
o
work?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngbackt
owor
kon
Monday
Luke:
Nat
han?
Me:
Whatabouthi
m?
Luke:
Sincey
ou'regoi
ngbackt
owor
k
whatishegoingtodo?
Me:I
'
llcr
eat
eaposi t
ionforhim man
hav
en'tt
houghtaboutityet
Br
ight:
whycan'
thej
ustgobackt
ohi
s
mother?
Me:Doyouhaveapr
obl
em wi
thmy
cousi
nbri
ght?
Isai
dwi
thaRai
sedeyebr
owhe
huff
edr
ubbi
nghi
shandstoget
her
Bri
ght:
Fucky eahIdo!
!Yourcousi
n
makesmeuncomf ort
abl
eAsfhe
l
ikesbreat
hingdownmyneckcal li
ng
mesweetcheeksandal lthatShi
t
Hehal
fshout
edbangi
ngt
het
abl
emy
ey
espoppedout
Me:
HeWhat
?
Luke:
I'
m notSur
pri
sed
Bri
ght
:Tel
lhisGayAsst
ost
ayt
hehel
l
awayfrom meugh
Hestor
medoutt
hehousedr
ivi
ng
away
Me:
Idon'
tunder
standmanNat
hani
s
Gay
?
Luke:
Yeah
Ishookmyheadgulpi
ngdown
anothergl
assofwhi
skey
Me:Thi
sissoogoi
ngt
obr
eak
Tanni
e'
sheart
Luke:
Iknowman,Sowhenar
eyou
andtashagoi
ngt
otryf
orababy?
Me:
Ithi
nkit
'stooearlyf
orustobe
t
ryi
ngforababyafterwhathappened
Luke:
mani
t'
sbeen3mont
hsal
ready
Me:
l
ukeIdon'
twannat
alkaboutt
his
Henodsgul
pingdownhi
sdr
ink
^
NATASHA^
Dad:
Arey
ouokayThandeka?
Ifakedasmi l
eandNodt obehonest
I'
m scar edAsfIdon' tknowwhatt o
expectohhwe' remeet ingt herestof
hisfami lyatLady smithBr ucewas
againstt heideaatf i
rstaftersome
beggi ngf r
om leil
ahef inall
ygav ein
hewant edt ocomewi t
hust o
Lady smi t
hbutwet houghtt hef amil
y
willfi
ndi trude,Mom hasbeen
attendingt hesupportgr oupsf or
alcoholicsI'm proudofherr eal
ly
any whot hecarpar kedi nfrontofa
bigmansi onIswal l
owedhar di
nt he
carit'sonlymeandf atherl eil
ais
dr
ivi
ngwit
htheuncl
ehel
ookedat
mewi t
hconcer
nwri
tt
enonhi
sface
Dad:
Arey
ousur
eyou'
reokayy
ou?
Me:YesI'
m okayIj
ustf
orgotmy
anxi
etypi
ll
sathome
Isai
dtear
sthr
eat
eni
ngmyey
es
Dad:
Shhit
'
sOkaychi
l
dev
ery
thi
ngi
s
goi
ngtobeokay
Inodhesmiledwewalkedinthe
housebuhl
esmiledr
unningtomewe
huggedbri
efl
y
Buhl
e:I
'
m gl
ady
oucame
Me:
coul
dn'
tsaynot
odad
Shel
aughedsof
tl
ySomewomanwho
l
ookedexact
lyl
ikefat
herwal
kedi
n
thel
oungeshel
ookedatmef r
om
headtotoet
hanfrowned
Her:
Buhl
eShowhertotheRondav
el
she'
l
lbeusi
ngasherroom
Shesai
dwal
ki
ngt
otheki
tchen
"
Buhl
ecomet
hissi
debaby
"
Shoutedsomeonef iguredit
'sher
mothershel ef
tmei nloungrunning
tohermot herIhuffednotknowi ng
whattodoIbr eathedoutl oudwhen
l
eil
aandt heunclewal kedi
n
Uncl
e:Wher
e'sy
ourf
ather
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Ishr
uggedheshookhi
sheadtaki
ng
ourbagswal
ki
ngtoabigRondavel
Uncle:Thi
sisgoingtobeyourroom
gi
rlsset t
ledownthencomej oi
n
ever
y oneforsupper
Lei
l
a:t
hanky
ou
Henodswal
ki
ngout
Lei
l
a:Rel
axwi
l
lyou?
theydon'
tbi
te
Shesai
dtaki
ngmyhandtot
hebig
housewejoi
nedev
ery
onear
oundthe
tabl
e
Lei
l
a:sani
bona
Them:
Kuy
akanj
anu?
(Howar
eyou)
Lei
l
a:I
'
m Okay
Buhl
e:Tashaar
eyousur
eyou'
reokay
?
Inodqui
ckl
ypl
ayi
ngwi
thmynai
l
s
Dad:
youcangotobedThandekaI
canseeyou'
ret
ir
ed
Ismi l
edfaint
lywal
ki
ngt ot
he
Rondav el
diali
ngBr
uce'snumberhe
pickedupont he3r
dring
Bruce:
I'
vebeencal
l
ingy
ouf
oral
ong
ti
met ashaar
eyouokay
?
Me:
YesI
'
m okaybr
uce
Br
uce:
don'
tl
iet
omet
asha
Me:
Ifor
gotmyanxi
etypi
l
lsathome
Br
uce:Shi
tyou'
rehavi
ngananxi
ety
at
tack?Babycal
m downever
ythi
ngis
goi
ngtobeokayy
ougotl
eil
ather
e
wit
hyou
Me:Yeahy
ou'
reri
ghtIj
ustneeda
col
dShowerandgetsomesleepI
'l
l
beokay
Bruce:
OkayGoodni
ghtbut
ercupIl
ove
you
Me:
Lov
eyout
oo
HehungupIchangedint
omy
sl
eepweargotundert
hecov
ersand
dozedof
f
I
nser
t42
^
NATASHA^
Iwokeupwi
tht
heur
get
othr
owupI
quickl
yrantot hebathr
oom and
thr
ewupev erythi
ngIateyester
day
BrucehelpedmeupIr i
nsedmy
mout hthanleanedagainstthewal
l
her ai
sedhisey ebr
ow
Br
uce:
babear
eyouokay
?
Ishookmyheadl
eani
ngont
hewal
l
me:
Ifeel
const
ipat
ed
Leon:
takeadayoffI'
l
lcancel
my
meeti
ngsf ort
odayandspendthe
daywithyou
Inodhewalkedoutthebathroom t
o
behonestIwasfeeli
ngli
ghtheaded
andconsti
pat
edItookacol dshower
wrappedatowelaroundmybody
thanwalkedtoourr
oom Ishookmy
headlookingatmybodyi
nt hemi
rr
or
me: Ihavetost
artexer
cisi
ngl
ookat
al
lthisfat
Isaidgrabbingmybut tIgotdressed
i
nsweat pantsandat ankwi t
hfli
p
fl
opst hanwal keddownst ai
rsbruce
andNat hanwer ehavingboi l
edeggs
forbreakfastIrantotheki t
chensink
sinceitwascl oserIt
hr ewup
Bruce:t
hat
'
sitI
'
mtaki
ngy
out
othe
doctor
me:
BruceI
'
mfi
neIj
ust
..
.
Ihel
dmyheadcl
osi
ngmyey
es
ti
ght
ly
Bruce:
Nathanpl
easegetmemycar
keysI'
m dri
vi
nghertot
hedoct
or
Heranupstai
rsbrucepickedmeup
br
idal
styl
eIchuckledheisSoo
dr
amatichedrovemet oourdoct
or
doc:Br
uceIt
hinkweallknowwhat'
s
wrongwit
hMrsWay nebuttobesur
e
l
et'
sdosomet est
s
hesai
dgi
vi
ngmeapl
ast
iccup
Doc:
goandpeeont
hiscupma'
am
Inodgoingt
othel
ooIgavethe
doct
orthecuphedi
ppedsomethi
ng
i
n
Br
uce:
doct
orSmi
th
doc:Iknewitarh!
!congr
atul
ati
ons
areinorderMrsWay neyou'
re
pregnantmyeyespoppedoutsay
what?
Br
uce:
howf
ar?
doc:wecantell
bydoi
ngan
ul
trasoundscan
Inodget
ti
ngont
hebedhedi
dhi
s
thi
ng
doc:
you'
re2mont
hspr
egnantma'
am
brucesmil
edandki
ssedmycheekI
changedbackt
omyclotheswe
walkedout
Br
uce:
howdoy
ouf
eel
aboutt
his?
Me:Idon'
tknowbr
ucet obehonest
I
'm scar
edwhati
fIloosethi
sonetoo?
Bruce:I
'
m heref
ory
ousunshiney
ou
don'thavet
obescaredokay
Me:Ar
ewereadyforababythough?I
meanwehavebabyHopet oRaise
ar
ewegoingtocope?
Bruce:We'
regoi
ngtobeokay
butercupwe'
rei
nthi
stoget
her
Inodlooki
ngdownhegrabbedmy
waistpul
li
ngmeclosert
ohim
l
ookingdeepi
nmyey esIbl
ushed
Br
uce:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Henodsopeni
ngthedoorIgoti
nand
buckl
eduphewenttohi
sside
gl
ancedatmebeforedr
ivi
ngaway
-
BRUCE-
Tashahasbeensl eepingf orhours
nowbabyHopewasscr eami ngatthe
topofherl ungsf i
gur edsheneedsa
nappychangeIf rownchangi ngher
nappycan' treallygetusedt ot hi
sit
's
been2mont hsshegotdi schargedat
thehospi t
alIt ookherawayf rom her
mot herthere'snowayI '
ml etti
ng
l
indar ai
semybabygi r
lyesshecan
comev i
sitherwhenshewant stobut
IgotfullcustodyofHopeany who
tashawokeupandl aughedatme
Tasha:
thatt
ooky
oul
ong
Me:I
'
m notreal
l
yusedt
othi
sbabe
butI
'
mt r
ying
Tasha:
Iknow,
I'
m hungr
y
Il
aughedbeforeshetookanapshe
atea1/ 2chi
ckenonherownshe
sulked
Me:
Whatdoy
ouf
eel
li
keeat
ing?
Tasha:
somet
hinggr
easy
InodshetookHopeIwalked
downstai
rstomakehersomethi
ngt
o
eatbr
ightwalkedi
nandchuckl
ed
Bri
ght
:dudei
t'
s6:
30pm y
ou'
rest
il
l
cooki
ng?
Me:Iknow,t
ashahasbeensendi
ng
mear oundt
hewholedayIr
egretnot
goi
ngt owork
Bri
ght:
(l
aughi
ng)y
oubett
ergetused
toi
tmani t
'sgoi
ngtobealongnine
months
Me:
pleasedon'
tremi
ndme
Wel aughedTashawal
kedi
nthe
ki
tchenfrowni
ng
Tasha:I
'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
ormyf
ood
bruce
Me:I
'
m sorryaboutt
hatsunshi
neI
'
m
j
ustdishi
ngup
Sherol
ledhereyessi
tt
ingont
he
ki
tchenhighchai
r
Bri
ght
:where'
syourcousin?You
knowhesentmesomet hingst
range
thi
smorning
Me:
don'
tev
enwannaheari
t
Tasha:
We'
recr
avi
ngf
orami
l
kshake
l
ove
Me:
Lor
dtakemenow
Imumbledgul
pingdownagl
assof
whi
skeybri
ghtl
aughed
Tasha:
getsomediaper
sforHopeoh
andapocketofJumpingjacksf
or
yourwi
fe
Me:
yesma'
am
Iki
ssedhercheekwal
ki
ngoutwi
th
br
ightwhowasl
aughi
ng
Bri
ght
:Isoodon'
twannabey
our
ight
now
Me:
(l
aughi
ng)
Idon'
twannabemet
oo
Igotinmycardr iv
ingtothemal lgot
herevery
thi
ngshewant edthendrove
backhomet ashahaspassedouton
thecouchIpickedherupbr idalst
yle
walki
ngtoourr oom Icover
edher
withathrowwal ki
ngtomyst udygot
busywithwork.

I
nser
t43
-
BRUCE-
parkedmycaratLuke'
shouseI
pushedthedoorandwalkedinI
heardmoaningcomingfrom hi
s
room Ishookmyhead
me:
honeyI
'
m home
Ishoutedandsatontheki
tchen
counterhavi
ngsomewhiskeythe
moaningf i
nal
lydi
edLukewalked
downhewascov er
edinsweatI
l
aughedhef rownedwhenhesawme
Luke:
Brucehowdidyougeti
nher
e
dudeIlockedt
hedoor
me:t
hedoorwasn'
tl
ockedbrot
her,
so
youtappi
ngsomeasshuh?
Luke:
yeahy
ouknowme
"
honeyI
'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
orwat
er"
Shesaidwalki
ngdownthestai
rsI
turnedshef
rozewhenshesawme
shewasonlyinLuke'
st-
shi
rtandher
thong
Me:I
'm Br
ucebyt
hewayLuke'
sbi
g
br
other
Isaidext
endi
ngmyhandf ora
handshakeshelookeddown
extendi
ngherhandweshookhands
Luke:
Didy
oureal
lyhavet
otel
lher
you'
remybigbr
other
?
Hesaidr
oll
i
nghiseyesIlaughed
wal
kingt
owardstheki
tchenexit
Me:
Cany
ouki
ndl
ymakey
ourbr
other
-
i
n-l
awaCupofCof
fee?
Isaidwalki
ngtothecouchLuke
walkingaft
ermesitt
ingonthecouch
oppositemineherai
sedhiseyebr
ow
Luke:
Sincewhendoy
oudr
inkcof
fee?
Me:
Idon'
tI'
mjustt
easi
ngher
Luke:
Okayyouknowherf
rom
somewhereri
ght?
Me:Yepweusedt
oFuckf
oracoupl
e
ofmonths
Luke:
You'
retel
l
ingmeweat
eint
he
samedish?
Hesai
dfr
owni
ngInod
Luke:
Youdon'
tmi
ndr
ight
?
Me:Idon'
treal
lyIdon'
tbutIdon'
t
tr
ustthatgi
rly
ou'vegottokeepan
eyeonher
Henodsshewal kedinwit
hat rayI
chuckl
edassheputitinfr
ontofme
ncarhpoorgi
rlwentall
outjusttoget
mesomebi scui
tswithmycupof
coff
ee
"
You'
l
lfi
ndmeupst
air
s"
Henodst
hegi
rlwal
kedupt
hest
air
s
Luke:
howi
sTashadoi
ng?
Me:
all
Goodshe'
sst
il
lmadatme
t
hough
Luke:
broyoudi
dnothi
ngwr
ongi
t
wasthisst
upi
dli
ndawhocamet
o
y
ourhousewi
thoutcal
l
ingf
ir
st
Me:l
i
kedudeIwasn' tev
enther
eI
f
oundhersitt
edinthecouchwith
HopeinherarmsIunderst
and
t
houghbrotheri
t'
sthehormones
Luke:
You'
rer
ight
.
Me: canyoupleasedomeaf avorby
fetchingHopefrom tashaIwanna
takeheroutsayi nanhourstimejust
needt ogetsomef i
lesinmyof fi
ce
Luke:
cool
lemmegogr
abmycar
keys
Iwalkedoutdr
ivi
ngt
omyof f
iceI
pushedthedoorwal
ki
nginIfrozeas
soonasIsawLindapoi
nti
ngagunat
meIt
ri
edwal
ki
ngcl
osert
oher
Li
nda:
Don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
t
Shehal
fshout
edInodqui
ckl
y
Me:
Okaywhat
'shappeni
ng?
Linda:
can'
tyouseewhat '
shappeni ng
I'
m abouttoshootyourAssbr uce
way neyoutookmydaught eraway
fr
om me! !
youknowaf t
erthisI'
llgo
getmybabyf rom t
hatidi
oty oucalla
wife
Me:
Donotcal
lmywi
feanI
diotl
i
nda!
Ishoutedwal
kingclosertoherthe
nestthi
ngIheardwasal oud"BANG!"
Iheldmychestlookingatherat ear
escapedmyey easIt houghtabout
Nat
ashai
twasl
i
ght
soutf
orme
NATHAN
I'
vebeent ryi
ngt ocal lbrucef ora
whilenowhi sphoner i
ngs
unanswer edIjustneedhi mt osi gn
somedocument sf ormeIgr abbed
thedocument swal kingtohi sof fi
ceI
pushedt hedoorwal kingi nmyey es
poppedoutwhenIsawBr ucelay i
ng
i
nt hepool ofhisownbl oodIt hrew
thedocument sont hef l
oorpi cking
upbr ucefrom thef loorrushinghi m
tothehospi talIrani nsi
det he
hospitalwithhimi nmyar mst heyput
himint hestretcherr ushinghi mt o
thewar dIwast oldtowai tout si
de
thewar dIkeptpaci
ngupanddownI
wasl oosi
ngitBrucecan'
tdieand
l
eav etashaalonewit
hHopeandt he
l
ittl
eoneshe'scarryi
ngwhodi dt
his
tobruceIrubbedmyf aceroughl
y
dial
ingLuke'snumbers
Luke:
What
'sup?
Me:
uhm wher
ear
eyou?
Luke:
myhousebaby
sit
ti
ngi
s
every
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
Brucewasshoti
justbr
oughthi
m
t
othehospi
tal
Luke:
What
!?Shi
tI'
m comi
ng
HehungupIr
ubbedmyf
acer
oughl
y
^
NATASHA^
Nina:I
'
m surehegothel
dupatthe
offi
ceNatashabepati
enti
fhewasn'
t
comingdon'tyout
hinkhewoul
dyou
tocancel
Me:
IknowI
'
mjustangr
ythathe'
s
maki
ngmewai
t
Shelaughedgivingmeagl assof
waterIgulpeditdownanywhoI '
m
wit
hninai nherhouseshebr ought
meher ejustt
ospendt hedaywi t
h
memyphoner angIpickedup
Me:
LukeHi
Luke:
Tashauhm HiI
'
m outsi
det
he
gateI
'm her
etof
etchyou
Me:pl
easedon'
ttel
lmebr
ucemade
youmyChauffeur
Luke:
yesIam y
ourchauf
feur
Me:
FineI
'
m comi
ng
Ihungupgrabbedmyhandbag
walki
ngoutgotint
hecarbuckl
edup
heglancedatmebefor
edri
vingaway
Me:
Wher
eishet
aki
ngme?
Hei gnor
edmef ocusi
ngontheroadI
r
olledmyeyesl ooki
ngoutt
he
wi
ndowhepar kedoutsi
deahospi
tal
I
r
aisedmyey ebrow
Me:Whatar ewedoingher
e?di
dI
peharpsforgetmyappoi
ntmentwi
th
thedoctor?
Luke:
comeI
'l
ltel
lyouev
ery
thi
ng
oncewe'
rei
nsi
de
Iwal
kedaf
terhi
m wef
oundNat
han
paci
ngupanddown
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Luke:
Hasany
onesai
dany
thi
ngt
o
you?
Nathan:
Not
hey
'r
enotdonewi
thhi
m
yet
Ist
oodther
edumbstruckl
ooki
ngat
Nathanhel
ookedaway
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Thedoct
orwal
kedcl
osert
ous
Doc:
MrWay
ne
Luke:
Howi
shedoc?
Doc:
I'
m sor
rywetri
edever
ythi
ngwe
coul
dbuthesli
ppedint
oacomahe
l
osttoomuchblood
Nat
han:
Fuck!
Her
ubbedhi
sfacer
oughl
y
Luke:
Canweseehi
m?
Doc:
Oneper
sonatat
ime
Hesai
dwal
ki
ngaway
Me:Anyonewhocantell
mewhatt
he
hel
lisgoingonher
e!?
Ishout
edtheybot
hlookedatmewi
th
pit
ywri
tteni
nthei
rfaces
Luke:
Brucewasshoti
nhi
sof
fi
cewe
don'
tknowwhodi
ditt
hough
Me:
Iwantt
oseehi
m
Isai
dwalki
ngtohisroom t
ears
str
eameddownmycheekswhenI
sawallt
hesemachinesconnect
edt
o
himthatarehel
pingmebreath
Me:Youhavet
owakeupbruce,y
ou
can'
tleav
eusaloneweal
lneedyou
Isai
dki
ssi
nghi
shand

*
Inser
t44*
^
NATASHA^
Wokeupwithanurgetot
hrowupI
r
antothebathr
oom t
hrewupri
nsed
mymout hwalkingbackt omyr oom
getti
ngbacki nbedIhav est opped
visi
ti
ngbr uceatthehospi t
al i
t'sbeen
aweeksi ncehewasshott hedoct ors
saidchancesf orhimtor ecov erare
verysli
m becausehe'sbr aindeadI
havebeencr yi
ngmyey eballsoutf or
thepastfewday saft
erIbumpedi nto
Lindashet hr
eatenedtot akeHope
awayf rom meNi napushedt hedoor
walkinginshef r
ownedl ookingatme
Ni
na:
You'
rest
il
lsl
eepi
ngNat
asha!
!
Shehalfshoutedwalkingt
othe
ensui
tebathroom r
anmeabat h
walki
ngbackt omyr oom
Nina:I'
ver
any ouabat htashagoon
andt akeaShowerI '
l
lbewai tingfor
youdownst air
sInodwal kingt othe
bathroom t
ookal ongassbat hgot
dressedintracksuitsandadi das
ki
ckswal ki
ngdownst air
sNi nawas
dishi
ngupf orusshemademeaj am
andpeanutbut tersandwi chwi tha
glassofmilkshewashav ingoat
Me:I
'
m notr
eal
l
yhungr
yni
nawecan
go
Nina:
I'
m nothav
inganyoft
hattasha
youhavetoeatfort
hebaby'
ssake
Me:
butyousai
dwe'
real
readyl
atef
or
myAppoint
ment
Ni
na:Ical
leddoct
orSmit
hheknows
we'
regoingtobeanhourlat
e
Isi
ghedtakingabiteshef ocusedon
herphoneIfini
shedeatingshedr ov
e
met othedoctornothi
ngmaj orI'
m
j
usthereforacheckup
Doc:ev
eryt
hingseemsfineexcept
yourbl
oodpr essur
eist
oolowIt hi
nk
I
'l
lhavetokeepy ouher
eforthenight
Me:NoIj
ustwannagohomedoctorI
pr
omiseIwil
lst
opstr
essi
ngandeat
Doc:
Finei
fthedi
zzi
nessdoesn'
tst
op
af
ter2dayscomeandseemeokay
Inodt
aki
ngthepi
l
lswal
ki
ngoutni
na
waswait
ingf
ormeint
hecarI
buckl
edupshegl
ancedatmedr
ivi
ng
away
Ni
na:
Needany
thi
ng?
Me:Nowasthi
nki
ngofvi
sit
ing
motherf
oraCoupl
eofdaysmind
dr
ivi
ngusther
e?
Ni
na:
You'
ret
aki
nghopewi
thy
ou?
Me:
Yes
Shenodsdr
ivi
ngt
otheWay
ne'
s
house
Luke:
Areyousur
ey'al
lar
egoi
ngt
obe
okayonyourown?
Me:we'
regoi
ngtobef
ineLukeI
'
llcal
l
i
fIneedanyt
hing
Luke:
Okaybesaf
e
Ifakedasmi l
etakinghopefrom hi
m
walkingt othecarninagl
ancedatme
focusingont heroadIhaven'
ttol
d
anyoneaboutwhatl i
ndasaidtome
theot herdayatthemall
Me:
Sayi
tNi
na
Ni
na:HowaboutIdr i
vey
outothe
Hospi
tal
later?I
t'
sbeenawhil
e
wi
thoutvi
siti
ngbruce
Me:Idon'twantt ovisi
thi
m ninamy
heartcan'tt
akeitseeinghim
connectedtoallthosemachinesthat
arehelpi
nghi m breathbr
eaksmy
heartdoctorsai
dIhav et
ostop
st
ressi
ngi
t'
snotheal
thyf
ormybaby
Nina:
Iunder
standl
oveever
ythi
ngis
goingtobeokayNattbr
uceisgoi
ng
towakeup
Ismi l
edf aintl
yasshepar kedoutsi
de
ourgat eshehel pedmewi t
hourbags
wewal kedi nIrantomom t hr
owing
my sel
fi nherar msshewr appedher
armsar oundmeIcr i
edinherarms
shebr ushedmybackt el
l
ingme
everythingisgoi ngtobeokay
Mom: l
ookathowugl
yyouar
ewhen
you'
recry
ing
Shesai
dwipi
ngmyt ear
swi
thher
handsIgi
ggl
edsof
tl
y
Nina:
pleasemakesur
esheeat
sI
havetogo
Shesaidkissi
ngmycheekshe
walkedoutIwalkedt
omyr oom
putt
ingHopeinmybedcov er
ingher
wit
hat hr
owwal ki
ngbacktothe
couchwithabagofchipsandwine
gums
Mom: Whenwast
hel
astt
imey
ou
spoketolei
l
a?
Me:
i
t'
sbeenawhi
l
enott
alki
ngt
oher
Shenodst
ypi
ngsomet
hingonher
phone
LUKE
Iwal
keddownst
air
sev
ery
onewas
si
tti
ngar
oundthetabl
ehavingl
unchI
j
oinedt
hem di
shi
ngupf ormysel
f
Mom:I'
vebeentr
yingtocal
lbrucehi
s
phonetakesmestrai
ghtt
ov oi
cemail
i
sheokay ?
IchockedonmySal
i
va
Me:uhm Yesbruceisokayworkis
keepi
nghim busy,t
asha'
shormones
arenotmakinghisl
ifeeasyatal
lshe
sendshi
m around
Mom:ButNat
hanisal
way
sher
ehe
mustnotmakebr
ucewor
kal
one
Me:Iknowuhm wheni
sfat
her
comingback?
Mom:
tomor
rowmor
ning
Me:Ihav
etogetgoi
ngI
'm alr
eady
l
ateforwor
kbyemom Il
ov eyou
Mom:Lov
eyoutooSonpl
easeget
br
ucetocal
lme
Me:
Yesmom
IsaidwalkingoutIwasn'
tevengoing
totheoffi
ceI '
m meet
ingupwi t
hthe
guysatbright'
shouseIparkedmy
carinthedr i
vewaywalki
nginwefist
pumped
Li
am:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?I
sNat
t
okay
?
Me:
yeahshe'
sfi
neman
Bri
ght:
sti
l
lhav
en'
ttol
dMr
sWay
net
he
tr
uth?
Me:
NomanIdon' twannabet
heone
t
obreakherhear
t
Bri
ght
:Iknowri
ghtat
leastMrWayne
i
scomi nghometomorrowhewil
ltel
l
her
Me:
You'
rer
ight
Isaidgul
pingdownagl
assof
whiskey

I
nser
t45
%LUKE%
dadjustwal
kedinminutesagohe
wentupstai
rst
ofreshenupmy
pal
mswer esweati
ngI'm notsur
eI
wantt obet heonetobreakthei
r
heartsIgulpeddownagl assofwat
er
dadwal keddownstair
sjoini
ngme
aroundthet abl
etoget
herwithmom
Dad:
I'
mjusti
nti
mef
orl
unch
Hesai
dsmil
i
ngIf
akedasmi
l
e
f
ocusi
ngonmypl
ate
Mom:Br
uceandNathanshouldbe
her
ewit
huslukewherearethey
?
Me:
uhm probabl
yattheof
fi
cemom
Nat
handidsaytheyhavealotof
wor
ktodo
Mom:coul
dn'tt
heyt akeabr eakforan
hourj
ustt
ohav elunchwi thusy our
fat
herj
ustgotbackf rom England
Me:
may
bet
heywi
l
ljoi
nusf
orDi
nner
Shenodsf
ocusi
ngonherpl
ate
Dad:SpeakingaboutBr ucey ouknow
I'
vebeent r
y i
ngt ocall
himf ora
coupleofday shisphonet akesme
str
aighttov oicemail
,maybeIshould
gotohimi nt heOffi
ce
Me:NO!Imeanuhm he'
sbusyhe
askednott
obedist
urbed
Dad:t
ryanotherl
i
eboywhat
'swr
ong
wit
hBr uce?
Me:Hewasshoti
nhi
sof
fi
ceaCoupl
e
ofdaysago
Mom:
WHAT!
!?
Sheshoutedt
ear
sst
reami
ngdown
hercheeks
Dad:Jesus!Whydidn'
tyoutel
lme
aboutthisluke?Howbadisit
?
Me:
thedoct
orsai
dhe'
sbr
aindead
Isai
dl ookingdowndadgul peddown
aglassofwhi skeygrabbedhi scar
keysrushingoutIswal l
owedhar d
pushingmom' swheelchairtot hecar
shewascr yi
ngallthewayt ot he
hospitalwewal kedinthehospi tal
Nathanhadhi sheadonhi shandsI
cl
earedmyt hroathequicklylooked
up
Me:
hav
eyouseent
hedoct
or?Any
dev
elopment
s?
Heshookhi
sheadl
ooki
ngdown
Nathan:
thedoctorhasgi
venupon
hi
m hesuggestedweswi t
chofft
he
machine'
s
Dad:
Nooneisswi
tchi
ngof
fno
bl
oodymachi
nehere!
!
Nathan:SheknowsItol
dhershe
shouldn'
thaveevensuggest
edt
hat
tome
Mom:ohhBrucepl
easedon'
tdi
eon
uswesti
ll
needyou
Shesaidkissi
nghishandIsatonthe
chai
rinthecornerl
ookingatmom
crywi
thdadt r
yingtocomforther
^
NATASHA^
Justgotupfr
om mynapHopewasn'
t
nexttomeIpani
ckedrant
othe
ki
tchencal
li
ngoutf
ormom
Me:
Mom!
!MOM!
!
Mom:What'swr
ongt
asha?I
sthe
babyokay
?
Me:
Wher
eisHope?Shewasn'
tnext
t
omewhenIwokeup
Mom:
What
?
Me:Jesust
heWay
ne'
sar
egoi
ngt
o
ki
l
lme
Isai
dtear
sst
reami
ngdownmy
cheeks
Mom:I'
m sureIl
ockedthedoor
bef
oreItookanapthough
Me:
I'
m cal
l
ingt
heCops
Lei
lapushedt
hedoorwalki
nginwit
h
hopeinherar
msIquickl
ytookher
fr
om lei
l
aandfrowned
Me:Wher
ethehel
lwer
eyouwi
thmy
baby?
Mom:Howdi
dy ougetin?
ImeanI
l
ockedt
hedoorbefor
esleepi
ng
Lei
l
a:Hel
l
oIst
il
lhav
emysetofkey
s
Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
es
Me:Don'
tyouev
ertakemybaby
wi
thoutmeknowingwher
ey'al
lar
e
goi
ng
Ihal
fshout
ed
Leil
a:JeezIj
ustt
ookherwi
thmet
o
themal l
Istor
medt omyr oom changedher
nappyandfedher ,
lei
l
abar gedi
nmy
room andcrossedherarms
Lei
la:
whenwerey
ougoi
ngt
otel
lus
Li
ndaisthr
eat
eni
ngy
ounat
t?
Me:Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ng
about
Lei
l
a:St
oplyi
ngtomet ashaIsawt
he
messagesshesenty
ou
Me:
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngwi
thmy
phoneinthefi
rstpl
ace?Ialwayst
ell
youtostayoutofmybusiness
Lei
la:
I'
my oursist
erTashay ouhav e
total
ktomei fthere'
ssomet hi
ng
tr
oubli
ngy ou,
youneedt otellthe
poli
ceaboutthistashat
hisgi r
l i
sa
psycho
Me:Youhaven'tbeenact i
ngli
kea
damnsistert
omef orawhil
enow
l
eil
astoppretendinglikeyoucare,
I'
m
doingj
ustfi
newi thoutyoulei
lago
backtoyourFami ly
Ihal
fshout
edLeil
ahasn'
tbeen
acti
ngl
ikeasi
stert
omeev ersi
nce
wecamebackfrom Lady
smithItr
ied
call
i
ngheracoupl eoft imesher
phonewoul dj ustr i
ngt ov oi
cemail
thanI'
dseet hepi cturesshepostof
herandbuhl et oget herwi thSiya
anywhoIgr abbedhope' sbagandmy
carkey sdri
v i
ngt ot hehospi t
alI
haven'tvisi
tedbr ucef orlongnow
don'twanthi sfami lyt othinkIdon't
careabouthi m Ipar kedint heparki
ng
l
otwal kinginwi t
hhopei nmyar ms
Br
ight:
Nat
ashaIhav
en'tseeny
oui
na
whil
ehowareyouholdi
ngup?
Me:
I'
l
lli
ve
Ishruggedwalki
ngpasthi
m Luke
tookhopefrom meIheldBruce'
s
hand
Me:Youcan'
tleav
emeal onewit
h
theseki
dsbruceIwon'
tcope,pl
ease
comebacktous
Hesqueez
edmyhand
Me:nur
se!somebodypl
easegetmea
nur
se
Thenurser
ani
nIsmi
l
edl
i
kea
ret
arded
Me:hej
ustSqueezedmyhandnur
se,
he'
scomingbacktousri
ght?
Hewrotesomet
hingdownand
si
ghed
Nur
se:
I'
m af
rai
dit
'sonl
ynor
mal
for
ev
eryonewho'si
naComamr s
Waynenothi
nghaschangedwi
thmr
Waynehe'
sstil
lbr
aindead
Shesaidwalki
ngoutIsankt
othe
fl
oorputt
ingmyheadonmyknees
Me:
He'sdy
ingLuke,l
indai
sgoi
ngt
o
t
akehopeawayfrom me
Bright
:Whatdoyoumean?Sheknows
brucewasshot?Wetol
dnobody
aboutthi
smanhowdoessheknow?
Me:Idon'
tknowbri
ghtshehasbeen
sendingmemessagesthr
eateni
ngto
takehopeawayfr
om me.Please
don'tl
ethert
akehopeawayfrom me
Luke:
Ibetshe'
stheonewhoshothi
m
maybeshehi
redahi
tmant
oshoot
br
uceman
Br
ight
:You'
rer
ightmanIbeti
t'
sher
Ihel
dmyheadclosingmyeyes
ti
ght
lyasIf
eltweakIwasrunni
ngout
ofbr
eath
Br
ight
:Nur
seweneedhel
pthi
ssi
de
Heshout
edshaki
ngmeupIheldmy
t
ummyanditwaslight
soutf
orme.
*
Inser
t46*
NATASHA
I
tbeenmonthsbr
ucei
ssti
ll
ina
ComamystomachisHugeI'
m about
togi
vebi
rt
hanyti
menowbabyhope
hasgrownalotIl
eftherathome
withmom I
'm wi
thMelissaatthe
bouti
quewehavebeenget t
ingal
ong
forsometi
menowIf rownedasSi y
a
wasmakingamov eonher
Me:Yousti
l
lhaven'
ttol
dmewhat
br
ingsyouhere
Si
ya:Iwasj ustchecki
ngupony ou
l
it
tlesis,
mom want syoutocome
overfordinnerlat
ertoday
Il
ookedawaywhywouldshewant
metocomeoverfordi
nnerIknow
shehat
esmyAss
Si
ya:
You'
renotcomi
ngr
ight
?
Me:
I'
m sor
ryIhav
eal
otofwor
ktodo
todaySi
yamay
beI
'
llj
oiny
ousome
othert
ime
Siy
a:dadwasl ookingfor
wardto
havi
ngdi nnerwi t
hy ou,i
twasni
ce
seei
ngy out hough
HekissedmycheekwalkingoutI
rol
l
edmyey eswalki
ngtot heof
fi
ce
togetsomepaperworkdonemy
phonerangIpi
ckedup
Me:i
sev
ery
thi
ngOkaymom?I
sHope
okay
?
Mom:every
thi
ngi
sokayTashaIwas
j
ustchecki
nguponyou,
howarethe
Cr
amps?
Me:
they
'r
enol
ongert
her
emom I
'
m
okaynow
Mom:Isti
llt
hinky
ouneedt
oseea
doct
orthough
Me:
Iwi
l
l goandseet
hedoct
oraf
ter
wor
kbyemom
Mom:
Lov
eyou
ShehungupIsmi l
edwalki
ngbackto
thefr
ontMelissawasont hephone
withbri
ghtshelaughedandhungup
Mel
:
bri
ghti
sbr
ingi
ngusl
unch
Me:Awesomehopeyout
oldhi
mto
getmesomewinegums
Mel
:
Heknows
Shesai
dlaughi
ngIhel
dmyt
ummy
gr
oaningi
npainasIf
eltshar
ppai
nin
mylowerabdomen
Meli
ssa:What
'swrongtashay
ou'r
e
sweati
ngandbreathi
ngheavi
ly
Me:
arht
hebabyi
s..
.
IscreamedasIf
eltsomet
hinghot
runningdownmylegsMel
issal
ooked
panicked
Mel
:
JesuswhatdoIdonow?
Me:
getmeanambul
ance
Ishout
edshejumpedcal l
ingan
ambulanceIwasscreamingtot he
topofmylungsthepainIwasf eeli
ng
wasunbearabl
eBrightwalkedi
nhe
sawmekneel i
ngbyt hecouchcr y
ing
myey
ebal
l
souther
ushedt
ome
Br
ight
:i
sev
ery
thi
ngokayl
i
ssa?
Mel
:She'
saboutt
ogivebi
rt
hbr
ight
weneedanambulance
Br
ight:
tohel
lwit
hanambul anceI
'
m
dr
ivi
nghertothehospi
tal
Hepickedmeupbr i
dalstyl
erushing
t
ohiscarhewasdr i
vingli
kea
maniacheparkedi
nt heparki
nglot
r
unninginwit
hmei nhisarmsIwas
wheeledi
ntotheward.
Doc:he'
scomingI'
m goi
ngt
oasky
ou
topushi nacountof3
Ididn'
twaitf
orthecountIpushedI
grabbedthebedsheetsandpushed
agai
n
Doc:
Iseet
heheadkeeppushi
ng
Me:
JesuswhatwasIdoi
ng?Ar
rhh!
!
Ihear
dmybabycr
yIcl
osedmyey
es
'
BRI
GHT'
I'
m onmywayt othehospit
alj
ust
camebackfrom Bruce'
shousetoget
tasha'
sbagandthebaby'sbagmy
phonerangIpi
ckedup
Me:
Bri
ghtspeaki
nghel
l
o
Doc:Si
ryouneedt
orusht
othe
hospit
al
Me:
i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Shedi
dn'
trespondshehungupI
i
ncreasedthespeedparkedint
he
par
kinglotrunni
ngi
nsidethehospi
tal
Luke:
DudeIgoty
ourcal
li
sev
ery
thi
ng
okay?
Hesai
drunni
ngt
omeIshr
ugged
Me:
Idon'tknowbrot
herIwast
oldt
o
r
ushtothehospi
tal
Heswal
lowedhar
dwewalkedto
Br
uce'
swardthebedwasni
cel
y
made
Luke:
FuckNo
Hehalfshout
edputti
nghishands
overhi
sheadIlookeddownthisi
s
goingtocr
ushTashashe'
sgoingto
rai
sethebabi
esalonesomeone
cl
eari
ngthei
rthr
oatbr
oughtmeback
fr
om mythoughtsBr
ucerai
sedhi
s
eyebr
ow
Br
uce:
Don'
tj
ustst
andt
her
ecome
gi
vemeahug
Luke:Dudey
ou'
real
i
veIt
hought
you'
re..
.
Bruce:
Dead?Howl
onghav
eIbeen
out?
Me:
Acoupl
eofmont
hs
Br
uce:
Wher
eismywi
fe?
Me:
Shi
t!Uhm shej
ustgav
ebi
rt
ha
f
ewminutesago
Br
uce:
What
?I'
vebeenoutt
hatl
ong!
Hehal
fshout
edl
ooki
ngdown
-
BRUCE-
I'
m sitt
ingont hecouchnextto
tasha'sbedshehasbeenoutf or4
hoursnowIwasst art
ingtoget
wor r
iedthedoct ortol
dmenott o
wor r
yit'
snor mal f
orfi
rstti
merstobe
outthislongIt ookherhandinmine
kissi
ngi tsheopenedherey esand
quicklyclosedthem again
Me:
you'
reupI
'
llgety
ouadoct
or
Tasha:
Bruce
Me:
I'
mri
ghther
elov
e
Thenursewal
kedi
ngotbusywi
th
tasha
Me:
whencanshegohomenur
se?
Nurse:
sti
ll
haveonemor etestt
odo
onthebabymay betheywi
llbe
di
schargedtomorr
owmor ning
Tasha:
CanIseemySonpl
ease
Nur
se:
I'
l
lhav
ehim br
oughtt
oyoui
na
f
ewheneedstof
eed
Shenodst henursewalkedoutcame
backwithmybabyboywhol ooked
exact
lyli
kemeIsmi ledbri
ghtl
ytasha
tookhim andbreast
fedhim
Me:
Sowhat
'shi
sname?
Sheshr
uggedl
ooki
ngbackatt
he
baby
Tasha:
Jay
?
Me:f
inewi
thmeIwant
edt
oname
hi
m Juni
orthough
Shel
aughedf
aint
lybl
owi
ngmeaki
ss
Ismi
l
ed
*
Inser
t47*SEASONFI
NALE
-
BRUCE-
i
t'sbeen5y earsaftermySonwas
bornlifehasbeengoodbr ightgot
mar r
iedt oMeli
ssa3y ear sagot hey
Adopt edababyboyay earagolissa
i
snotabl et
ocar r
ythebabi estof ul
l
term shehadaf ewmi scarri
ages,
Lukei sengagedtoNi nal i
am
rel
ocat edaft
erthedeat hofhi s
motherheli
vesinEnglandnow
anywhoI'
m attheOffi
cegetting
somewor kdoneNathanwal kedin
si
tt
ingonthechairopposit
emi ne
Nathan:Anypl
ansfortoday?Imean
i
t'
sy our6thAnni
versar
ytoday
Me:NahI'
ll
probabl
ychi
llwi
thmywife
andkidswatchi
ngcar
toonsst
uff
ing
our
selveswit
hjunk
Nat
han:
Ser
iousl
y?
Hesai
drol
l
inghi
sey
esIl
aughed
Me:Tashaisnotwel
lbrot
herIhadt
o
cancelourt
ri
ptoPari
s
Nathan:
Inoti
ced,
shehasbeenact
ing
st
rangelat
ely
Me:
Iknowr
ight
Nat
han:
l
etmegetbackt
owor
k
HewalkedoutIclosedmylaptop
gul
pingdownagl assofwatermy
phonerangIpickedupwit
hout
l
ookingatthecall
erI
d
Me:
Brucehel
l
o
Mel:
Ithi
nkyouhav
etocomet
othe
bout
iquenow
Me:
isever
ythi
ngokayl
i
ssa?What
's
t
hatnoi
seMelissa?
Iaskedmybeat
ing2t
imesf
ast
er
Mel
:
can'
tst
ayi
nthephonef
orl
ong
ShehungupIpackedmyr
unni
ngt
o
mycardr iv
ingtothebouti
queI
parkedi nthedriv
ewayrushingin
tashawascr yi
nghereyeball
soutI
tri
edt ouchinghershepushedmeof f
herIlookedatMel i
ssasheshrugged
walkingt otheoffi
cepeoplewerenot
l
ookingatus
Tasha:
Fucky
oubr
ucet
hisi
sal
lyour
faul
t
Shesaidhi
tt
ingmeonthechestI
wrappedmyarmsaroundher
Me:
I'
m sor
rymyl
ove
IwasApol
ogi
zi
ngev
ent
houghIdi
d
not
hingwr
ong
Tasha:
Ican'
tbepr
egnantagai
nbr
uce
noIal
way
stel
lyout
opul
lout
Shesni
ff
edIr ol
l
edmyeyesall
thi
s
dramabecauseshe'
spr
egnant
?It
's
gonnabealongninemont
hs
Me:I
'm soSor
rySweethear
t,how
aboutwegohomeI '
l
lrunyouani ce
bubbl
ebaththangi
vey ouabody
massage?
Shenodswal
ki
ngt
otheOf
fi
cet
oget
herbag
Mel:
i
t'
sprobabl
ythehor
monest
hat
ar
emakingherthi
sdramat
ic
Me:
thi
sisgoi
ngt
obet
heendofme
Shelaughedt
ashawalkedoutwith
herhandbagIwal
kedafterherdr
ivi
ng
ushomeshet ookalongassbat
hgot
i
nmyt -
shi
rtthrowingher
sel
fonthe
bedanddozedof f
NATASHA
Justwokeupf rom t
henapIwal ked
downstai
r st
ogetsomet hingtoeatI
mademy sel
faSandwichsi t
ti
ngon
thekit
chenhighchai
ratewhi l
e
closi
ngmyey esIwasenj oyi
ngthe
sandwich
Nina:
Iheardthenews
Congrat
ulati
onsbabymama
Shescreamedwal
ki
ngi
nwehugged
bri
efl
y
Ni
na:
Sohowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
IshruggedtobehonestI
'
mj ust
feel
i
ngt i
redIneedmoresleep
Nina:
Youbet
tergogetdr
essedt
he
guysareont
heirwayher
e
Me:
yesma'
am
Idraggedmyf eett
omyr oom got
underthecoversanddozedoffI'
m
wayt ootir
edtobejoi
ningthem
someoneshookmeupIr ubbedmy
eyessitt
ingup
Me:
What
?
Ni
na:
ever
yonei
sher
ecomej
oinus
Iqui
ckl
ygotdr
essedi
nleggi
ngsa
tanktopwalki
ngdownstairsmy
mout hhungopenbrucesmi l
ed
walkingcl
osertomekissingtheshi
t
outofmewepul l
edoutthekissI
blushed
Me:t
hisi
ssoobeaut
if
ult
hanky
ou
guy
s
Luke:
Thankyourhusbandt
ashawe
di
dnothing
TheylaughedIrolledmyey eshe
gavemeasmal lv el
vetboxIopened
i
tandscr eamedi twasAudi R8car
keysIrant othegaraget herewas
mymet all
icwhitebabyIhugged
Bruceti
ghtly
Me:
Thanky
ousoomuchhubby
Bruce:NoI '
mt hethankfulone
Butt er
cupthanky ouforlovi
ngme
throught hedarktimesIknowIsuck
atshowi ngyouhowmuchIl ovey
ou
andhowmuchy oumeant omebut
nev erdoubtmyl oveforyou,You'
re
myl i
feNatashaIliveforyouandmy
kids
Hewipedmytear
swit
hhist
humb
andki
ssedmytear
yeyes
Br
ight
:Damnbuddyy
ou'
reWhi
pped
Thelaughedwewentbacki
nthe
housesatinf
rontoft
het
vwatchi
nga
mov i
eIhadmyheadonhisshoul
der
Br
uce:
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooBr
uce
Hesmi
l
edki
ssi
ngmycheek.

THEEND.
《MI
YA》