SOMETHING’S OFF
SOMETHING’S OFF
SUZY
Ever since Joe came home last night, he’s acted weird. At first, I thought maybe it was because of what happened with Gigi and school, but that couldn’t be it. Maybe spending time at Hedonism wasn’t the best thing for us. I thought we were in a better place.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” I asked, wrapping my hands around his waist as he looked out the sliding glass doors overlooking the backyard.
He patted my hands and gave me the brushoff. “Nothing, sugar. Just thinking about work.”
That shit was a lie. One he used often. I even called Izzy to see if there was something going on at Inked that would have him worried. She said everything was fine on the shop front. When I asked her if James was acting weird, she said not any more than usual.
I buried my face in his back and inhaled his scent, the one I’d loved so much since the first day I met him. “There’s something you’re not telling me, Joe.”
“There’s nothing, Suzy. Stop worrying. Nothing is wrong.”
But even though he said the words, I could tell his voice wasn’t full of conviction but of something else, though what I wasn’t sure.
“I’m meeting Mia for lunch today. Your mom is going to watch the kids so we can hang out.”
He turned in my arms and my cheek rested on his chest. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
I stared up at him with confusion on my face. He’d never said no to me. “Why not?”
He wrapped his arms around me and rested his face against my hair. “It’s fine, just be careful.”
“When am I not? It’s not like something is going to happen. It’s just a quick bite to eat at Grillz.” My stomach rumbled at the thought of the food. They offered every type of grilled cheese imaginable, and it had quickly become the go-to spot in the city.
“Fine.” He kissed my head before something caught his eye in the backyard.
“What is it?” I asked, turning quickly to see what he did, but there was nothing.
“Just an animal, sugar.”
I released him. “I’m going to get the girls ready and head out for the day. Need anything?” He was already typing furiously on his phone and not paying any attention to me. “Joseph, I’m talking to you.”
He didn’t look up or make any effort to stop his conversation. “What? Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
I didn’t even bother to ask him again. What was the point?
Whomever he was texting had his attention, not me.
After I dressed the girls, we headed to Grandma’s house for their visit and my time with Mia.
I needed some girl time…a little time to share my feelings with one person I knew wouldn’t utter a word to anyone.
Something was going on, and I needed another person’s opinion on how to proceed. Mia was one of the smartest, most level-headed people I knew. Maybe I was making something out of nothing, but in my experience with Joe, that wasn’t usually the case.