Behind close doors
(Dean)
In attempt to escape the nerve-wracking feelings, work had become my go-to, well even so more than usual.
It's been roughly eight months since Bella signed the divorce papers and disappeared. And just like that I've spent the past months isolating from my social life and a little from the world.
"Can you put down that laptop for a moment, Dean. You've turned to a workaholic," Ethan says as he stepped into my living room.
I don't reply him, I keep my eyes glued to my laptop, typing away.
Ethan pours himself a drink and comes right back. "It's weekend, man. And you're still working your ass off," he teased.
I pause a little, giving him a death stare but Ethan knows me more than anyone else.
He furrows his eyebrows at me, this time he isn't about teasing me, he has this concern expression etched on his face.
"Look, Dean. If you think burying yourself with work is going to make you feel better, then you have to rethink, man." He says and paused. "It's been eight months and you're still this way?"
"What way?" I'm forced to ask, I can't have everyone thinking I'm not okay, of course I'm okay.
"This way," Ethan says, pointing to my laptop and bunch of documents littered on the couch.
I glare at him but I don't say anything, just yet.
Ethan straightens up, like he has more to say to me. "You wanted a divorce, you literally asked for it and now you're mad because Bella signed it? Make it make sense,"
I roll my eyes. "Who said I'm mad?" I blurted out in defense. "And I've asked that you stop mentioning that name," I fume.
"Exactly, and you say you aren't mad?" Ethan says, taking a sip of his drink and relaxing back to the couch.
I feel my hand gripping the laptop in rage, that name, it just undoes something in me anytime I hear it.
No one mentions that name, Mom, Aunt Elena and Ashley knows but Ethan he's just so stubborn.
He wouldn't stop saying I didn't handle the situation well. My wife cheated on me with different men and I'm supposed to what? Give her a hug for a job well done?
"I'm not justifying whatever you think Bella did. But come on, you didn't even lift a finger to investigate—,"
I cut him off sharply, glaring at him. "And what did she do?" I ask and paused. "She couriered her wedding ring back to me and disappeared!" I spat. "She didn't want this marriage and that's it, drop it already."
Ethan throws a hand up. "Fine. You said you're over her, maybe you should act like it,"
I'm about to say something but my phone starts buzzing. I look at it, it's Ashley.
I pick the call and press the phone to my ear.
"Yeah, I haven't forgotten. I will be there," I say before hanging up and dropping the phone back on the couch.
I look up to meet Ethan's gaze on me. "What?" I ask him, knowing that look all too well.
"I just don't get it," he says, setting his glass down. "Isn't Ashley supposed to be Bella's best friend?" He asks, his eyebrows raised, like he doesn't get it.
I nod slowly. "What exactly are you getting at?" I ask, my patience wearing thin.
"All of a sudden, she's acting all caring towards her best friend's ex-husband? It just doesn't add up,"
I take a deep breath. "Uhmm, yeah. But maybe she feels bad for what happened," I reply casually.
Ethan shakes his head. "I doubt that's the case. She claims to have cut all ties with Bella and here she is, pinning over you,"
"Don't forget she was a family friend first before becoming Bella's best friend,"
"That even makes it more creepier," Ethan says, gulping down the content in his glass. "And her mom is just a friend of Judy. I don't recall you and Ashley ever been close,"
I get why Ethan is like this, he's never been a fan of Ashley's. So, it's only normal for him to say things like this.
He relaxes back after his analysis. "I don't know, man. There's just something off about her, that's all I'm saying,"
"There's nothing off, Ethan. You just don't like her," it's my turn to taunt him.
"There's that too,"
I close my laptop, packing up the documents. "Well, she just called to remind me of dinner at mom's tonight," I tell him. "Are you coming?"
Ethan shakes his head. "Nah, I'd pass. I have a date with someone,"
"Someone I know?"
"Nah, not this one. She recently moved back here,"
"Another prey," I mutter, turning my gaze to him.
"Uhmm, let's just say this one had me at hello,"
I shake my head with a light chuckle. "That sounds more like a player's lines," I retort. "You aren't planning to quit this play thing, are you?"
Ethan stands up, taking the last sip of his drink and then he winks. "Not in the slightest, man."
"You'd have one of them throw tissues in your face soon enough," I say and Ethan chuckles.
"Trust me I've seen crazier ones. But then, I have the money to get any girl I want. Why commit to one woman?"
"I hear ya, bro." I say as he turns his back on me.
"Enjoy your dinner and make sure you don't carry those documents there," He says, loud enough for me to hear.
I chuckle. "Fuck off,"
Mom's butler, John opens the door and nods in respect as I walk in.
"Oh, darling. You're here," Mom says, coming up to me and giving me a quick kiss on the cheeks.
I see the maids, almost done setting the table for dinner and Ashley comes right out of the kitchen, holding a glass and a champagne.
Her face breaks into a big smile as she sees me.
Well, I don't remember Ashley helping out around here, it just feels off but I keep those thoughts to myself.
I turn to Aunt Elena. "This doesn't look like a casual dinner like you both said," I retort, looking between her and Mom.
"Of, course not, honey. You should know your mom by now. She doesn't do casual, we both don't." She says firmly, smiling warmly at me.
"Right," I breathed out.
"But, Dean." Mom calls as soon as we all take our seat at the dining table. "Have you been sleeping well, honey?" She asked, concern etched in her voice.
I'm taken aback by mom's question, why'd she think I haven't?
I furrow my eyebrows in confusion. "Yes, I have, mom. Why'd you ask that?"
Mom and Aunt Elena shares a knowing glance and then she turns back to me, her expression filled with worry. "Dean, you don't look so good. And it looks like you've lost some weight," she says gently.
Ashley just watches on but from the look on her face, I think she agrees with them. "You think so, too?" I ask Ashley and she nods slowly.
Why the hell does everyone think I'm miserable without Bella?
I turn to them. "Trust me, I'm doing better than ever. It's just—," I trail off. "Work stress," I try to sound convincing, it does sound convincing because I've been working a whole lot lately.
Everyone nod in understanding except Aunt Elena.
I'm not surprised she doubts that, even Mom must've nodded just to ease the tension hanging around.
But then Aunt Elena's next word catches me off guard.
"If you're doing so great. Why don't you start courting some one else, a decent girl this time," she says, her eyes pinned on me.
Mom nods. "Yes, honey. I mean, your Aunt is right. And Ashley fits in so well, why don't you both try to get to know eachother?"