Make No Mistake

When you read his name on her phone, you don't know what to do. Answering for her isn't an intelligent action when talking about Tessa. So you let it ring until the call is sent to voicemail.

"Who was it?" She asks as she returns from the kitchen.

You are at her house to watch a movie. It is your turn to pick the movie and hers to make the popcorn.

"Some guy." You say as if it didn't matter. Because for you, it doesn't. He could be anybody.

"Oh, okay" she nods and goes back into the kitchen. Phone in hand.

Next thing you know, she's talking to someone. You can't quite figure what the conversation is about because T is whispering every word she says. You hate when she does that. Who is this guy anyway? And why does she have to talk to him in private? Why when you are with her, at her house?

You haven't been in touch since the Olympics. Retirement came shortly after. You didn't go touring that season. Nor the next one. T has been doing lots of things to promote herself and her brand ever since, to let everyone know she is still relevant. Even when there's no ice underneath her skates. You, on the other hand, decided to stay home and give back to the community, like you said you would. So yeah, fuck'em all. This is your time with her and you don't feel like sharing it with some random guy.

"Have you made your pick yet?" She asks when she is back. This time she has the bowl full of popcorn on her hands.

"Yes." You lie and take the movie closest to you. You regret it instantly. You haven't even read the title, you don't have to, you already know which one it is.

"Feeling nostalgic, huh?" You don't answer.

You haven't watched the movie since you did the choreography two years ago. It reminds you of the end of your career. The end of your time together. It also reminds you of the fight you had right after the competition. You wanted her so bad you thought you would die. Naturally, you told her how you felt. You remember her nodding and turning to leave.

"Scott." She brings you back to reality. "Are you okay?" You have been watching the cover of the movie for far too long, you know that.

"I should go." You say instead. "Actually, T, I'm not feeling well. I'm sorry" you invent a lame excuse and get up. You kiss her goodbye on the cheek and leave. She doesn't even stop you. What a shock.

You go to the nearest bar and drink one, two, five, six beers. Afterall, who can stop you from doing so? You are not a fucking athlete anymore. You don't have to watch out for everything you eat or drink. Oh, the only perk about retirement.

You don't know how long it passes or how many beers you've had, but you suddenly think that going back to her place is a brilliant idea.

You are probably knocking way too loud but you are too far gone to care. She needs to hear you. She has to. You are not gonna let her leave this time.

You hear footsteps coming closer and the door unlocking. "Hey, Scott, what can I help you with?" a male voice greets you. You wonder if you have mistaken the house when you notice her coat on the rack. It is her house indeed.

"Who are you?" Is all you can manage to ask. How does he know your name? Is he even real? Or are you imagining things now? You must be really drunk.

"I'm Matt." He says as if you should already know who he is. You don't even have a clue. He must have noticed your confused face because then he proceeds to properly introduce himself "Matt Torelli, Tessa's boyfriend. Nice to meet you." he says and extends his hand to shake yours. You don't return the gesture. Instead, you turn around and go home.