Trouble Won't Wait Read Online Free PDF Page A

hands are large and clean. Before Mike had employees, his hands were always rough and splitting. Now they’re softer, but still scarred from lots of old accidents. Adam’s hand is smooth, but not soft. And it’s strong.
    “I should go,” I tell him. My outburst has cast a sour note on our little dinner. “I’m sorry. For dumping all that on you–it’s not your deal.”
    “Mandy.” He’s up, around the table where I’ve stood to go. “I asked for that. I needed to know. It’s all I’ve thought about since yesterday. Please, don’t go. Unless you want to.” He looks around, as if searching for a solution. “Stay and watch a movie.”
    With those blue eyes saying please, how can I refuse? I want to walk into that chest, and have Adam hold me and give me strength to stand up to my cheating husband, the man who told Lana our sex life was lousy.
    We end up watching stand-up comedy, very therapeutic. I don’t even know what time it is, just that it’s late, when my phone rings. It’s Mike.
    “Hello?” Why’d he call from his poker game? Or is he home looking for me? Guilty panic rises in my chest. It feels like acid reflux to the hundredth power.
    “Mandee.” He’s drunk, I can tell already. “Hey, baby. I love you.”
    I don’t return his sentiment, but roll my eyes, recalcitrant, instead.
    “Are ya there?”
    “Yeah. How’s the poker game?” Not that I care, but I have nothing else to say without being nasty.
    He hiccups quietly. Mike, like a drunk in an old movie, always hiccups when he imbibes. “Baby, I have somethin’ to confess.” Here we go. Is he going to tell me about Lana? Did he forget I know ? “I brought home a girl from the bar to Luke’s house here, but I started thinkin’ about you and the kids, and I took her back to the bar.”
    What the hell is he telling me? He was going to cheat again, but he suddenly got a conscience? “That’s great, Michael.” It’s always “Michael” when I’m pissed. “Congratulations on using amazing judgment.”
    Adam is looking at me, eyes wide, not even attempting to hide his shock.
    “You could be thankful, you know. I didn’t have to tell you, and I didn’t do nothin’ wrong. All’s I did was dance with her, and then I took her back.” Another hiccup. Yeah, just dancing, I bet. Son of a bitch.
    “Why were you out dancing? You said you’d be playing poker. You never dance with me anymore, you jackass.”
    “Bein’ such a bitch–” This last endearment is cut short by yet another hiccup. “Isn’t gonna solve our troubles, Mandy.”
    “Gee, I’ll make sure and get two medals of honor for you, Michael. One for not cheating tonight , and one for putting up with such a bitch for so long.”
    “Is this because of Lana? Is that why you’re so mean all of a sudden?”
    “We’ll talk about it tomorrow, after you get home. Goodnight, Michael.”
    After hanging up, I make a big point of running my hands over my forehead, asking Adam, “Is there a sign reading, Doormat on my head? Or maybe, Walk on me ?”
    My phone rings again. Sigh. “Michael.”
    “I know it hurts that other women want me, baby. Are ya jealous?” He pauses to catch his breath and I can tell those hiccups are hurting now. Good. “Lana told me you’re lonely and depressed because nobody wants you.”
    “Lana doesn’t know shit from shinola. So you think nobody wants me? I’ll let you in on a little secret, baby. I’m sitting on a couch with this hot guy, watching movies, and I could be in bed with him in a minute.”
    Adam’s mouth falls open, then he looks at his watch, pretending to time me.
    “Who’s the guy?” Mike sounds suspicious. Good.
    “Somebody you don’t know.” Ha! Let him wonder.
    Adam’s eyebrows are still raised.
    “Yeah, right. You don’t hafta make up crazy stories, Mand. It’s me, Mike. Don’t start lyin’ to me now.”
    I throw up my hands in defeat, and shut my phone. I’d love to turn it off, but the kids might need