Jessica got back to her apartment later that day. She checked her answering machine. There were three messages from Penhall. One from Tom.
"You have... 6... new messages."
"Hey Jess... uh, it's Doug... Just wondering where you are. Wondering if you want to go out later. Let me know. Love you."
BEEEP
"Hey... Doug again... where are you? I'm starting to worry. Call me please? love you."
BEEEP
"Uh, Doug... again... still wondering. Please, call me. love you."
BEEEP
"Hey you... it's Tom... I miss you... call me. . Love you lots. Talk to you later."
She sat down on her couch, she didn't know what to do. She loved Tom... but she didn't want to hurt Doug.
A MONTH LATER
"So what do you want to do after this?" Penhall asked.
Jessica rested her head on his chest. "I think I'm going to call it a night.. I'm exhausted."
Jessica and Penhall had spent the afternoon at the park, picnicking, walking, and just enjoying each others company.
"Really? I was hoping we could grab a bite to eat." He said, disappointed.
Things hadn't been the same between Penhall and Jessica. She seemed... distant.
Jessica yawned. "Maybe another night. It's been a long week."
Penhall tried to cover up his disappointment. He hadn't spent much time with Jessica lately... she was always busy with one thing or another. Part of him wondered if she was seeing someone else behind his back...
"Ok... I'll pack up our stuff, and I'll drop you off." He smiled... he wasn't happy though.
Jessica kissed him, "Thanks a bunch." She got up and started to pack up her stuff.
Penhall and Jessica barely said a word to each other on the way home. When they arrived at her building, Jessica turned to face Doug.
"I had fun today." Jessica said, quickly kissing Penhall. "We should do it again sometime."
Jessica motioned to get out of the car, but Penhall grabbed her arm. Jessica looked at him.
"I love you." he said.
"Me too." Jessica said, quickly getting out of the car.
Somehow Penhall didn't think she meant it.
Penhall started up the car. As he drove away he saw someone who looked very familiar run into Jessica's building.
It was Hanson!
Penhall realized Tom and Jessica had a history as friends... but it was a little late to hang out... plus Jessica had whined all afternoon about being so tired.
But she would never cheat on him... would she?