Disclaimer: I own nothing
Gil rang the doorbell again and checked his watch. What is taking him so long?
The door opened to reveal Catherine, who looked right at home in a tank top and some sweats.
"Hey Gil." She said. "How goes it?"
He checked the house address again, just to make sure he was at the right place.
"What are you doing at Jim's?" He blurted.
"Eddie and I are getting a divorce." She said plainly.
"Why?"
Catherine's friendly tone faded. "Like you don't know." She hissed. "Jim told me about Eddie at the casino. He tried to make it sound like you weren't there but I knew." She sighed. "And you weren't going to tell me."
Gil didn't miss the hurt in her voice. "Catherine…" His mouth opened and closed but no words came out. He didn't know what to say.
"Do you know how I felt when I realized you were with Jim and didn't tell me?" Catherine's voice cracked. "Betrayed."
"I'm sorry you got hurt-"
"Hurt? You're sorry I got hurt? I didn't fall and scrape my knee, Gil. This is my marriage!"
"Cather-"
"Save it." She said softly. "It's not your fault Eddie cheated. My marriage isn't your responsibility. I get it." She gave him a weak smile. "We're fine."
Gil couldn't help but think that he'd screwed up their friendship. Even though what she said was sincere, there would always be this rift between them.
Catherine quickly changed the subject. "Jim's not here."
"But his car-"
"He took my car." Catherine noticed the files in his hand. "Those for him?"
Gil gave her the files and made a feeble attempt to save their friendship. "If you need anything…"
"I have everything I need." She said. "But thanks. I'll see you at work."
When she shut the door, Gil wondered if it not only shut literally, but figuratively as well.