Chapter 31

Laura hung up the phone with Jean feeling decidedly better. Yes, not telling Robbie had been a mistake but at the end of the day who she was with him was not who she was with Malcolm. In all of the years they had been together, both as a couple and as a, whatever the hell they were, she had never given him reason to doubt her.

He on the other hand had toyed with her, pulling her close only to push her away. She had made every excuse for him, always taking him back, trusting him. Perhaps it was time that he afforded her the same courtesy.

Taking a deep breath she thought about James going to see Malcolm. Wasn't that just like him? Always so certain that he was the smartest one about. She almost felt sorry for him. She was under no illusions about what Malcolm would have done to him. Served him right, thinking that she needed him to fight her battles.

She picked up the phone and dialed James' number. Pacing as the line rang, thinking of all the things she would say. His slightly frightened voice stopped her in her tracks, "Hi Laura."

She smiled, sitting on the table, "James, I'm sorry."

On the other end of the line, James sat back in his chair. He knew from the tone in her voice she had spoken with Jean, "You've no need. I butted in where I shouldn't have."

She laughed, "Yes, you did. But it was for a good cause, so I forgive you."

James smiled sadly. Silence lingered between them, neither quite sure what to say next, "How did your talk with Robbie go?"

"Not well, probably about as well as your talk with Malcolm."

He paused, "Did he accuse you of being in love with me?"

Laura laughed in spite of herself, "No, he didn't do that. But he did leave the house."

James' head fell back against his chair, "I'm sorry Laura. I thought he could take it."

"Don't worry James, it's not over yet. He'll come back and when he does I'll have a few choice things to say."

"I almost feel sorry for him."

Silence crackled over the line, "Did Malcolm really accuse you of being in love with me?"

James nodded even though he knew she couldn't see him, "Not in so many words but yes."

"Do we need to talk about it James?"

"No, I've never been in love with you Laura. I have very complex feelings for you. You are sort of my ideal woman."

Laura laughed, "I don't know if I've ever been anyone's ideal woman James."

"Don't get too cocky, it would be a combination of you and the Chief Super, she has really nice legs."

Laura giggled, all of the stress of the last two weeks sliding away from her. She relaxed even more when she heard James laughing, "Now we each know secrets."

"I know I can trust you to keep mine."

"Same here James. Are you OK? I know how Malcolm can be."

"I'm better now Laura. Thank you."

She smiled, "I'm always here for you James. It's what family does."

"Goodbye Laura."

"Bye James."

"Hey Laura." He waited to make sure she was still there. He heard her hum, "You've got nice legs too." He hung up with her laughter ringing in his ears. Suddenly, he felt much better.