A Life More Complete(121)

“Thanks. Why was Trini in the office?” My first though is that she came to find me, but after what I did to her face I am sure she would rather meet an angry wolverine in a dark alley.

“She came in looking for a new publicist and Ellie canned her ass. It was awesome. I wish you were there. Ellie then released a statement to the press about how deeply saddened she was to have to part ways with Trini. She was totally professional, but behind closed doors she let Trini have it. Trini was all crying, puffy-eyed taking her sorry ass into the elevator. It was classic.”

“Glad I could be a great source of amusement today. So, you coming by?”

“I wish I could, but,” she pauses and her voice lights up, “I have a date.”

“With whom, pray tell?”

“Noah, if you can believe it. Things have been so crazy I completely forgot to tell you. I guess it isn’t so much as a date since I think he’s actually my boyfriend. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to jinx it.”

“Oh, Mel. I’m so sorry that my shit show has overshadowed your good news. I’m glad you gave it a second chance. Just watch out for those oscillating fans.”

“Totally. Try and relax tonight, okay?”

“I’ll try,” I say. But I don’t. I sit and obsess about the swarm of paparazzi that are parked outside my house and seem to be growing larger with every passing second.

Bob shouts, “I brought food,” as he strolls through my front door. “There’s a shit ton of paparazzi outside your house. Don’t worry, I pissed on one guy’s car while he was busy taking pictures.” He drops the bags from my favorite Mexican place on the table. “Gotta wash my hands,” he says winking at me.

“Bob! What is wrong with you? You can’t go peeing on someone’s car!” I glare at him as I remove a soft shell taco from the greasy bag.

“Sure I can. If they think it’s okay to camp outside your house then surely I can take a piss on their car. Hopefully they’ll leave.”

“Good point,” I reply finding it hard to argue with the man who brought me tacos.

“I gotta say, honey, you look like hell. I know you’ve been through hell and back but you gotta pull it together. All this sobbing isn’t going to make you feel any better. It just makes you look like shit and the media is going to eat you alive if you leave your house looking like,” he stops and points a finger at me, “that.” His nose wrinkles up and I shake my head at him.

“I thought you were here to support me? It doesn’t seem that way.” My tone is coming across more annoyed. “I don’t exactly have the kind of control over my emotions that you’re expecting of me,” I say as I point to my ever-growing belly. “Pregnant, remember?”

“I know, but he’s not worth your time or your energy.”

“Do you think I like being a blubbering fool? I’m trying my best. I’ll get it together. I promise.”

“That’s my girl. Don’t let him do this to you. You’re better than this and you know it.”

“I’m going crazy. I’m not like this. I don’t know why Tyler brings out the worst in me. I hit someone today. What was I thinking?”

“Um, you were thinking she deserved it and rightfully so, but it’s over now.”

Just as I begin to rationalize my feelings all over again someone knocks on the door. Bob startles me with his booming voice. “Don’t answer it,” he practically screams.

“Why?”

“Because you have a slew of paparazzi outside your house, you hit Trini today and your * husband just admitted to cheating on you. Nothing good can come from opening that door.”

Just to clarify,” I say, “he never actually admitted to cheating on me. An admission would have been too easy.” I finish my thought and make my way to the door.

“Oh, that makes it...” he stops before he continues with his sarcastic comment. “What the hell are you doing? Don’t open that door!”

Bob starts after me and when I turn around the anger in my eyes scares him back into my kitchen. “I know I asked you to come here, but just shut up for a minute.” I open the door to find Tyler staring at me. He’s perfectly dressed in a suit that looks like it was just pulled from a dry cleaning bag. Neatly pressed and creased, even though I know he has been wearing it since we had it out earlier today. It’s just not fair. This is what a breakup looks like on him. I, on the other hand look like Baby Jane Hudson. I don’t know why, but he catches me off guard. I stand there staring back at him unable to speak.