Whitney: It was good to see you.

I smile because unfortunately for her, I still spoke fluent Whitney Monroe, and this was more than just the words on the screen. I smile before giving her a cheeky reply.

Me: So, you said when I dropped you off.

Whitney: Don’t be an ass.

My smile widens.

Me: My apologies. Why are you still awake? I assumed you’d be asleep once you were in range of your bed.

Whenever Whitney had been drinking, the second she got home she’d be knocked out. There were nights she barely got undressed and even more nights I’d take her makeup for her when she was already asleep because she’d drunkenly passed out before she had a chance to get ready for bed.

Whitney: I’m not that drunk. And just worked up, I guess.

Me: About what?

I have a guess but I want her to say it. I want her to admit she still feels the spark between us. That this isn’t easy for her either. Something. Fucking anything.

Whitney: Don’t you have like twenty-five years of schooling and a medical degree? Can’t figure that out?

Me: I want you to say it. I don’t want to assume.

Whitney: You, alright? Seeing you was… exactly what I expected and somehow, I wasn’t prepared for it.

Still not exactly what I was looking for, but we are getting somewhere.

Me: I don’t know what to say to that

Whitney: Parker is a really nice guy.

This joker again. I don’t respond, hoping she’ll expand on her comment or even if there’s a ‘but’ coming.

But I don’t love him.

But he doesn’t look at me the way you do.

But he’s bad in bed.

Something.

Whitney: When I said I would marry him, I meant it. But I’d be lying if I said, you showing up doesn’t change things.

Me: You wait until we’re apart to want to have this conversation? Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?

Whitney: I couldn’t do it in person. I’m not a coward but it’s hard to say these things to your face. While you kept looking at me… like… well you know how you were looking at me.

I want to at least call her and hear her voice, but if she’s feeling skittish, I don’t want to break the spell of honesty she seems to be under right now.

Whitney: I don’t know what to do.

Me: Then you shouldn’t be getting married.

Whitney: Of course, that’s your response.

Me: That would be anyone’s response. Marriage is serious and if you’re going in with doubts or concerns about anything let alone about things regarding you and me, then it’s not right to get married. It’s not fair to you or to him, all things with me aside.

Me: Not that I’m particularly concerned with his feelings for what it’s worth.

She doesn’t respond so I nudge her gently.

Me: What are you doing tomorrow?

Whitney: I have a paper due Tuesday.