It was coming from a landline.

Richard scowled, answering, "Who's this?"

Thought it was work stuff, but then I watched his face just... crumble. "Come on, you're grown - quit with the waterworks. I'm heading up." When he turned to me, I didn't even try hiding my 'told-you-so' face.

He let go of my hand. "Just hang here for a sec. I'll be right back."

"Sure thing," I said, pulling my hand back and flashing this fake smile while he got in the ...