A phone call from Tom

Emma's phone vibrated hard against the varnished dark wood table. The screen flashed Tom's name. Emma stared at it for a second, her heart jumping into her throat. She looked across at Liam. He wasn't looking at his drink anymore; he was staring at her but when he caught her eye he looked down at his own phone.

Emma took a breath and swiped the screen to answer. "Hey bubs."

"Hey," Tom sighed. He sounded exhausted. "Finally finished for the evening. But I have to be back in tomorrow morning. Fucking nightmare, Sally is really pushing it hard."

"That's shit," Emma said.

"Tell me about it. What are you doing? Have you had any dinner yet?"

Emma looked at Liam again. His eyes were locked on his phone. She wanted to tell him what she was doing, but remembering their recent fight she thought it better to be diplomatic. She just wanted to enjoy the night without worrying about a misunderstanding.

"Yeah, I'm just hanging out with some old uni friends, will get food in a minute" Emma said. The lie slipped out easy. "Just catching up."

"Alright. Try not to get too wasted. I love you."

"Love you too. Get some sleep."

Emma ended the call and placed the phone face down on the table. Her face felt hot. She told herself she only lied to keep the peace. Things with Tom were a bit rocky, and she didn't want to deal with jealousy right now. It was easier this way.

Liam took a slow sip of his lager, his eye joining hers as she sat back down. "Is he the jealous type?" he asked.

A heavy blush spread across Emma's cheeks and down her neck. "No," she said quickly, shaking her head. "It's just... it would take too long to explain. He's just stressed about work and I didn't want to add a complicated explanation to it"

"And I'm a complication. Right," he said, giving her a look. "Well, if it's to keep the peace, I guess I can be a secret for the weekend." There was a moment of awkward silence, Emma listened to the classic tune from her youth coming through the speakers. "It's just... no nevermind, not my place"

She furrowed her forehead at Liam's unfinished thought. "No go on, tell me"

"Well you asked. It just seems to me you are doing alot to accomodate him. Soothe his ego or support him by shelving your dream. But does he do that for you?"