a cold mother

Eric was on the phone with Roger once again. He'd just gotten home from work, and was in dire need of shower. Of course, he couldn't decide what to do first. Did he check for texts with Olivia or did he check in with Ellie?

"You should come with," Roger told him. "It won't be Superbad, but you know that guy from our hometown is in it. We gotta support him in Fired Up, and you know, he is really cute, if you don't mind me saying." Eric could feel the smile in Roger's voice.

"God, you're so gay, Roger." Eric couldn't help but laugh. "I better wait and see what Ellie wants to do first."

"Well, Kelsy and Nick are going with us. You guys should come too. Its a cold mother out there. We need the warmth in numbers, dude." Roger informed him.

"Gotcha, but I dunno." Eric sighed.

"Yeah, I know what your after," Roger said rather casually then. "One on one, huh?"

"No." Eric winced hating he'd say that. "I just don't know what she'd want to do tonight. That's all."

"All right, give me a call though to let me know," Roger let him go then. Instead of calling Ellie, Eric checked his texts.

Olivia was going to a party.

Eric didn't find that funny in the least.

She'd wrote of once about a friend, Molly, who always evidently had fun with the guys even if she were pretty much blind. Even if Olivia mentioned her that one time, Eric didn't get a good vibe about this.

Eric: Are you sure you want to do this?

Eric punched in as fast as he could and hoped she hadn't gone anywhere.

Olivia: I'm sick of staying home.

Eric just stared blankly at the message. Still he didn't like this. He didn't think it were possible.

Eric: what about me?

Olivia: what about you?

Eric's throat tighten. He thought he might be sick if she went out with Molly.

Eric: we could write a story.

Olivia: yeah right.

True, he hadn't been up for as much chatting and writing with Ellie around, but still he wanted too. He did what he could.

Eric: just stay home.

Olivia: why?

She was giving him a headache with worry.

Eric: i don't want anything to happen to you.

Olivia: as if?

Eric couldn't help but stare at her words. What did that mean? Did she want something to happen? What was going on? He nursed his bottom lip. What could he do to make this stop?

Eric: will you text me if

Olivia: if what? i need you? i won't need you. promise.

Eric's eyes watered. He felt his chest tighten.

Eric: just be careful. OK?

She didn't text back.