Brie stared at the screen, her heart thudding as Jeff's name blinked again — this time, a video call.
Amber crossed her arms. "Don't pick it."
But Brie tapped the screen anyway.
Jeff's face appeared, slightly pixelated, framed by the gym's white walls. He looked tired and worried.
"Hey," he said, voice low. "Did you… heard anything when I called earlier?"
"Is there something I wasn't supposed to hear?" She replied. Her tone held restrained anger as she was in a public space.
Jeff laughed shakily and adjusted his camera while walking in the gym, giving Brie a view of the workout room. Then he took a seat somewhere close to one of the dumb bells as different people passed behind him.
Brie's eyes narrowed as she sighted a few staff pass by, and a few gym members—mostly ladies, strut around in their tight gym wear.
Her throat felt constricted.
He really was at the Gym.
And there was no sign of Libby in sight.
"What's wrong, baby? You're quiet." He called out to her in his usual soft tone of voice.
Brie's eyes narrowed. "Is there something you want to tell me?"
Jeff laughed — shaky and forced. "No, no. It's just… I didn't want you to misunderstand me or Libby. She's just playful. That's all."
Brie's jaw clenched. "Playful?" Her voice rose. "What's funny about the two of you having sex?"
Jeff blinked. A flicker of shock crossed his face, but he masked it quickly.
"Wait—what?" he said, adjusting the camera, and she caught sight of Brie, whose gaze had sharpened on Jeff from where she stood. Instantly, Brie ended the video call, making Amber open her eyes in surprise.
Brie was a sweet girl—but she could be cold when she wanted to be.
They had grown up together and been together at their worst, good, and better days. So, she knew that beneath the 5'8 fair beauty in the oversized sweatshirt and faded jeans was a hard girl who had weathered storms to chase her dream.
Jeff's video call came in again, and Brie didn't pick up. She stood with her teeth clenched as she looked into the horizon with a focused gaze. After a few seconds, she glanced back at her phone and pressed the accept button.
"What is it?" She hissed. She wasn't playing nice anymore. The sudden tone in her voice made Jeff sit up straight.
"I would never cheat on you, Brie. You're my girl—there's absolutely no woman that can make me cheat on you—none. Besides, Libby wasn't talking about anything sexual. That would be crossing the line. We are close because she is my assistant, but not that close to talk about sex and whatnots."
Brie scoffed. "Then what were you two talking about?"
"She was referring to our workout session."
Brie's brows furrowed. "Workout?"
Jeff nodded. "We're working on a promotional campaign for women who've battled cancer. It's about showing how they can still do normal things — workouts, routines, strength training. Libby's one of the models. She's just dramatic. You know that. It's classic Libby."
Brie's face flushed. She looked at Amber, who raised a skeptical brow, then back at Jeff.
His explanation made sense. Besides, if they were having sex, it wouldn't be in the Gym with so many people around; the timing and location showed nothing of such was happening.
But why couldn't she shake off the feeling that welled up inside her lately?
"I thought you were cheating," Brie whispered.
Jeff's expression softened. "I would never. You're the woman of my life, Brie. I would be stupid to let go of you."
Brie's lips twitched. His words warmed her heart, and she hated how easily he made her blush. A curve of a smile graced her lips slightly.
"Then why didn't you come home last night?" she asked softly. The edginess was gone from her mind.
Jeff sighed. "I got carried away with work, baby. We wrapped up around 2 a.m. and I figured there was no point driving back since I had to be at the gym early."
Brie nodded slowly. His explanation made sense – Sort of.
"Hmm, but you should have called. I got no calls, no texts—no form of explanation." Brie shook her head in disappointment.
Jeff groaned. "I know, and I'm sorry. I should have. I figured you would have slept already. Didn't want to wake you up knowing you had classes early. And you know how your sleep works? Once you're awake, you find it hard to sleep again."
Brie looked down.
He was right.
He knew her better than anyone—no, not better.
He knew her as much as Amber did.
Part of why she loved him. He never forgets anything about her. He was always attentive—he even remembered she had classes.
Jeff leaned closer to the camera, sensing her walls lowering. "I'll come pick you up from school. We'll grab dinner and talk properly."
Brie hesitated. "No, it's fine. I have a group project later. I'll just head home."
He smiled. "Okay, babe. I love you, Brie."
She paused. "I know."
Then she ended the call, feeling lighter, and turned to look at Amber.
Amber stared at her, arms still crossed. "So now he's a cancer campaign hero?"
Brie sighed. "It's his job, Amber. Besides, he loves me."
Amber rolled her eyes. "And I love burnt toast. Doesn't mean I eat it."
Brie didn't respond. Her thoughts were tangled, messy.
"Why does it sound like he's got so many excuses?" Amber's brow furrowed as they kept walking.
Brie smiled slightly. She knew Amber was just looking out for her. But she knew Jeff better.
He was honestly busy a lot these past months, and she understood.
He was driven by his passion just the way she was about hers and the life she wanted in the corporate world.
"Look, why don't you talk with Libby?"
"I don't want to," Brie replied
"Why not?" Her mouth was gaping slightly in mild surprise. "Look, I don't care if you don't like Libby. But this call would also give you some insight into the things both she and Jeff aren't saying. Think about it—you get to actually see the subtle signs if there are any."
Brie sighed again and looked at Amber.
"Hell, no, and give her a reason to think I'm insecure? You know, girls like Libby. I don't intend to give power she doesn't have."
Amber sighed and muttered. "You're probably right."
Then her phone buzzed again.
But this time… it wasn't Jeff.
It was Libby.
It was an Incoming video call.
Brie's breath caught, and she rolled her eyes as a sigh escaped her.
Amber leaned in. "Now that's a call you need to answer."