Colin unlocked his front door and walked into the living room, tossing his jacket on the armchair as he walked by. He’d had a long day at work and now all he wanted to do was have a bit of tucker, a nice hot shower, and get some much needed rest.

As he rifled through the fridge, pulling out various food items, his cell phone rang. "Shit. Her again," he said to himself, debating on whether or not to answer the call. Letting out a loud sigh, he decided he might as well go ahead and take the call... he’d have to face her sooner or later anyway.

"Hello?" he said softly, wondering to himself how he was going to get through this call.

"Colin it’s me, Abby. Before you hang up, please give me a chance to explain," she said, rather urgently.

Colin let out a sigh. "Go on," he told her, wondering what on earth her excuse could possibly be for keeping the fact that she was married from him for so long.

"Colin, I wanted to tell you... I really did. It’s just.... well... complicated is all. Dwayne and I were so young, and it all happened so suddenly, and when I realized it wasn’t going to work out I tried to get a divorce, but he won’t sign the papers, so I just... left."

"You just.... left. So, what... are you just going to stay married to this bloke until he decides he wants to divorce you?" Colin asked, bitterly.

"No... no. Actually, I made an appointment to see Mr. Roberts – the local solicitor here in town, and see what can be done about getting the divorce moving and settled." Abby let out a soft sigh. "Oh Colin, I just don’t want this to come between us. I really do like you a lot, and had hoped you felt the same about me. Please, can’t we work through this?"

Colin chuckled. "So, what, you just want me to pretend that you aren’t a married woman, then, is that what you’re saying? Sorry, sweetheart, I guess I’m just tired of being lied to by women."

Abby began to quietly sob. "I didn’t lie... exactly... I just didn’t, well, tell you. Colin, just do me a favor... think about it, alright? It’s not like Dwayne and I have had this relationship together behind your back. He’s been outta the picture for a long time now. I’m trying to move on."

Colin closed his eyes, thinking. She was right, she hadn’t exactly told him a lie, just kept certain truths from him. Still, it was a lot like lying, letting him go on believing she was available. He took a deep breath, let it out again, then said, "Alright... I’ll call you in a couple days... Good night, Abby."

"Thanks, Colin. I’ll be talking to you soon, then. Night."

Colin hung up the phone and sat staring at it for a moment. "Oh, Abby..." he sighed, then began to put all the food he’d gotten out back into the fridge. Picking up his keys, he walked back into the living room and headed back out of the house, locking the door behind him. He needed to take a drive... clear his thoughts.

TBC...