For Nevermore Season 1

thoughtless. But now, after last night’s blowup, Randy might be leaving her hanging on purpose, just to prove how much she needed him.
    Once Josie hung up, she felt stupid for calling and decided she wouldn’t call again. She would wait to hear from him. That way he wouldn’t mistake her repeated calls for interest in getting back together.
    While part of her was certain they would eventually make up, another part of her was insistent that she stick to her guns. This was a chance to finally put her foot down and change things for the better. She owed it to herself, and to Noella. Yeah, she might take him back, but not without a few concessions. She was tired of being second, or third on Randy’s list of priorities. Tired of being taken for granted. Tired of him never having time to spend with her, just the two of them alone. Tired of feeling unwanted.
    He knew she wanted him. Why else would he keep coming back after every fight, hat in hand, tail between his legs? It wasn’t like he couldn’t get anyone else. Randy was a good-looking guy, and she’d seen the way other women looked at him on those rare occasions when they did go out. Sure, it was usually slutty women, but still, he could have his pick. Obviously, there was something more than a spark between Randy and her, so maybe she had a little leverage to make things work for her, for once.
    Josie wanted things to be like they were a few years earlier. And this could be her chance to make it happen, to make Randy prove that he cared — not with words, but actions. If he came back, he would have to be nicer to her and Noella. He would have to make time for them, particularly for her.
    Randy would have to put her first.
    Josie had told herself she’d make Randy work to earn her back a hundred times, if not more. Yet, every time she settled for the same routine — he’d change for a few days before things settled back into the same old crap.
    Not this time.
    This time, she was serious.
    Josie called Jen, who was still waiting at home in case Tori came back, and delivered the bad news. Jen was distraught and seemed distracted by the three deputies camped at her house.
    “I’ve gotta go. Paul is calling on the other line,” Jen said.
    “OK, I’m gonna head home and grab something to eat, then I’ll be right over. Bye.”
    Josie made it back to her house just as Randy’s cruiser was swinging into the driveway. Her heart made a small jump at the sight of the squad car, then leapt in her chest when she saw that the cruiser was otherwise empty.
    Where is Noella?
    Randy opened the door and stepped from the car.
    “Where’s Noella?” Josie said, not wasting her breath on formalities.
    “We didn’t find anything, so I dropped her at school a couple of hours ago,”
    “And you’re just now getting here? I was worried sick.”
    “Sorry, I got tied up on the way back with a DUI. Can you believe, a guy drunk out of his mind with a four-year-old in the back seat? And before noon.” Randy shook his head.
    “Wow,” Josie said, calming down. “So, Noella’s dream didn’t lead to anything?”
    “No,” he said. “Hey, Josie, do you think we can talk?”
    Here it comes. Be strong, Josie.
    “Sure, come in,” she said. “I was just about to make lunch. You want anything?”
    “Sure, I’ll have whatever you’re having,” He smiled like he loved her, then followed Josie into her house.

    **

    They sat at the kitchen table slowly chewing turkey sandwiches and sipping iced tea, steeping in the familiar, awkward quiet which often fogged their bigger blow-ups. Usually, it was Josie who broke the silence. But this time she wasn’t in a hurry and was willing to wait to hear what Randy had to say.
    Finally, after about 10 minutes, he set his sandwich on the plate, wiped the crumbs from his mouth, and found Josie’s eyes. “I just want to say sorry,” he paused, then cleared his throat and added, “I was way out of line.”
    “Yes, you were,” Josie said, firmly, testing Randy’s reaction. She thought she saw a flicker of anger burning in the center of his eyes, but it might have been her imagination, or her expectations.
    “I know,” he shook his head, “and I’ve been thinking I should finally take your advice. Even though we’re not married, and I’ve been shaking my head no on the subject forever, I think you’re right. I do need help, which is why I decided to go to counseling with you, or with you and Noella, if you think it’s worth