just flipped her lid.”

“That’s what I figured.” He seemed a little more at ease but not much.

“How did she even know about the job? You didn’t even know about that. Leaving town I could understand, but the rest…”

“Renee told me she went to your old office and your old boss filled her in. Now why she was at your office I have no idea, but that asshole of a boss told her everything she wanted to know, including your new office phone number.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it, Billy. She wouldn’t have the nerve to call me. I made it very clear that it was over the night I left. I even waited until she was at work the next day to go in and get my stuff out of the apartment, so I didn’t leave a scrap of anything behind for her to ‘need to return to me’.”

“I understand that Ian, but there’s one other little bit of information I think you need to know. Clair turned in her two week notice and has told Renee that she’s flying out to live with you.”

Ian couldn’t help but laugh. He wasn’t surprised, but she would be. The moment she got a whiff of some cash and/or prestige her panties were probably wetter than they’d ever been. “Sorry, dude, I don’t mean to laugh, but Clair certainly has a surprise coming if she’s really quitting her job and flying out here to live with me.”

“Why, you already married, dude?”

“Oh, hell, no! But she can’t even get on the lot without my authority and that’s not happening, and if she comes on my property, I’ll just have her arrested. Luckily here in California there are very strict stalker laws.”

He heard Billy laugh. “I hadn’t thought of that. I almost hope she does try and land on your doorstep.”

“Me, too.”

“So…” there was a pause on the other end, and Ian could see in his head Billy chewing on his lower lip, “everything okay?”

“Yeah, just fine Bill. Thanks for asking…and the warning.”

“No prob,” he said. “You and me, too?”

“Yeah, we’re fine buddy, always will be.”

“We never talked about it.”

Ian knew what he was talking about, but didn’t want to discuss it. “No need to bro. We’re just fine.”

“So it’s okay that I called.”

“Yep, any time. But I think I’ll get my cell phone number changed tomorrow. Been meaning to anyway. I’ll call you with the new one.”

“Cool. So everything’s alright, then?”

“Just fine.” Ian looked at the clock. “Everything okay with you?”

“Sure, what makes you ask?”

“Well it’s after 11 here, Billy, has to be at least two on the East coast. Everything alright with you?”

“Yeah, was just lying here in bed and wondering when and how to tell you about Clair. Thought I should just go ahead and do it or I wouldn’t get any sleep at all.”

Ian sniggered, “Well, you feel better now?”

“Yup”

“Can you sleep now?”

“Yup”

“Then go to bed.”

Billy laughed, “Will do.”

“Hey, Bill? Thanks for calling man. It’s good to hear from you.”

“Yeah, good to hear your voice. I’ll spread the word that Clair’s