“H-hey Lola… It’s me again. Um, call me back when you get this, okay? Thanks. Uh, bye.”

Phoenix sighed heavily as he returned his phone to his pocket. That was the third time he’d called Lola since watching the video. He called her last night after watching it for the first time, and now twice today… But every time, she hadn’t answered.

She’s probably busy. He told himself. It was still the middle of the afternoon back in Brindleton Bay. She’s probably at class or something. The semester would have started just a week or so ago. Phoenix felt his heart sink at the thought. It was still so painful knowing that he’d never take another class at BBU again.

Or maybe she just doesn’t wanna talk to me. As much as it hurt, Phoenix knew that this was probably the true answer. Lola had ignored the messages he’d tried sending her after he’d returned home. And she hadn’t even said goodbye to him before he left Brindleton Bay — the last time he saw her was that terrible day at her apartment, when he’d told her his decision and broken her heart.

She probably never wants to speak to me again. At first, Phoenix had been able to come to terms with that. Part of him knew that was truly for the best. But… If what was in that video was true… How could she be ignoring him now?

It was starting to feel like he would never know the answer.

Until he was awoken at nearly two o’clock that morning by the sound of a loud buzzing beside his ear.

Phoenix shot up immediately, glancing down at the glowing screen. His heart practically skipped a beat when he saw Lola’s name flashing up at him. He grabbed the phone tightly in his hand and made quickly for the door, hoping he could slip away without waking his wife.

Gigi stirred slightly as he walked by, but remained asleep. With a soft sigh of relief, he made his way out into the hall and raised the phone to his ear.

“Hello?” He whispered.

“Phoenix? I can barely hear you.” Despite everything, the sound of her voice sent a rush of warmth through his heart.

“Hold on a minute…” Phoenix tiptoed quickly down the hall and out onto the patio, hoping it would be enough to prevent his voice from carrying back into the house. “Sorry. I didn’t wanna wake anybody up…”

“Oh, shit. I’m sorry… I guess I kinda forgot timezones are a thing.” Lola confessed.

“It’s alright. I’m just glad you called me back.”

When she replied, her voice was suddenly cold. “What’s going on, Phoenix? Why did you call?”

His stomach twisted unpleasantly. “I, uh… I saw that video you posted. The ‘big announcement’ one.”

“… Oh.”

“And… I guess, um… I guess I wanted to say congratulations.” Phoenix muttered uncomfortably. “To Duchess, I mean… On being a big sister.” He tried his best to lighten the mood, ignoring the nausea that still swelled in his stomach.

“Thanks… I’ll tell her.” She replied flatly.

Neither of them spoke for a few moments. Phoenix’s heart was pounding in his chest. Guess I’ve just gotta say it. “Lola…” He said at last. “Why… why didn’t you tell me?”

She let out a sigh. “Because it’s none of your business.”

“But… But I –”

“Phoenix, look. I was a total mess when you left, okay? It was bad. And I was lonely.” Lola admitted softly. “But I’m not anymore. I met someone… and he’s really great. He treats me well… and we’re really excited about this baby. Even if this isn’t exactly what we were planning.” She added quickly.

It took a moment or two for the implication behind her words to finally sink in. “Wait… So… there’s someone else?” It made no sense for him to feel jealous, but he couldn’t help it. He’d been gone just over three months, and she’d already moved on.

“There is.”

“And… the baby….?”

“He wasn’t exactly thrilled at first, but we’ve talked about it. He’s onboard.” She assured him. “And things are going great for us right now. We’re just taking it one day at a time, not rushing into anything… not even for the baby.” Lola paused for a moment. “We’ll see how it goes.”

Phoenix shook his head, though he knew she could not see it. “Does that mean… It’s… it’s not mine?” It felt like his heart had stopped beating as he waited for her reply.

“Would it matter if it was?”

“What?”

“Would it make a difference?” She asked. “If I told you this baby’s yours, would you hop on a plane and come back here? Just leave behind your pregnant wife?”

“I… No. I don’t think I could.” He confessed softly. “I don’t really know what I’d do.”

“Then it doesn’t matter, does it? It wouldn’t change anything. So what’s the point?”

“Lola…”

He heard a long, deep sigh pass her lips. “But if it makes you feel any better, it’s not yours. So you can stop worrying now, okay?”

Phoenix never realized it was possible to feel so relieved and so disappointed at the same time. “Are you sure?”

“I am.” She said seriously.

Despite her reply, Phoenix’s stomach still felt as though it were twisted in knots. How could he be sure she was telling the truth? “You promise? I mean… you would tell me if it was, right? You wouldn’t lie to me?”

Lola’s laugh was devoid of any humor. “I’m not your wife, Phoenix. So, no. I wouldn’t.” She hesitated for a moment then. Her tone was much softer when she spoke again. “I’m sorry. That was a shitty thing to say.”

Phoenix felt no anger at her words. Just… emptiness. “It’s okay. And… uh, I’m sorry I bothered you. I just had to make sure.”

“I know. You were trying to do the right thing. Just like you always do.” He could almost hear the smile in her voice. “But you don’t have to worry. You’re off the hook.”

Phoenix still couldn’t quite shake his feeling of unease, but he knew that Lola meant what she’d said. She wouldn’t lie. Not to him. “And… you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” She replied gently. “And I’m happy. I promise.”

Phoenix felt a sudden tightening in the back of his throat as he realized that it was almost time to say goodbye. “I’m glad… You deserve to be happy, Lola.”

“Thanks.”

“And congratulations on the baby.”

“To Duchess, you mean?” She teased.

Despite everything, Phoenix still managed a soft laugh at her words. “Of course. Oh, and to you too, I guess.” He added, smiling. “And to, um…?”

“Jorden.”

“And Jorden.” The smile slowly fell from his face. “I really hope it works out for you guys.”

“Thanks.” Lola replied. “You and Gigi too. And the baby.”

“Thanks, Lola…” The tightness in the back of his throat had suddenly returned. “I miss you.”

There was a few beats of silence before she finally replied. “Goodbye, Phoenix.”

She hung up before he could say another word.