"So, how you been? I see that you've definitely been hittin' the gym. Keep it up and you'll look like a bodybuilder."
"There's no need to make small talk." I roll my eyes and look outside the window. "If there's something you really want to have said then say it. Stop beating around the bush."
He laughs. "So upfront, I've missed it." There's a small pause as he taps his fingers against the steering wheel. "The reason you didn't come back...It was because of me wasn't it? You thought that I didn't want to see you?"
"You think I care about you that much to not return to MY house? I couldn't give a rats ass about you. I didn't come back because it would have been pointless. I've made it clear that my goal is to get my wife back, she belongs with me."
"Hm, I almost feel bad for you Ricky." Feel bad? For me? If I cared enough, I would easily make him crash this stupid fucking car. "I mean it's not that I necessarily pity you, I just mean that I can feel your desperation and if I had no respect for you I'd think that what you're doing is embarrassing."
"So I should be embarrassed? Is that what you're getting at?" I hold back a loud laugh. "How fucking ridiculous."
"No, I mean I just don't understand why you chase a woman who obviously wants nothing to do with you. I get that you're madly in love with her but even I know she's not interested."
"You're wrong. She does love me, she said so herself that she want to move in with me." I have always hated talking about Kaz with him. He knows nothing about her, only I do. I'm the only one in the world that truly knows her and no one else will ever understand her better than me.
"You really think she didn't just say that to keep you at bay? To keep you from spazzing the fuck out and killing any and everyone in your way?" He scoffs. "I expected more from you man, how could you fall for that?"
"Pull over."
"What you gotta pee or something? Just hold it, we're almost there anyway."
"I wasn't asking. Stop the car."
"Ohh, I get now. You're in a little mood right now aren't you? Ah that's okay, you're probably just hungry."
"No estoy jugando. Detén el auto."
("I'm not playing games. Stop the car.")
"Uh-oh! The boss is getting mad guys! He's speaking in español so he must be pissed!" He laughs and hits the dashboard. "Will you stop whining so much, shit. If you wanna be mad, then be mad. No need to complain the whole time."
"Will you shut up you fucking idiot?" I laugh internally. I've never been able to be mad at him for long. He's too dumb to really take anything seriously.
"Uh, rude much? I'm sitting here taking you to get your gift and you call me an idiot? Wow, I am offended!"
"Will you just drive? Christ, I don't remember you talking this much. What changed?" I briefly glance over at him and in that moment I notice him tense up. "Ah, so something did change...It's a woman, isn't it?"
"What makes you say that?"
I can sense the annoyance in his voice, I'm definitely hitting a nerve. "Easy, your behavior has changed drastically. I mean you would only ever talk if Kaz or myself were around and I don't smell any booze on your breath. You're sober, and the only time you're sober is if...Hell, I don't think I've ever seen you sober."
He lets out a short laugh. "Quite impressive that you noticed. I didn't think you were even looking at me let alone recognize all that."
"So it is a woman. What's her name? Do you love her? How long have you two been together?"
"That's enough."
"Have you bed her yet? Is she any good? What does she look like? Nice rack?"
"God dammit Ricky! I said that's enough!"
Bingo. This was way too easy, I've got all the information I need from asking those few questions. It's like I said before, his idiocy will be the death of him and this just confirmed that theory.
"Heh, my bad. I guess I just needed to hear that someone was getting some if I'm not."
"Wait. You and Kaz haven't..."
"Nope. Not once. And trust me, seeing her that first time after so long was enough to make me crazy. It took every ounce of self control to keep my hands off of her body."
"So why didn't you just fuck some bitch? You know, just to get out of your system?"
"I don't know. I thought about it but I could never go through with it. She was just always in my head."
"And yet another reason to why I respect you man." Once again, I face the window watching as we speed pass everything in a blur. "I've gotta admit it Ricky, I've missed having talks like this. Takes me back."
I nod. I almost feel bad for him, he has no idea that this will be our last conversation like this. Only if he weren't such a moron.
***
"Sir, we have a situation. I believe that the patient may have regained some of her memory."
"Really? That's good news then right?"
"No sir, she- She asked me if she had a child."
"Oh no...What did you say to her? Did you tell her anything?"
"Of course not sir! I just excused myself from her room then called you."
"Hm, okay good. Keep your distance from her and make sure that no one else enters her room. I'll get hold of the boss then call you back. Till then do as I said and wait for me to get there."
"Yes sir, I'll see you soon."
When the line disconnects I hurry and dial his number. I get up from my bed and pace around until he finally picks up. "Yo, you're on speaker Nando, what's up?"
"On speaker? Who else is with you? Actually it doesn't matter. I have some news that you alone really need to hear. Are you able to move to a more private place to talk?"
"No can do man. Whatever it is I'm sure you can handle it without me."
"Sir I'm not too sure about this one. I think you should really head towards the-"
"Woah, Fernando buddy calm down. Listen, I'll call you back when I can talk okay? Right now's not the best time."
"I suppose I have no choice. I'll see you when you arrive, bye."