Chapter 31

(Michael)

Naomi really did hang up on me. I must sound stupid still being upset about this. Naomi keeps stomping on my heart. She doesn't even care about my feelings. Doesn't care what I think. Her main goal is to just keep shutting me down without caring about what I have to say about anything. I pulled into 4's driveway and turned off the car. It's only six. It's not even time for her to unlock her door. I sat back in my sat and put my feet up on the dashboard. I don't exactly want to see her yet. I have a lot on my mind. Gabriella going to my house. Naomi going off on me twice in one day. Not knowing if Victoria will call Gabriella yet is just messing me up inside. I wish I could just sleep it all away, read it away or even just walk it off. I really do have all these options right now. I just choose to sit in the car. I could sleep, but that'll just be a waste of time and I can't exactly sleep my problems away. The volume on my radio was low, but apparently not low enough, because Whitney Houston was singing her heart out. I can't blame her though. I looked towards 4's house to see her peeking out the window. I sighed. I know she sees me. She probably just wants me to come in. 4 came out in a dark blue tank, pajama shorts and Uggs. She folded her arms and waved to me. I smiled and waved her to come over. She walked over slowly and opened the door to my car to get in.

"Hey, baby." I said as she hugged me.

"I've missed you." She half-smiled.

"It's only been a couple of days." I laughed.

"I know... A couple of days is too long." 4 leaned her head against my shoulder. This sounds like something Victoria would say. Considering the fact that she is my wife and we have children.

"You okay?" I asked.

"Yeah. Except for all the crap. I've been lonely without you."

"I've never heard you say something like that before."

"I know. It's just..." I waited. I know this girl so called "loves" me, but I think she thinks she's in love with me. "I'm in love with you." 4's voice became quieter. I sighed and looked away. I knew this would happen. I knew she would get too attached to me. I just knew it. I should have got away when I had the chance, because now it's too much. "I've been thinking a lot about it, Michael and you're the only man I've really loved."

"Where is all this coming from? I'm pretty sure it's just the orgasms, babe. Maybe you're confusing love with orgasms. I think that's what it is. You can't really be in love with me."

"Why can't I?" 4 looked up at me.

I looked back at her, "you know my circumstance. Why or how could you be in love with a married man?"

"Easy. Have hope that you would divorce your wife."

I lifted her off of me, "that's crazy. You're crazy. That's actually scary. You can't be in love with me. Trust me, there are many obvious reasons as to why you shouldn't even be dreaming about loving me. Victoria is good to me and she loves me. We could never divorce."

"Michael, I'm sure she knows you're cheating on her with me."

"Maybe she does. That doesn't mean we'll divorce. It's called 'forgive and forget.' She'll forgive me for it."

"Well okay. Tell me one reason why I shouldn't love you."

"I don't even remember your name." I rolled my eyes. I would hope that makes her forget about being "in love" with me.

4 bit her lip, "that's right. I have a number, don't I?"

"Yes. It's 4. Look-"

"It's Jennifer."

"What?"

"My name is Jennifer, Michael."

"Alright, Jennifer. I'll try to remember that."

"Why else shouldn't I love you?"

"I'm cheating on my wife with more than one woman."

4 made a face, "so I'm not the only one?"

"No."

"I thought I was special, Michael."

"You are special... In your own way."

"Probably not. You probably told the other woman they were special too. I'm just a number to you."

"No, you're not."

"Oh, wait. I'm a number and the girl you have sex with every once in a while, huh?"

"No."

"Well, I must be."

"I actually prefer you more than the other women."

"You're just saying that."

"No, I'm serious."

"You're lying just to make me happy." She shook her head.

"Why would I lie to you?"

"Who knows? You've obviously lied to me before."

"Jennifer, I'm not going to lie to you. I don't love you, but out of all the women I talk to, you are the one I prefer more."

She looked at me. Confusion, anger, and satisfaction was all over her face at once... That's creepy. "You prefer me over your wife?"

"No... I didn't say that."

4 sighed, "but you prefer me over the other women."

"Yes."

"Then how don't you love me, Michael? That confuses me." I sighed. She can be real dumb at times.

"Jennifer, let's go in the house." We got out the car and headed inside the house. I shut the door behind me. 4 stood before me, waiting for my answer. "Come here." I said. She walked over to me.

"Why don't you love-" I put my finger over her lips.

"All my love goes to my wife and children. There's enough of me to go around, baby, but my love stays with my family."

4 made a face, "then why do you cheat? That's what I don't understand. Is she bad in bed?"

"No." I laughed.

"Then what is it?"

"I like to explore my options."

"Your options?"

"Yes." She stared at me for a couple of seconds as if I was crazy. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Jennifer raised her hand and slapped me across the face...