âIs Rena with you?â
Gripping the steering wheel, Mark hesitated before replying, âNo, sheâs not here.
I havenât heard from her today.
â
Concerned, Mark probed further.
Waylenâs cough was a prelude to a tensed voice.
âNothing major, just⦠we had a bit of a spat.
â
Mark was familiar with their dynamics.
Over the years, Waylen and Rena maintained a stable relationship, marred only by Waylenâs bouts of possessiveness.
Despite Rena scaling back her social interactions, any hint of her mingling with the opposite s@x would set Waylenâs jealousy simmering for days on end.
The situation was complex, neither entirely positive nor negative.
Naturally, Rena wouldnât head home and voice her grievances.
Waylenâs possessive nature was well-known in their circle, often fueling gossip.
Far from embarrassed, Waylen wore his infamy with pride.
After the call, Mark reached out to Rena.
She answered promptly.
âUncle Mark?â her voice came through.
In hushed tones, Mark inquired, âWhatâs happening between you and Waylen?â
Rena, amidst drinks with Vera at a bar, couldnât help but chuckle.
âHe sent you to check on me, didnât he?â
Mark offered no denial.
âItâs nothing major,â Rena reassured softly.
âJust a hiccup.
Weâll smooth things over in a day or two.
â
It wasnât Markâs place to pry into their relationship.
Conversation over, Rena ended the call.
Vera shot her a questioning look.
âNo plans on heading back tonight?â
Perched on a barstool, Rena faced a vast pane of French glass, showcasing more than half of Duefronâs nighttime skyline.
Central to the view was Exceed Groupâs illuminated tower, blazing like a beacon.
Tears glossing her eyes, Renaâs smile was wistful.