Lying to Your Partner
“It’s an old friend who wants to catch up. We’re just chatting.”
This is a collaborative choose your own adventure story. Click here for the chapter guide. Go back to chapter 1 by Linden Schneider here. Return to the previous chapter here.
“Who are you talking to?” your partner asks with suspicion from the bedroom.
You panic.
With a strained voice, you say, “It’s an old friend who wants to catch up. We’re just chatting.”
“Uh huh. Do I know them?”
You shake your head vigorously.
On the phone, Valli laughs and says in a throaty voice, “Oooh, lying to your spouse, eh? I love it.” They sound vicious.
Now your partner steps up to you and gestures to the phone. “Are you sure you’re okay? This doesn’t sound like some nice friend from back in the day.”
Guilt clenches your throat. Your partner believes that you’re talking to one of your old, nasty connections, especially the criminal ones.
So you wince and lower your eyes, as if in silent admission. But you hope Valli’s voice won’t be loud enough for your partner to hear.
Valli continues with a croon, “Oh, honey, you sound like you need a vacation.” You blink in bewilderment, but surely it’s just a coincidence that they used the word “vacation.”
Valli goes on, “Just you and I, babe. Your partner can stay at home while you come to enjoy life again! Call me back if you’re interested, and we’ll figure out how to dispense with your spouse before then.” They snicker a few times before disconnecting the line.
What do you do?
- Ignore Valli and get on with the rest of your life.
- Take on Valli’s offer. You really could use a vacation. Even if it’s not Vacation Roulette anymore.
