Lookin for Trouble - A Modern Dime Store Tale (Part I)

He was trouble and I knew it. Before I even picked up the phone I had the feeling I'd be inviting problems in. Nothing was ever simple with him. It never had been in the eighteen years we've known each other; nothing was ever really simple or quite what it seemed to be where he was concerned. Even armed with that knowledge it was like I couldn't help myself. Something compelled me to do it.

I sent the message, half expecting the phone to ring right after I hit "send." It was a misstep and I knew it before the screen cleared. But I was upset and I wanted him to know it. Actually disappointed is a better description of my emotions at the time. I knew I was coming from an emotional place, but I didn't care. Most women are hormonal but the Good Lord saw fit to give me an extra dose. I know I get that way, but it's not something I can control. Anyway, I sent Trouble an invitation to come back into my life. Not that he was actually gone anywhere. He was just laying low, at least that's what I figured. He was never gone.

Then I did what any smart girl would after a slip like that: I turned the phone off. See guys like Trouble won't leave a message. They know they need direct contact to be most affective. They can gauge your mood from the tone of your voice. They can try to charm you in that certain way they have, where they say your name just so or call you by your childhood nickname. They know it invokes memories of better times and tends to soothe. Trouble knew how to get to me. He also knew his warm southern drawl slipped over my senses like a warm vellux blanket - my favorite kind. A message wouldn't convey what he wanted, so turning off the phone was my best, my only defense. I also left the house so I could clear my head and get my mind off things.

By the time I got home I was feeling better. As I turned my phone back on I felt a bit of trepidation. I was pretty sure he wouldn't leave a voicemail, but maybe he'd sent a text or a pic. He was good for that one too. He'd send a picture with some cute, sweet song attached. I was growing immune to that, but still it was cute and might take my temper down a notch. So far though I was in the clear. No messages.