This time I answered it quickly. “Look, I do not want to hear about your panties showing on the red carpet!” I stated into the phone.

“I’m not sure what you’ve heard, Boots. But I always go commando on red carpets.” a familiar voice said on the phone causing chills to run down my spine.

That masculine voice, which was smooth like velvet and smothered in a Cuban accent belonged to Guillermo Maldonado -- my ex-husband.

“What do you want?” I asked, cutting straight to the point.

“Estás desnudo en mi escritorio cubierto de crema batida y bañado en jarabe de chocolate.” (You naked on my desk covered in whip cream and smothered in chocolate syrup.)

I rolled my eyes. “Ah, ya veo. Bueno, perdiste ese privilegio una vez que el juez firmó los papeles del divorcio.” (You kinda lost that privilege when the judge finalized our divorce.)

He chuckled on the other line, “Is it safe to talk?”

“It is. Depending on what you want to talk about of course.”

“I just wanted to see how you were doing. I know you get very ... what’s the word? Caótico, this time of year.”

“Chaotic? Me? Chaotic?” I let out a loud “Ha!” which caused him to chuckle in my ear. “I’m fine. I’ve been keeping busy and I’ve been going out on dates with guys, so yeah. I’m far from chaotic.”

Why the hell did I lie to him and tell him that I was going on dates, as if I wanted to make him jealous? I shook my head, wanting to go back in time or just shove my foot in my mouth.

“You’ve been going on dates?” He asked as if he knew I was lying.

“Yep. I mean, we’re divorced, so I’m granted that right.”

Silence fell between us. “Eres un gran mentiroso. Especialmente para aquellos que no te conocen. ¿Pero yo? Vamos, Boots, ahora solo me estás insultando.” (You are a great liar. Especially to those who don't know you. But me? Come on, Boots, now you're just insulting me”)

I hated how well he knew me. “Why are you calling me?” I asked, making it obvious I had no rebuttal to his claims.

“How about we have dinner next week?”

“You and I have dinner? Not sure if that’s a good thing or bad.”

There were a few seconds of silence on Guillermo's end before he answered, “Why would it be a bad thing? We’re two grown men having dinner.”

“Two grown men who used to be married to one another.” I corrected him.

“Look, Boots, we divorced on good terms. We don’t have any hostility toward each other and not to mention with your birthday coming up, I think it would be a great way to celebrate it ... to do things right this time.”

Was that an apology? Knowing Guillermo for as long as I have, he wasn’t one to apologize to me, or to anyone. For three of the six years I’ve known him, he always forgot my birthday. He would blame it on his own plans or on his job, but this year he’s owning up to his one flaw he had in our relationship. That’s a huge step for Guillermo Maldonado.

“Hmm, alright fine. You can take me out for my birthday. Next Thursday, I’ll be free at eight.”

“Alright. I can --”

“Wait! Is this going to be one of those cliché dinners where you tell me you’re about to get married to someone else and you’re looking for my blessing?”

“What? No.” Guillermo replied, causing me to let out a sigh of relief.

The last thing I needed was to deal with that.

“I assure you --” he chuckled, “I am single and there’s no wedding and no secret family. I just want to see you.”

I found myself smiling again and I cleared my throat, not wanting to let him hear that I was happy with his words.

“Okay good. Not that I was worried about it or anything.”

“Nice try, Boots. And thank you for answering the phone. It was great to hear your voice again.”

“I know.” I replied and he said his goodbye, I said mine and hung up the phone.