Page 52 of Hard To Love

When I returned, Jonathan was standing at my desk holding up his hands in defeat.

“Don’t shoot the messenger, but lover boy is on the line and I’ve held him off all morning long. But as you know, he can be quite persuasive.” He said, fanning himself like he was on fire.

Exasperated, I blew out a deep breath and rolled my eyes “Jonathan, you’re useless, you know that?”

Jonathan tilted his head to the side with a growing grin. “Looks like somebody didn’t get laid last night.”

I ignored his comment and barked back. “Tell him I’ll call him back in five minutes.” Hopefully I could figure out what the hell I wanted to say to him by then.

Instead of calling, I decided texting him was the best way to handle him.

Sorry I missed your calls. I’ve had a busy day. What’s up?

Almost immediately there was a response.

Are you trying to give me a heart attack? I have been trying to reach you all day. I thought something was wrong.

Nope, just busy.

Are you sure that’s all?

He knew I was upset. I needed to sound more convincing.

Yes, I’m sorry to worry you. It’s been a stressful day. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Why does it feel like you’re blowing me off?

I’m not blowing you off. You’re just being paranoid. I’ll call you later. Have fun tonight.

Something isn’t right here. I just landed in New York. I can be at your office in an hour.

I stared at the ground and willed myself to come up with an explanation that would buy me some time. My eyes caught the folders sitting on my desk as I leaned back in my chair.

Chase, I have two appointments that I’m not prepared for. I would love to see you but I’m afraid I won’t be here. Please stop worrying. I’ll see you tomorrow.

I still think you’re lying, but I’ll leave you alone. You can bet your life you’ll see me tomorrow. I hope you’ll tell me what’s wrong by then. I miss you.

You too! Xoxo

The rest of the afternoon dragged on endlessly until finally it was time to go home. I looked at my phone, and other than a couple returned calls from clients, I had no messages waiting for me. I was really looking forward to relaxing on the couch and clearing my head. I needed to think about how I wanted to handle my conversation with Chase tomorrow.

After ordering takeout, I took a nice relaxing bath while waiting for my dinner to arrive. Once I was finished with my meal, I cuddled on the sofa with my Kindle and a glass of wine. I loved to get wrapped up in a good book; it was my escape from reality. The main character was cheating on her boyfriend with their roommate who was also her boyfriend’s best friend. It was juicy and messy, the perfect distraction for me.

I must have dozed off because the sound of the front door slamming shut startled me awake. Cassie stormed into the living room and flopped down on the couch next to me, shaking her head repeatedly. I instantly sat up to make room for her as she put her head in her hands and started cursing to herself, “What happened?” I asked.

She paused and looked at me. I could feel the words turning around in her head as if she was trying to choose them carefully. “You can tell me anything,” I said softly, but I could tell this was bad news by the look in her eyes.

“Emily, I don’t know how to say this, but,” she paused.

My hand rested on her knee, “Did something happen at the party?”

She shook her head silently nodding yes, then looked away.

“Cassie, what happened?” My mind started reeling with all kinds of negative thoughts.

Just as she was about to speak, there was a loud urgent banging on the door with Chase’s voice calling from the hallway. My eyes grew wide in surprise as Cassie jumped of the coach running for the door. She no sooner unlocked the deadbolt before he stormed past her, and advanced towards me like a man on a mission.

She slammed the door, and glared at him “You fucking asshole. You have a lot of nerve showing up here.”

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