Page 82 of Kiss Me Ever After
36
Lennon
“Ooo,you look like you went out last night and drank a shitload of wine,” said Carly, as I walked through the door of the cafe. “Oh, wait, that’s because you did!” She giggled. “Seriously, I hope you feel as bad as I do because I need someone to commiserate with.”
I pulled off my dark glasses, which I wore even though it had started to drizzle outside. “Does this answer your question?” When I’d woken up this morning, my eyes were ringed with red from crying and mascara smeared my cheeks. A long shower and plenty of cleanser and moisturiser had helped the situation a little. A swift, natural-looking makeup job was also an improvement, but I was far from looking my best.
“God, you look terrible.” She rushed over to me and pulled me into the staff room. “Did you find out any more about your friend?”
When I’d switched on my phone to charge earlier, I’d hoped there would be a message from Justin. Something, anything to let me know how he was doing.
But there was nothing. I wasn’t entirely sure what I expected. Did I think he would drop Candace and come running to London? Given he was in hospital, it was a bit much to hope for. Some acknowledgement of my message would have been nice. I had to come to terms with us being over for good, and it wasn’t an easy thing to accept.
“Apparently he should be discharged today with some strong painkillers and he’ll make a full recovery.” Amber had provided my medical update, along with another plea for me to return to Ealynn Sands. Given Justin’s radio silence, there seemed little point in me going back there.
Carly hugged me. “That’s good news. It must be a relief to hear.”
On autopilot, I nodded. “Yeah, I’m pleased he’s okay.”
“Do you want to take or make orders today?” asked Carly.
My brain was mush, and it scared me to get the orders wrong. It was probably safer for me to make them, even though it was more effort. I gave Carly my choice and set to work.
A steady stream of customers passed through the cafe throughout the course of the day, keeping me busy and keeping thoughts of Justin at bay. Whenever I got the opportunity, I checked my phone. Pointless. No new messages, not even from Amber.
I made it through the whole shift without throwing up or falling asleep, even though I was dead on my feet. Carly tried to persuade me to get something to eat with her. I refused, preferring to get back to the apartment and get some rest. Reluctantly, she let me go home, making me promise to call her later.
As I unlocked the front door, I hoped I would be home alone. The last thing I thought I wanted was Lucas quizzing me. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.
Lucas sat on the sofa, watching a rerun of Friends, a huge pizza box on the table in front of him. My mouth watered.
“Is there any left?” I eyed the box hunger gnawing at my insides.
“Do I look like I can eat an extra-large pizza? The shame!” Lucas clutched his hands to his chest. “You can have a slice.Oneslice.” The corner of his mouth quirked.
“Let me get a drink and I’ll come and help you out.” I dumped my bag in my room, then picked up my laptop to check emails after I’d eaten. On my way back to the living room, I found a can of Coke in the fridge, grabbed a glass and filled it with ice.
“How was your day?” asked Lucas as I opened the pizza box and selected my one slice.
“Long,” I mumbled through cheese and pepperoni.
“I thought I heard you come in late last night, or should I say this morning.” He raised his eyebrows. “Did someone have a date?”
I shook my head as I popped open the can and poured it into my glass. “I went out with Carly from work. We went to see a band, then found a bar.”
“Oh, no wonder you got in so late.” He rolled his eyes.
The pizza tasted delicious, and I soon wolfed down the first slice. My hand hovered over the open box, even though Lucas had stated I was only allowed one piece. Without saying a word, I fluttered my eyelashes at him.
“Go on then. I guess you’re only saving me from myself.” He pushed the box towards me, and I gratefully took another piece. “You staying up if I find a film?”
“I guess. Can’t promise to stay awake for the end though.”
He tutted. “You never do anyway, so no change there.”
While Lucas chose a film to watch, I fired up my laptop and opened my emails. There were the usual ones from mailing lists offering amazing discounts if you bought just one of their new products, a couple of uni related ones, and finally one which brought my heart into my mouth.
It was from a company I’d contacted in relation to a job I’d applied for. Most other organisations I’d been in touch with had replied with a stock ‘thanks but no thanks’ email pointing me toward their graduate jobs and encouraging me to apply when I’d got my degree.
