Page 13 of Ride or Die
“Do you still love him,” Emma asks. I pause before answering her. “You do, don’t you?”
“I don’t know. I mean, I don’t even know him anymore.” I sigh. “It’s been five years. We’re both different people now.”
“True, but you could get to know each other again,” Wren says.
“If you go that route, you need to make him prove himself,” Emma adds. She’s right, but maybe all he wants is to apologize then we’ll go our separate ways. I guess I’ll have to text him and go from there.
“Do we have any special orders for cakes today,” I ask changing the subject.
“Not today, and Bash has been on a roll keeping everything stocked and ready to go,” Emma says.
“I’ll get started on doing inventory,” I decide. “Be sure to tell me if you need an extra hand with anything.”
Wren grabs a book and sits to read. Emma goes behind the counter as a group of people walks in. I go back into the kitchen and start taking inventory there first. Once I’m done with food inventory, I move on to books. It’s three in the afternoon by the time I finish with inventory and ordering things we need. Wren is now on the clock working.
“Wren, will you need a ride home when your shift is over,” I ask her.
“No, my roommate is going to pick me up. Thank you, though,” she responds.
Once I get home, I shower and change into some pajama pants and a tank top. I turn the TV on, but I’m clueless to what’s on. I’ve been going back and forth about texting Ryan or not. I cave in and decide to do it. What’s the worst that could happen?
9
Buster
I’ve been sitting herefor the past five minutes staring at my phone. She actually texted me. I didn’t bother thinking of what the fuck I would say if she did since I thought for sure she wouldn’t.
From Cali:I found your note. I wasn’t sure if I would text you, but here I am. It’s Cali, btw.
“Why the fuck are you staring at your phone like that,” Shade asks. I look away from my phone to him.
“She texted me,” I tell him.
“No shit?” He sounds as surprised as I feel. I look back to my phone and type out a response.
To Cali:I wouldn’t have blamed you if you didn’t, so thank you. Can we meet somewhere and talk face to face?
She doesn’t respond right away. This was a bad idea. I shouldn’t have asked her to meet with me yet. After a few minutes my phone pings.
From Cali:I can’t tonight. Maybe later this week?
I’ll take what I can get at this point. I’m the one who fucked up. I’m at her mercy.
To Cali:How about Wednesday? We could meet for an early dinner?
Again, she doesn’t respond, so I set my phone down and try not to worry about it.
“You good, brother,” Shade asks.
“Yeah, I’m good. I asked her if she would want to meet for dinner this week so we could talk,” I tell him.
“Straight to the point, huh?”
“I wasted five years not talking to her. I don’t plan on wasting any more time. I have a lot to make up for,” I explain.
“If she’ll even let you. What happens if she has a boyfriend? Or wants nothing to do with you?” he questions.
“Then I’ll leave her alone, but I have to try.”
