Page 10 of Truth
“Got it.” She gives me a conspiratorial wink before her eyes dart down, acknowledging my phone and my dismissal before walking back to her seat. I open my messages and quickly type out:
Me: Best trip ever
Gretchen: Do I need to mount up?
Me: Are you a regulator?
I can’t help but giggle at my response.
Gretchen: Obviously! I’m sorry they’re assholes but why the hell did you agree to go, Drew?
Me: Honestly?
Gretchen: Duh
Me: I’m feeling guilty. I’m ending things with Nick and I figured this would be my farewell gift. I think he is having problems at work.
Gretchen: That’s not your problem. He deserves whatever is coming his way.
Me: I just wanted to do this because I loved him once and we started from a good place, closure ya know? Plus, I can get away and clear my head too. It’s a free trip and I’m cheap.
When Nick and I had our fight about the party, Gretchen was the first person I called. We left work and spent three hours at a downtown restaurant tucked in the back corner. I cried, drank and ate, reliving all the moments that got away. All the things I should have screamed and all the indiscretions I’ve ignored. It was cathartic, but then again, she’s my real soul mate.
Gretchen: I get it…you’re still dumb tho but I love you
Me: Ha! Love you back
Gretchen: Hey! Don’t be scared to tell them who they are. They could use some truth.
Me: Actually, these girls are pretty savvy…I’m surprised.
Gretchen: Terrifying.
Me: Wanna meet for dinner while I’m in the city?
Gretchen: Can’t…plans. But you should go out, shake off the rust
Me: That’s what got me in trouble the first time…
Gretchen: Fine but I’m outta town for the weekend or I’d meet up. Catch up soon?
Me: What’s his name?
Gretchen: Daddy…
Me: Ooooo kinky Gretch
Gretchen: No, it’s my dad.
Me: Oh Jesus! I need to stop trying out trends
Gretchen: Yes. Just let it go before I heave more in my mouth.
Me: Tell your Dad I say hi. I’ll call when I’m back
Closing my phone, I put my head back on the seat and close my eyes, letting out a sigh. With each mile I put between us, I’m that much closer to getting myself back.
CRACKING MY NECK,IRELIEVEthe tension I’m feeling from this week. I’d be hard-pressed to find a different description other than “fucking disaster.” I acquired a new venture for King Enterprises, and the deal was almost blown by some fucking idiot lawyer in contracts, who pointed out that we lowballed the price. I would’ve fired him if it wasn’t for the fact the deal went through, so he covered his ass. My brother, the voice of reason and my COO, asked me to go easy on the firing, something about me being a tyrant. He’s always the more level-headed of the two of us.
