Page 39 of Truth
“So, what you’re saying is that you will move on with some nice guy and have a nice life eventually and I should stop worrying.”
“Yes! That’s exactly what I’m saying. You finally get it.”
“Okay, but one question?” Looking at her expectantly, I nod my acceptance. “What guy will ever magically come along and not feel like a consolation prize?”Right. There it is.
“I need a drink.”
I’m met with her smile.
I’m so caught up in my conversation about my love life that I fail to watch our arrival to the restaurant until it’s too late. My car door is opened by valet, and I recognize the scenery immediately. My lungs stop working. I’m going to kill Gretchen. I’ve only told her about this restaurant one hundred times. This was a well-thought-out plan. I turn and watch her walk around the car to meet me cautiously.
“Drew, don’t be mad. I had to. You’re miserable and I am just being the very best friend I can be. This could be a great thing—we could see him and you could finally reconnect.” I’m having a stroke. All rational thought has left my body. I could just get in the car and speed away and leave her here.
“No, Gretchen, we won’t reconnect. He said he wouldn’t forgive me. What the fuck!” I start to chew my nails. “What if he doesn’t want to see me? The possibility of him is all I have, and I’m hoarding it.” Her face gives away her sympathy and makes me feel weak, so I decide to put on a brave face. “But he probably isn’t even here. He has so many properties, and his home base is New York.” I wave my hand to dismiss the nerves I feel. I walk past where Gretchen is standing and directly into the restaurant. I’ll fake it until I make it.
We are led to a table outside, and I can’t stop the memories that invade my mind, my shoulders tense from my anxiety. I steal a look around as we are seated and see faces of people just out for brunch, having a nice morning. He’s not here. I hoped that would relax me, but it seems to be having the opposite effect. Letting out a small breath, I try and focus on my menu and remind myself that he isn’t here even if he feels ever present.
“I’m so sorry, Drew. I didn’t think. Honestly, I thought you were being dramatic for the sake of storytelling when you talked about your connection. I didn’t mean for this to be awful for you. I didn’t realize how you guys ended.” Looking up from my menu, I return her smile. I know she loves me fiercely; her heart is always in the right place.
“Thank you, but I think we should stay. Yes I feel anxious, and yes I feel scared, but it’s better than feeling numb. I can’t explain the connection I have with him. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt. He’s my Renée Zellweger.”
Her smile grows at my reference.
“Aww, he completes you.” We both start to laugh as the waiter approaches.
“It’s weird because it was twenty-four hours, but I swear I fell and I keep falling, but I won’t know until I jump in, all in. It’s just fucking scary.”
“I get that. There’s a lot to lose, but willingly giving up a chance for love makes you ungrateful and dumb.”
I laugh and shake my head in agreement. “Truth. Plot tomorrow, drink today?” Blowing me a kiss, she calls the waiter.
After we order, I down my first mimosa, taking the edge off before my breakfast arrives. After three more, I forget to look for King. Instead, I’m having a great time with my friend and these bottomless mimosas. I’m just like all these other people, enjoying my morning and having great conversation and even better food.
“This is a perfect morning. Thank you, Gretchen.”
“Really? I know it started out crazy, but I’m glad we stayed too.”
“I really overreacted. I mean, what are the chances that I would run into him, and really, what’s the worst that could happen?” We cheers to facing our demons and getting our happily ever after while laughing over my crazy reaction when we arrived, but I should have known. I should have been more guarded. It’s always the moment when you stop expecting the result you dread that it happens.
I stretch out my arms, then run my hands through my hair to fluff it and let my eyes drift around the room.
King. Blinking a couple of times, I try and make out what I’m seeing.
My eyes are fixed at the scene happening in the restaurant, through the main room, all the way to the door. Gretchen follows my eyeline to see what I’m staring at.
“Aww, that’s sweet, but that could be you one day too. Having breakfast with your hot-as-sin honey, playing with your baby.” She looks back to her food and takes a bite, but when I don’t answer, she looks at me with curious eyes. “Drew, what’s up?”
“It’s King.”
“What?” Dropping her fork, she looks around. “Where?”
“With his family…oh my god, he has a family.” My voice is quiet, calm. I’m anything but.
“Wait, no, you said he had a niece. Maybe he’s just taking out his sister-in-law and the baby.” Twisting in her chair, she looks over her shoulder at King and his wife.
“Not unless he likes to stick his tongue down her throat.” My stomach turns as I watch her climb him like the pole she’s probably familiar with. I might be the “other” woman, but I can’t help the possessive need I have to claim what’s mine. Then again, he’s nothing to want anymore. Cheating prick. “Maybe he likes to share with his brother. I mean, they own a sex club—maybe they’re into some twisted shit. Fuck him.”
“Are you okay? Your calm is scaring me.”
