Page 30 of Kiss My Crown
Melanie sits down next to me. “Is it that bad that you decided to drown yourself in Nicholas Sparks?”
“He totally gets me,” I say, half sniffling. “I mean, you try and try, and then everything just falls apart.” I break down again.
“Okay.” Dani turns off the TV. “You need a serious reality check. You were a bitch. It happens. He isn’t dead, he hasn’t lost all memories of you, and you aren’t dying. Go back to work tomorrow, hunt the captain down, and tell him you’re sorry and you didn’t take your meds yesterday.”
I look up at her. “I texted him twice and he hasn’t answered.”
“Okay, well, don’t text him again ’cause then he might need to get a restraining order. Talk to him tomorrow when you’ve showered, brushed your hair, and you aren’t wearing day old pajamas.” She grabs my hand and pulls me up so I’m standing. “Now go shower and wash the grime and ice cream off.”
I do what she says and hope that when I do try and find Justin tomorrow he’ll talk to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those idiots who fall in love in a couple days, but I just didn’t see how much I liked him until I screwed this whole thing up.
Sure, I was depressed when things ended with Jeremy, but I think that was more annoyance at the way it ended. We were together so much longer than Justin and me, but I didn’t have even half the feelings for him. When I get back to my room I can’t help but stare at the phone that’s taunting me on my dresser.
Why do I feel the need to text and call him until he answers?
Dani is right. If I don’t watch it I’m going to end up with a restraining order against me.
I walk back into the living room and sit down.
“Feel better?” Mel looks over at me.
“Not really, but I definitely smell better. I guess I just didn’t realize how bad it would feel to have him walk away. I knew what I was doing when I said that stuff to him. I knew it was wrong and that I was sabotaging myself, but it was like I couldn’t stop myself.” I shake my head, remembering how mad and upset he looked when I said those things to him.
“Hopefully you can talk to him tomorrow and work things out.” She rubs my back.
“Thanks. I’m so dreading going back there tomorrow.” I shake my head. “I think what I liked most about being with Justin is that the everyday bullshit didn’t bother me as much. He made me happy and helped me forget about my problems.”
I just hope that when I try to talk to him he doesn’t blow me off.
“Now remember to play it cool today,” Melanie says as we pull into the lot.
“Which means that you don’t pretend like you spent all of yesterday completely pathetic. Be strong. You are a woman.” Dani nudges me, and I smile at her.
Walking into work, I just try to keep my head down. I know that there is no way the scandal has died down and I don’t feel like dealing with anyone. I get dressed and stay in my part of the building until I absolutely have to leave. I don’t want to run into anyone.
Aside from trying to talk to Justin, I plan to do nothing but my job today. Not that anyone wants to interact with me.
“Kate!” I turn around to see Ethan.
Please, God, don’t demote me, today of all days.
“I just wanted to let you know that I have seen the effort you have been putting forward and I’m satisfied that you can handle being the princess.” He smiles at me.
“Oh, thanks!” I breathe a sigh of relief that something has gone my way today.
“No problem. Keep up the good work.” Ethan walks away, and I pull out my phone, sending a text to Dani and Melanie
Not getting demoted to a dumb fairy! Woohoo!
I almost want to break out in a happy dance, but I don’t.
My phone buzzes.
Melanie: Yay! Congrats, Princess!
Dani: You know, you could stop insulting me and my people at some point…
I walk out into the park and it feels like one of those cheesy movies. The kind where they walk out into the sun and smile at it like they’ve never seen it before. Everything just seems optimistic right now. I’m hoping that when I go to see Justin my good luck streak keeps up.
