Page 72 of Building Romance
“You know, you could try talking to Fletcher,” he says against my hair. I pull away and scoff at him.
“No way. What’s the point? He stopped texting me a few days ago. I think he’s given up trying and I’m tired of worrying about whether he actually is trustworthy or if he is still an asshole. How can we build a relationship when I can’t trust him?” I ask, but really I’m asking myself.
“What if you can trust him?” Drew questions.
I shrug.
“I think you at least owe him a conversation,” he says. “If you’re going to end things, then woman up and end them face to face.”
I hate that he’s right. I probably do at least owe him a conversation. I’ve managed to ghost him for almost two weeks. Albeit I’ve been busy. The building next door is going through renovations. I’m training our new staff and I’m trying to stay more in the back and let Adriana and Julie handle the front. That at least keeps me from prying eyes.
Sighing, I lean against our counter. “You’re right. I guess I’ll text him or something. I just…what if he’s all sweet and then sucks me back in,” I say.
Drew laughs. “You mean, what if you were wrong and he’s actually a good guy?”
I glare at my best friend, and he laughs some more. “I swear, you are so stubborn to spite yourself at times. You know, couples do fight sometimes and then they make up and life goes on.”
I shrug again. “But seriously, let’s look at it objectively. We are so different. He’s a rich playboy. I’m from a normal family and I know I haven’t been with as many men as he’s been with women,” I state.
“OK, so you come from different backgrounds. You both like baking. You both like running businesses. You both like family and friends. Those are all big things,” he points out and I sort of hate that he’s not wrong.
“I guess,” I reply. The more Drew talks, the more I start to wonder if I overreacted.
“Drew?”
“Yes, toots,” he says, going back to flipping bacon.
“What if…what if I fucked it up and it’s too late?” I whisper.
He glances over at me. “Then, you’ll move on and find someone even better. But don’t underestimate Fletcher. You never know, he could be the one.”
I laugh. “OK, oh wise one.”
He winks. “I know. I can’t help it.”
I throw a towel at him, and we finish making dinner, him cooking and me setting the table. But Drew’s statement about Fletcher being the one keeps playing in my mind. What if Drew is right? I guess I’ll call Fletcher tomorrow. I need to build up some bravery first.
I stare at my phone. I’ve put it across my desk so I’m not tempted to look at it. I texted Fletcher earlier and am waiting to see if he replies.
Did I overreact? Possibly. OK, fine, I probably overreacted. I should have at least let him explain himself.
I sigh. My worst trait is a tie between being stubborn and overreacting.
Did I really get that close to having it all and then throw it in the trash all because of a possible miscommunication?
I check my messages from Max. He’s been my lifeline these past two weeks. I wish we weren’t such good friends, I’d tell him we should try dating. I see a missed message from him, and I smile for the first time today.
Max: Hey, E. I’m sorry he hasn’t responded to you. Maybe he’s still hurt and needs some time?
Me: Maybe. But it’s been almost two weeks. The building next door has had around-the-clock construction which is super annoying. I can’t find the owner to complain. I’m supposed to be doing last-minute media for the show and I don’t know if I’ll see him or not. I just don’t know what to think. I feel awful that I didn’t at least give him a chance to tell me his side of the story. But I’m also still hurt.
Max: I know. I’m sure he’ll respond to you. Give him a little more time.
Me: What if I show up at his office?
Max: I mean, that’s one way to get his attention.
Me: Ugh! I hate this! I miss his stupid, annoying, sexy self. God, I’m an idiot.
