Page 85 of Hard To Love

“Look, I’m glad you called because I felt like shit after I stormed out of your office a few weeks ago. I knew the guy was no good, I’m just glad it all worked out.”

“What worked out?” I asked even though I knew damn well what he was referring to. Nick didn’t leave anything out about their conversation and every time I thought about it, it made me cringe.

“Okay, you know what? We’re going to stop talking about this right now. I don’t want to get into this with you over the phone.” His voice picked up as he continued. “Now, how about you let me take you out to tonight to celebrate your birthday? I know it’s a little early, but I have to go out of town for a few days and I’d like to leave knowing that things were good between us.”

I closed my eyes and wondered if I could actually follow through with the plan. Talking to him on the phone was one thing, but meeting face to face was a whole other ball game. But wasn’t that plan? Besides, the longer this shit storm went on, the longer the stress would continue to linger in our lives. Once I allowed the invitation to work its way through my brain, I began to smother any doubt that I had. The opportunity was now, and I had to take it. Waiting was something I wasn’t interested in.

“Sure, I would love that. Where do you want to meet?” I pushed myself off the counter and started towards my bedroom, but his response stopped me in my tracks before I could even make it across the room.

“We’re not meeting. I’m picking you up at 8:00.”

Shit. I smacked my forehead. By picking me up, he meant from Cassie’s, seeing that’s where he thought I still lived. It was a good thing I still kept a few of my things in the spare bedroom, not that he would be going in there or anything. I just needed to get a hold of her and give her a head’s up.

“That’s not necessary, but if you insist, I’ll be waiting.” I cringed internally when I spoke my next words “And Brad, thank you.”

“Of course, I’ll see you in a few hours.” His voice was filled with excitement and I could picture him smiling on the other end of the phone. This dual life was killing me and my heart felt like it was being split in two.

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