Page 30 of One Last Time
“I want you to know how much admiration I have for you,” she says after I tell her I need to get ready fortonight.
“Why?”
“Because you’re doing something about your life. You could’ve taken the easy road and stayed with him, but you chose yourself and your kids, and I’m proud of you.” Her words mean more to me than she’ll everknow.
This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Some days, I’m not sure I’ll survive, but I haven’t diedyet.
“Thank you, Mom. I loveyou.”
“I love you,too.”
After not finding anything in my closet and unpacking two more boxes, I finally settle on a turquoise slip dress. I haven’t worn this in forever, but thankfully, it fits perfectly. My hair is smooth, hanging past my shoulder blades, and has enough Marula oil in it to keep it controlled without it lookingheavy.
Considering the freak show I looked like when I left Heather’s, anything is animprovement.
I grab my phone to call Aubrey and see atext.
Heather: I gave Noah your address since he said you were meeting but didn’t know where youlived. . .
Me:Oh!
Heather: A date? Are you sure you’re ready forthis?
Me: It’s not a date. It’swork.
She’s never going to buythis.
Heather: I’m not judging if it is. I worry about you, that’s all. Just promise me you won’t drink yourself stupid so you can say more than oneword.
I need newfriends.
Me: Have I told you lately that I hateyou?
Heather: Yup. Just making sure it was still the same. Don’t do anything I wouldn’tdo.
Me: You’re telling me to sleep withhim?
Heather: No! I guess I’m not the pillar of good choicesanymore.
Me: Nicole. I blameNicole.
I smile and put my phone down. Now that I know he’s coming here, I start to panic alittle.
He’s wealthy, gorgeous, and probably has some huge house while I’m living rent-free in my best friend’splace.
On the other hand, why do I care? This isn’t a date. I don’t have feelings for Noah. He’s just some guy I’m supposed to write about. No reason to care what he thinks ofme.
None atall.
Who the hell am I kidding? I’m a bad liar and as parts of last night come back to me, I don’t know how I’m going to look at the man with a straightface.
Nervous energy pulses through me as I move around the house. I place a few photos on the end table, arrange and then rearrange the table decorations, and then I head to the couch towait.
After a whole three seconds, I can’t stand the sitting and jump up. As I’m heading to once again fix the table, the doorbellchimes.
Okay, this isn’t a date, it’s a workfunction.
At this point, I should just hope I don’t pee myself, which is pretty much the bottom of the barrel forme.
