Page 133 of Right Number, Wrong Man
There’s an order note, too.
You got every right to be mad at me, but don’t punish yourself by starving. Yeah, I’ve been watching and I know you haven’t gone out for groceries. Sue me.
I throw my phone on the sofa, but the edges of my anger soften ever so slightly.
Ignoring Colt would be easier if he wasn’t this sweet, but he can’t even do that for me, can he? He can’t just be a dick. No, he has to apologize and send gifts and be cute. I can’t tell if I hate or love him more for making it so hard to get over him.
On the fourth day, a letter is pushed through under my apartment door. My hands trembling, I stand in thehallway holding it for God knows how long. Maybe hours. Then I grab a lighter from the kitchen, march to the bedroom window, open it, and give the middle finger toward Colt’s apartment.
Bawling, I set the envelope on fire and throw it out onto the street. Unopened.
The fifth day is quiet.
The sixth is limbo.
On the seventh day, Andrea’s name pops up on my phone, but I let her call go through to voicemail. I appreciate that she wants to be there for me, I’m just not ready to talk yet.
A few minutes later, I get a text from her.
Andrea
Omg Hails, you have to see this!
Me
I’m busy wallowing in my misery. And shouldn’t you be busy enjoying your honeymoon?
Andrea
I am enjoying it! But they have internet and phone lines in Italy, too, you know?! Am I not allowed to check on my bestie?
Me
That’s sweet but I’m okay.
Andrea
I gave you space like you asked and I’ll give you more if you need it… but first I have to show you something.
Me
What could be more important than gorging yourself on wine, pasta, and gelato? And you know… your new husband?
Instead of an answer, she sends a link to a picture—a social media post from one day ago—and my eyes nearly pop out of their sockets at the like count.
120k likes for the front of an old movie theater? But it’s not any random movie theater.
It’s theRetro Reel.
We normally announce movies on the marquee, but not today. Up there, in big, fat letters and surrounded by colorful lights, is my name. And not just my name, either.
It’s a whole message for me.
Hailey, I’m sorry. I’ll leave you alone like you asked, but my heart will always belong to you. As long as I live, you’ll never be unloved. You’re my first love and you’ll be my last.
My mouth dries.
He’s giving up. He’s really leaving like I told him to.
