Page 126 of Love, Academically
She did love karaoke and it had been ages since she’d been. Perhaps she could do that song at the end ofTen Things I Hate About You? Well, she’d best watch it to make sure she knew all the words (which she did) and she’d still have plenty of time to get ready after (and make sure Wotsits crumbs were off her face). Besides, it would stop her moping about the house thinking about Rhys ‘how could I not’ Aubrey.
Rhys hadn’t tried to minimise what he had done. He had taken responsibility for his actions, recognised they were wrong and apologised. She’d said that he was like Jason, but that wasn’t entirely true. Everything Jason had done was for his own benefit, to keep her compliant and doormat-y. Rhys had onlybeen trying to get her what she deserved, what she wanted, even if he had gone about it in completely the wrong way.
But the cold, unaffected way he had said ‘Miss Cartwright, you are unwanted in this office’ still pinched at her bruised heart. Rhys had addressed that though, two weeks ago, after she’d practically climbed him like a tree and kissed his face off.
Acknowledged, accepted responsibility, apologised. All of the As (kind of). He was trying to better himself, he wanted to be worthy, and she desperately wanted to believe that he was. She was teetering on the edge of forgiveness, but if she went into it with any doubts, then any relationship they could have would be doomed.
She’d never be able to get those words out of her brain.
Lila just wasn’t sure of him yet. Wasn’t sure at all.
Ten Things I Hate About Youwent by rather quickly and by the time Letters to Cleo were singing on top of the school, Lila was actually quite excited about karaoke night. Jasmeet was right. They hadn’t been for ages and she did love karaoke.
Okay, decision made.
It took forty-five minutes for Lila to shower, dress and do her make up. Tonight, it would be a fifties polka dot wiggle dress, red lipstick and straightened hair put back into a neat ponytail, with a lot of hairspray to keep it all in.
“Bitch, you look amazing,” Jasmeet said, giving her a hug. “I’m so glad you’re ready. I didn’t want to have to forcibly dress you.”
“You were right. I do love karaoke and it will be nice to go out.”
“Yeah, good,” Jasmeet said, swallowing. “Dan’s in the car, is that all right?”
“What, that Dan’s coming? Sure!” she said with a smile that she wasn’t feeling. Great, that meant that she would be fifth wheel, stuck between Jasmeet slobbering on her boyfriend and Ruby and Maddy stressing about the baby. But never mind that, shewould be out and doing something she loved with the people that she loved.
It wasn’t long before she was seated in the pub with a large gin and tonic in front of her and an extremely drunken rendition of Journey’sDon’t Stop Believin’being belted out by a couple of swaying friends on stage.
Maddy was gripping her arm tightly.
“I’m just so sorry,” she said. “I know I’m all baby-fied, but I should have been a better friend. It’s just so hard and I’m struggling with this new life.”
“Maddy,” Lila said, her heart melting. “You don’t need to worry. I’m the one who should be apologising, you’ve got all this change and I can’t imagine how difficult it is.”
“I love you, Lila. I’m so sorry,” Maddy said. “Please forgive me.”
“God, yes, please forgive her,” Ruby said, rolling her eyes. “She hasn’t shut up for the past week about it.”
“Only if you forgive me,” Lila said, hugging her friend. They had both been a bit stressed and a bit emotional. But she was glad she had put down some boundaries.
“Thank the Lord,” Ruby said under her breath, before taking a big gulp from her pint.
“I’m going to go to the toilet,” Dan announced, giving Jasmeet a kiss before leaving.
“Urgh, you two are the absolute worst,” Ruby said, pointing a finger at Jasmeet.
“Uh, I remember when you and Mads got together, we couldn’t go anywhere without your tongue down her throat,” Jasmeet said.
“Ha, yeah,” Ruby said with a smirk, “and in other places.”
“Ew, Rubes! Shut up!” Lila said with a laugh.
“What are you going to do tonight, Lila?” Jasmeet asked, but she was distracted, her eyes flitting around the pub.
“He’ll be back in a minute,” Lila said.
“What, Dan?” she said, a frown flicking across her face. “Oh, yeah. Sure, yeah.”
“Um, I don’t know. I’m not sure I’m down for singing, I’m just having the best time with my girls.”
