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Chapter 2
I made it back to my place in record time. I hadn’t packed for my trip, so I grabbed a suitcase from the wardrobe and started throwing in clothes. I had no idea what I was packing. If anything would even match. Or how much underwear I threw in, I just knew I had to get out of there.
I had told him how I felt. And he had a girlfriend. Since when? When I threw the last pair of shoes in the suitcase, I struggled to get the zip closed before dragging it near the front door. In the kitchen, I snatched the travel mug from the cupboard, but I didn’t make the coffee to fill it. I just needed to get out, so I decided I’d stop at a café and get it to go. Opening the fridge, to see if there was anything in there worth throwing out, I spotted four bottles of wine. Picking them up, I put them in a cooler bag. I had a feeling I was going to need them.
Making sure everything was locked up, I grasped my car keys tightly in my palm and my suitcase in the other hand, and I closed the door behind me.
I put my suitcase in the trunk, the cooler bag on the floor in front, and my travel mug in the cup holder. Turning the keys in the ignition, I put my seatbelt on and reversed out of my driveway. I drove about three blocks when I passed a café and pulled over. I had no idea the café even existed, nor did I know the name, I just saw people drinking coffee on the seats outside and I knew I had to get some. I hadn’t had nearly enough caffeine before what’s-her-name showed up. And with little sleep, and a long drive ahead, I needed all the concentration I could get.
Walking into the café, I took a deep breath, the smell of freshly made breads and sweets assaulted my nose and my tummy started to rumble. Guess I’ll be getting some treats for the drive.
I ordered my coffee—having them fill my travel mug—and bought two croissants, a sour dough baguette, and a blueberry muffin. Dinner was sorted.
Taking hold of my items when the waitress handed them over, I made my way to my car again, and took off on the three-hour journey.
As I hit the motorway, my thoughts turned to Brett and how our relationship had changed. I didn’t think we could go back to what we had. Our friendship was ruined. He didn’t feel the same way and I couldn’t bear to see him with another woman. He wouldn’t know it, but seeing him with someone else would be like rubbing it in my face. I deserved more. I deserved more six months ago.
Why did I open my big mouth and tell him?
Oh, that’s right. ‘Cause I’m in love with him. And now I’ve lost my best friend.
Red and blue lights flashed in my rear-view mirror. I looked down at my speed, and fuck, I’d been going five miles over the speed limit. Turning on my blinker, I indicated to pulled over. When parked, I wound down the window and produced my license.
An officer stepped out of the police car and strolled toward me. My heart was beating a million miles an hour. I couldn’t believe I had been speeding! I hadn’t done that before, ever. I wondered if I should lie to the police about speeding, after all, I’d had a shitty morning. But I’m a terrible liar. Just another thing I’m bad at.
“Ma’am.” The police officer stood beside my window. “Do you realize you were speeding?”
“No,” I answered truthfully. “I only saw when you flashed me. I am sorry about that. There’s no excuse to speed, I had a lot on my mind and I’ve had a shitty morning.” I could feel my nose start to tingle and I knew I was so close to losing it. “Again, I am sorry, Officer.” I took a few deep breaths to get my emotions under control.
“I have to issue you a fine.” He took his notepad out and wrote in it. A minute later, he gave it to me, and I stared at the $220 fine. Just what I needed. I folded it and placed it in my handbag.
“You have twenty-one days to pay. Having a bad morning is not an excuse for speeding.”
I could feel my nose start to tingle more.
“Yes Officer.” My voice broke just before I burst into tears.
I put my hands over my face and hoped my breathing would calm down. I also hoped the officer hated crying women, would give my license back, and leave so I could cry alone.
Instead, he handed me a tissue.
“Here you go.”
I nearly broke down again. I wasn’t a pretty crier.
“Whatever it is,” he continued, “it’ll be okay.”
He handed my license back and I felt a little better. I wiped my eyes with the tissue and gave him a small smile.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
He smiled back and a little dimple appeared at the side of his mouth. His smile was to-die-for.
“Have a good day, ma’am.” He smiles again, showing me those dimples, and I couldn’t help but smile back.
“You too.”
Putting the car in drive, I continued on my way. For the first time since the incident with Brett, I felt my self-respect return.
