As I stare at their messages, something warm and uncomfortable lodges in my chest. They're happy for me. Even through the ribbing and the jokes, they're genuinely happy.
Which makes what I did this morning—leaving her with nothing but a cop-out note—feel even worse.
COLE:There's nothing to be happy about. It was one night.
REED: Was?
JACE: Past tense. Interesting…
REED:You planning to see her again?
I glance at the time, suddenly desperate for an out. I should order lunch. Should stay focused on work. Should absolutely not be thinking about going to Pret myself just because there's a chance—however fucking slim—that I might run into her.
So you’re delusional now, as well as an asshole, Adams?
COLE: No.
JACE:Why the fuck not?
COLE:Because I'm not looking for anything. I have Hollie. I have work. I have friends…ish. I don't need complications.
REED:Cole. Mate. Life IS complications.
JACE:And you're already the most complicated bastard I know. What's one more complication? At least this one has tits.
REED:Real talk, though… When's the last time you did something just because you wanted to? Not for Hollie, not for work. Just for YOU?
I stare at the screen, unable to answer. Because he's right. I can't remember the last time I wanted something—someone—just for myself.
COLE:I should get back to work.
JACE: Classic deflection.
REED: He's running scared.
JACE:He's absolutely running scared.
COLE:I'm not scared. I'm being practical.
REED:Same thing for you.
JACE:If she was just “one night,” why are you still thinking about her?
I don't respond. I can't respond. Because he's right.
Prick!
I fuckinghatethat he's right.
REED:Look, I'm going to say this once and then I'm going to sleep for twelve hours.
REED:You've been sleepwalking through your life since Charity left. Work, Hollie, sleep, repeat. That's not living, mate. That's just... existing.
JACE:What he said. And I'm saying this as someone who just had his face plastered on every tabloid in the fucking country: life's too short for regrets.
JACE:If she made you feel something, don't let that go because you're scared of getting hurt again.
REED:Okay, I'm out. Someone page me if anything interesting happens. Like Cole growing a pair and calling this mystery woman.
