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“Sorry. I got held up at work.” I lie, hoping she won’t see through it.
She stares at me for a second, and I prepare myself for a million questions. To my surprise, she nods and takes a sip of her wine.
“Do you have everything you need for tomorrow night?” she asks.
“Yes, I do. You?”
“Mostly. I have two dresses, but not sure which one to wear. Can you help me decide later?” She gives me a hopeful look.
“Yeah, sure,” I reply.
Neither of us speak. We sit in silence, drinking our wine. Once upon a time our communication was excellent, but it hasn’t been like that for a while. I still don’t know how we have been together for as long as we have because it’s obvious we aren’t happy. I believe if it wasn’t for our parents, and if we lived in a different world, we would have broken up a long time ago. We’ve been trying to keep everyone else happy and in doing so, have made ourselves miserable.
“Do you want to go out for dinner?” Bella’s words break the silence.
“Not really in the mood. I can cook us something, or we can order in?” I suggest.
She seems disappointed. “You can cook us something.”
I am not sure what is going on with Bella tonight. She seems unusually calm, but I will take it because I am not in the mood to argue with her. Maybe she is tired of all the fighting too.
I set my glass down, standing. “Okay, I will go and see what we have.”
I walk away, heading to the kitchen. At least if I am in there then we don’t need to sit in silence or participate in small talk. I need to get through tonight and tomorrow, and all will be fine.
I woke early,feeling good after not only my first night in the new apartment but because Ezra told me he loved me last night. It would have been better if he had stayed, but I can understand why he couldn’t. He did text me this morning to check in, which I appreciated because I probably won’t hear from him again until tomorrow, or maybe I will get a quick text off him later.
I have no idea what I am doing for the rest of the day. I think I might enjoy my new place and admire the beauty of it or do a little studying.
I am out having coffee at one of the cafés in the neighbourhood. I have a book with me and feel quite content sitting here by the window, reading and drinking my coffee. It is quiet, which is surprising for a Saturday morning, but I will enjoy the peace.
“Alana,” I hear a familiar voice say. It is Lucy, one of the girls I used to work with.
I glance up, smiling. “Hey, Lucy.”
“Can I sit?” she asks, and I nod.
“How are you? How is work?” I haven’t seen her since I quit.
“I’m good. I quit working for Colin and am working for another company now. A better one. How are you? What have you been doing with yourself?”
“Good. I don’t blame you. That place was shit. I’m good. I start a new job on Monday, working as an assistant. It is in a business setting.” I won’t tell her my exact position or how I managed to get the job.
“That’s great! You were better than that stupid job, anyway. Though, if you are looking for a little cash, I am working an event tonight. We are short on waiting staff. It pays well, and because you are only helping, you would get it cash in hand. Only if you fancy it or don’t have plans?” She looks at me hopefully.
I don’t have plans tonight, and I could do with the cash rather than spending Ezra’s money.
“Yes, I can help. The cash will be handy.” I smile.
“Great! I will text you the details later. We need to be there by six. The event starts at seven.” She beams, clapping her hands.
Lucy tells me about the new company she now works for. The manager sounds like she is great and nothing like that asshole Colin.
“What about work clothes? What do I need to wear?” I don’t want to show up in the wrong thing.
“Black trousers or leggings, a white shirt, flat black shoes and a black cardigan.”
I think I have those items at home, which is a bonus since I won’t need to spend any money.
