Luke: Now I’m sorry I’ve fucked up this apology. You deserve so much better. And sorry I fucked up back then too.
You bet I deserve better. I deserve a groveling apology, after all, I’ve waited long enough.
Cassie:You bet you fucked up. Apology not accepted!!!
Luke:You got a lot of exclamation marks going on there.
Seriously, all he takes from my text is an overuse of exclamation marks. I’ll show him exclamation marks.
Cassie:Fuck off!!!!!
Luke: Language Cass.
Okay perhaps my last text was a little juvenile but argh, the man is infuriating. Like as if he isn’t getting my heavy hint. I do not want him contacting me. I’m about to text him exactly what is on my mind when another text comes through.
Luke: I wanted to ask you if we could meet for a drink?
Seriously my head is exploding now, and it’s not from too much tequila last night. This was not something I considered last night as I tossed around the idea of calling him. Why would he think I would want to meet him for a drink? The only drink I would like to share with him is a long, tall glass of revenge, served icy cold.
Cassie:Too late. I’ve moved on. Leave me alone.
Luke:I can’t. Not now.
This causes me to pause. I wonder why he thinks he can’t leave me alone. My phone vibrates with another message.
Luke: I want to apologize. In person. I regret how I hurt you and I’d like a chance to say this to you.
Cassie: Not good enough.
I very much doubt anything he says will ever be good enough. I can’t believe that after all these years, he thinks if he says sorry all will be forgiven. Then what? Who knows what he's thinking?
A long time ago I thought I did know what he was thinking. I was so wrong. And it ended up with me being very hurt to the point it nearly destroyed me. I’m not going to open myself up to the same hurt again from Luke Steele or anyone else for that matter. Why would I?
Did he think a sorry would make us friends again or, worse, have me back in his bed? I can't imagine what he hopes to achieve by meeting with me.
No way. I’m older, a bit wiser, and conceivably better at protecting my heart as I've had plenty of practice over the last few years.
I can’t deal with this now. The earlier headache is no longer a thud. My head now feels like a jackhammer is drilling into it instead. I need some drugs to stop the pounding in my head and I need to visit the bathroom. I switch my phone to silent, throw it on my bed, and get up. I will deal with Luke later when I can think straight.
I grab some clean clothes and head to the bathroom down the hall.
Shortly after, I’m showered, dressed, and ready to face the day. The newly revitalized me strolls into the kitchen, where Lily and Jasmine are hovering around the coffee pot. Seems like they may be suffering from one too many cocktails too. The fact they are both standing silently staring at the water, waiting for it to boil is a bit of a giveaway.
“Hey. Who wants coffee and croissants at the bakery?” I offer as a solution to our hangover crisis.
“Me please,” they chorus instantly. Yep, the girls are suffering from a little too much Friday Fancy or whatever the heck the second, third, or fourth cocktails were called.
“Come on then. Go get ready. I’m starving.”
Heading for the hallway, Lily throws back, “Yes, but you're always starving. I swear you have hollow bones. So lucky.”
I laugh at her comment because she's so right. I do have a healthy appetite and I don’t seem to put on weight. Hollow bones or fast metabolism. Not sure. But whatever the reason I’m glad it lets me eat food, and I don’t have to be one of those skinny model types who only eat celery and lettuce.
I’m glad Lily and Jasmine had no other plans this morning as I need to update them on Luke’s texts. Let’s see what they make of this new development.
Now Luke has texted, I need more advice from my friends. This time though it'll be better as the advice won't be diluted by copious amounts of alcohol and I might even be able to remember it.
Showing great restraint, I wait till we're at the bakery before telling my friends about the texts. This is a chat needing strong coffee and a heavy dose of chocolate. I'm a firm believer in chocolate and ice cream being great problem solvers. Well, maybe cocktails too. Just not today after last night and not before midday.
