“You can go about your day. She probably got called away. Don’t worry. I’ll let you know what I find out.” He ended the call, but something wasn’t right.
If it was work-related, wouldn’t he have already known that? He was keeping something from me, but what? And why?
He wanted me to go on with business as usual, but how did I do that? He had told me not to worry about Caz, but I was. How could I not be? But would I let her down if I didn’t go on this date with Ember? She had helped me so much, and giving up before the finish line seemed ungrateful.
The thought of going at this alone almost made me as nauseous as asking her out. However, that worked out in my favor, and I didn’t have to do the heavy lifting. Maybe the date would go just as smoothly without me overthinking and messing it up. That seemed highly unlikely, considering my mind was already a hornet’s nest.
My phone rang, shaking me from my jumbled thoughts.
“Hello?” I picked up without seeing who it was.
“Hey, cuz.” For once, hearing Sonya on the other end filled me with a glimmer of hope.
“Hey! I need your help.”
She loved a good project, so I had no doubt she would be on board.
“Of course you do.” She didn’t even question it.
“Aren’t you going to ask me with what?” I laughed.
“Why would I? I feel confident I can fix any problem you have.” It was evident she believed that, too.
“Are you free now?” Maybe getting a jumpstart on my date preparations would eliminate some of my jitters.
“I can be. But you’ll have to come over here. I’m going to take an edible, and I don’t feel like leaving.”
Of course, she didn’t. “All right. I’ll be there in fifteen or twenty minutes.”
“Sounds good. Will you stop and get some cheesy puffs?”
“Is that why you called me?” I rolled my eyes as I got into my car.
“I thought you called me?” Oh my god. She might not be able to help me after all.
Chapter 23Caz
Itried to remain neutral about the fact that Davia was in the same vicinity as me. But I hadn’t seen her since that fateful day when she left, and I couldn’t stop my brain from replaying that scene:
“Hey, babe, I’m home, and let me tell you—” I stopped midsentence as I saw Davia holding an overnight bag. “Are you going somewhere?”
She appeared shocked to see me but quickly turned her surprise into anger. “I can’t do this anymore. You’re not my forever person. I feel like you’re constantly trying to change me.” She picked up a small box, which was already conveniently packed.
“Davia, what are you talking about? I love you for you. Where is this coming from?” I pleaded for her to let me explain—to work it out.
“We are two different people who want two different things. I can’t keep lying to myself, pretending I’m happy.” Her cold, unfeeling gaze was on me as tears stained my cheeks.
“Please, don’t do this. Tell me what I can do.” My heart frantically pounded in my ears, each beat echoing my fear.
“Don’t you get it? There’s nothing to do. Our time is up. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.” She glared at me like I was the one ruining her life. “I’ll have someone come and get the rest of my stuff while you’re at work tomorrow.”
My only response was a waterfall flowing from my eyes and my body shaking with uncontrollable sobs.
“For what it’s worth, I hope you have a nice life.” Her voice sounded robotic, and I didn't even bother to turn my head as she walked away…
“Davs, come here!” The woman's words jolted me to reality from the nightmare I was reliving, and I clenched my stomach to suppress the churning nausea.
I sat stoically, keeping my eyes forward. I was no longer that sad, pathetic person who had begged for her to love me. My therapist said I couldn’t get blood from a turnip. Davia didn’t know how to love anyone but herself, so even if she had stayed, it never would have been a reciprocal relationship.
I gave myself a silent pep talk while waiting for what would come. As soon as her fingers grazed my back, I recognized the cold, familiar touch without looking. I fought the urge to shiver and pretended not to notice. But then she sat in the empty seat beside me, demanding my attention.
I casually glanced in her direction and gave a slight head nod as I finished my drink. "May I have another, please?" I motioned to the bartender, but I still didn’t fully engage with Davia.
“A Tight Snatch, coming up.” The bartender picked up my empty glass, and I hoped the poor lighting would hide the slight blush I felt at hearing those words.
“That’s what she said.” The sound of Davia's giggles filled the room. But instead of joining in like I usually did, I clenched my jaw.
Had that been something we both used to say when we were together? I didn’t remember that, but I had intentionally blocked out a lot from that time. If she wanted those words now, she could have them. They only served as a reminder of Shiloh, and I came here to take my mind off of her.
“That used to make you laugh.” Davia’s voice cut through my thoughts.
“Well, I’m a different person now.”
“So, you two did date?” Her friend leaned in to look at us both.
“I told you we did, Carleigh.” Davia rolled her eyes, and the two of them were invading my personal space.
“Excuse me. Why don’t I get out of the way so you can continue your conversation in private?” I pushed on the bar to slide back, but Davia stopped me.
