Chapter 29 One More Chance
A bell chimes over the door, letting in a cool breeze. The wind hits my face and I look up to see who our new customer is, and sigh in frustration. This just isn't my day! All I wanted was to finish the rest of my shift with no more stress.
But in stomps James. His eyes are red and wild. His hair is a mess. His clothes are completely disheveled. He has a pathetic look on his face. He's acting like I stole his last cookie and it just makes me more upset. Why is he looking at me like that? It is not my fault he got caught cheating and now I want nothing to do with him!
All I've done is work today so I can make a little money to save my sisters. All I wanted to do was to make a happy life for us. Have a plan and have a safe place to live... It was him who destroyed the dream. He is he one who took my security away...
Come to think of it, maybe I don't love James as much as the idea of loving James. Maybe I was only in love with the idea of a happy home and loving family... But then why the hell does it still hurt?
Hailey grumbles. "Boy, you got a lotta nerve showing up in here after what you did to my girl!" She folds her arms over her chest and sends James an ice cold stare.
"Hailey, I made a mistake. I know that. I'm here to make it right as much as I can. I know I was an idiot and I'll never get anyone like Josie as long as I live. Can I please talk to Josie?" He begs quietly.
Hailey gives me a look. I only nod my head. I might as well get this over with. What I actually want to do is kick his ass out and never look at his cheating face ever again... but there is still a part of me that falls for him every time.
"I'll be in the back if you need me, Jo, honey," she says before taking another arrangement to continue working on in the back to give us some privacy.
"What do you want James?" I ask, getting straight to the point. No reason to beat about the bush in a flower shop. All you ended up with is a leafy mess.
"I'm sorry!" he says, looking like he's about to get on his knees and grovel if he has to. He looks like he's been drinking. I'm not sure what to think about that. I really can't deal with a drunk James right now.
I stare at him blankly. "Yeah, and?" I'm pretty sure he already said he was sorry back at the cafe. I really don't think anything has change in the last couple hours since I left him.
"I want another chance," he insists, taking a cautious step in my direction.
"I'm not sure that's a good idea, James. You lost my trust when you said you were going to see Aunt Anna and ended up with... Britt, did you say?" I sneer the name.
"She was a mistake!" James wails. "I didn't mean to... I was at Aunt Anna's..." he said cautiously, looking down at his boots.
"Lemme guess. She was there with you?" I ask, not falling for it.
"She's one of Aunt Anna's friend's daughter... we've known each other for years," he mumbles, looking anywhere but me. Well that explains how they knew each other. Does not explain why they hooked up when he was still with me.
"I see. So everything you go see Aunt Anna you hook up with her?"
"Baby... That's not what this is about!" James rushes. He has that crazy look in his eyes again. I'm not sure this is the best time to be talking to him. He needs to be sober to have this conversation.
"Then what exactly is this about James. I've had it up to here with you and your non-answers," I huff in annoyance.
"Josie, baby... We belong together!" he says, cautiously moving forward. "I missed you, and I slipped up. But I deserve another chance to prove I love you."
"I am not sure I trust you anymore James. What happens the next time you 'miss me' and go after Britt again. What happens when she ends up in bed with you when my sisters are around? I just can't handle it anymore. You can go back to your slut and I will find someone worthy of my love," I rant, about to turn my back on the bastard.
James pulls me into his arms, practically panicking. "No, baby. You are mine! I swear this will never happen! And I will get you that ring before Christmas! It will be official, and we can even get married in the spring!" He offers.
This is the first time he's given me an offer of a ring, and a closer time frame. But is it really enough?
"I don't know J-"
James kisses me like he's scared he will never see me again. It's deep and desperate. "Baby please! Just one more chance! You won't regret it!" he promises.
I can see the pleading in his eyes. Maybe he really is sorry. Something in my heart cracks. I really do love him.
"Okay, James. But this is your last chance," I state.
James kisses me like he's won the lottery, and pulls back with happy smile. "Thank you baby. You really are too good for me. But I swear I will make it up to you!" He promises before he rushes out the door.
As I stare at the shutting door, I wonder if I made the biggest mistake of my life.