Chapter Sixty-Four

Chapter Sixty-Four
Aubrey

It has been a week since Everett left. We haven’t been in contact as much as we planned. We text every day, but talking on calls and video calls, not so much. Twice since he left. He is a lot busier than he thought he would be. I am trying to be patient because I understand it is business, but I am getting annoyed. We made a plan, one that is failing, even if it can’t be helped. I don’t want to seem like some needy girlfriend. I don’t want to scare him off, but it is on my mind and getting under my skin. We have arranged a video call later, but I will need to wait and see what his plans are. Between getting the business up and running, getting to know the employees and potential clients, he is not only at the new office but also at dinner and drinks. He has a lot going on, and I really do understand that, but is it so bad of me to want him to fit me into that busy schedule? I am not one who asks for much.

I sigh and rest back on my desk chair. I need to focus on work, not Everett.

“Aubrey, are you okay?” The sound of Hugo’s voice makes me look up.

He is heading to London tomorrow. I don’t know if that will make it easier or harder for Everett and me to talk. He is staying with Everett, so there is a chance for the next few days, but it may be impossible.

“Hey, yeah, I am fine. Tired. Are you ready to fly out tomorrow? Have you spoken to Everett? How are things going?” I ask, pretending like I have no idea.

“I am, yes. Things are going well. I spoke to him last night. Everything is going as planned. Are you still okay with staying at the house while I am gone? I know Erica can manage with the kids and dogs, but I really want her to have some help and company.”

“Good, glad to hear it. Yes, I am still fine staying with them,” I smile.

I don’t need to come into the office while Hugo is gone, since I work for him directly and can help with the kids and dogs.

“Thank you, I appreciate that. Are you sure you are, okay? You have been quiet and somewhere else recently. Is there anything going on that you aren’t telling us?"

Oh, Hugo, only if you knew the truth. I still feel horrible lying to him.

“I am fine, promise.” I smile.

He doesn’t seem convinced, but nods and leaves me to get back to work. I sigh and shake my head. If he or Erica asks again, I will need to come up with something because they can always sense when something is wrong. Since I can’t tell them the truth, I will need something.

I clear my thoughts and focus on my work. I don’t want to be here later than I need to be. I want to get everything done before I’m out for a few days.


I have another night of loneliness and missing Everett, since he cancelled our video call to go out with some new clients. I am so annoyed. It has been a week, and things are already changing. How the hell are we going to make it a month? I am considering cancelling my trip to London. With each day, it seems more pointless. If we can't make calls, how will he find time for us while I am in London? He can’t exactly take me as his date to dinners or drinks since no one knows about us. I refuse to go to London and end up spending all my time alone while he works and socialises for business. It would be pointless. I can stay home and be lonely and bored here, rather than in a country I am not familiar with.

I reach for my cell and open a text to him. I am going to bed soon, so once I send the text, depending on what he is doing, I may not get a response until tomorrow.

Hey, I don’t think I should come to London next weekend. I don’t see the point. We can’t even manage a video call because you are so busy. I am not coming all the way over there to be stuck in your apartment and left alone xx

I stare at the screen, hesitant about whether to hit send. After a minute, I hit send. I will be nervous waiting for a reply. I switch everything off, make sure my door is locked, and head straight to bed. I stayed at Everett’s place the first two nights he was away, but then I came home. I felt strange being there when we weren’t communicating. Slipping under the covers, a text comes through from Everett.

What? No, you can’t cancel on me, Aubrey. I promise I will make time xx

You say that now, but we have barely spoken since you left, Everett. You promised things would be fine when you were away. It has only been a week, and I already feel distance between us, and I don’t mean because we are in different countries. You don’t have any free time to video call me for a few minutes. How are you going to make it while I am there? x

Surely, Everett can see my point? Everything I am saying is true.

I am not discussing this over text. I will call you in an hour xx

I am going to sleep. Call me tomorrow if you have the time. Goodnight xx

I am exhausted. I am not waiting another hour, hoping he will call. He said he would, but he has said that before, and it never happened. I need to sleep and have a clear head when we talk.

I put my cell on silent and set it aside. I don’t want to deal with it tonight. I don’t know if I am overreacting and overthinking because of my past, but one thing I know, I don’t want to be that girl who waits about for a guy who is struggling to make time for me. I groan in frustration and cover my face with the duvet, letting out a slight squeal before I make myself comfortable and try to settle for the night. Even though I am exhausted, it doesn’t mean I will sleep, especially with my mind going wild.