Chapter 13: Need A Distraction

Before Florence left, she checked her cell phone which triggered an incoming message, she quickly opened and read it.

Linda:

Hello, Florence, I just wanted to tell you something, I'm frank that I don't think I'll be able to meet you. Just cancel our appointment. I'm not going to use your services. I'm so sorry, I hope I can work with you next time, thank you.

Florence immediately closed her cell phone and threw it on the dashboard violently. She didn't care anymore even though her phone might be damaged. She just read it, with no intention of replying to the message.

Florence's anger had all come out against David, so reading the message felt like she just gave in and couldn't get angry anymore. She merely let out a long sigh, followed by closing her eyes and leaning her body on the chair.

First Mandy, and now Linda. Florence was no more surprised. She hadn't expected it, but she wasn't as surprised as the first. She almost knew why. It must be about David again. Linda had read the article too. Why ask about her reasons if Florence already knew it? She could be wrong, but the timing was so perfect and aligned, she was sure Linda's reason would be the same.

Florence couldn't do anything else now. What for, right? Her career was ruined now, or maybe not so much, because maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance to put things back together, there was only one thing she could do, David had to fix everything. Only he can. He caused this whole mess.

Hopeless now, Florence didn't hold out much hope for her third client who she was supposed to meet today. Seeing as how Mandy and Linda canceled everything, Florence was reluctant to think too much about it, how she was so sure that Ruth, her third client, would also do the same.

Florence had nowhere else to go, other than that she had to meet David later this afternoon, demand an explanation and take responsibility from him. This was outrageous and out of line. All his actions could not be tolerated.

Suddenly Florence wanted to see Jess. Her sister could kill her time. Chatting and spending time with her merely became the backup option that seemed most appropriate. Yes, that's where she finally went.

Hopefully Jess wasn't busy. Florence just needed a distraction, for the next few hours, just until it was time for her to meet David.

Long story short, Florence finally arrived at Jess's place. Her sister looked surprised because Florence's presence was so sudden, without any prior notice.

Florence just smiled and waved her hand as Jess stood dumbfounded looking at her.

"Why are you here?" Jess asked. Looking confused mixed with curiosity.

"Am I not allowed to come?"

"That's not what I meant, but..." Jess momentarily turned her gaze towards her sister's car. "Is there something wrong?"

"No" Florence shook her head. "Nothing." She waved her hand, "I just wanted to get here, are you busy?"

"Well, I didn't expect you to come, and no, I'm not busy."

"Sorry I didn't call you first, I happened to be on my way, and I wanted to stop by to see you."

"Okay." Jess nodded. She opened the door wider. "Come on, come in."

"Thank you."

Florence was happy that Jess wasn't busy at all. "You husband—"

"He works." Jess answered before her sister could finish her sentence.

"Oh, okay." Florence nodded slowly. She looked around as if she had just come here for the first time and needed to adjust, silence followed after that.

They were in the living room, both still standing next to each other.

Finally, Florence broke the silence. "Look, I know I'm not usually this abrupt, but—"

"Oh, Flo..." Jess immediately approached her sister and embraced her intimately. "You don't owe me any explanation, I know."

"I just didn't want to bother you."

"Trust me, you've never bothered me. I'm your sister, okay? Make yourself at home here, you don't have to be shy and awkward with me."

Florence carried a faint smile. She returned Jess's embrace while squeezing her hand. "I'm not awkward with you."

"Yeah, I know. Come on, sit as comfortable as you can. Or maybe you want to sleep?"

"What?" Florence blinked lightly. "You think I just came here to sleep? You can't be serious."

"Who knows?" Jess shrugged her shoulders.

"Come on, Jess, it's not even noon yet."

"Okay-okay. Just let me know if you need anything."

Florence nodded slowly as she plopped down on the couch. "I'll keep that in mind, thanks."

Jess sat next to her sister. "So, you look presentable, are you meeting someone? Your client?"

There was no way Florence could explain everything to Jess about what she had recently experienced. It wasn't that she didn't trust her sister, but she just didn't feel like telling. It's exhausting, especially when Jess asks so many questions that she has to answer. Yeah, she didn't have enough energy to tell her sister. It's better to keep quiet and keep everything to herself. That's much better, she thought.

In the end, Florence gave the safest answer. "Yeah, I have a schedule later in the afternoon."

That wasn't entirely a lie. There was still a third client that Florence had to meet, who so far had not called her in case she wanted to cancel the meeting. Although she was pessimistic, but while there wasn't any confirmation, there was still at least a slight chance. Yeah, although Florence wasn't expecting anything.

"Okay, you can stay here until whenever you want."

"Yep, thanks."

"Well, would you like me to make you a drink?"

"Jess, I'm not a special guest, I can go to your kitchen if I'm thirsty."

"Alright, whatever you want."

"I just want to have a chat with you."

"About what?"

"Anything." Anything while her mind could be diverted, instead of thinking about David who had thrown a tantrum, it would only continue to ruin her emotions.

Florence just needed to be patient for a few more hours, until she could finally slaughter David.

"I don't have any topics." Jess said honestly.

"I do."

"Tell me."

"Where do I think is a good place to meet someone?" Florence asked this because she hadn't found a place to meet David yet. He was all over her, but she had yet to come up with an idea of where they should meet. She had plenty of time to think, but the sooner the better, so that she could tell him immediately.

At the promised time, Florence wanted David to be at the meeting place on time. If he arrived late, she was sure he would be even more explosive. Her anger would be even more bubbling.

"Why are you asking about this?" Jess asked. "You want to meet a guy? Who is he? Are you close to him? Are you in love? What the hell? Are you serious, Flo?"

Jess fired off so many questions that Florence was gaping. She asks questions quickly and enthusiastically. Oh, what a mistake to think.