Chapter 61 Thinking About It
I think about what she says, and nod my head. Because what else can I say? She is basically showing me the whole sad truth with neon flashing lights. She spilled it out so plainly, anyone could see it. I wish I had my mother here to tell me what to do. But Hailey's the best I've got.
I sigh, knowing what I am going to do... I just don't know when. It never seems like a good time to break up. Flimsy excuse, I know! But he won't even stick around to have a whole conversation with me. He says, "Hey, I miss you. But I'm busy. Gotta go. Bye!" And then nothing!
Would it be bad if I sent a break up text? I was kinda wanting to give him the dignity of doing it in person. But then again, he hasn't been giving me a damn minute of his time. It might just come down to me sending a text, even if he doesn't respond... That still counts, right?
"So... you said he kissed you? What happened next?" she demands. She never lets me leave a story half finished. She wants to know every single detail... But there are a couple I'm keeping to myself... Like the way he touched me like he already owned me. The way I felt pressed up against his huge body...
"He told me he wanted me to go home with him and marry him. He said he'd take care of me and my sisters... I just needed to say yes," I blush. "He wasn't even joking. He would've taken me home right then, I could tell he was getting desperate."
Hailey sighs, shaking her head. "And of course you told him no, because of James," she sighs in exasperation. "You and your conscious are going to break your own heart, dear. You need to let yourself be loved... And that boy Richard, he loves you! I don't know if James ever has..."
"Am that predictable?" I blink.
"Dear, I've known you for ages. I used to watch you on your parents stage, and they would always come here to buy the biggest bouquet when you had recitals. So, it makes sense that I know you are having a hard time wrapping your head around all this. All I can tell you is that you should just break up with James and take Rick up on his offer," she nods in finality. "What happened after that?"
"He said if I don't ditch James and come with me, he'd go after Liv," I growl, just remembering him flirting with her makes me so... UGH! And when he actually kissed her? I was fucking pissed!
Hailey gasps. "HE DID NOT!" her face looks scandalized momentarily before giving me that knowing look. "And you were jealous, weren't you?" she sends a soft smirk, like she's reading my mind. "You didn't like that he was using your little sister to prove his point."
"Well... yes," I grouch, hating to admit to it out loud... Or even in my own head. But I was so damn jealous. He'd made his point! I saw his damn smirk in his eyes... That bastard!
Hailey giggles again. "That means you already have feelings for the boy! It won't be long until you see reason, and leave James for Richard!" she nods satisfied.
I blink a small tear away and give a wobbly smile. "Well, if it helps, I've been thinking about it all night long... And I do think I'm going to break up with James... I just don't know-" I didn't get to finish the rest of my statement. I was interrupted by a chilly gust of wind.
The door to the flower shop bursts open, bringing in the autumn breeze, sending my hair flying around my face. When I could finally see, I watch in awe as in strides Rick Kingston, with determination written clear as day across his face.
He pulls me from behind the counter, and holds me in his arms. I can see the small smirk as he looks over at Hailey like he had been communicating silently with her.
Hailey gives me a sly wink in return, and grabs a couple cookies. "I'll give you two kids some time alone," she giggles and moves into the back room to take a break. She is definitely going to be a bad influence at this rate!
"Have you been thinking about my offer little dancer?" he demands, gently brushing my hair away from my face. I can't help but lean into his large hands. I'm actually surprised they are so warm!
I blush. "Yes. And I even talked to Hailey about it," I admit. "There was no way I could not think about it, Rick."