“Fair enough. How about we grab a drink tonight?
Let’s have fun and forget about our man troubles.”
“Deal.”
Her phone started buzzing again and this time she rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry, I have to take this again.”
“Hello, sir. Yes... Yes. No, there is no way out. Why? Because the board requested you be there. Uh huh... Uh huh, look, I’ll be there in ten minutes and we can speak then. Yes...okay.” She hung up the phone.
“Bugger me, it’s been a sodding week from fucking hell. I’m ready to explode after the shit that’s gone down with work. Anyways, just gotta meet my boss. He’s gone crazy I swear but I feel sorry for him. It’s not all his fault.”
“Sounds like fun. Remember, think of me if he gets over this chick and needs some great rebound sex,” I called out.
She laughed as she exited the room.
Later that night Kate and I went out for drinks, and I mean plural (I lost count after eight). We had a blast and even got chatting with a few guys. I wasn’t into this whole thing of course, but she took to a hot bartender. The next morning we suffered from massive hangovers and I was awoken by Kate’s cell repeatedly going off. Fuck, the damn thing wouldn’t shut up. I pulled myself off the sofa to reject the call but thankfully it stopped. It was around eight when we both sat down to eat some breakfast.
“My head hurts. Who the hell calls you so early in the morning?”
“Argh was it ringing?” she stood up and grabbed her cell. “Shit. It was my boss. Fuck.”
“Oh my God, Kate, come work for me. I swear he keeps busting your chops.”
“Yeah I know but I kinda understand why he is so short fused. I mean the girl that he is irrevocably in love with isn’t talking to him and to be honest, it’s not even his fault, you know.”
It sounded all too familiar. “Well, if it isn’t his fault then he needs to make her realize that, whatever it might take.”
“I think the damage has already been done.”
“No, I’m sure it can be sorted. He just needs to be honest.”
I decided I needed one more day to stay in and remain on the down low. Kate left to get her day sorted. We agreed to go out with Eric tonight and when Eric takes you out it means you will be hung-over all weekend. I shook my head trying to wash away the nauseating feeling that was nagging me. There was something I needed to sort out.
That evening she walked into her kitchen and I managed to smile at her. In typical Bulls fashion she gave me the stern look before I broke down crying. She instantly held onto me and I cried because the weight of it all was too much. We went into the den where she sat me down, not saying a word.
“I’m sorry, Bulls. The words I said to you... I didn’t mean it. I was just so angry.” She remained silent allowing me to speak. “This was the final straw. He proved to me once again he can’t be trusted. I will never be the only one in his life no matter how much he tells me he loves me. I’ve been down this road before and no chance in hell do I want to feel that pain again. I’m better than this; I know I’m better than this and I deserve someone better than this...like Julian.”
“Charlie, I’m not taking his side, okay, but have you stopped for a moment and thought about the possibility that this is fabricated? You’re not dealing with some hick town country boy anymore. He is a billionaire. He has paparazzi following his every move. Stuff like this was bound to happen, there’s always some slut trying to ride his coattails and make a quick buck.”
“You can’t possibly believe that, Bulls?”
“Do you remember a few years back when that photo of Rocky was published in that trashy rag and it looked like he was getting a blow job from that skanky cheerleader? Do you remember how upset I got and the words you said to me?”
“Yes. I said there’s an explanation for everything and that you needed to trust the man who made vows to be with you till death do you part. I don’t even know him anymore.”
I said those words…I made those vows.
“Charlie, what’s really got you bugging that you can’t forgive him?”
It was now or never. I had to talk because it was the only way to set it free. I took a deep breath ready to pour my heart and soul out to her. There was a rapid knock on the door before Rocky burst in.
“Sorry, babe, Will’s really sick. He just puked up again.”
Bulls rushed out of the room and I followed quickly behind her.
“Mommy, I don’t feel good,” he cried. She wrapped him in her arms and sat him on her lap next to the toilet bowl. Grabbing a cool washcloth, I knelt down and wiped his forehead.
“Honey, was it something you ate?”