Maybe Later(75)

Hello Friend,



Jack, the guy I dated, was with a gorgeous woman. She was tall, with dark hair, and a perfect figure. He seemed very happy—and I hated how that made me feel jealous. I wanted to be her. It didn’t surprise me that he moved on, I just need to find a way of doing the same.

For a moment, I tried to convince myself that what I missed was just having a boyfriend. It was amazing to have someone who I could spend my weekends with. We went to concerts, spent nights together in bed talking about nothing but where we would travel. Ramen still misses him. Poor girl, she stays in a corner, curled on top of one of the shirts he left behind. I sleep in the other one.

I’m proud of myself. For a second, I almost approached him to say, Hi, Jack, remember me? But he looked happy and I felt it was best to let things go. But, God, if I didn’t want to hug him. I hate missing people and being left behind. The break up was my fault, I know that, but it still doesn’t make the pain go away.

It’s crazy, right? We want those who don’t want us, and not the other way around.

Which reminds me, tomorrow I’m going out on a date that Alistair set up. Some guy from work who is “cool and smart.” Yes, those were his words.

We’re looking for a location for our new offices. Laura is going to work full time for me. It pains me that I won’t be working from home anymore. Sushi and Ramen won’t be coming along. At least not for now. I’ll get my office cat-proofed.

We’re also setting up a nursery for Simone. That baby is my best friend. She makes me want to have my own. Not that I would have one right now. Let’s see how things work with ‘the guy from the office.’

I heard that you’re setting up an in-house childcare for your personnel. I’m so proud of you. Let me know if you need any help. I have contacts.

Take care, friend,

Emmeline



P. S. I’m planning a trip to New York for my birthday. Do you want to come?





*



From: J. Spearman

To: E. Lancaster

Subject: Traveling plans and a new woman.

Wednesday, September 7th, 11:30 a.m.



Dear Friend,

I understand how things look different from afar. You saw him with another woman, but she could’ve been his sister. Maybe next time you should greet him. Sounds like you didn’t get any closure. Did you guys end the relationship?

Maybe you left things open and he wants to pick up where you left off?

New York sounds like a plan, but I’m not sure if we’re ready to take a trip together. Ask me in a couple of weeks. Maybe we can revisit the tour you sent me back in April. We could add what I couldn’t visit since I only had a couple of days. I heard Central Park is nice during the fall. What do you think?



Your friend,

Jackson





*



Jack: I wanted to check on you since your birthday is almost here. I hope you are well. J.





Chapter Forty





Thursday, September 8th, 12:22 a.m.



ELanc90: I thought you’d be awake.

JSpear84: We’re about to launch a new software.

ELanc90: I heard. It’s going to be amazing. I pre-ordered it for the company.

JSpear84: Thank you, you should’ve told me, and I could’ve given it to you.

ELanc90: In exchange for my soul?

JSpear84: In exchange for a review and a recommendation to your clients.

ELanc90: Free advertising? I can always send you our sponsorship list.

JSpear84: You have sponsorships?

ELanc90: No, but I can always create one just for you and charge you an arm and a leg.

JSpear84: You want my soul?

ELanc90: Is it worth it, Mr. Spearman? Isn’t your soul buried in your sex dungeon?

JSpear84: You want to visit the dungeon, don’t you?

ELanc90: Does it exist?

JSpear84: No, but I’d build it for you if that’s what you’re into.

ELanc90: I don’t even know what I’m into. It’s been that long since I’ve had sex and longer since I tried to experiment.

JSpear84: We can take it slow.

ELanc90: Are you flirting with me?

JSpear84: Sweetheart, you started it. You can’t talk about sex and not expect me to follow your lead.

ELanc90: He texted me.

JSpear84: Way to change the conversation. We’re about to have cybersex, and suddenly you’re talking about your ex.

JSpear84: What did he want?

Elancast90: He remembered my birthday and wanted to check on me.

JSpear84: Did you end things with him or left them in limbo?

ELanc90: I told him I wasn’t ready, and he said he’d wait.

JSpear84: He might be waiting for you.

ELanc90: Would you wait for her?

JSpear84: I’d wait for the woman who makes me smile with her presence and steals my breath every time I see her.

ELanc90: Really?

JSpear84: Yeah, but there’s a problem, I lied to her, and I’m not sure if she’d forgive me.

ELanc90: You never mentioned you lied to her?

JSpear84: Have you ever pretended to be someone else?

ELanc90: You know the answer to that.

JSpear84: I lied by omission, and I’m not sure how she’ll react when I tell her my name.