Present Perfect(77)

As I closed the bathroom door, I heard Lisa yell, “INHALED DEEPLY!”





The smile never left my face for the rest of the day. I knew I looked like an idiot, but I didn’t care. I was going to enjoy it. I didn’t even see Matt that day because I knew he would try and ruin my good mood. I had been miserable for six months and deserved a little happiness. It was going to be a great holiday because I had my Noah back.





The capacity to forgive is endless, but how many of us take advantage and tap into it? Your true soul mate will always forgive, love, and support you unconditionally. If you let them slip through your fingers once, shame on you. If you let them slip through your fingers again, then you don’t deserve them.





I excused myself from the table so I could go text Noah. Standing in the stall of the ladies room, I sent for backups.

Me: 911! I’VE HAD 3 COSMOS ALREADY & HE’S STILL PUTTING ME TO SLEEP. HEADED BACK TO TABLE. CALL ME WITH A TRAGIC EMERGENCY THAT NEEDS MY ATTENTION. ;)

I couldn’t believe I let Lisa talk me into this blind date with her cousin. I knew she wanted Matt out of my life, but to go behind my back and set this date up was even extreme for her. She chose to inform me of my date while I was packing for my trip home for Thanksgiving break.





She was sitting back on her bed drinking Diet Coke and eating her second Pop-Tart while I shoved clothes into my suitcase without even ironing them first.

“Lisa, how could you go and set me up on a date? I know you don’t like Matt, but I am dating him.”

I was so agitated. I hated when I didn’t feel in control of a situation and her going behind my back was inexcusable.

“I know you’re pissed at me, but it’s just one date. I know you’re with asshat, and you and The Noah are satisfied with eye f*cking each other. I just wanted you to see there are other options in the world. Think of it as a favor to sweet lovable me.”

I stopped packing and narrowed my eyes at her. It was hard to stay angry with Lisa. I knew her heart was in the right place.

“One date and Matt doesn’t need to know about it.”

“Agreed,” she said.

“What’s your cousin like?”

“I have no idea. I’ve never met him.”

“What?”

She popped the last piece of chemically laced cardboard pastry in her mouth as she raised her index finger to me indicating she needed a second.

“I’ve actually never met the dude. All I know is he just moved to Charleston, he’s 25, and is loaded. Even if he’s not for you, you’ll get a good meal out of it.”

I jumped up and down clapping my hands and sarcastically said, “Oh boy! A gourmet meal really does make this less humiliating.”

“Smartass. The guy has got to be pretty great. I mean, he is related to me and you know how awesome I am. Everybody loves me.” She cocked her head to one side and flashed me a huge toothy grin.





So here I am, spending part of my precious school break in one of the finest restaurants in Charleston, with a guy I don’t even know and don’t want to know.

I waited a few more seconds in hopes that Noah would reply. These past few days have been incredible. After we reunited last weekend, Noah and I have talked at least twice a day. Thank god for unlimited minutes. I waited another minute for a text. Nothing.

I slowly headed back to the table and my blind date, Joshua McPherson. Awesomeness does not run in Lisa’s family. He’s smug, arrogant, and boring. I tried, but couldn’t walk any slower back to the table. As I approached, Joshua was berating the waiter for something stupid and pointless. I had determined that Joshua must have a tiny dick and is overcompensating by being an * to all the employees of this very expensive and pretentious restaurant.

Sitting down, I made eye contact with our waiter, trying to convey my apologies for Joshua and to signal him to bring Cosmo number three STAT. The one thing that’s been a positive this evening is that I have been able to drink, even though I’m two years from being legal. I guess when you have money like Joshua apparently has, you get away with a lot of things. I call it the Lohan effect and right now, I could kiss Lindsey for making this public buzz possible.

Twenty minutes had passed and I was beyond bored and pissed. Noah had not replied to my 911. Brooke had gone out of town for the holiday so I knew she wasn’t the reason for the no reply. I look across the table at Joshua as he told me something about the blah, blah and its blah, blah. I heard someone beside me clear their throat. I looked up and there he was, my knight in plastic armor.

He was dressed in a gray suit, a light blue shirt that made his eyes look even bluer, and a gray and silver pinstripe tie. He looked gorgeous.

“Excuse me, but don’t I know you?” I just sat there stunned, wondering what he was up to. “Noah Stewart,” he said, pointing at himself.

“Oh, yeah Noah Stewart from...”

“Middle school.”

“That’s right, middle school.” I turned to Joshua. “Joshua McPherson, this is Noah Stewart from middle school.”

Joshua stood extending his hand. Noah grabbed it and shook it rapidly. “Nice to meet you, Josh.”

“It’s nice meeting you, too. It’s Joshua, by the way.”