“I’m sorry” I say with a tremble in my voice, “I have to take this.”
“No problem dear” Mrs. van den Berg says, “I have to be going anyway. I have left my signed contracts of representation with Clint on the three other properties. We’ll get in touch tomorrow.”
“Thank you Mrs. van den Berg” I say and slide out of Clint’s office and bolt it to my cubicle.
When I answer my cell phone, I cautiously place it up to my ear only to mutter a quiet hello. I hear Jessica respond with a guarded greeting. I am shocked to discover my mouth has turned against me and I am at a loss of words.
“Megan, are you there?” Jessica says with concern.
“Are you going to yell at me?” I ask, feeling my body vibrate with angst.
“No” Jessica says with a laugh, “I got your email.”
“Oh” I say still feeling unsure of how to deal with Jessica. It isn’t like her to forgive, and hand in hand with forgiveness, someone somewhere is giving an apology (which is also highly unlikely from Jessica).
“Look Megan, I know you never meant to hurt me…but you did. I have never ever lied to you about anything.” She sighs into the phone, and I can tell she is still genuinely disappointed.
“I didn’t lie to you on purpose,” I say in defense, “I am really sorry, but I was horrified that morning when I woke up with Ben in my bed. I had no idea what was going on and-“
“I know Megan.” Jessica says and cuts me off, “Don’t think this phone call means I am not still mad at you, your little secret ruined my wedding you know.”
“I know” I sigh, feeling like the world’s worst friend.
“But – I refuse to miss out on my best friends twenty-fifth birthday. What kind of friend would I be if I wasn’t there for her when she became one year closer to a senior citizen?”
“Are you forgiving me?” I say with a strained laugh.
“Don’t be cute!” Jessica shouts with a chuckle, “Now, we are going out tonight, no ifs ands or buts. I already talked to everyone and we have reservations for nine at JBar.”
“Oh” I say with a hint of uncertainty to my voice.
Jessica must read my mind, because she says, “Don’t worry, Ben won’t be there.”
Once I get home, I finally get a call from Emily, and a text from Matthew and Stephanie. They all wish me a happy birthday, and say they are excited to see me tonight. Emily asks me what I am going to wear, which I respond I’m not sure yet. I hang up with her and rifle through my closet in search of a proper twenty-fifth birthday outfit, but nothing sparks my interest. My closet looks like a dull businesswoman fantasy. It’s full of pantsuits, A-line skirts and blouses. Nothing I own seems to have any sex appeal or allure. Both things I decide I need, as a freshly aged and apparently single woman. I rip out about fifteen playfully and flirty dresses and blast a streamline of Rihanna’s greatest hits. I drink red wine and give myself my own personal fashion show.
Unfortunately, I decide nothing is exciting enough, or fits me quite right. I glance at the clock, and notice it is only six o’clock. I still have plenty of time to whip down to Macy’s and find something appropriate to wear for tonight.
I deserve it.
I pound back the last droplets of my wine, and dance over to my door and pull on my blazer. I click off my iPod, ending the dance party for one, and hear complete silence. As I slide on my shoes, a knock on my door startles me to the point of a high-pitched shriek. Who on earth could that be? The only two people have the access code to get into my building without me buzzing them up are my mother and Jessica.
I pull open the door, and my chest practically seizes when I see him.
Chapter 26
Nothing I could have done, would have prepared me for this moment. Ben is standing three feet in front of me, looking as hot as ever with a clean-shaven face, hair gelled back and his mouth slightly parted. The outfit he is wearing makes my heart flutter around in my chest. He looks fantastic leaning against my doorway all spiffed up. The way his teal knit sweater clings to his muscular chest, contrasted by