Michael stomps his way over to the bed, a determined look on his face. Sitting on the edge, he grabs my hand. “I’m really sorry about what happened. Nobody understands it. I just want you to know that I’m here for you. We all are. Don’t you ever think there ain’t no one out there who hasn’t got your back. We all want you well and happy, just like the Ana we all love and know so well.”
I squeeze Michael’s hand, extremely touched by his sentiment. “That’s really sweet. I appreciate that.” Needing to change the subject so I don’t get upset anymore, I ask, “How was work today?” Despite hating Jake, I genuinely want to know. I think the sadistic side of me is eager for them to tell me how sick he looks, how rotten he feels. I want to hear that he’s been pining for me all day. I know it’s ridiculous, but right now that’s how my aching and broken heart feels.
I watch as Michael looks over towards Jessie as if needing confirmation to speak. When he gets whatever answer he’s looking for, he turns back around to me and says, “It was pretty shitty to be honest.”
Jessie nods her head in agreement. “Jake was stomping around like the prick that he is, and there were a few people who let it be known just how pissed we are at him. He shouted at Bill in his office then stormed over to me, demanding that he come over to see you. He wants to know why you’re not answering any of his calls or texts. You want to know the thing that really got my goat?” I shake my head as I have no clue. “He told me that Matthew was asking for you and that he really wants to see you. I told him how dare he involve his son in all this mess that he has created, and that you will see him or Matthew whenever you feel the time is right. I can’t believe the gall of that man.”
That hurts more than anything, hearing that Matthew’s hurting too. In all my self-possessed agony, I have been neglecting the people I love. Disgusted at my selfishness, tears start to well in my eyes.
“Oh, Ana. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”
I hold my hand out to her before she can finish. “It’s fine. I needed to hear this. I will have to contact Matthew. I miss him anyway. It’s not his fault all of this shit happened between his dad and me.”
Michael grabs a tissue from a box by my bedside and hands it to me. “I think you need to get up, get a shower, and come with us.”
Startled by his unexpected suggestion, I snap my head to him. “Why? Where are we going?”
Michael smirks mischievously at me. “Jessie and I are going to take you out to get something to eat. It may also be a good idea to have a couple of drinks. You need to get out of the apartment, get drunk, and forget for a while that Jake ever existed.”
I can’t help the laughter that erupts. I’m not in the mood for it, but I know if I protest, I will just be dragged out anyway. Maybe going out with two good friends is just what I need right now.
I smile at the both of them. “Okay, well you need to get the hell outta here, guys so I can get a wash. I’m sure you don’t want to see me naked.” I make a move to get up, and Jessie laughs as she heads for the door. Michael, however, is still sitting on the bed staring.
“Michael, come on. What are you waiting for?” Jessie asks, frustration in her voice.
“I never said that I didn’t want to see her naked.” He gives me a wicked grin again as he raises one eyebrow.
Picking up the pillow from my bed, I throw it at him. “Michael, get!”
He begrudgingly obeys, stomping towards the door. “Spoil-sport,” he mutters under his breath, making me giggle for the second time in the space of minutes.
“I can do this,” I say to absolutely no-one as I walk towards the bathroom to get ready.
I can do this.
3
After a shower—which makes me feel somewhat more human again—I blow dry my hair, apply some makeup, and put a pink floral dress on. I have to make at least one ounce of effort as Jessie and Michael