Chapter 22
Jade
L ast night was one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time. In my last job, I definitely didn’t feel like all the team thought highly of me. The big bosses were pleased with my work and were always kind towards me, but when my ideas were ‘borrowed’ by one of the male employees and he was promoted it pushed me to apply for Bright. But then my evening was ruined when I got a text from Dave . Why does he want to see me now? I cut all ties with him.
Wandering into the kitchen, and spotting Lily. “Morning, you seem happy.”
“Oh, Jade, I’ve got my shot. I’m on the pitch with the other reporters today and it's for the main event.”
“What?” I shriek.
“I’m on prime time, baby,” she shouts, shaking my shoulders comically.
“That’s incredible.”
“I’m absolutely bricking it, but, Jade, I get to do the punditry with the other reporters and interview the players and I’m one of the first females to do it for the male league.”
“Oh my God, you’re making history.” I hug her tightly, “this is what you’ve been working towards. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you.” She pulls away but the excitement rolling off her has her bouncing from foot to foot. “I’ve got to go to the stadium to get my notes and meet with the rest of the team to get everything ironed out now. Honestly, I never thought this would happen.” She sighs as she grabs her coat “They’re taking a big bet on me and I’m not going to let them down. This is my moment, Jade.” She sounds so determined that I have no doubt this is her big break.
“I’ll be watching.”
I’m halfway through my Netflix binge when another text message from Dave comes through. I didn’t respond last night.
Dave – Morning, Jade, please can we meet today. Just for a coffee? I know we haven’t spoken since, but I want to apologize in person for what I did.
He wants to apologize? Now? Months later? Should I really hear him out?
Jade - Okay, meet me at the Coco Bean in half an hour.
Dave - Thank you, See you there.
While I’m getting ready another text comes through.
Hunter – Morning, Tink. I’ve not stopped thinking about you all night. Meet me for coffee?
Fuck. The Universe is being a bitch to me today. Well played.
Jade - Can we make it afternoon drinks instead? At The Napoleon pub?
This way I can meet with Dave and sign off on that part of my life, then meet with Hunter and watch my girl on the TV, where I can gush about how amazing she is.
Hunter – Perfect. 2 pm?
Jade - Can’t wait.
I walk into the coffee shop half an hour later, and Dave waves at me from a table in the back.
“You look beautiful, Jade,” he announces as he stands to give me the most uncomfortable hug I think I’ve ever had. I untangle myself and sit opposite him.
“Thank you. You look well.” I echo the compliment because he does, but I feel nothing when I look at him.
“Thanks. I’ve been working out more.” He puffs his chest out slightly, and I internally roll my eyes. Dave’s good looking, I can’t deny that, but I guess when I was with him I blocked out his arrogance. “I got your favorite coffee.” He gestures to the cappuccino in front of me which isn’t my favorite. Proving once again that he never really paid me any attention.
“Thank you, so what’s all this about Dave? We haven’t spoken in months. Why now?” I’m still utterly confused as to why I’m here.
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and I hated the way we left things.” He lets out a ragged breath as he runs his fingers over his brow. “But I want you back, Jade.”
I gape at him across the table. Is he serious?
When I don’t say anything he swallows and continues. “I know I was wrong. I hold my hands up. I didn't treat you right or respect you and for that I’m sorry.”
I blink rapidly at him before I compose myself. “No, Dave you didn’t treat me right, at least not in the end.” I pull my eyes up to meet him. “It hurt. Still does, if I’m honest. I trusted you.” I let out a heavy sigh as I build myself up to ask the question that I’m not sure I want the answer to. “Tell me truthfully, was she the only one?”
A red blush sneaks up his neck as he whispers. “No.” I think deep down I knew but hearing him admit it, stings and I grind my teeth together.
“Wow, Okay. Unsatisfying more than one woman at once. You really were working overtime.” He snaps back and his mouth slackens at my words before he gathers himself and reaches out for my hand but I snatch it away.
“I never felt anything remotely like what I did when we were together. It was just physical with them,” he pleads.
“Sex is intimate, Dave, at least it is to me. I need to feel something to be that vulnerable with someone. And the fact that you so flippantly fucked around and then say it was just physical proves I was right to walk away and not try and make it work with you.” My voice rises and I feel my muscles start to tighten. “Because I thought about it. After I left, I did think about coming back to you,” I grit out, frustration bubbling in my chest.
“You did?” his eyes widen.
“Yes, I did. But once I thought about it, I realized you don’t really know me do you?” I shake my head in disbelief.
“Of course I do.” He reaches for my hand again, but I pull it away, noticing the pain etched on his face at my rejection.
“No, you don’t. Take this coffee for example.” I point to the cup in front of me. “I hate cappuccinos.” I state. “And on Valentine’s, you gave me red roses.”
“Because you love red roses.” The look of confusion on his face almost makes me laugh.
“No, I don't. Roses are cliche. Red should only be worn on the sole of my shoes.” I cross my arms across my chest and glare at him.
“Why are you bringing up silly little things? They don’t prove someone's love, Jade.” He mirrors my stance crossing his arms defensively.
“The small things count, Dave, more than you realize.”
He shakes his head, looking frustrated. “So, you’re saying you won’t get back with me because I don’t know your coffee order?”
“No, Dave, I don’t want to get back with you because you cheated on me.”
“I could give you everything.”
“I don’t want everything, Dave. I want to know you’re thinking of me even when I’m not around, message me because you saw something that would make me smile or pick up my favorite chocolate bar and run me a bath because it’s that time of the month. Even in the bedroom, it was always about you.” His cheeks pinken at my comment, but I continue, needing to get it all out. “I don’t remember a time toward the end when you did something for me because you thought I would need or appreciate it and not because it benefited you.” That thought has me pausing because Hunter is always thinking of me. Taking care of me without being asked.
“I’m so sorry, Jade.” His shoulders drop and he genuinely looks remorseful. “I guess I saw how independent you were, that you didn’t need me to do those things for you.”
“Yes, I’m independent, but every woman wants to feel like they’re someone's world.”
“I don’t really know what to say, Jade. I fucked up. You deserved better than what I gave you. In every way.”
“I did.”
“So, I guess it’s definitely over?” Could he be any more clueless?
“Yes Dave, it’s definitely over.”
Hunter messaged to let me know he was here, so I work my way through the traditional English pub with its football scarves and TV screens mounted around the bar area. The atmosphere is rowdy as I scan the area for Hunter. Eventually, I find him by the pool table with the perfect view of the TV screen and two pints of lager in front of him.
Dressed down Hunter may just be my favorite. He looks gorgeous with a plain white t-shirt and faded denim jeans, his hair’s slightly windswept but he manages to pull it off. Day-old stubble dusts his jaw, and he’s wearing his glasses. He hasn’t spotted me yet. He’s too busy scrolling his phone. “Hey.” I take the seat in front of him, putting my bag on the floor. My heart stutters in my chest when he brings those deep blue eyes up to meet mine, the corners crinkling as he smiles. He places his phone face down on the table and reaches out to take my hand. Goosebumps erupt along my arms and my whole body comes alive. A reaction that I most definitely didn’t have half an hour ago when I saw Dave.
“Hey, Tink, you look breathtaking.” His voice is thick with emotion.
“You scrub up pretty well yourself.”
“I got you a beer, is that okay?”
He looks a little unsure so I grab my pint and take a drink, and his eyes widen. “Nope, this is perfect. Something you should learn about me on match day, the bigger the drink, the better.” I wink and he shakes his head.
“You really are like no one I’ve ever met.”
“I’m taking that as a good thing.”
“Definitely a good thing.”
“Good, I will just say that I will more than likely ignore you for a few moments once the match build up starts because my best friend Lily...”
“The sports reporter?” I’m shocked that he can remember me talking about her from Halloween. See the little things, he pays attention .
“Yes, that's her, good memory, Stone.”
“I remember everything you tell me, Tink. Everything you say is important.” His gaze is so intense I have to remember where I am and resist the urge I have to straddle his lap.
Head not pussy, Wilde.