Chapter 34
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
MISJUDGED AGAIN
“Goddamn, Gill,” I mutter as I clutch my cell.
Like he’d ever have a chance with MacKenzie.
She’s so into me. But I still ponder his words: If you didn’t mention your so-called break, don’t expect her to understand.
Because if she hasn’t been informed that you needed a break, then when you decide to pull your head out of your ass and try to start seeing her again, she’s gonna turn you down, man. Flat.
That can’t be right. Perri didn’t say anything about telling MacKenzie about this little break. That’d be something she’d definitely mention. I pick up my phone and text my sister.
Me: Hey. You there?
Perri: Yes. How may I help you?
Me: Question.
Perri: …
Me: Was I supposed to tell MacKenzie I was taking a break or was I just supposed to take a break?
Perri: …
Perri: You didn’t tell her?
Me: Uh, no. You didn’t tell me to tell her.
Perri: Jesus, dude. You’re a numb-nuts.
Me: So, I should have told her?
Perri: YOU ARE AN IDIOT. OF COURSE YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD HER.
All caps? Seriously?
Me: You don’t have to yell.
Perri: You are undoubtedly the most stupid man I’ve ever known.
Me: What am I going to do now?’
Perri: You want to see her? For reelz?
For reelz? My sister has a PhD in Chemistry. For reelz? Who’s the idiot here?
Me: Yeah. I’ve missed her like crazy. I can barely get off my couch. I’ve eaten my weight in ice cream. I’m puffy again.
Perri: LMAO.
Perri: …
Perri: Oh, man. That was hilarious. I nearly peed myself.
Me: Well?
Perri: If you want her back, you’re gonna have to grovel. Gifts. Nice dates. And you’re going to need to explain the whole thing to her. Did I mention there will have to be groveling?
Shit. I hate talking about stuff like that. But if I have to do all this to convince her I really want her, I will.
Me: I can certainly grovel, buy gifts, and take her out.
I’ll have to work on the rest.
Perri: Then get on with it.
I’m getting on with it. Instead of calling, I decided to text. Baby steps. Besides, I don’t want to hear her voice. What if she’s mad, or sad? Or worse, just plain indifferent. That last one would be the worst. As soon as I’ve finished texting Perri, I start a new message thread.
Me: Hey, MacKenzie. Is the door installed to your satisfaction?
To your satisfaction? I sound like a jackass.
MacKenzie: Yes. Thank you.
I hate that. If she says thank you like that one more time, I’m going to implode.
Me: What are you doing tonight?
Mackenzie: I’m out.
Me: Out?
MacKenzie: Yes.
Me: With who?
Who the hell is she out with? Probably Lauren.
MacKenzie: A friend.
A friend?
Me: Lauren?
MacKenzie: No. Look, I need to get back to him. It’s rude to text when I’m with someone. Thanks again for the door. Send me the bill. I’ll arrange payments or something. Have a good week.
Him? Rude? Thanks again? Have a good week? Arrange payments? What the ever-loving hell? She’s not supposed to be out with another guy. I’m her guy. I’m her man.
Me: Where are you?
Nothing.
Me: MacKenzie? Where are you right now? Are you safe?
Nothing. Fuck. I’m just as Gill said—a tool and an idiot.