Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
I wake up knowing exactly what I have to do.
Already, Jude has shown he's the bigger person by wishing me luck on the audition after I ended things so poorly.
I grab my phone and scroll to our latest text exchange, still shocked to see it toward the top of my list. Then, I start with two words I wish I had told him long ago.
Me: I'm sorry for pushing you away. For essentially ending things because I was so hurt. I was too proud to tell you that…
I pause there because, for all Jude knows, my dad only pled guilty to get the reduced sentence. I'm about to reveal something I haven't told anyone. Not even Nellie, bless her; she's a good enough friend not to ask.
Me: You were right. My dad was guilty. He told me the moment I walked into the courthouse.
If it's any consolation, our argument in the car prepared me. It’s possible I knew all along and was simply in denial. In some ways, I think I still am.
I stare at the words, knowing they’re too personal to send to him now. It’s what I should have sent a day or two after it all went down.
I highlight the whole thing, cut it, and tell myself to put the phone away before I actually send it. Call me a split personality if you will, but that presents a challenge I’m just crazy enough to take.
I paste the entire text back in the box and hit send.
My heart wallops wildly because I didn’t think I’d really send it. But, Big Me called Little Me’s bluff, didn’t she?
I shake my head, half wondering if it’s too late to unsend the message, then force myself to climb out of bed. As soon as I get to the studio, I have to talk to Mr. Bruce.
Time to face the music of another mistake I made.