Chapter 37
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
FINLEY
It has been forty days since I’ve heard from Thomas.
Okay, it’s only been four, but in my world, that doesn’t mean the same thing as it does for other people.
I’m starting to think the date we went on was a figment of my imagination.
There’s no way we had the great time I thought we did only for him to ghost me.
I know I don’t always perceive things the way other people do, but I’m not a different species for Pete’s sake. I do possess basic human comprehension.
Anger has replaced sadness after finding out Thomas lied about having to work.
Especially after not hearing from him except for two small texts saying how busy he’s been.
As such, I made a few minor changes to his calendar.
And by minor, I mean I completely revamped it to suit my burgeoning disappointment in him.
“Finley, yoohoo, you in there?” Margaret snaps her fingers in front of my face to get my attention.
I turn to my client in time to see that she’s changed into her jungle costume. Bob is standing behind her similarly attired, the boot on his broken foot camouflaged by a large fig leaf. “I’m sorry,” I tell her. “I’m a little distracted.”
“No kidding.” She reaches out and squeezes my arm reassuringly. “You want to take a raincheck and do this another time, honey?”
Bailing on Margaret and Bob would be the pinnacle of unprofessionalism. But then again, so would taking bad pictures of them. “I would hate to disappoint you,” I tell her.
“Don’t you worry about us,” Margaret says. “Bob and I have been binge-watching Bridgerton on television. We’d be just as happy to go home and do that.”
Bob raises his hand behind his wife, and confirms, “It’s getting really good!”
“In that case,” I tell them, “I think I’d do a better job for you on another day. I’m just not feeling like myself lately.”
“Man troubles?” Margaret asks.
I’m not up to explaining, so I simply nod my head.
“You let me know if you need an ear,” Margaret says.
“Thanks,” I tell her. “You guys are the best.” Allie’s mom and dad have become like surrogate parents to me. I appreciate them more than I have words for.
While they get changed back into their street clothes, I check my messages in case today is the day I finally hear from Thomas. I’m not exactly holding my breath so imagine my surprise when I see his message.
Thomas
I’m sorry I haven’t gotten in touch with you sooner. Work has been crazy busy. Can I stop by later today and pick up the calendar?
What work? I’ve called the ER every day that I haven’t spoken to him, and according to them, Dr. Culpepper has been out sick.
If that were the case, there wouldn’t be any reason for him to keep it secret.
In fact, one might argue it would be common courtesy to give me a heads up. We did kiss after all, on the lips.
For reference, when I called, I wasn’t actually going to talk to Thomas. I was going to hang up as soon as I knew he was there. Which leads me to wonder where he’s been spending his days and who he’s been spending them with. Could he have reconsidered Constance Brucker’s interest in him?
I stare at Thomas’s text for a long time before responding.
Me
It’s supposed to come in later this afternoon. Why don’t I drop it off at your house?
I know his family is supposed to arrive today, and even though he claimed he wanted me to meet them, he hasn’t bothered re-stating those intentions.
And now, more than ever, I want to see their reaction to Thomas’s calendar.
I want to witness firsthand how I’ve spoiled his vengeance.
And while there’s a tiny little part of me that feels bad for doing what I’m doing, the bigger part of me feels it’s a completely warranted reaction.
Thomas
I guess that would be fine. Are you still up to meeting my family? If not, I could swing by and get the calendar from you later.
It sounds like that’s what he’d prefer, but I don’t care what he wants right now. His desires no longer hold any importance for me.
Me
I can’t wait. Can I bring anything?
Thomas
That won’t be necessary. I’m going to take them to supper afterwards.
I’m going to take them to supper. Not we’re all going to supper.
It looks like I’m not included which once again makes it clear that I don’t mean anything to him.
What happened after our date that caused Thomas to change his tune and start treating me like garbage?
I suppose I’m glad I got to know his true character before I gave him the opportunity to break my heart—which while not yet broken, has certainly been smacked around.
I force myself to try to remain nonchalant and unaffected.
Me
Where are you taking them?
Thomas
I thought we might go to the lodge. You and I had such a such a nice evening there.
I thought so too, but I’m starting to think we were on two different dates.
Me
What time would you like me to stop by?
Thomas
How about five? I really can’t wait to see their reaction to all our hard work.
He adds a trail of laughing emojis that makes me feel deviously proud of myself. Little does he know how hard I worked to sabotage his plan.
Me
Send me your address and I’ll be there.
It seems strange that I don’t even know where Thomas lives. Last week I felt like I’d known him my whole life, and now he feels like a total stranger to me. My heart once again clenches painfully.
Maybe I’m not meant to date. Maybe there is no happy ending for me. Perhaps my sole purpose in life is to capture other people’s joy while never getting to experience it for myself.
If that’s true and I’m destined to be alone and lonely, then I really want to make the most out of my revenge against Thomas.