Chapter 18
Lorelai
I sat in the lounge at the arena waiting for Joanna, head of PR, to come and get me for the interview I’d promised I’d give to set the story straight about the cheating. I had no choice; I needed to clear Knox’s name and my own and should have given this interview weeks ago. However, now was a good time too.
I’d just grabbed a cola from the fridge and sat down, flipping the television on, when my phone vibrated. I glanced at the screen, happy to see Knox’s name.
Lorelai: Hey babe. How are things?
Knox: Okay now, everyone is finally on their way home.
Lorelai: I’m sorry the visit didn’t go as planned.
I’d decided to give him space with his mom and sister after everything that had happened while she was here. I’d hoped things would be repaired by the time they left today.
Knox: It’s okay. I just felt bad. I really wanted you to meet my mom.
Lorelai: There is always next time, like we discussed.
Knox: Dare I say, I’m embarrassed by my sister’s behaviour.
Lorelai: We all make mistakes Knox. She’ll grow out of it.
Knox: I doubt it. She is on a collision course. I just fear that the next collision will be one lesson that can’t be fixed easily
Lorelai: Let’s hope not.
Knox: Have you had the interview yet? How did it go?
Lorelai: Have not had it yet. Joanna should be here shortly.
Knox: Okay. I’ll meet you at your place in a couple of hours.
Lorelai: I’ll be ready and waiting. I’ve missed you.
Knox: Missed you too and thank you for being so understanding.
Lorelai: No problem, just wanted to give you the space you needed.
It was then the door to the lounge opened and Joanna walked in. “Lorelai, you ready?”
I smiled. “I am.”
“Let’s do this, shall we.”
I got up off the couch, pocketed my phone, and followed Joanna down the hall to her office.
“I’m a little nervous. I’ve never done this before.”
She smiled. “It’s okay. It’s easy really. I have all the questions they are going to ask right here on this sheet. So, all you need to do is answer them, and if they try to ask something that isn’t on this sheet, you just decline to answer.”
She slid the piece of paper over to me and I glanced at it, trying to read everything. Was this what Knox and the guys went through every interview? My stomach turned. What happened if I made a mistake, or if I panicked and couldn’t find the question on the paper and declined to answer one question that was on the sheet?
“Ready?”
I swallowed hard. “Can I ask you one question before we get started?”
“Of course.” She smiled.
“What if I make a mistake and accidentally decline to answer a question on the sheet?”
Joanna smiled. “I’m going to be right here the entire time. You have nothing to worry about. Plus, you are having an interview with someone who I know personally. There is no worry about any funny stuff. Just relax and be yourself.”
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath as she dialed the phone. In a matter of minutes, questions were being asked and then the real question poured in.
“So, Lorelai, tell me what happened between you and your ex.”
“He cheated on me in our shared home.”
“How horrible for you. What happened? How did you find out?”
“I’d been staying with my best friend Aurora while we were in school in Victoria. Hugo and I had plans on moving in together once I’d graduated. I’d come home during the holidays in my first year to surprise him. It had been hard. I was focused on getting good grades so I could get in with the Dominators, and he had been working a lot, so our relationship had sort of been put on the back burner.
“Well, it was a few days before Christmas. I came over to Vancouver and took a cab to the house. I had been planning this surprise for a month. Anyway, he wasn’t supposed to be home until ten, but to my surprise, his truck was parked out front. I thought nothing of it and entered the house.
“The house was quiet, and I could hear the shower running down the hall, so I made my way down to surprise him. I got to the door and was about to throw it open when I heard a woman’s voice in the throes of passion. I didn’t know what to do, so with my heart in my throat, I turned and ran. The moment I was outside, though, and I realized I had nowhere to go, anger grew inside of me. He could have broken up with me, but he chose not too, and now he is painting me as the bad one because he is angry that I am happy.”
“Wow, Lorelai, thank you for being so upfront about this. We are sorry to hear this has transpired.”
“Thank you. It’s disheartening, to say the least. He already created enough hurt in my life.”
“No doubt. Now, why don’t you tell me, how is your relationship with Knox Evans?”
I glanced over at Joanna, who gave a slight nod then scribbled ‘keep it brief’ on the paper.
“I’m happier than I have ever been,” I said, which made Joanna smile and mouth ‘perfect.’
“Glad to hear it. Well, thank you for your time, Lorelai. I really appreciate it,” the interviewer said, finally ending the call.
Hanging up the phone, Joanna looked over at me and smiled. “That was perfect. Now, I will make sure I see the article before it goes out. I will also consult both you and Knox and add in anything that you want before it goes to press.”
“Thank you.”
“You are welcome.”
I left her office, walking down the hall toward the exit. I’d never felt better than I did right now, and I couldn’t wait to see Knox tonight.
* * *
I stood in the bathroom, a towel wrapped around me as I put my makeup on. I’d just finished with the last coat of mascara, put the tube away, and made my way into my bedroom when I came around the corner and saw someone in my closet and screamed.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you. I wanted those heels I loaned you the night of the gala,” Aurora said as she dug through my closet.
“They should be there on the left,” I answered, moving to the end of my bed and grabbing the dark, wine-colored dress I’d chosen for tonight. I quickly slipped into it, removing my towel, and then turned just as Aurora stood up, heels in hand.
“Zip me up?” I said, holding my hair up off my neck.
I felt her pull the zipper up the back of my dress and then, without a word, she made her way to the bedroom door.
“Everything okay?” I questioned, taking in the worried look on her face.
She turned, giving me her best fake smile, and then turned to leave the room.
“Wait a minute,” I said, walking over to her and grabbing her arm. “What is wrong?”
“Nothing. Why does something have to be wrong?” she questioned.
“There doesn’t, but I can tell from the look on your face that there is. At least something is going on in that head of yours. Is everything okay with you and Dylan?”
Aurora nodded, still giving me the look of gloom and doom.
“Okay, are you sick?”
“No.”
“Pregnant?”
“God no!” she exclaimed.
“Does Dylan want to try things in the bedroom you aren’t down with?”
“I’m down with whatever he wants to try,” she said, laughing, which caused me to laugh as well.
“Then what is it?” I asked.
I watched as Aurora avoided my eyes for a few moments. She only did that when she had something to say she didn’t want to tell me. So, I knew whatever it was, it was important.
“I’m waiting. Don’t make me guess again.”
“Don’t be mad,” Aurora said, making her way over to my bed and sitting down.
“Okay.”
I sat down beside her and got comfortable as she took my hand in hers.
“You know you are my best friend, right?”
“Yes,” I answered. “At least, I better be.” I laughed.
“I know I promised you a lot when we moved into this place, and I feel absolutely awful coming to you now that we are now in a committed lease with this place.”
“You’re moving?” I questioned, disappointment beginning to flood through me.
She nodded and then met my eyes. “Don’t hate me,” she begged.
I knew I could play this the long way, or I could just let her off the hook.
“You’re leaving me for Dylan?” I questioned.
She softly smiled, then nodded. “He asked me a while ago, and at first it didn’t feel right leaving you, but now…”
“You want to be with him every chance you get,” I answered.
“Yes.”
I looked at the floor, trying to figure out if I could afford the place on my own or if I’d have to get a new roommate.
“Are you angry?” she asked, squeezing my hand in hers.
I shook my head and softly smiled. “No, I’m not angry. I’m happy for you. I’m sad for me, but so happy for you,” I said, wrapping my arms around her.
“Are you sure?”
“If you don’t call Dylan right now and tell him you are moving in, I will forbid you to move out.” I giggled.
“Okay!”
I watched as she left the room, then I let out a sigh. I wasn’t sure I could afford the place, and I knew that there was no way I could break the lease.
I’ll figure it out , I thought to myself. It will be fine.