I pick a CD containing the old tracks of one of my favorite artists who inspired me to play guitar.Michelle Branch.While my eyes are scanning the titles of her tracks, my phone rings. I put the CD back on the shelf and take my phone out of my sweatpants pocket.
Oscar's name is on the screen, and I pick up the video call.
"Cassie!" three voices greet me.
I can see Oscar, Peter and Paul sitting in Oscar's office. They all look delighted to see me.
"Hi, guys." I smile.
"How's life so far?" Oscar asks, a hint of concern mixed with curiosity in his voice. "Wait, is that a Steinway over there?"
His eyes zoom in on the baby grand piano behind me.
I nod, signaling that he's right. "Yeah. I'm in my music room." I move my phone so that they can see my surroundings clearer.
"That's a nice room you got there, Cassie," Peter says.
"And a nice garden," Oscar adds.
I can't disagree with them. Luke was quite generous this time, having all of this prepared for me, although I still find it funny that he coincidentally has gerbera daisies in his garden. My favorite flower.
"Darlin', you look pale." Paul is the only one commenting on my appearance rather than my surroundings.
I laugh at the horrified look on Paul's face. "I know. I was a bit dizzy yesterday." I don't want to tell them the reason why I was sick because I don't want to make them worried.
"Well, I hope that you've gotten better now." Oscar sighs, a small smile on his lips. "We couldn't be there for you, but I'm glad that Luke showered you with nice things there to keep you company," he says. "I mean, you must be enjoying that pretty Steinway."
"And those beautiful colorful daisies," Peter adds.
"And, oh my God, Luke's abs," Paul gasps.
An awkward silence falls after Paul suddenly blurts out his statement. I want to laugh in disbelief. They don't know that Luke and I aren't sharing the same bedroom.
"Anyway, we're calling to tell you that Jamie is inviting you to his car ride," Oscar changes the topic.
"Jamie Cohen?" I echo.
I know him quite well. I've been on his car ride once. It's a show where he invites singers to sing with him in his car while he drives them around the town.
"Yes," Oscar says. "He contacted us about this idea. He can't wait to see you again after your wedding. He would be very glad if you could visit his studio in New York tomorrow."
Well, I wouldn't mind doing that little karaoke again. It's fun, anyway. Jamie is a really funny guy.
"But, there's just one thing we should inform you about, and you don't have to do it if you don't want to," Oscar pauses, sounding hesitant, which makes me curious. "Jamie is inviting Jude too for the same car ride, so it's going to be the three of you."
I'm still trying to process the information in my brain. What? Jamie is inviting my ex-boyfriend too? But why?
"I don't know which one of them initiated it, but Jamie thinks that bringing you two on his show will be good for both you and Jude," Oscar says. "You know, to eliminate the hate among your fans, since they've been fighting on social media."
That's right. My fans and Jude's fans don't get along, like enemies. It's not rare to find Jude's fans spreading hate on me, and mine on him.
"Honestly, I do think that it's a good idea," Oscar says. "And you're married now. Your story with Jude is closed, since you're starting a new life with Luke. You and Jude just have to show the world that you're good with each other—no hard feelings—to clear the misunderstanding among your fans."
I'm deep in thought. This idea is pretty convincing. I want what's best for us. The question is, am I ready to face Jude again?
"But I'll have to ask you first, Cassie, whether you're ready to do this or not." Oscar's voice is filled with concern.
I'm silent for a while.
