I hated crying, hated it. It reminded me of the desolation I’d felt after Mom left, and worse, when Dad died. On both occasions, I’d known I was helpless to change the situation, just like I was now.
Helpless.
My phone buzzed somewhere. It sounded like it was in the bedroom but on the floor. It would probably be Perry again.
I got out of the bath and padded into the room where my phone was indeed on the wood floor.
Picking it up, I breathed out a sigh of relief when I saw it was Noah.
I answered it quickly. “Noah, God, I’m so glad it’s you.”
“Brooke, where are you? I’ve been calling and messaging all morning.”
All morning?What time is it?
“Oh, Noah, I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”
“Can you still make it? I thought you would’ve been here already.”
“Where am I going?” I couldn’t remember.
“God, Brooke, what the hell? Lunch with Vanessa at the waterfront, meeting her—I can’t believe you don’t remember. You were supposed to be here at two. Brooke, please don’t tell me this is a ruse to get out of meeting her.”
“No, no.” I shook my head even though I knew he couldn’t see me. I glanced at the clock on the wall and winced when I saw it was a quarter past two. I couldn’t believe I’d slept for so long. “I’ll be there. Give me half an hour. Can you wait half an hour?”
The last thing I needed was for him to be upset with me too or disappointed in any way. I couldn’t bear it if he felt that way about me.
“Okay, just get here.”
“Cool, see you soon.” I hung up and ran back into the bathroom to fix myself up.
* * *
A quick shower, a dash of makeup, and some dry shampoo had me in better shape. My face was still puffy, but I looked human.
Perry called, but I didn’t answer. Then he sent me a message, which I dared not look at. I didn’t want to ruin this lunch meeting—not any more than I already had.
I got here in half an hour like I’d said, so it was now two forty-five.
I was forty-five minutes late.
I walked into the restaurant and went out onto the dock where tables were placed outside. It wasn’t very busy. I found Noah right away, and the dark-haired woman who sat opposite him gazed at him with a sparkle in her eyes I could see from here.
I made my way over and they both noticed me.
My nerves prickled when Vanessa looked at me and smiled. The fear of the past loomed over me, and I waited for that tense moment that always came whenever I was introduced to any of Noah’s girlfriends.
But, it didn’t happen. The smile looked sincere like she was actually happy to see me.
“You made it.” Noah stood up and hugged me.
Vanessa stood too and put out her hand to shake mine. She was striking with her hazel eyes and shiny, brown locks.
“Hi Brooke, I’m Vanessa. It’s so good to finally meet you.”
“Really? And hi.” My mind was still reeling from the incoherency of intoxication.
Vanessa laughed.
