But even more excited to see you.
Callum, you silver-tongued devil.
Callum Rhodes: Only for you, my otter.
Always only for you.
I'll see you later <3
don't miss me too much!
And give Plot a kiss for me.
Callum Rhodes: Impossible, I miss you before you even walk out the door.
I'm quite attached to my eyes, so I'll send him your love.
From a safe distance.
But feel free to kiss me when you get here.
Oh, that can, and will, be arranged, Mr. Rhodes.
Better get ready.
"Look at her face!" Bailey giggles, looking at me in the rearview mirror.
"I know that head-over-ass-look. God, you guys make me sick," Tonya fakes gagging, the genuine smile on her face giving away that she's happy.
"They're inlooooove," Bailey teases. I open my mouth to protest, to tell her we're not quite there yet, to save face on the fact that I've fallen head over heels for this man and don't want them to think it's too fast. Then I stop. Why should I cover it up and pretend I don't feel this way? I have a sickness coursing through my body that has potentially shortened my life expectancy.
Why should I pretend not to feel a wondrous, joyous thing like love?
Instead, I snap my mouth closed and just smile, shrugging my shoulders.
"Soph... I wanted to ask you about something," Bailey says, her tone more serious than I've ever heard. My concern rises when she takes a deep breath, "You know that I'm doing the article about the shop, but I also wanted to do a little spotlight on you, if you're okay with it? I was talking to my editor, and I mentioned how my friend was battling breast cancer now, and how strong and brave you are, and she asked if you'd mind being interviewed? You can say no, you won't hurt my feelings or anything, but I think... well, I think you're so inspiring, Sophie, and your story is similar to a lot of women out there, and well, I think it could help..."
Her words make me pause as I consider the offer, debating the pros and cons of opening myself up in an interview. The idea of exposing myself and my feelings through this battle makes me a little uncomfortable. But also, the idea of reaching someone going through the same thing as me and helping them feel less alone in their battle could be really positive.
Maybe even healing a bit, for them and for me.
"What would I say?"
"Anything you want!" Bailey assures me. "You could talk about how you discovered the cancer, your doctor's appointments, your chemo journey, and the surgery. You can talk generally about how you've been feeling. Literally, you'll be in complete control of this."
"What about... ?" I trail off, but Bailey knows exactly what I mean—the cheating, the destruction of my engagement, the shame.
"Anythingyou want to talk about," Bailey reiterates firmly. "But, I was reading, and what you went through is actually very common."
I think about all those months ago, that kind Nurse Ruth who tried to warn me about the partner of cancer patients leaving after diagnosis. Paul didn't even wait for the diagnosis to cheaton me. She tried to warn me, and I—stupidly, naively—didn't listen to her. Maybe that's something I need to try to make right. Maybe talking about, warning some women about the realities, could help someone prepare than I did. I think I may have discounted Ruth's words because she wasn't experiencing what I was, and that was wrong of me. She had seen it happen, but I thought I was the exception. No, I was the fool who didn't listen to wise advice.
No more. Maybe letting others know not to be as naive as me —that no matter how much their partner says they love them, they could still choose to leave. Maybe talking about it on the platform Bailey is giving me could be healing.
I playfully narrow my eyes at her with a smirk on my face, "Was the free wig a way to sweeten the offer?"
Bailey's face cracks into a grin as she meets my eyes briefly in the mirror, "Well... you can't go wrong with a little sugar on top."
Tonya snorts and shakes her head, "Master manipulator over here."
