Everyone else could see how incompatible she and Gage were and they didn’t even see everything. They didn’t know about the uncomfortable and unsatisfying sex or the disappointed looks he sent her way when she had too much fun in front of his friends. She was no Stepford wife and she was starting to see that a future with Gage was simply not a happy one.
She didn’t feel like she could be herself around him. And wasn’t that important? Shouldn’t she be able to be her most authentic self with the person who was supposed to love her? She felt more like herself around the team, at the gym, hanging out with Bridget. Right now, goofing around with Avery. He seemed to like her just the way she was. But, being around Gage? It was just turning into a neverending stress test and she was sick of it.
It was at that moment when her phone buzzed again and she found a text from Bridget.
BRIDGET:Have you heard from Gage? Rick has been texting me all weekend from their trip. Apparently they’ve been getting a lot of rain and have been stuck in the hotel room. But, Rick said some of the guys went out to clubs instead. No golf pun intended!
HAILEY:Radio silence on my end. Guess he’s too busy at the clubs. They’ll be home tomorrow though, right? We’re supposed to have dinner with my parents. Ugh.
BRIDGET:Oh Lord, good luck with that
HAILEY:Make like a lawmaker and send thoughts and prayers
She pocketed her phone again before turning her attention back to Avery, someone who actually gave a damn about her feelings. Avery, who she just remembered is now single. Avery, who she had so much fun with every time he was around.
Damn, she had lots to think about.
Cherry Stems Group Chat
ABBY:[images attached] Okay guys, I’m trying to narrow down where to go. What looks best? Italy, Mexico, Iceland or Japan?
COLE:So jealous! They all look amazing. How’d you narrow it down to these four?
ABBY:Italian is my favorite food, followed by Mexican, followed by Japanese. But also sightseeing of course. Iceland is for a chance to see the Northern Lights
HAILEY:Aren’t you aiming for the summer? I don’t think you can see the Nothern Lights then.
ABBY:Shit, you’re right. Okay that’s one more down!!
ELENA:I’ve been to Mexico a few times to visit family. If you go to Mexico City, I can tell you where all the best restaurants are.
COLE:Wait, why choose? Just go to all of them!
ABBY:I’m not rich
COLE:Oh. Right. Well, I vote for Japan. It would be cool to climb Mt. Fuji!
HAILEY:I’d love to go to Italy one day. Maybe visit where my mom’s family is from. Eat as many different pasta shapes as I can
AVERY:I’d vote for Italy too. Think of all the vineyards!
ABBY:Oh yes I need to try all the wine! This is some good food for thought. Get it?
JOSH:I do!
RILEY:::pats Josh on the head:: Good job, buddy
COLE:I wish we could do a giant group trip and all go somewhere
AVERY:We could rent a big house down the shore or something? Maybe somewhere farther south along the coast? Ocean City, Maryland, or Outer Banks?
HAILEY:I’m in!
COLE:He really has the best ideas, doesn’t he? You’re such a catch, Avery!
ELENA:Start the Avery fan club already. We all know you want to
COLE:Totally. Hailey will you be my vice-pres?
