Me
At least it’s not the flu bug going around.
Allison
No kidding!
Allison
Anyway, the other reason I’m messaging…Charli sent a text, asking if we wanted to meet her and Lizzie for lunch soon. Doc is off Tuesday afternoon, so I thought maybe we could meet up with them after the last appointment?
Dr. Houston has a few afternoons marked off his calendar to attend appointments with his wife. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer before I started working at the clinic, and he’s determined to be by her side through treatment. I’ve been told they’ll send another physician when he takes the week off for her surgery, but until then, we’re just not scheduling appointments during the afternoons he needs to be by her side.
Part of me wants to decline the offer. Yes, I may have told Allison about the whole Lance thing, but I don’t know if I want to get into it with my newest friends. I barely know Charli and Lizzie, and I’m certain my relationship will come up at some point in conversation. It always does.
Allison
You can say no if you want. I understand not wanting to pretend to be fine in public. It’s one thing to act that way at work, but completely another when you’re surrounded by friends. But if I can make a suggestion, as someone who went through a divorce. Don’t sit at home and mope for too long. Yes, grieve the loss of the relationship you once had, but don’t drown in the misery it can create. You know he’s not at home crying in a bowl of Rocky Road.
I read and then reread her text, her words striking a chord in my brain. She’s absolutely right. He’s not at home, crying. He’s not trying to make things right. He’s living his best life, completely oblivious of the hearts he’s breaking or the pain he’s causing along the way.
The truth is, Lance has always been self-centered and selfish. It was always about him first. He’d break up with me for whatever reason and then come back. He didn’t care about my needs, my time, or my feelings. He used me, plain and simple.
And that realization hurts more than the actual breakup.
Me
I’d love to go. I don’t plan to leave Cooper Town now, and I want to get to know Charli and Lizzie.
Allison
Yay! I told them we’d meet at the diner, since it’s in the middle of town. Easy walking distance for all of us.
Me
Perfect. See you tomorrow morning at work.
Allison
Have a great rest of your Sunday. If you get bored at home, call me. We can go for a walk or shopping or something.
I glance around my little rental. There are still boxes that need unpacked and laundry that needs washed. Not to mention I need to purchase a lawn mower. I didn’t have to worry about it before when I lived in an apartment, but now I have a lawn to take care of. Making my decision, I fire off a quick text to Allison.
Me
Actually, I do need to do a little shopping. Want to go shopping with me?
Allison
Absolutely! I can be ready in thirty minutes. I’ll even buy lunch.
A smile spreads across my face and my fingers move across the screen.
Me
I’ll pick you up in about thirty.
Allison
