14
Lauren
Somehow I found a way to shower, dress in a cute pair of black skinny pants and a red top. I had been wearing only sweatpants and t-shirts for the past week. I needed something to make me feel sexy and alive again. Thanks to Melanie, she had gone to my house and gathered all of my clothes, shoes, makeup and other essentials I would need until I figured out what I would do next with my living situation.
As I stepped into the boutique for my first day back at work, I noticed the smiles of my co-workers. I know our boss had told them what was going on and I just hoped they wouldn’t treat me any differently. To my surprise, they respected my privacy and acted as though my entire world hadn’t just exploded.
I set to work on unloading boxes from some of our suppliers and marveled at the adorable and sexy outfits we would be selling. This was probably one of my favorite parts of this job. Every day felt like Christmas as I got to explore boxes and find amazing pieces to try on and dress our store mannequins in.
My first full day back at work had gone well and as I drove back to Melanie’s apartment, I began to feel a hint of worry. When Melanie and Cole arrived home tonight, we would have to have some serious conversations.
Thankfully, I arrived home before the rest of them. I had time to change into a comfortable pair of jeans and grab a glass of wine and watch some trash television before they made their way home.
Walking through the door, Melanie smiled at me as she dropped her large purse on the couch next to me.
“Hey, how was work today? I tried to text and call you on my lunch break, but your phone is still off,” she said.
I placed my now empty wine glass on the coffee table as I sighed. “Yes, sorry about that. I don’t want to see any texts or calls from Isaac. It’s just safe to keep my phone turned off,” I stated.
Melanie only shook her head in agreement.
She went and changed out of her work clothes and we sat around watching television until Cole made his way home. We enjoyed a nice dinner of home cooked lasagna, a specialty of Mel’s. We didn’t talk about Isaac or Cole’s impending conversation he would be having soon.
After we ate and cleaned up the kitchen, Cole kissed Melanie before he turned to me as he was getting ready to walk out of the door.
“Lauren, Isaac is going to ask me about you. I can’t lie to him,” he said flatly.
“I understand and I don’t want to put you in a bad situation. Just be honest with him and tell him I’m hurt and confused. I just need time,” I finished.
“I will,” Cole said as she left.
***
HOURS LATER, COLE ARRIVED back home before midnight. Melanie and I were glued to the couch, anxiously waiting for his return.
When he opened the front door, both Melanie and I jumped up, ready to hear what he had to tell us.
“Hey baby,” Melanie yelled as she jumped into his arms and kissed him passionately.
Watching them made me smile and tear up. Melanie deserved Cole. He worshiped the ground she walked on and it was Cole who had ultimately saved her from a deep depression. I would always be forever grateful to him for bringing my best friend back to life.
“Hey,” Cole said as he held her tightly.
Melanie grabbed his hand and pulled him to the couch where we were all sitting.
Laughing, Cole had a look of surprise on his face. “You are anxious to hear about my meeting with Isaac,” he stated as he looked from Melanie and back to me.
We both nodded our heads as we smiled and held back our own laughter. We must look really silly right about now.
Taking in a deep breath, Cole relaxed himself into the couch before he began to speak. “Well, we met at a bar downtown. Isaac looked rough,” Cole began. “Honestly, he looked like complete shit. I mean, I’ve never seen the guy look so awful in our entire lives. As soon as he spotted me, he began firing questions at me about you,” Cole said as he pointed at me.
“I’m glad he looked awful,” I said as I folded my arms across my chest.
“Well, trust me he did,” Cole continued. “I told him that you were staying here but he can’t come by and see you until you call him and tell him you are ready. He argued with me for a while about this, but once Smalls and Jagger showed up, he finally got the message.”
I could just see the group of sexy men sitting together and having a heated discussion. I felt my cheeks flush at the thought and I quickly dismissed the idea. I was mad at Isaac, I couldn’t get turned on thinking about him.
“Good,” I said trying to distract my own thoughts.
“He is really sorry, Lauren. I know he fucked up, but he did have the best intentions. Look, if I can forgive him I hope you can find a way too. The guys and I all threatened him. We told him if he ever did anything like this again, or anything else to hurt you; we would all beat his ass and then never talk to him again,” Cole finished as his voice rose in anger.
I could see how this was affecting him and I was happy that Isaac had a support system around him who looked after him and who looked after me. There was so much love in this group of friends, it was hard not to fall in love with each and every one of the guys.
“So, the conversation went well?” Melanie asked.
She had been sitting silently, listening as Cole talked.
“Yeah, I left once Jagger started inviting girls over to our table. There’s only one girl I want to be with,” Cole said as he leaned over and kissed Melanie on the cheek.
She gushed and giggled at his touch and I smiled watching their affection. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my heart.
“Wait, you said girls arrived?” I asked.
Cole’s eyes grew wide and it was clear he didn’t mean to mention that part of the night to me.
“Well, yeah,” he said nervously.
He ran his hands through his hair and Melanie gave him a warning look to not say any more.
“Was Isaac drinking?” I asked.
I could feel my stomach drop and nausea taking over. I had broken up with Isaac. I was angry at him, but I couldn’t help but feel sick at the thought of him being surrounded by a bunch of women and alcohol.
“Sure, he had a couple of drinks... but don’t worry Lauren. He is hell-bent on getting you back. He wouldn’t risk sleeping with some random woman when he is trying to make things right with you and the rest of us,” Cole finished.
Standing, Melanie helped me up. I was sure my face was as pale as a ghost as I let her help me up off of the couch. “Lauren, you have had a long day. Go get some sleep and we can talk more tomorrow after work,” Melanie offered.
Too exhausted to argue, I made my way to my bed in the guestroom and crashed into the bed. As I tried to fall asleep, all I could think about was Isaac and his arms wrapped around some girl. The images haunted me the entire night.