Two Weeks Later

 

Eloise

I kept myself busy by making videos, picking up a couple of photography jobs, and going out with my girls. Today was Hannah’s birthday party and I couldn’t wait to give her the doll I’d bought her in Chicago. I took the lid off the box to put the pajama set I’d bought inside. I picked it up and a small smile crossed my lips as I remembered Christian was the one who picked it out. It was a smile with a tinge of sadness mixed in. One day I was completely fine, and the next, sadness crept in when I saw things that reminded me of him.

My father sat down and had a talk with me that day I went to my parents’ house. He asked me if I made a list of pros and cons, and to be honest, I didn’t. I had in the past with other guys, but for some reason, it didn’t cross my mind with Christian. He handed me a piece of paper and a pen and I made the list in front of him. The results didn’t surprise me. On the con side, there was only one thing listed; what he did to me, or should I say, what he kept from me. My father looked at me with a small smile and told me to think about that list because everybody is entitled to make a mistake at least once in their life.

I wrapped up the doll and headed over to Scarlett and Jeff’s apartment. I was the first to arrive, which was no surprise to anyone since I always liked to be a little early.

“I’m so happy you’re here.” Scarlett smiled as she hugged me.

“Good to see you, Eloise. How are you?” Jeff asked as he lightly kissed my cheek.

“I’m okay.”

“I have to tell you that I’ve been watching your YouTube channel. If I were a woman, I would totally be inspired by you.” He smirked.

“Thanks, Jeff.” I laughed.

“Listen, there’s something I want to talk to you about.”

“Sure, what is it?”

“A friend of mine is hosting a woman’s personal growth seminar at the PlayStation Theater next weekend and she’s trying to fill two spots where speakers have had to cancel. I was telling her about you and she watched one of your videos and she’s highly impressed. She said she would love to have you as a guest speaker if you’re interested. There will be approximately fifteen hundred women attending.”

“Are you serious?” I asked in shock.

“Yes.” He reached into his wallet and handed me her business card. “Her name is Talia Springwater. Give her a call. I think you’d be great.”

“I don’t know, Jeff. I’ve never spoken in front of a live audience before.”

“You speak to millions of people all over the world every day!” Scarlett chimed in.

“That’s different. I’m behind a camera. I don’t actually see the people.”

“I think you should do it. It’ll be good for you.” She smiled.

I thanked Jeff and put Talia’s business card in my purse. Everyone had started to trickle in and the party began. I sat with Claire and Natalie, and as we ate, I asked their thoughts about participating in Talia’s seminar.

“I think it’s a great idea. You’d be a fool to turn it down,” Claire spoke.

“This is what you’re passionate about. Plus, you never know what other doors this opportunity could open.” Natalie smiled.

“By the way, where’s Nathan? I thought he was coming.”

“So did I, but something came up and he had to cancel.” Natalie frowned. “I think the time has come to #Delete him. I’m not playing this cat and mouse game with him. Me being the cat and chasing him. Like you say, he’s giving low investment. Do you know that he didn’t text or call me for two days?”

“What was his excuse?” I asked.

“He was overwhelmed with work.” She rolled her eyes.

“I still think he has a girlfriend,” Claire spoke.

“I’m sorry, Natalie, but I have to agree.”

“Yeah. My gut is telling me the same thing. I didn’t want to believe it at first, but things are starting to point in that direction.”

Scarlett helped Hannah open her gifts and when she got to mine, Hannah ripped the baby from the box and hugged her tight.

“Oh my god, Eloise, I love this,” Scarlett spoke as she held up the pajamas.

Tears started to fill my eyes. Damn it!

“What’s wrong?” Natalie asked as she put her arm around me.

“Nothing. It’s just look at how much Hannah loves her doll,” I spoke as I lightly wiped my eye. “It kind of reminds me of when I got my first American Girl doll, Maggie.”

That wasn’t the reason at all. The reason was those damn pajamas reminded me of Christian and the time we spent together in Chicago.

“You bought that doll in Chicago. Are you sure there isn’t another reason why you’re all teary eyed?” Natalie asked.

“No. There isn’t,” I lied.

“Come here, you little liar.” She pulled me into her. “I thought you were doing better.”

“I am. At least ninety percent of the time. Chicago was one of the best times of my life and the memory will always be there. So it’s okay to get a little sad thinking about it every once in a while knowing that I won’t experience that again.”

“You could always give a call or shoot him a text,” Claire spoke.

“Why would I do that? Anyway, I #Deleted him. So I don’t even have his number or numbers anymore. Remember, he got a second one so I wouldn’t know he was Mobile Man.” I narrowed my eye. “I don’t want to talk about Christian anymore. Let’s go have some cake.” I smiled.