Page 8 of Remember Me

Her beautiful face and vibrant red hair fill my screen. God, I miss her. “Hey, bestie, how was the party? Tell me everything!” She claps her hands together in excitement, eager to know all the details.

“It was really great until it wasn’t.” I trail off, eyes downcast, and that familiar frown is now back on my face.

“Hold up, what happened?”

I can feel the burn of tears threatening to fall again, so I look up and try to blink them away. It’s too late, she’s noticed.

“Char? Babe? You can tell me anything. What happened that’s got you so upset?”

Reluctantly, I relay all the details of last night—how I was dancing with the girls and having fun, that just before midnight I danced with Jake, and how close we were to kissing before I hightailed it out of there like Cinderella at the Prince’s ball. Sighing, I run my hands through my hair and look at Wren for a reaction.

“Oh babe, have you tried talking to him?”

I actually have the decency to look slightly sheepish.

“Charlotte Louisa Bennett, please tell me you have spoken to Jake since.” Shit, not the full name. I’m about to be in for some unwelcome home truths.

“I may have not answered his calls and texts since.” I actually wince telling her.

She pinches the bridge of her nose. “Why not? He’s one of your best friends. You can’t lose years of friendship over this, Char, it’s not worth it.”

“I know that!” I shout a little louder than I expected. “I know, I just…I just can’t bear the humiliation of it all, ok?” The tears are now falling down my face. Unable to look at Wren, I fold my arms on the table then bury my head in them and cry.

“Char, look at me.” I raise my head slightly. Wren’s features soften as she takes me in. “I know you’re hurting, and you feel embarrassed and like you can’t ever face him again. But you can. You need to talk to him, even if it’s just a message. He didn’t do anything wrong, babe.”

She’s right, I know she’s right, and I will message him…later. Right now, I need to get ready to spend the day with my parents.

“I’ve just seen the time; I’ve got to go.”

“Say hi to your parents for me. I miss them.”

“Will do. Love ya.”

“Love you too, and don’t forget to message him.”

I wave her off and promise to call her soon.

Finishing my coffee, I head inside and start to get ready. My parents are only in town for a couple more days, and I want to make the most of our time together. The one thing I hate about living in San Diego is my family isn’t here.

Walking toward the shower, I see my reflection in the mirror. My eyes are puffy and red-rimmed; it’s obvious I’ve been crying. I need that to go down before my mom arrives. She’ll be giving me the Spanish Inquisition otherwise.

A couple of hours go by. I’m showered and dressed, and my eyes don’t look quite so bad now I’ve smothered them in concealer. I look down at Bella, who’s in her bed playing with her new toy, no shits given to what I’m doing. So whilst I wait to go out, I decide it’s now or never and text Jake.

Charlotte - I’m ok, I promise.

Charlotte - I’m spending the day with my parents for their anniversary.

Charlotte - But we do need to talk.

Jake - I’m glad you’re ok.

Jake - I’ve been worried.

Jake - Tomorrow sound good?

Charlotte - Sounds good.

After what started out as a pretty crappy morning, the rest of the day has been amazing. My parents picked me up and we had the most delicious meal at the Yachtsman, a beautiful steakhouse overlooking the water, and we were even in time to watch the sunset.