𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐍 , mike schmidt

09. rooftop

The past two weeks had been filled with work, tequila sodas with Aly, and light conversations with Mike over text. 

Mike had seemingly become one of my only friends in Hurricane. Maybe it was because he trusted me with the baggage he was carrying or because he was nothing like any of my other friends, especially the ones back in New York. 

My phone suddenly rang and I saw a familiar name from the city pop up on the screen.

"Hey Addison."

"Omg, Miles! I'm sorry I've been so shitty about reaching out to you since the move."

"It's okay, I've been busy anyways." I lied

"I promise I have a motive for calling, as I always do."

"Go on..."

"So, my birthday is coming up and Jackson rented an entire section at a rooftop bar for us!"

Oh shit. It had felt like ages since I had experienced a typical night out in Manhattan, which consisted of flowing champagne and money.

"No way! That's the sweetest thing."

"You HAVE to come, Miles. It won't be the same without you!"

"Omg, I thought you'd never ask. But, when is it?"

"It's this Friday. I know it's short notice, but I NEED you there. It wouldn't be my birthday without you...and a section for ourselves."

"Okay, yeah. I think I can manage since my last day of working this week is on Thursday." 

"PERFECT! Omg, I have to tell the girls you're coming. You better text me your boarding ticket so I know it's real."

Shortly after the phone call, I had bought my plane tickets back to New York. I knew if I sat and thought about it for a long time, I would've convinced myself to save money - but it had been far too long since I lived a day in my old life. The life that I truly missed.

-

It was Wednesday evening at Siena's and I was counting down the hours until close. I was arranging some wine bottles in front of the Thanksgiving decor to snap a picture post. Not only was I managing the store, I was also running the social media accounts.

After taking the final picture, I heard the bell on the front door ring and I turned around with a smile to greet the customer. 

"Can you help me find a bottle?"

It was Mike.

I laughed and gave him a smile.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, staring at the brunette male who was dressed in a sweatshirt and the same pair of jeans he always seemed to throw on.

"I was driving back and figured I'd stop in. Kinda like when you stopped in on me working a few weeks back." he teased, with a smirk on his face. His eyes looked over some of the wine bottles, while knowing he wasn't going to actually buy any.

"Thanks for stopping in." I teased back, giving him the same smirk.

"Abby is really excited for you to come on Friday. " Mike informed me, digging his hands into his jean pockets.

Shit. Friday. I had completely forgotten that Abby's Thanksgiving pageant was this Friday. This Friday was also my non-refundable trip back to the City, so there was no way I could just cancel it.

I let out an audible sigh as I looked up at Mike.

"About that...I forgot it was my friend's birthday this Friday back in New York. She invited me to fly out there, so I bought tickets." I admitted, avoiding looking at him. 

"Wait, so you can't come?"

"No...but have a whole section on a rooftop bar rented out for her birthday. It's going to be this huge thing and she really didn't want me to miss it."

"But you knew about Abby's pageant for awhile."

"I know, but I forgot. And I can't miss her birthday...and it's on a rooftop.", I bragged, not realizing the New York side of me coming out.

Mike's eyes went up to mine as he started shaking his head and letting out a sigh.

"I know exactly the type of girl you are." he responded. 

It felt like a punch as he said those few words to me. What did he mean by that? Was I supposed to cancel on my friend's birthday? Sure, I knew about Abby's pageant before the rooftop birthday event, but it was my friend's birthday.

"What do you mean?"

"You had me fooled for awhile, Miles. I'll give you that. But, now I can see who you are."

My brows furrowed as I stared at Mike. The way he was talking to me was something I hadn't experienced before. How did I fool him? Did he think I just simply put on an act?

"What are you talking about? I've been myself this entire time with you."

"Clearly not if you're choosing to go to a fucking rooftop bar with your friends in New York who haven't checked in on you in almost two months - yeah I remember you telling me that." he paused. " You knew about Abby's pageant, and you're choosing to go get drunk across the country with some shitty friends."

My mouth wanted to drop, but I held it together. I couldn't believe that me going to New York would cause such a heated moment between Mike and I.

"Mike, you're acting like I'm missing out on a fucking wedding or something. It's a pageant - you can send me a recording and I'll watch it."

"You don't get it. My sister never asks for anyone to come to her shows - but she wants you there. She keeps asking if you're coming everyday. But, you choose something so fucking stupid over this."

"Again, it's a pageant. I can spend time with Abby to make it up to her when I get back."

"You really don't get it. I can't believe I thought more of you." Mike states, delivering the final blow.

"Mike I'm sor-"

"No, save it. And don't expect the recording. Enjoy your time in New York." he scoffs, as he abruptly exits the store leaving me in my thoughts.

-

how are we feeling about this yall? <3