The Arrangement

21.1 | Kiss The Rain

It was Thursday, three days after Tracy had last spoken to Matthew to arrange dinner at Bernardino's that evening to discuss their situation. She had ignored his texts since then.

Upon leaving her room, Tracy entered the living room where two new, large floral arrangements stood out among the sea of flowers littered throughout the space that were sent by Matthew throughout the week. While she appreciated the fresh scent of roses, tulips, and others, the abundance was enough to stock her own flower shop.

In the kitchen, searching for a snack, she opened the fridge to find two half-eaten Edible Arrangements crammed onto the bottom shelf. Above, three boxes of chocolate-covered strawberries were perched, all gifts from Matthew as well.

Tracy picked a box of strawberries and began eating them at the counter when her phone chimed. She checked it, only to roll her eyes at yet another message from Matthew.

I hope you're okay. I'm just texting you to confirm our scheduled dinner tonight at 8 PM. Please respond so I know you're still coming.

Tracy reluctantly confirmed the dinner, questioning to herself the need for an in-person meeting just to end things. She thought a simple phone call should have sufficed and her items from the penthouse could've been sent to her instead. Checking her phone, she noticed she had less than two hours left before dinner and sighed, unsure of what to wear.

Jasmine entered the living room, elegantly dressed in a cocktail dress, heels, and clutch, ready for her date with Tom. "Do I look okay?" she inquired, twirling for Tracy.

"You always look stunning," Tracy responded, indulging in another chocolate-covered strawberry.

"Thank you," Jasmine replied cheerfully, slinging her silk scarf over her shoulder.

"More flowers and strawberries, huh?" Jasmine remarked, eyeing the fresh new bouquets and joining Tracy in eating a strawberry. "He really thinks this is gonna work. As if," she commented disdainfully. "Has he still been texting you, too?"

"Yeah," Tracy admitted reluctantly, wondering if Jasmine had heard the text notification just before.

"You haven't replied, have you?" Jasmine asked with a hint of worry. Tracy didn't answer, opting to eat another strawberry, prompting Jasmine to sigh. "Don't let the flowers and fruits fool you, Tracy. He hasn't changed. He's just trying to slither his way back into your life."

"I know," Tracy replied, silently wishing to avoid another lecture from Jasmine.

"Good," Jasmine stated, picking another strawberry and heading for the door. Tracy followed to bid her farewell. "Are you sure you'll be all right alone tonight? How's your head feeling?" She reached out to touch Tracy's head. Tracy playfully smacked her hand away.

"I'm okay. I'll be fine," Tracy claimed, having taken medication earlier. Although she still suffered mild headaches, she felt significantly better than she had over the weekend. "Now, off you go," Tracy said, nudging Jasmine towards the door. The sooner Jasmine left, the sooner she could start preparing for her secret dinner with Matthew.

"Okay, okay," Jasmine relented, opening the door. "Call or text me if you need anything."

"I won't," Tracy replied, eliciting a chuckle from Jasmine. "Have fun," she added before closing the door behind her cousin. Despite her guilt about lying to Jasmine, Tracy rationalized the need to meet Matthew one final time to officially end their arrangement.

Back in her room, Tracy eyed her wardrobe, contemplating her outfit. She initially intended to wear jeans, a T-shirt, and a jacket to signify her disinterest to Matthew. Yet, given the upscale restaurant's dress code, she chose a more sophisticated option: the black jumpsuit she donned for their contract renegotiation at Matthew's office back in February.