After the Heartbreak

Chapter 6 of Part II: The Message

The rest of my morning was uneventful, just the way I liked it. After finding Megan’s purse in my car, I’d placed it on the kitchen counter, figuring she’d eventually reach out through Mark or get my contact information somehow. Until then, I wasn’t going to stress about it.

I wasn’t really one to overthink these kinds of things, preferring to let life take its course. If Megan wanted her purse back, she’d find a way to get in touch. If not, well, I’d cross that bridge when I came to it.

I spent the day getting some work done around the apartment, and by the time I sat down for lunch, I had all but forgotten about the previous night’s events. That was until my phone buzzed, vibrating lightly against the table.

I glanced at the screen and saw an unfamiliar number. Frowning slightly, I picked it up and unlocked the phone to read the message.

Hi, this is Megan. Mark gave me your number. I think I left my purse in your car last night, and I just wanted to thank you for taking me home and apologize for the trouble I caused. I was wondering if there’s a good time I can meet you to pick it up? I’d like to make it up to you.

I stared at the message for a moment, feeling a mix of surprise and awkwardness wash over me. I hadn’t expected her to reach out so quickly, and definitely not with such a formal tone. Still, it wasn’t like I was upset about it. If anything, I was relieved that she hadn’t forgotten about the purse. And honestly, it was nice to see that she wanted to apologize—though I didn’t think she had anything to apologize for.

Taking a deep breath, I tapped out a quick reply.

Hey, no need to apologize. It wasn’t any trouble. I have your purse here. I can meet you near your workplace if that’s easier for you.

I sent the message and leaned back in my chair, figuring that would settle it. After all, her office wasn’t too far from my place, and it made sense for me to bring the purse to her.

But Megan responded almost immediately.

I really appreciate that, but I was the one who caused the inconvenience. I can come to you instead, if that works?

I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the message. It was rare to meet someone so determined to make up for a night of getting too drunk, especially when she hadn’t done anything wrong. For a moment, I considered insisting on meeting near her workplace again, but I decided to let her have her way. If she wanted to go through the extra effort, who was I to argue?

Alright, that’s fine. Let’s meet at the coffee shop near my station. I’ll be there around 3 p.m.

Megan’s response came quickly once again.

Perfect! See you there.

I put my phone down, feeling an odd sense of anticipation I couldn’t quite explain. It wasn’t like this was a date or anything. We were just two people meeting to exchange a purse. Simple. Easy. But for some reason, I found myself wondering how this interaction would go. Would it be as awkward as last night had been? Or would we be able to talk without feeling like strangers?

Either way, I’d find out soon enough.