For Better or For Worse

Chapter 45---Sure...Just As...FRIENDS

Monique's P.O.V.

My two months are almost done. Two months to decide whether to fly back to New York, or stay here at home.

I made up my mind.

I'm flying back to New York.

That's that.

I have a life and future there. Is it wrong to leave Carson here? Was it right that I should go hard to get on him? It's because I don't want any regrets. I don't want to give chances this time. I already gave him that years ago, yet he wants one last chance...how many last chances have I given him already?

We have three days free and I'm not a huge fan of doing nothing. Last time that happened, I almost had a fit. Considering that tomorrow is Mother's Day and we all know that I'm not a mom, but I was supposed to be.

Negative thoughts, again. Erase.

I arranged a little Tea Party with my mom and when I say Tea Party, I really mean Tea Party that six-year-olds do, but with real tea and cakes. We're doing the Tea Party in my room a home and today I'm at my hotel room than my flat for these free days.

I could go to the pool, but I suddenly got tired just thinking of swimming. The spa is another choice, but it's the silence I can't stand.

What to do? What to do?

I got my phone and scrolled down at my contacts. Jessica went shopping with Alice. Dylan has work. My girls also had work. Cole? No! No! The rest of the cast and crew stayed in at their hotel rooms and told me that they wanted to rest for the free days we had. Carson was the only contact available. Should I?

And yes, I haven't deleted his number since forever.

Before I could even decide if I should call him, I heard my ring tone and his number popped up. He was calling me.

"Uh, hi." I answered his call.

"Hey." he replied nervously.

"...you, uhm, were calling?" I stood up, pacing back and forth. I was nervous, too.

"Yeah...about that..." he had to pause so many times. What was he so nervous about? And why are my teeth chattering? "...I was gonna ask you if you...wanna grab something for lunch? I mean...just us...no...just as friends, maybe?"

Lunch. Carson is asking me to lunch. Again, the debate in my head. I can't just tell him no or drop the bomb...I didn't know what happened next but the last thing I remembered doing was shutting my phone off and slamming it to the bed, and my hands are running through my hair.

That was very courteous of you, Monique. Well done.

*Beep. Beep*

'Visit orphanage @ 3'

Crap. Crap. CRAP! I forgot! Urgh!

I haven't even bought the toys for the kids. I am in trouble. Although...

I picked up my phone and sent a message. After that, I zoomed to get changed.

'Lunch will be great. Text me where.'

----

After running to a local toy store and purchased all I need for the orphanage, Carson sent me a text of where he would want us to grab lunch. I drove to the place and saw him sitting at a two-person table, twiddling his thumbs. He looks so casual. Unfortunately the table was outside. Exposed much. I put my sunnies on to minimize photographers.

It was just a small café.

Having lunch with your ex can't be this complicated, right?

I slid my bag on my shoulder and got out of the car. Making sure I locked it, I walked where he was sitting and a smile was plastered on his face.