PATIENT LOVE

Chapter eighteen

Harry doesn't call or text. It's been three days.

I feel so... used, I can't believe I fell for him.

I haven't told anyone about what happened, not even Lana. I'm too ashamed of myself for being so stupid and reckless.

I'm on my lunch break now and all I can think about is Harry and it's driving me crazy. I've stopped myself three times from caving and calling him, but I refuse. I'm not going to wait around for him; he made his choice loud and clear. He's still going to be with Jessica. I was just someone he finally got to sleep with.

I know my knuckles are turning white from how hard I'm gripping on the edge of my office table. I've had enough of this. I promised myself that I would never let a guy walk all over me ever again and I'm damn well not letting Harry ruin that for me.

I can't be around him anymore, I can't 'be friends' with him anymore, I can't plan his wedding, and I can't love him.

So I only have one choice: forget; move on.

But I have no idea how I'm going to do that but it's possible. First I'm going to start by taking a little break.

...

Jackie and I have been sitting at the restaurant for maybe an hour and we've been talking about what's been going on this pass couple of weeks.

"I can't believe you're going back to New York," she exclaims.

"Only for a few days for the wedding and plus I need a break," I sigh, running my hand through my hair.

"What's got you rushing for an early vacation all of a sudden?" she says raising a brow at me and my hands freeze in my hair. "I told you I'm going to Linda's wedding."

"If I recall correctly, you can't stand that woman."

"Yes, but I wouldn't want to miss the show they're calling a 'wedding' and I want to see my mom," I frown once I start to think about the main reason for wanting a break.

"What's wrong?" Jackie says after taking a bite of her food.

I sigh. Of course she notices my mood. "Nothing," I try to avoid it.

"I know that face and that's the famous I'm-going-through-something-but-I-don't-want-to-drag-you-into-my-problems-face, so what's up? You know you can tell me anything."

I was hoping to avoid this and never speak of it, but I should have known better than to think Jackie wouldn't notice; she's one of my best friends. And plus it would be good to vent to someone.

"Okay, something is going on, but at the same time not. Does that make sense?" I say but keep my eyes fixed on the drink in my hand.

"Sort of, but I need more than that," she says, raising an eyebrow at me in a suspicious way.

"Okay, so remember on my twentieth birthday and how there was that guy at the restaurant who came over by the bar and we chatted for a bit?" she nods once she recalls. "Okay, well it's now three years later and he comes in for an appointment for me to plan his wedding and one thing leads to another, we're talking, we exchange numbers, I even go to a freaking party with him and we slept together last week."

"What!" she shouts a little too loud and people look in our direction but we kindly smile at them in apology.

"Madelyn Clarke, what would your mother say about your behavior?" she jokes.

"Jackie, this is serious okay." I say getting a little frustrated.

"Wow, okay sorry." She tones down her grin. "Have you told Lana?"

"No," I lower my gaze. "I'm afraid of what she'll think and I just know she won't like it and to be honest I don't either. If I could take it back I would."

"It was only one time right?"

"Um... no," I say quickly.

"How many times?" her eyes widen. 

"Twice," I huff.

"And what's the problem now? His fiancée found out or something?"

"No, but we haven't spoken in a week and I just know that's his way of saying 'bye, thanks for the sex'."

"Do you really think that?"

"What else am I supposed to think when right after we have sex he basically drops off the face of the Earth?"

"Are you still going to work for him?"

"Hell no," I say almost instantly. "That just reminds me that I need to send an email declining any further planning for their wedding." I check my watch. "I should probably go back to work and do that now."

"Well, alright. Thanks for telling me and don't worry, once you're done with this Harry bad funk mojo, mama's going to find you a nice distraction," she smiles, referring to herself as 'mama'.

I roll my eyes but I don't decline her offer. We hug and then part separate ways.

...

Dear Mr. Styles,

I am sorry to inform that our services will no longer be provided towards your wedding plans. We hope that you are able to recruit a new company that will provide you and your fiancée the dream wedding.

Have a wonderful day.

Ms. Clarke

Lana & Madelyn, co.

I type up the email and read over it a few times. It's pretty broad but I hit send anyway.

Hopefully Harry gets the message that I'm pissed and I'm over him.

AN: on the side is Jackie

-RM