It was Wednesday. I hadn't talked to Jared since he called me 4 nights ago. My schedule had filled up reletively quickly, booking new appointments with my manager and publishers for new opportunities. I hadn't called Jared figuring that he must be busy with his pictures and also since he seemed upset. However, I did have a relaxing lunch with my best friend, Jade.
I walked up to the restaurant, fixing my hair that had been tusled with wind. Jade was seated in the corner and browsing the menu. I started towards her, happy to finally have a break.
When Jade saw me, she got up and squealed and extended her arms. "Dawson oh my gosh how long has it been!"
I shrugged and hugged her, "Since before the book tour!"
She grinned at me and sat down, handing a glass of wine. For hours we sat and talked about how she got a breast implants, how she had started adopting animals and had a cat and how she even traveled Europe with her best friend, now fiancé.
"You're definitely invited! Its in 3 months, at Half Moon bay up north." a joyce smile was printed ear to ear.
"Congratulations Jade!" I exclaim.
She shoved her ring in my hand, just as every new soon-to-be-bride does. The giant diamond laid in a metal clasp that was surrounded by bed of purple rhinestones. Jade stared at me with a smile imprinted on her face. She waited for me to gawk over it and be jealous, but I wasn't hat envious.
"Enough about me," Jade says when I hand her the ring, "Who's the lucky guy in your life."
I shrug, "No one. Evana but she's not a guy, she is lucky though."
Jade raises and eyebrow like she doesn't believe me.
"I swear! I'm not with anyone."
"So I could set you up with Tom from the office and you wouldn't have to tell someone?" She said in a smart alek tone.
"Tom needs to tend to his fungi collection, don't bother him." I joke as the waitress brings our food.
Jade dresses her salad as hysteria left her lips. "Besides Eva, who have you been talking to."
I sigh, "Fine. His name is Jared. But nothing serious. Just hung out a few times."
Jade squealed again, reaching for my hands, "Tell me everything!"
I smile, "I met him in Haiti, we were both helping families. He's in a band, Thirty Seconds to Mars with his brother. They are working on a book but no one knows."
Jade giggled that made my cheeks turn rosey. "Go for it."
My eyes go wide as I swallow, "Are you crazy, Jade?"
She looks at me, "Not that I recall but, I think you are if you don't persue this man."
I shake and bow my head, "I can't, we're too different."
"You two aren't different. You, Dawson, are scared."
I drop my fork on the side of the plate, "Excuse me?"
Jade sets her silverware on the table and looks up at me with a serious glare on her face, "You're scared to try since what Cameron did to you aren't you?"
"Don't you dare bring him up Jade. I am not scared." I spit, my blood beginning to boil.
"Ever since you caught him in bed with those prostitutes, you are worried that you will get hurt again. Dawson not every guy will do that!" Jade said in a less provocative tone.
I breathed, trying to calm down, "I can't- won't. . . I don't like him."
Jade shrugs, "If thats how you feel then fine."
"Thank you." I say, taking a bite of my salad.
"Yeah, yeah. You're as stubborn as a mule."
I smile proudly.
∞ ∞ ∞
I started to think about what Jade said as I got ready for bed. I didn't think I was scared, but it did make sense. I couldn't be though, I was wanting something with him.
I walked over to my bed and sat down, hugging Evana. She knew my thoughts were getting to me so she offered an ear.
"Evana, what should I do?" I asked her.
She looked up at me. What do you feel is right?
"I want to.. Maybe just letting it be for now. Friends would be nice." I say, skidding my hand down her back.
Evana blinked, Maybe you should test the waters. It's been years Dawson.
"Don't sass me, Eva. I know its been a couple years, but with good reason."
She barked at me and hit her paw on my chest Just try. It's worth it.
I nod, then knit my eyebrows because I'm carrying out an imaginary conversation with my dog. I pick up my phone and look at all the meetings and phone calls I had tomorrow. Thinking for a moment, I decided to clear my schedule and listen to Jade, and my dog. I begin to draft texts to Jared:
Hey Jared, it's Dawson. If you are available- nope.
Hi Leto, it's DuPuis. Tomorrow I'm free if you have ti- hell no.
What's up Ja- already a failure.
I breathe and throw my phone on my pillows. Evana crawls onto my lap and sits there, sprouting an idea.
I reach to my phone:
Hey Jared. I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out tomorrow. Let me know and I'll meet you somewhere.
I hit send and set the phone on my forehead. Closing my eyes, I pet Evana and feel her breathing calm as she falls asleep. My phone suddenly gets very excited as I get text. It's from Jared:
Sounds great! I have an idea, pick you up at 9?
I tell him I'll be ready. Evana, feeling my heart racing, wags her tail and sticks her tongue out.
"Thanks Eva" I pat her head.
She barks as if to say you're welcome.
