A White Lie

Chapter 10: Shooting Stars

Chapter Ten: Shooting Stars

“You’re kidding me.” I shook my head and began telling Cassandra the story of how badly Xavier handled Jennifer’s confession. When I finished, her eyes were as wide as saucepans. “So let me get this straight, he rejected her, left her in tears and expects you to check on her?” I nodded.

“And he still wants to be friends with her after all that,” I finished.

“Fat chance. Knowing Jennifer, she’ll probably run the other direction whenever she sees him.” I agreed with Cassandra, there wasn’t a chance in hell a girl could stand being in the same room with a guy who rejected her so bluntly. “What do I do with these then?” Cassandra asked, waving the flight tickets and hotel reservation in the air.

“Talk to Jennifer. See how she feels about going to Adelaide with Xavier there,” I suggested. Cassandra vigorously shook her head.

“No way! I’m not putting that two ticking bombs together. It’ll just ruin the trip for every one else.”

“Why don’t you let them decide instead?” Cassandra had a point, there would definitely be awkward moments with the both of them there, but it would be unfair if we only invited either Jennifer or Xavier since they’re both our friends and besides, it would waste Cassandra’s money too. My best friend let out a loud sigh, no doubt stressing over this matter.

“We’ll discuss it with Jennifer over lunch on Wednesday. It’s too soon to talk about it tomorrow, but we need to give her time to pack if she decides to go. We leave immediately after work on Friday.” I nodded, suddenly feeling very excited about the trip, despite the Jennifer and Xavier obstacle we had to get past. I walked over to Cassandra and hugged her as tightly as I could.

“Thanks for bringing me on the trip, Cass.” She smiled at me.

“You’re welcome, Zoe.”

***

I rubbed my eyes as I stared at the Starbucks worker tiredly, regretting my decision to stay up to read last night. Once she returned with my order of two large Caramel Frappuccinos, one for Xavier and one for myself, and a large Hazelnut Frappuccino for Cassandra, I thanked her before exiting Starbucks, preparing myself for the inevitable crazy summer heat. All I had on was a thin summer dress that ended an inch above my knees, but when I got to the office, I was drenched in sweat. 

“Hazelnut Frappuccino for Miss Cassandra Williams,” I sang cheerfully as I walked into Cassandra’s office, glad to be out of the summer heat and back in the air-conditioned building. I stopped mid-sentence however, when I noticed Cassandra had a guest.

“Hey Zoe,” Xavier greeted me with a sad smile. I had no doubt that he was receiving a lecture from Cassandra for leaving a heartbroken girl crying. I waved back and set Cassandra’s drink in front of her.

“Hey Xav. Was planning on looking for you, but since you’re here, I don’t have to anymore.” I handed him the untouched Caramel Frappuccino. I didn’t know what he liked, but I went with caramel because nothing can go wrong with caramel.

“Thank you. Did you need something?”

“I think Cassandra probably covered it.” I planned to ask Xavier about the holiday this afternoon, but as always, Cassandra was one step ahead.

“Is it about Adelaide?” he asked. I nodded. “I’m not going.”

“Why not?”

“It’s going to be awkward as hell and I don’t want to ruin the holidays for you girls.” I opened my mouth to argue, but he quickly stopped me. “I’ve made my decision and I’m not changing it. Thanks again for the drink,” he said as he briskly got up to leave. Once he was out of the office. Cassandra let out a frustrated sigh.