The Beautiful & Damned

20 - Trouble

trouble - /ˈtrʌb(ə)l/
difficulty or problems

I was staring at Gerald, frozen in time, with my cellphone pressed to my ear.
He kept whispering and asking me who is it. I just raised my hand, signaling him to wait.
I got up and walked a few steps away from the bed.

"What the hell do you want? How did you get my number?" I spat. Never in a million years I thought that he would be hitting me up after all that happened.

"Does it really matter?" He asked, as if nothing happened. He sounded cocky and I wasn't having it.

"Who gave you my number?" I asked again.

"It was your mother, okay?" I can't say I was surprised. I'll have to reconsider my offer; I suddenly changed my mind. I never want to speak to her again.
"I called her, explained myself and politely asked for your number. She didn't hesitate; I probably wouldn't even have to ask."

"What are you trying to prove?" I scoffed.

"Oh, come on Ash, you don't have to act all tough now, I know how much I hurt you and I'm deeply sorry." He spoke with such confidence; probably thought I was going to forgive him and jump right back.

"A little too late, I'm afraid." I said.

"Come on baby, please. I know I screwed up badly. Can we talk? I'll be in town this week."

"Are you insane or just pretending?" I was shocked, how dare he?

"Please, just let me take you out for a drink." He begged.

"No. I don't have anything else to say to you Taylor. It's been over between us for a long time and it's gonna stay that way." I told him.
Meanwhile, Gerald got out of bed and went to the living room, giving me privacy. It was a kind gesture but I think he couldn't listen to the conversation anymore.

"Baby please." I already felt bad for Gerald, I wanted to end this as soon as possible.

"Don't call me baby." I scoffed. "Do you really think I haven't grown up at all? I'm not that naive college girl that you used. I can't possibly imagine what I would get from this drink."

"Me." He chuckled.

"I don't want you, Taylor."

"I see what's going on. You're with someone and you're afraid he'll get jealous if you actually agree to see me."

I hate how right he was. But that wasn't the only reason; I actually don't want to see him. I have no business having a drink with someone who hurt me like he did.

"What's going on in my life is none of your god damn business. You had your chance and you blew it." I said, trying to keep my cool.

"Listen, just think about it and let me know what you decide, okay?"

He was so sure that I would change my mind.
"Goodbye Taylor."
I hung up before he could say anything else. I threw my cell on the bed and made my way into the living room. Gerald was sitting on the balcony with a half empty martini glass in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He was staring at the sea.
I took a seat next to him, taking a cigarette from the case. I lit it up.