Something Great (Sequel to Something Borrowed)

Chapter 26: Speechless

A/N: I snuck in another update!! Michael's POV is included. I hope you enjoy!!

Engaged. It was a new word that was added to my vocabulary. I still couldn’t believe it. The idea that I was getting married was almost unimaginable. Every time I looked at my engagement ring I felt like I’d wake up from an all too good to be true dream.  I almost felt like a new person. There was this glow about myself that I’d never felt before. It was no secret that I was on cloud nine.

“Jake, if I don’t leave now I’ll be late.” I whined as I slowly removed his hands from my waist. It seems that since we’ve been engaged we can’t keep our hands to ourselves. Something about knowing that Jacob would soon be my husband made him absolutely irresistible. And it didn’t matter the time of day. Usually I wasn’t a morning person but my mornings had been very good lately. He places a trail of kisses on my neck. “Can’t you take off?” Jake ask against my skin, his hands roaming in places they shouldn’t if I want to get to work on time. It’s moments like this that I’m actually thankful that Harry doesn’t live in the apartment at this time.

I sighed “I can’t babe. I took off last week, remember?  A client wants their prints today so I have to be there.” I replied. Jacob pouts. I smiled. “I promise I’m all yours when I get home but I have to go now. I love you.” I spoke before pulling away from him and placing a quick kiss on his lips. Jake grins before pulling me back to him. “And I love you.” He replies before kissing me passionately. After sometime I pulled away blushing profusely.  He still made me blush. “I’ll see you later.” I declared shyly as I gathered my things and headed out the door. I swear, nothing could rain on my parade.

 As I headed off to work, my head was  spinning  with thoughts about my wedding. It’d been nearly a week since I’d accepted Jake’s proposal and we hadn’t sat down to discuss any plans. I’d always pictured a wedding in June or August at a beach or maybe a pretty church with lots of flowers.  The nuptials would take place in the afternoon and the reception would be at night. I had so many things to sort out but I couldn’t get ahead of myself. I hadn’t even told Mother I was engaged yet. I really wanted to ask her to have another dinner and invite Brooke over so Jacob and I could tell everyone then.  I know Brooke and I aren’t talking right now, but I really wanted her to be a part of my wedding. I wanted to make things right between us. I wanted my sister back.

My thoughts were abruptly interrupted when I got a call from one of my colleges  asking me to make the morning coffee run. I didn’t mind running the errand at all. At least I’d have a legitimate excuse for being late and luckily  there was a coffee shop right around the corner from my job.

I was met with rich aroma of coca beans and the buzz of espresso machines as I entered the coffee shop. I’d caught a taxi to work so I had more than enough time to write down the orders.  I knew nothing about coffee so instead of trying to pronounce the complicated drinks I just simply smiled and handed the barista the piece of paper. I decided I’d make myself comfortable at a table while I waited for the drinks to be made. A ray of sunlight caught  my engagement ring causing it to sparkle. I smiled. I truly don’t believe I could be any happier than I was at this point in my life.

Suddenly the door to the shop opens causing the brass bell to ring. I turned my attention to the door and set my eyes on a very familiar face that I hadn’t seen in a while. Crap. I always run into him at the finest times. I don’t want to see him here. I don’t want to face him. If I didn’t have to make this stupid coffee run I would’ve been gone  but I guess I had no other choice.

Michael

It was as if the whole world had stopped at the sight of her. I could feel my heart beating rapidly and I didn’t know why. Maybe it was the strong feelings I still had for Erin taking over or maybe it was the guilt of not talking to her for nine months that was getting the better of me.

I had a million questions I wanted to ask her. I just hadn’t had the nerve to contact her in the past few months. Brooke and I had been officially divorced for almost a year now. She refused to talk to me unless it pertained to the girls so she wasn’t a reliable source of information. When my daughters came to visit me every other weekend , I tried asking them about their aunt but they never knew anything. Erin looked as beautiful as ever. However, something was different about her. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. She caught my glance for a second and then quickly looked away. I’d come here for a quick caffeine fix before I headed to the hospital but that could wait. I couldn’t let her get away from me. I had to talk to her.

I took a deep breath as I approached the table she was sitting at. The coffee shop was loud with the sounds of coffee machines and baristas shouting orders but I seemed to drown out all the noise. My sole focus was getting to her.

“Long time no see.” I spoke softly once I’d reached her. What else do you say to someone you haven’t talked to in almost a year? Her back was turned to me. I’m hoping, praying that she’ll turn around and say something. Anything. I know for sure she wouldn’t just blatantly ignore me but who knows. A person can change in the course of nine months.  After what felt like forever Erin finally turns to face me. Her beautiful face holds a friendly smile but something about it is not quite genuine. “Hello Michael.” Erin speaks. I missed hearing her voice. I nervously ran a hand through my hair. Gee, this is pretty hard.

“So, it’s funny seeing you here. You hate coffee.” I declared casually. Erin tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m actually picking up a few things for my colleges at work.” She replied before glancing away. I nodded. I really don’t like the one sidedness of this conversation.

One of the baristas announces a very long order and Erin quickly gets up from her seat. She grabs her purse and tosses her hair over her shoulder. “That’s my order. Nice seeing you Michael.” Erin says hurriedly as she heads to the counter. No. This conversation is not over yet! There’s still so much that I have to know. I simply acted as if I didn’t hear her and followed her to up to the counter. “So, how have you been?” I continued as she grabs a few packets of sugar.  Erin doesn’t turn to face me. “I’m absolutely great Michael. I honestly couldn’t be better.” She replied. There’s actually a hint of enthusiasm in her voice. Usually people didn’t mean that. They’d just say that to get you out of their hair but  by the sound of her voice I might just be convinced.

I sighed. I was expecting her to ask me how I was doing but she seems more interested in getting stirrers for the coffee. “Rowan told me that Harry went off to London.” I spoke hoping to spark more conversation.  Erin grabs a handful of napkins. “He did. He really likes it. I miss my Haz every day.” She replied. Why won’t she look at me??? “So, are you still with that boyfriend of yours? Jack?” I asked. That was the main thing I really wanted to know. I mean I cared about Erin’s well-being and all but I also wanted to know if she was available. I’d kind of backed off on pursing her because I figured she had to be really going through some things since Harry decided to leave. My persistence would probably just add more stress on her plate.

Erin  finally turns to face me ,carefully holding the to-go tray of coffees in her hands. “It’s Jake. And yes we are still together. We’re engaged actually.” She replied with a smile. My heart dropped. Did I hear that right. Engaged?? When the hell did that happen?? Instinctively, my eyes searched for proof. Sure enough there was a diamond ring on her left ring finger. And this wasn’t just your average engagement ring either. It was a pretty nice size. Looks like that bastard has some money.

“Oh, that’s great.” I spoke although I didn’t mean it. This can’t be happening. “I would love to have you apart of the wedding.” Erin tells me with a smile. I sighed. “You were a part of mine. It’s only fair I return the favor. “ I replied dryly. Erin nodded her beautiful head before looking down at her watch. “I’m running late. I guess we’ll keep in touch about my wedding plans. Later Michael. Nice seeing you.” She replied quickly as she turned away and  exited the shop.

 As she walked away I didn’t really know how to feel. Erin hadn’t been a part of my life in nine months. I’d been busy with my personal issues. She had some of her own and to be honest there wasn’t really anything to talk to her about. I hadn’t called her because I didn’t know what to say. Ever since she’d friend zoned me our friendship hadn’t been the same.  Now our friendship really won’t be the same if there even still is one. We hadn’t talked to each other in nearly a whole year after all. I can’t believe she goes M.I.A on me for nine months and turns up engaged.  I was certainly at a loss for words.