Back to You

Chapter Eight

~MATTHEW~ 

It was October again, a year after Jess and I came back to Australia. I wondered how Jess was doing. I was hoping she's doing well and had moved on from Eric. Besides, he seemed to have moved on faster than her anyway. I've seen his posts with the girl he got back with and if I remembered correctly, he rarely posted pictures when he was with Jessie. That weirdo! He had everything he could ask for in a partner and yet he still looked the other way. Jessie moved to a different country just for him! I just wanted to punch the hell out of that guy for what he did to Jess.

Jessie deserved someone better than Eric. Whether it's me or someone else, I really hoped the next guy would love her truly and earnestly. I never wanted to see her that broken ever again.

I tried my luck reaching out to Jessie one day to ask if we could hangout. I really missed her. If I needed to forget or let go of my feelings for her just so I can have my best friend back, I'd do it. I wished we could go back to how it was before.

Surprisingly, it was her who reached out first! One afternoon, I had just finished a big meeting at the company when my secretary, Mrs. Thompson informed me of a call waiting at my office. Mrs. Thompson had been working for my family's company since I could remember. She then started working for me five years ago and I was always fond of her like she's my extended grandmother.

"The call is from a Miss Cruz, Matt." said Mrs. Thompson. "Thank you, Mrs. Thompson," I smiled widely. "I'll be in my office and I hope I won't be disturbed until I finish the call, alright?" I asked like a 5-year old making negotiations for a piece of chocolate. She winked at me in agreement and I hurriedly closed the door to the office.

"Jessie?"

"Hi, Matty! I thought the line went dead already," she said with a little laugh. I could sense even on the phone that she was in quite a good mood. 

"I'm sorry for that, Jess. I just came from a board meeting," I said apologetically. "I'm relieved Mrs. Thompson held the call." 

"Aww, Mrs. Thompson still works there?" she said excitedly. "I want to see her soon and hopefully I get to bring home some of her famous chocolate chip cookies."

"I'll make sure to mention it to her, Jess. So, what's up? How have you been doing, huh?"

"Everything's good, Matt. Actually, I do want to catch up with you, if that's okay?" those words were music to my ears. I had to stop my self from punching my desk in delight. 

"Absolutely, Jessie! I'd love that." I replied.

"Okay, so next week I won't have work because our preschool is doing some quick renovations. Im free for the week to go there to Adelaide and visit you, if that's alright?"

"Are you serious? Why the hell do you sound like you're asking permission to visit me?" I said laughing.

I heard her laugh, too, and it made my heart skip a beat. "I don't know. You just said you came from a big boys' meeting so I figured talking to you needs some formality or something. So, are we good?"

"Of course, Jess, in a heart beat!" I might have sounded overly enthusiastic but what the hell! I was going to see my best friend again, so of course I was excited.

We finalized some details of when and where we would meet up as well as arranging for her stay at my house overnight. She wanted to have dinner at my place with my family, so she said she would cook for us. I couldn't say no to that. We finally said our goodbyes on the phone and I sat on my chair with a wide smile stamped on my face. I didn't even notice Mrs. Thompson knock and walk into my office.

"Matt, I assumed the call was finished?" she said with a grin on her face.

"Yes, Mrs. Thompson." I said laughing again. "Are you free Friday next week, Mrs. Thompson? Jessie's coming to visit and we're having dinner at my house." I invited her.

"Friday, you say? Well, I got nothing on my calendar and yours," she said encouragingly. "I'll make sure to free your Friday next week for that as well, Matt."

"Actually, I won't come in to the office starting Tuesday. I'll make some arrangement to set meetings and have it moved so I could free up next week, Mrs. Thompson,"

"Will Jessie stay for a week?"

"Yes but she'll be all over town not just to visit us. I plan to accompany her, if that's alright?"

"No worries, dear. I'll fix your schedule for you."

"You are a gem, Mrs. Thompson!" I gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Oh, and if it's not too much to ask, can you make some of your famous cookies for Jessie? She would love to be able to have them again."

She grinned at this, like how grandmas are towards their favorite grandchild. "My pleasure, Matty. Of course, I'll make some for Jessie."

This day couldn't get any better. I was finally going to hangout with my best friend. I just couldn't wait.