Monday morning, Meg woke up to John sitting in the chair next to her bed and staring straight at her. Startled, she jumped up and held the sheets close to her chest in an attempt to cover herself. “What the—John, where have you been?” Meg’s hand went to her throat. “You scared the living shit out of me.”
His head hung low, but his eyes were staring back at her under long dark eyelashes. “What the hell’s going on here, Meggie?”
“Jesus, John, you look like shit. Where have you been?”
“It doesn’t matter where I’ve been.What do you care anyway?” He strolled toward the door and Meg watched; he looked defeated and miserable.
“John, don’t leave, please, talk to me. I have been waiting here for two days for you to return. I don’t know where you’ve been, and I’m not sure why I even care right now. But you were way out of line the other night and we need to talk about this,” she said with a stern voice.
He didn’t stop. He continued to walk away. Meg followed him to the kitchen and watched him pour water from the tap into the coffee pot. She didn’t realize how close she was until he turned and they collided. Water spilled on to the floor between them and John cursed low under his breath. He managed to recover the glass pot from falling out of his grasp. He placed it back on the counter just before turning his attention to Meg. “Jesus, Meggie,” he grabbed her upper arms in a tight grip, but he was careful not to hurt her. He backed her up to the table at the breakfast bar and lifted her on to the stool and pointed his long finger directly in her face. “Don’t move. You and I are going to talk. You have a lot of explaining to do,” he said with a scowl on his face.
“So now you want to talk?” she asked sarcastically.
As though he had every right to ask, he placed both hands on the counter behind her and trapped her in. “Who’s this guy you were with, Meggie?” He stared at her, she could feel his breath on her face; he was so close.
Meg glared back at him, and in a flat voice she responded. “John, I introduced you. You know who he is.”
“That’s not what I meant and you damn well know it. What does he mean to you?” Meg swallowed hard. His nostrils flared and he didn’t move an inch as he waited for her to respond. He looked straight at her and without a flinch he asked, “Are you sleeping with him?”
Meg dropped her head and stared at the floor below; she couldn’t look him straight in the eye. If she was unsure of how he felt about her before, she certainly knew now that he still had feelings for her. But she had to face this, she had to come to terms with the fact that this thing between them would go nowhere, and it was up to her to end it. The last thing she wanted was to give him any misconceptions about how she felt about him. With her head hung low, she responded. “We just met through business. We’ve spent very little time together, but, John, I really do like him.” She looked up in time to capture the pained expression on his handsome face. “Why did you wait all these years? Clearly, you feel something for me, but so much time has gone by. I don’t understand. I would have moved heaven and earth for you eight years ago. If I meant anything to you at all, why didn’t you try to get in touch with me since we moved away from home?”
His jaw flexed in that sexy way that men seem to do, and he combed his fingers through his hair in frustration. “Meggie, I haven’t stopped thinking about you. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about you. But I wasn’t sure if you had forgiven me for leaving you that night. I let too much time go by, I know that, but we were miles apart. Both of us had responsibilities with our jobs. I tried letting go. Hell, I spent the last eight years of my life trying to let you go. But I can’t and I’ll be damned if I’ll let you walk out of my life now. We have something special between us, Meggie, and I was hoping we could have a fresh new start. I had no idea you were coming to New York, you just appeared out of nowhere. When I first saw you, I thought how lucky am I? I thought maybe we had a chance.” His eyes were glossy. Meg sensed the seriousness in his tone, and she truly felt at a loss.
Hearing the disappointment in his voice made her feel like the biggest jerk in the world. She knew when they were eighteen before leaving Door County they had feelings for one another. She also knew that despite that dreadful night a long time ago, she couldn’t possibly blame him for what happened. But truthfully, what she felt right now for Drake Noble was beyond anything she’d ever felt before, and she couldn’t possibly walk away from that.
“John, what we had was a long time ago, and I get that I just started seeing Drake. I’m not even sure where this thing will go with him, especially after the other night, but I have to try. I haven’t talked to him for two days, and I’m worried sick that I may have fucked it all up with him. I figured if I can’t stop thinking about him this way, it tells me that I care about him.”
Without warning, a single tear fell down Meg’s cheek and she swiped it away with the back of her hand. This conversation was killing her, but she meant every word that fell from her lips. “Maybe what you feel toward me right now is mixed up with old memories and feelings you once had.” She looked up at him questioningly. “Who was the girl you were with? I mean, if you really care as much as you say you do, how did you hook up with her so quickly that evening after I canceled?”
“She’s a girl I’ve been seeing off and on since I moved here. I met her at that club the first week after I arrived. She’s not my girlfriend, but I do call her when I need…”
“Oh, I see, you’re fuck buddies?”
“Jesus, Meggie. When you put it like that, it sounds, I don’t know; she’s nice enough, but not someone I would consider spending the rest of my life with.”
“John, it’s fine. I see it for what it is. I just find it a little odd that you would call her up when we were supposed to spend the evening together.”
With a sharp tone he responded. “You’re one to talk.”
“I’m not looking for a fight here, John. I had a last minute business meeting to attend to.”
He combed his fingers through his hair nervously. “You have a point, but honestly, I was pissed. I was pissed that you canceled out on us. Pissed because I do have feelings for you. And you know what, Meggie? You can’t tell me that you feel nothing towards me, I know you do.”
“You’re right, John. There is a definite chemistry between us, but that’s all there is. I can’t live in the past anymore. It took me forever to get over you. It was a long time ago. I’ve changed. In fact, we’ve both changed.”
His tone turned to anger; he wasn’t yelling but there was bitterness in his voice. “That’s the God damn point, Meggie. I want to get to know you all over again, I want to give us a chance, I want to see where this could lead. Don’t you think I know we’ve both changed? We’ve grown up and I don’t need to remind you it’s been eight fucking years since we’ve last seen one another, so of course, we’re different people than we were back then.”
When Meg placed her hand on his chest, his muscles tensed under her touch. “Come on, John. Please, don’t do this,” she begged. “I like him. I can’t help how I feel. We have a connection, and more than anything I’ve ever wanted before, I want to see where things could go with him. I don’t even know if he wants anything to do with me anymore. I might have blown any opportunity I had with him after we ran into you at that club. But I have to hope that it isn’t too late. I like you, John, but for the past two days, it was him I thought about. I’m sorry. I know I’m not telling you what you want to hear, but I don’t want to be with anyone more than I want to be with him right now.”
John’s face hardened. He listened to what she had to say but he wasn’t at all happy to hear it. “What you’re really saying is you don’t want me anymore, is that right, Meggie?”
“You know, there was a time when I wanted to be with you more than anything. Like I said before, it took me forever to get past what I felt for you. I can’t go back to that. I’m finally over you, and I’m happy now. Can’t you be happy for me?”
He looked away from her and everything went quiet. “Fine, I get it, but I am not giving up on you, Meggie. I will never give up.” He looked straight into her eyes, his face grew serious, his tone certain. “Do you hear me? I have to ask you something, something that’s been bothering me since that last night we spent together; there’s something you’ve been hiding from me.” He looked her square in the face, his look was intense and he wanted answers.
Meg was stunned; the sound of blood gushed through her ears and dread filled her chest. How could he possibly know she was hiding something? Did he know? No way, he couldn’t have known.
Meg knitted her eyebrows together, her throat was dry, and she managed to respond. “What are you talking about? What do you need to know?”
At that very moment, the door flew open in the hallway, and Sarah came running in to hug them both. She stepped back and eyed them suspiciously. She looked from Meg back to John and then back to Meg again. John turned and hugged her before she could ask anything. Ignoring the elephant in the room, he tried to make light of the argument Sarah had walked in on.
She brought them up to speed on her weekend of photo shoots and grabbed both their hands and made a beeline for the couch. Pulling them both down to sit on either side of her, Sarah went on and on about the entire trip. This was a welcomed interruption to their earlier conversation. Meg was grateful that Sarah had walked in when she did. She couldn’t help but wonder what John was about to ask her. Tension hung low in the air, and thankfully, Sarah was sitting between them.
Meg looked over toward John. He was far too quiet. She could tell he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, and Meg knew this wasn’t finished between them. A little while later, after her curiosity got the better of her, Meg moved forward on the couch trying to catch his attention. “John, you wanted to ask me something earlier. What was it?”
“Forget it, it’s not important anymore,” he said. He got up from the couch and before disappearing down the hallway he turned back. “I’m jumping in the shower.” And just like that, he disappeared down the hall.
Sarah turned her attention back to Meg the minute John was out of sight, confusion written all over her perfectly beautiful face. “So, what’s going on?” she asked in a hushed tone. “He looks pissed.”
With an annoyed look on her face, Meg turned to her friend. “Nothing’s going on, Sarah. Why didn’t you tell me he was staying here?”
Disappointment spread across Sarah’s face. “I wanted to surprise you both, and I thought it would be the perfect set up.”
“Jesus, Sarah, I wish you would have told me.”
“I’m sorry. I thought you two would finally have a chance: you’re both single, you both have a history together, you’re perfect for one another, and I love you both. But if this is not what you want, I’ll back off, you have my word.”
“Thank you.” They exchanged hugs. Now that John was in the shower and they were alone, Meg brought Sarah up to date on Drake. Sarah’s eyes grew wide as she listened, and she was happy to hear that Meg had met someone that she was really interested in.
“He sounds really hot, Meg, and I am so happy for you. I hope this works out.” Sarah pulled her into a tight hug before continuing. “I have to admit, I feel badly for John. You know, he’s asked about you over the years in every conversation I had with him? He'd ask if you were seeing anyone special and how you’re doing with work. He always managed to sneak in a few questions here and there wanting to know what you were up to. He tried to make light of the conversations about you, but there was no mistaking his feelings for you, Meg. Tell me something. If you hadn’t met this guy, do you think you would have given John a chance?”
Meg thought for a moment. “I don’t know, Sarah. I’m still attracted to him but I refuse to go back there. To wasting any more years of my life hung up on him. Here’s the thing, I did meet someone else, and I wouldn’t change that for anything. John is my past and he always will be. Drake on the other hand, although I don’t know that much about him, I like how he makes me feel. I’m extremely attracted to him. Everything about Drake drives me wild.” Meg lowered her voice, “He has this dark side to him that I’m extremely attracted to. It’s so hot, Sarah. I can’t get him out of my head. I think about him constantly.”
Meg paused for a moment; she reminisced about her evening with Drake, his touch, the hungered look in his eyes when she came to orgasm, the intense way he watched her, demanding she look at him, the silky smoothness of his voice. He had a definite spell on her, and she couldn’t for the life of her shake him from her thoughts. Drake was without a doubt perfect; she had never met anyone quite like him. Meg looked back to Sarah and continued. “He’s hot and the chemistry between us is intense. What surprises me the most is that I never thought I could be so turned on or feel so alive with his words or the sound of his voice, or that look! I can’t even put into words how he looked at me. No one has ever looked at me like that.” Meg smiled thinking back to the intimate moment they shared on the balcony, in such a public place.
“I don’t think he’s into whips or chains or anything of the sort. Although, I have to admit, with him, I might be willing to try anything.” Sarah and Meg both laughed at that.
Sarah studied Meg for a moment. “You don’t think John could push your buttons in the same way, Meg? You know he regrets not having sex with you before you left home eight years ago? He told me so many times. He wishes that he could go back to that night, that he would have done things differently.”
Meg held her chin up high and looked at her friend. “Well, it’s too late for that now, isn’t it? I wish he had taken my virginity that night, Sarah. You have no fucking idea how much I wish that night could have turned out differently, but it’s too late. What’s done is done.” Meg turned away trying to hide the emotion welling up inside. She held back the tears that years ago fell freely when she relived that night over and over in her head.
“Geez, Meg, you make it sound like you hold a grudge or something. Did he really hurt you that much?”
Trying desperately to control her emotions, she looked toward the window, and in a low shaky voice, she responded. “Sarah, you have no idea.” Meg’s memory was about to slip back to that night. She shook it immediately. “Okay, enough, why don’t we talk about something else?”
John strutted back to the kitchen after taking a shower, and he stood there for a moment, staring at Meg. He wore a heartbreaking look on his face. Meg stood up and headed in the direction of the washroom. “I’m going to take a shower,” she said; the words sounded more like an apology as opposed to a dismissal. She took one last look at both Sarah and John and then headed down the hallway.
Tears stung her eyes and threatened to fall. She closed the door behind her and sank to the floor, wrapping her arms around her legs tightly. She tucked her knees under her chin and let the tears spill freely. It had taken her all of eight years to move on and forget about her past. She’d never told a soul, not Sarah, not her parents, not even her cousin Eva that she lived with through her university years at the time when everything was so raw. She couldn’t change what happened. It was a part of her that she had to survive and learn how to live with. Only now she felt like she was reliving the whole nightmare all over again. The last thing she wanted was to see John Lake back in her life. As much as she once wanted him and still had feelings for him, she refused to allow herself to go back there. She’d worked too damn hard to rebuild her life to what it was today. Finally, after years of torment, she was feeling normal again. She felt like a whole woman, a woman ready to explore her sexuality. Drake Noble did that for her, and she fully intended to replace her ugly past with happy new memories. I just hope it’s not too late. Where are you, Drake? Call me, tell me what you’re thinking.
After two days and still no word from Drake, she was anxious and worried about what would happen between them. It was more than possible he wanted nothing further to do with her. The irresistible urge to call him was driving her crazy, but maybe it’s space he needed right now. Wishing she knew exactly where she stood with him, she decided it would be best to talk to him when he returned. He mentioned he would be away for three days, which meant he would be returning sometime tomorrow.
After a quick shower, Meg put her hair up in a high pony tail and decided to go for a quick run. When she entered the kitchen again, she noticed John wasn’t around.
“Did John leave, Sarah?”
“Yeah, he went to the gym, said he’ll be back around dinner time.” Sarah yawned and covered her face with her hands.
“Did he say anything else?”
“Not really. I tried talking to him, but he said he didn’t feel like talking right now, that he’d go work out his frustrations at the gym.”
“You look exhausted, Sarah. Why don’t you get some sleep? I’m going for a run and will be back in a few hours.”
“Maybe you’re right, Meg. I am tired. Wake me up when you get back. We’ll do something tonight, okay? Oh and Meg, I’ll tell you the same thing I told John earlier. I’m sorry I fucked everything up.”
Meg kissed her on the cheek and assured her this wasn’t her fault. “I’ll wake you up when I get back, I promise. Now go, get some sleep.”
* * * *
Meg opened the door to the condo, and Sarah was up, sitting on the couch with a coffee. They decided to go for a walk and do some sightseeing. It was nice spending time together with Sarah. It felt as though they were teenagers all over again. They walked past Wall Street, had coffee on an outdoor patio in SoHo and talked about everything and anything.
Meg felt revitalized just being with Sarah again. Sarah was still the same bad ass she always was in many ways, but she’d matured a lot over the years. The party girl in her had slowed down, and it appeared as though she adjusted well to her new lifestyle as a successful model. She took her health seriously, ate healthy, and fell in to a daily exercise routine. It seemed to pay off nicely. She wore nice expensive clothing, only the best makeup products available, and kept her blonde hair long and healthy.
“So, Meg, what do you think will happen between you and Drake?”
“I’m not sure anymore. After the night club incident I told you about, maybe I scared him off for good, but I hope that’s not the case. We had such a connection and truthfully, I will be heartbroken if I don’t see him again.”
In a soft voice, Sarah replied, “Why don’t you pick up the phone and call him? I bet he would love to hear from you. Maybe he’s feeling insecure, or maybe he’s trying to give you a little space to figure this thing out.”
“Nah, he’ll be back tomorrow. I can wait until then. I was kind of hoping he would initiate contact first.”
“Meg, this is the twentieth century, girls initiate now. There’s nothing wrong with you making the first move here. If he really means that much to you, you should reach out to him. What if he decides you’re not interested and moves on. You both just met, space is the last thing you need between you.” Sarah straightened in her chair. “I have to ask, have you really thought this thing through? I mean, let’s say he calls you when he returns and you two decide to pick up where you left off. What will happen once you return to Toronto? How will you make this work with all this distance between you?”
“Oh, come on, Sarah. I don’t know if he’s interested in long term. The guy can have anyone woman he wants and I’m not sure if that will be me. And right now, I’m questioning whether or not he ever wants to see me again. I really screwed this up.”
Irritated, Sarah gave Meg the look. The look that told her she better listen and she better take her seriously. “Why do you keep selling yourself short, Meg? You’re beautiful, you’re kind, you’re sexy, you’re in perfect shape. You’re genuine and funny and anyone who would be foolish enough to pass all that up is crazy in my opinion. It’ll be his loss that’s for damn sure.” Sarah tilted her head slightly to the side before continuing. “Look, my point is this, you are fucking gorgeous, Meg Malone, and I am not just saying these things because you’re my best friend. I mean every word. You are the perfect package. Any guy to walk away from you is insane. I know John Lake is kicking himself over his loss.”
“Oh, stop, you’re just trying to make me feel better. Besides, you’re supposed to say these things, you’re my best friend.”
“No, Meg. I’m not. I don’t get how you don’t see your own beauty or what it is you have to offer as a woman.”
“Sarah, I know I’m not ugly. I just don’t feel I stand out in a crowd and I lack experience, that’s all.”
“Oh, but you do stand out in a crowd, Meg. You’ll see, now that you’re getting in touch with your sexual side, there’s no stopping you. I’m telling you, sex is good not only for the soul but it also makes you glow. You’ll exude confidence as a woman. You’ll be more in control of your thoughts and when you look confident, you get noticed. People tune in to that.”
Meg thought about what Sarah said for a moment, wishing she had more experience in that department. She let out a deep breath. “Thank you, Sarah. You always make me feel better. I just need to figure out where I stand with him right now.” At that very moment, Meg’s cell vibrated in her purse. She grabbed it eagerly and was excited to see a BBM message from Drake. Her heart went up in her throat, and she held her breath as she read each word carefully.
MM,
You never cease to amaze me, and I can’t stop thinking about the balcony.
Hope your head is filled with thoughts of me as well.
I can still taste you. Mmm...
DN
A smile stretched across her face and she turned to Sarah. “It’s a message from Drake. With excitement coursing through her entire body, she eagerly responded.
DN,
You have filled my every thought for the past two days. Where are you?
MM
Sarah, the little vixen, leaned over the table, trying her best to grab Meg’s cell, but Meg managed to whip it away and held it over her shoulder.
“Oh, come on, Meg. Let me see. I won’t say anything, I promise,” she managed to wrestle the phone from Meg’s grasp and read the message. “Oh my God, Meg. This guy is clearly hot for you. Is he talking about the taste of your mouth or is he by chance talking about your girly parts?” she said with her eyes wide open and covering her mouth for a more dramatic effect.
Meg felt her face flush. “Sarah, what do you take me for?” But then she couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face as she thought back to that moment.
“Oh my God.” Sarah’s eyes widened with incredulity, “I can’t believe it. You let him go down on you? Tell me more. Did you orgasm and you better not leave out any of the details. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me this, Meg. After all the conversations we have had over the years and earlier today, how dare you leave out the best part? I would have been splitting at the seams to tell you something like this.” Sarah knew Meg well enough to know these things weren’t talked about freely. Her friend was always so easily embarrassed when it came to intimate details. So she let it slide for now, but she wouldn’t give up until Meg shared more of the juicy details with her.
Meg let out a low hum of appreciation. “Twice, Sarah,” she held up two fingers for her to see, and repeated herself, “I came twice.”
“Now, I’m jealous. Does he have a brother? Please tell me he has a brother.”
That was a good question, Meg thought to herself. She really didn’t know that much about him. With skepticism, she replied. “You know, I’m not quite sure.”
They both laughed out loud and continued their sex talk. Meg finally opened up a little and exchanged some of the finer points of her time with Drake while Sarah listened in awe. Further into the conversation, Sarah admitted to having a threesome with two other models while she was away these past few days. Meg was shocked but interested in the details. Sarah was thrilled and left nothing out. “You know, Meg, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be taken by two men at once. I can’t even begin to describe it, it was fucking amazing,” she said just before she stared off into space, obviously fantasizing over the hot, steamy moments in her head.
Completely flabbergasted, Meg looked at Sarah, as though seeing her for the first time. She knew Sarah was extremely sexual and loved men and hot, steamy sex, but she had no idea to what extreme her desires went until now. “Sarah, I hope you used a condom.”
“Jesus, Meg, give me some credit,” she looked at Meg in disgust, a sure sign she was telling the truth. “I always use protection, and I’ll have you know, I’ve never had sex without a condom.” With a cheeky response, she added, “If anything, I keep them in business.” She laughed.
“I can’t believe you had sex with two men! How could you let them use you like that?” Meg wasn’t sure how she felt about the idea of Sarah being with two men. The idea was so new to her. She wasn’t sure if she liked it. She knew for certain that she was a one-man type of woman. But Sarah on the other hand never ceased to amaze her.
“Come on, Meg. It was fun. I wanted it as much as they did. Besides, I was the one getting all the attention. So if you think about it, who got more out of the deal, them or me?” she replied, playfully wriggling her eyebrows in Meg’s direction.
Meg’s face flushed with embarrassment; she leaned across the table so Sarah could hear her, and in a small voice, she begged her, “Sarah, not so loud. I’m turning fifty shades of red just listening to you for Christ sake and people are staring.”
“Hmm, I wonder, Meg. Is that fifty shades of red or maybe it’s the thought of being with two men that’s got you all flustered over there.” She teased.
“Why am I surprised by anything you say or do, Sarah? I mean, the whole ménage thing sounds interesting, but it’s not who I am. I’m happy with one man at a time, thank you very much.”
“Meg, I’m not like you. I love sex. I’m not into relationships. I enjoy different men. I want variety. I’m not ready to settle down just yet and I don’t know that I ever will be. You on the other hand, you fall hard. You were totally in love with John Lake for years. Now, I see that same undeniable look written on your face when you talk about Drake. We’re two different people, our needs are different. For example, when you mentioned that Drake has a dominant side to him, I pictured being whipped and spanked and told what to do and how to please him. There’s something about that whole scene that turns me on. It intrigues me, and I would love to explore that world.”
“Sarah, you are headed toward some heavy shit if you explore that path. I don’t know much about Dominant/Submissive relationships, but is that something you really want to get involved in? I mean, from what I understand, it can be painful if that’s what they’re into.” Meg shook her head. “Sometimes you really freak me out.”
Sarah looked at Meg as though she had lost her Godforsaken mind. “Meg, don’t you think that would involve two consenting adults who are both into that sort of lifestyle? People have all sorts of fetishes and they don’t all involve inflicting pain on one another. I’ve always been intrigued by that sort of relationship and if I were lucky enough to find someone into that sort of scene that is trustworthy enough, I would absolutely try it out. I think we all have fetishes deep inside us, we simply need to explore them and not be afraid to say what we want.”
“I guess. Maybe I’m just uneducated and oblivious to what’s out there and all that’s involved in that world. I’m not saying that if you desire something enough you should simply set aside your feelings. You should absolutely explore your interests provided they are safe. I just don’t get it, that’s all. Now a dominatrix on the other hand could be very interesting.” They both laughed out loud, and Meg was sure the people around them were getting quite an earful.
* * * *
“Well, Meg, sounds to me like Drake Noble has had a taste of something that he can’t get enough of.” She licked her lips teasingly and nudged Meg on the shoulder as they walked away from the coffee shop. “So, what would you like to do this evening, clubbing? I know a few good spots not too far from home.”
“I’m not really sure; maybe. Let’s head back, grab a bite to eat, and see if we feel up to it later. What do you say?”
“Sounds good to me. I’m just glad you’re here,” she said just before she squeezed Meg’s shoulders. They both hugged in the middle of a busy street in New York City.
Meg thought how great it was to have Sarah right here next to her. She missed having someone to talk to. “Me too, Sarah. It’s been way too long, and we promised to make time for one another when we left home. How on earth did we let eight years slip by and not one visit? We both have to make more of an effort. I miss you. I miss our talks.”
“I guess it’s my turn to head out your way. I promise before next summer, I’ll come visit you in Toronto.”
“I’m holding you to that promise, but now that I’ve had a taste of New York, I’m definitely coming back.” Meg had to admit she loved it here. It was fast paced, thrilling, and she loved running in Central Park. The small coffee shops and restaurants were wonderful. The fact that everyone simply blended into the crowd, no one really paid attention to you, made her feel she could fit right in. And the fact that her best friend was here amongst one other person that she fully intended to get to know better, made her think that maybe a change would be good.
* * * *
The afternoon quickly turned into evening and both women decided to go out for a few drinks. Despite the busy streets and loud sirens spilling from police cars and fire engines, it was a pretty laid back evening. After a few too many drinks at a little pub not too far from the condo, they staggered back holding onto one another, laughing loudly. New York was full of misfits and strange characters talking to themselves; it was a great evening all in all. The past came up a few times. They talked about Will, about Ethan, and how much they both missed their parents. Pleased with the way their evening ended, they finally made it in the door and settled on the couch after opening a bottle of red wine. “Meg, if you keep checking that phone of yours, I’m going to take it away from you,” Sarah said, clearly annoyed.
“Sorry, I was hoping to hear back from Drake. He didn’t answer my last BBM message.”
“Stop worrying so much, you’ll see him tomorrow.”
* * * *
The next morning shortly after breakfast, there was a buzz from the front desk followed by a faint knock on the door. Meg’s heart pulsated in her chest, the sound of blood gushed through her ears. She was hoping it would be Drake. Please let it be Drake. She heard voices, and Sarah came back with an envelope addressed to Meg. Meg’s heart sank when she took the large manila envelope. She sat on the couch and removed a letter inside addressed to her attention on letterhead from Noble Investments.
After reading it twice, she sat back on the couch, confused with what the letter said. A blank look washed over her face, disappointment filled every part of her and an unwelcome emptiness filled her chest. She could hear Sarah in the background, she must have zoned out for a moment. “Meg, are you okay?” Sarah eyed her warily.
Meg felt defeated and her voice came out shaky. “It’s a letter from Drake. He asked that I return to the office in Toronto. There’s no need for me to stay here in New York and that he would be in touch. I don’t understand, Sarah. Just yesterday, he sent me that BBM message giving me hope. I don’t get it. This letter is clearly a message to me that things are over. Not that we had a commitment or anything like that, but I guess he’s had a change of heart.” Confused by the coldness of the letter, she didn’t know what to think anymore. Meg turned away from her friend and tried her best to hide the disappointment.
Sarah came over and sat on the couch beside her and laid her hand affectionately on Meg’s knee. “Meg, you should call him. Maybe he’s unsure how you feel, and it’s possible he’s as confused as you are.”
“Come on, Sarah. Don’t you find it a little odd after that message I received from him yesterday? What could possibly have happened between then and now for him to simply pretend there’s nothing between us. The letter sounds so formal, so business like, he could easily have called me to tell me this. But I guess he doesn’t want to see me.”
“I don’t know. You’re right, it is odd.” Sarah rubbed Meg’s knee trying to console her before continuing. “Why don’t you stay here with me for a little while longer? You don’t have to go back right away, your boss isn’t expecting you for another week."
“No, I have to go back. The letter suggests he may be in touch with me at the office. I have to deal with this sale, and I can’t let Frank down just because I screwed up.” Meg’s world felt as though it were torn away from her. That was it. He was gone, and she lost any hope she had of being with him. He ruined her for any other man. There was no one that could possibly set her on fire the way Drake Noble did. No other man drew her to him the way he did.