I spent the whole day in bed watching Harry Potter. I ordered takeout for both lunch and dinner. I couldn't be bothered to make anything—I was having a full-on self-pity day. I checked my socials throughout the day, and Jason posted pictures of himself having fun with his friends, which made me even sadder and angrier that he chose them over me.
I lay on my bed thinking about all the pros and cons of being with him, and the cons were starting to outweigh the pros. I knew what was coming, but part of me thought that maybe, if I gave him a second chance, things could work out. Charlotte is right—I need to put myself first for once and choose myself.
Charlotte and I are having breakfast, talking about her night with Christian, when the doorbell rings. We both look at each other—we aren't expecting anyone. I walk over and open the door.
"Lina Thompson?" the guy in the blue suit says, glancing down at his screen. He's holding a huge bouquet of roses in his other hand.
"Yes?"
"Please sign," he says, pushing the tablet toward me.
I sign, dragging my finger across the screen.
"Thank you. Have a good day," he says with a warm smile, handing me the flowers.
"Thanks, you too!" I reply, closing the door.
I turn to Charlotte, who's grinning from ear to ear.
"They're beautiful," she says.
"Wait—there's a card." I open it.
To Lina,Happy Anniversary. I hope to celebrate many more with you.I love you.J
I smile at the note. At least he's trying. I find a vase in the cupboard and place the roses inside.
"I can't believe he sent these—and he texted me this morning. He has a whole evening planned for us," I say, smiling at Charlotte.
"That's great, babe. It shows he's trying to make it up to you. As long as you're happy, I'm happy."
Even though Jason is making an effort, I have a weird feeling—it just doesn't feel right. Like I'm forcing it. I know I'm settling for someone who hasn't treated me properly for over a year, but what if he's changing? What if he's becoming the man he's supposed to be? I can't just throw away two years. I feel riddled with guilt—I don't want to hurt him, even though he's been hurting me.
"I'm going to give you the best makeover for tonight," Charlotte grins.
"Nothing too crazy, please!"
"I can't make any promises," she laughs.
"So, what do you think?" Charlotte stands behind me, smiling through the mirror.
I can't deny she's done an amazing job. I love the natural makeup look. She's straightened my hair with a middle part—I look like a completely different person.
"Charlotte, you are amazing! I love it," I clap.
"Thank you! I'm so happy you love it," she beams.
"Okay, now clothes," she says, holding up a strapless dress in one hand and a spaghetti-strap silk dress in the other.
"This one," I say, pointing to the silk dress.
"Got it."
She tosses the other onto the bed and unzips the silk dress. An hour later, I'm fully dressed and ready. A car beeps outside.
"That must be Jason," I say, excitement bubbling up. I haven't been on a proper date with him in a long time.
"Okay, you'd better wake me up later—I want all the dirty details," Charlotte teases.
I kiss her cheek. "I will!"
I walk to Jason's car, turning back to wave at Charlotte before getting in.
"Wow, Li—you look beautiful," he says, leaning over to kiss me. I kiss him back.
"Thank you." I smile. "So, where are we going?"
"You'll have to wait and see," he smirks.
After twenty minutes, I start piecing it together.
My eyes widen when I see the Crab Shack sign. I was expecting something a little more romantic.
"I know you love seafood," he says, smiling. "And remember—we came here on our first date."
I smile and look back at the restaurant. He's trying, Li. At least he remembered. It's the effort that counts.
As we walk in, my eyes scan the room. I'm clearly overdressed, but I don't let it ruin the night. I dressed for the occasion we're celebrating.
The waitress takes us to our table. I scan the menu—he's right, I do love seafood. I can't wait for the crab.
"You guys ready to order?" she asks.
"Yes, I'll have the crab boil, please," I say, handing her my menu.
"I'll have the same, and two beers," Jason adds.
"I'm so excited—we haven't been here in ages," I say, smiling warmly and reaching for his hand. He takes it, gently stroking my fingers.
"I'm glad you're happy, baby."
"Jason, is that you?" someone shouts from across the restaurant.
"Bill!" Jason jumps up, and they fist-bump.
"Bro, I haven't seen you in forever! We need to catch up," Bill grins. "And who's this?" he asks, glancing at me.
"Bill, this is my girlfriend, Lina. Lina—Bill. We went to college together."
"Wait, that's your girl?" Bill points at me.
"Yep," Jason grins.
"You lucky dog."
I smile uncomfortably.
"Jason here used to be a ladies' man. I can't believe you've got a girlfriend," Bill laughs.
I offer a tight smile.
"Be right back, babe—I'll grab our beers," Jason says. He and Bill head to the bar.
I watch them laugh, clap each other on the back, even play-fight. The waitress brings our food, and I can't wait any longer—my plate will be cold. I'm already halfway through when Jason finally returns.
"Oh man, I never thought I'd run into him again—he's such a character," Jason laughs, sitting down. He notices my nearly empty plate and pouts.
"Yeah, he seems like it."
For the rest of the night, I'm quiet. I don't have the energy to listen to more excuses. He could've told Bill we were on a date and caught up another time. Tonight was supposed to be about us—about making up for yesterday.
Instead of speaking my mind, I let it slide. I always let it slide.
On the way home, he talks about his night with the boys and work. I mostly just listen.
"Thanks for tonight. See you later," I say, kissing his cheek.
He frowns. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah. Just tired."
"Okay. I'll text you later, babe."
I open the door and walk toward the house.