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I felt that way about Jessica, long ago. The two of us were supposed to be a forever sort of thing, but everything fell apart. The worst thing is that I know it’s all my fault. I should have tried harder to fight for our relationship, but I was dealing with grief I didn’t know how to handle and loss I couldn’t explain.

Now, I wonder if it’s too late.

Would Jessica forgive me if I tried to right my wrongs?

Would she even care?

9

Jessica

Annabelle Reiser is the best dressmaker in town.

Whether you need a wedding dress, something for your first communion, or even the right outfit to wear to a networking event, she’s your lady.

Toni and I arrive at the shop at the same time. She’s dressed comfortably in tight jeans and a loose blouse that shows off just a hint of cleavage. My outfit is similar, although I’m in a blazer, as well. The thought of getting to spend the next few hours trying on dresses with Toni should be absolutely horrifying to me, but it’s not. Instead, I’m hyper-aware of the fact that we’re going to be in side-by-side fitting rooms, naked.

Anything could happen.

“What are we doing here?” Toni asks, looking up at the building.

“Shopping.”

“This is a tailor shop,” she points out.

“Annabelle sells off the rack, as well, and she can make modifications to anything we need.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

I start to walk into the shop, but I feel Toni’s hand on my arm. Surprised, I turn to her.

“Everything okay?”

“I just wanted to thank you.”

“For?”

“I know we issued our joint statement earlier today.” It went out on all of our socials – both personal and professional – and was posted on our websites, as well. The marketing team suggested leaving our posts up indefinitely but removing the verbiage from our websites next week. “I just wanted to thank you for covering the cost of the crisis manager.”

“It’s not an issue.” I have plenty of money. I’m happy to share it with the world. Part of me wants to say that I’m happy to share it with her, but I still don’t trust Toni. I feel like I’m seeing a part of her I haven’t seen ever. When we were together, she never seemed unsure of herself. She was always so brave and strong and bold. Now, she seems unsure, almost shy.

Has she changed?