Page 12 of Kayla's List
I pulled the phone away from my face in shock. Did I give him my number? I thought I remembered most of what happened Saturday night, but I guess not.
“Hey. Umm, how are you?” I ask awkwardly.
“I’m great now that I’m talking to you.” The charm dripped from his every word, and I flush with embarrassment.
It’s not often that anyone gives me praise, not even when I was with Warren.The thought makes me frown. I shouldn’t be feeling starved for attention when I’ve only been out of my relationship for a few days.
“Well, I’m glad that you’re great,” I reply, trying to sound like a normal human and not some squeaky voiced teenager who seems to make an appearance every time I’m nervous.
“So, I was wondering if you would like to go out to dinner next week? I want to go sooner, but I’m going out of town and next week is when I’ll be available.” Although he’s charming and gorgeous as all get out, I’m not ready to go on a date with anybody.
“Uh, well, how about you text me when you’re available? We’ll make plans then,” I respond with my fingers crossed. Hopefully, if he texts me, I can turn him down in a text message instead of speaking to him and telling him no. I would never be able to say no to his face, even if it’s not actually in person.
“That sounds like a plan. Hey, I have to go, but I’ll speak to you soon,” Anderson replies, and I say goodbye, relieved that he agreed so easily.
“I need to call Shelby and see how she handles rejecting guys,” I say out loud. Although Shelby is blunt, she doesn’t hurt guys’ feelings. As a matter of fact, whenever she tells them no, they chase her even harder. So, maybe Shelby is the wrong friend to ask.
* * *
The restof my week was pleasantly uneventful. I didn’t hear any more rumors around the office, and nobody approached me, asking about my relationship. However, by Friday, I was a wreck.
My mind kept going back to all the things that I could’ve done differently in my life. Maybe I’ve been focused on the wrong things. My main motivation in life has been not wanting to be alone. Since I was a kid, I’ve only wanted to belong to a family. Somehow, I have lost myself in that need and I have neglected the rest of me.
I know what I needed to do. I need to make a list of all the things I want to do before I turn thirty. It will give me an entire year to accomplish my goals. I smile as I get my notepad and pen out and begin my list. Writing down these things makes them a priority for me. It also helps my need for control.
“A list is a brilliant idea! I don’t know why I haven’t done this before!” I say out loud, excited that I have something to focus on.
Before I can really get started, my phone rings again, and this time, I check to see who the caller is before I answer.
“Hey, Shell. What’s up?” I ask in a much better mood.
“Hey, Kay. Me and Mani decided to grab a bite to eat. You wanna go?” Shelby asks.
Normally, I would say no, but in lieu of my list, I decide that it’s a good a time as any to start now.
“Sure, tell me where you guys are headed, and I’ll meet you there.”
“We’re going to Sparelli’s on Greenville,” Shelby answers, and I can hear the shock in her voice. I know she’s surprised that I didn’t automatically say no. But I’ll explain myself when we have dinner.
It doesn’t take me too long to get ready because I keep my hair in my usual low bun, and I shower and change into a pair of loose fitting jeans and a plain blouse. The ride to lower Greenville Street doesn’t take long, and the parking is surprisingly easy. When I walk into the old style Italian eatery, I spot my friends quickly.
After we share hugs and greetings, we order our food and settle into a conversation. Shelby’s outrageous dating stories never get old, and once she’s finished with one that I know she has to be making up, the conversation turns to last weekend.
“So, what’s new? Did Anderson call?” Shelby asks, and Emani leans forward like I’m about to say something juicy, which I’m not.
“Yes, he called.”
“What did he say? Did he ask you out?” Emani asks in excitement.
“Yeah, but I think it’s too soon for me to be thinking about another man. Besides, dating is not on my list right now.” I frown at the thought of dealing with someone other than Warren.
Although Warren betrayed me, I was comfortable with him. I considered him my family even though we weren’t married yet. I trusted him. I loved him. I miss him.
“It’s never too soon to think about another man. And what is this list that you speak of?” Shelby questioned with interest flaring in her dark brown eyes.
I shrug my shoulders. I might as well tell my friends about the list. They would be happy to help me accomplish my goals. Plus, their feedback may help me.What could possibly go wrong?
Charming Bastard