The message is carefully typed and punctuated. He’s trying hard.
Tears prick my eyes. I want to believe him. But am I just being naïve? He’s trying to convince me, and himself probably, that he couldn’t possibly have done it, but when you have sex, whether or not you use a condom or any other form of protection, if a man comes inside you, there is a risk of pregnancy.
Him:I don’t want to lose you over this
I frown at the phone.
Me:You mean lose the job at the Foundation?
Him:No. I mean lose you
Me:You mean lose my friendship?
There’s a pause, and I imagine him looking out of the window, thinking.
Him:That as well
Me:I don’t know what that means
Him:Me neither
Jesus, this is painful. Why can’t men just say what’s in their hearts?
Him:All I know is that I’ve really enjoyed seeing you over the past couple of weeks. And I’m gutted about what happened tonight.
I think he has feelings for me. But he has no idea what to do with them. If that’s the case, I’m sure he’s genuinely really upset and frustrated about what Sabrina’s done. No guy wants an unplanned pregnancy forced on them at the best of times, and certainly not accompanied by the intent to blackmail.
It’s pointless to go into it now. I’ve had too much to drink, and I’m sure he has too, as he and Orson were drinking whisky all the time I was there.
That makes me wonder what happened at the club tonight.
Me:Did Orson and Scarlett announce their engagement?
Him:No. Scarlett said to postpone and Orson agreed. She didn’t want to do it without you
Me:Oh no I feel bad about that
Him:It wasn’t your fault at all
I run a hand over my face.
Me:All right, don’t worry about it. We’ll talk about it tomorrow, maybe
Him:Are you okay?
Me:Yeah, just tired and a bit tipsy
Him:Me too. You looked so good in that dress tonight
My lips curve up.
Me:Well thank you
Him:I mean it. You were the most beautiful woman there. The bell of the ball
Me:I think it’s belle
Him:I dunno, you looked very a-peal-ing