Layla bumps her shoulder against Kingsley and chuckles. “Addiction is totally downplaying your relationship with the candy aisle.” She glances over at me. “There’s nothing Kingsley loves more than her candy stash.”
“You’re one to talk,” Kingsley teases back. “Your love for coffee easily rivals my love for sweets.”
“Then I’m in good company,” I say, loving the banter between the girls.
“You sure are.”
Reaching the car, we all climb in. During the drive to the nearest Walmart, I make a point of memorizing the route for my weekly run of smoothie supplies. It’s a habit Sue got me hooked on while she was still alive.
Thinking of Sue, a sad smile forms around my lips. She was like a mother to me after Mom passed away from cancer. My thoughts go to the diner Sue owned and later left for Della and me. I haven’t been back to Saluda since we moved to New York with Carter, which is actually sad. I miss my home town and should make plans to visit there during my summer break.
“Let’s do this,” Kingsley says as she parks the car outside Walmart.
Walking into the airconditioned building, I grab a cart. We first go to the candy aisle, and I begin to chuckle when I see they weren’t joking about Kingsley’s addiction.
“Yes!” she shrieks as she places Twizzlers in her cart. “They were out of stock last week,” she explains her excitement.
Once Kingsley is satisfied with everything she got, the girls help me choose a mini-fridge. I get everything on my list, including smoothies for the next week, and then we make our way over to the cashiers to pay.
By the time we get back to the dorms, I have a permanent smile on my face. Even though we only went shopping together, the trip made me feel better and gave me hope that I’ll be able to become good friends with the girls.
After Layla helped me carry the mini-fridge up to my suite, we each go our separate ways. I find a nice spot in the corner of my living room to place the mini-fridge and place the berry blast smoothies inside, along with the assorted pack of fruit cups I got for when I only have time for a quick breakfast.
I’m just about to change into my pajamas when my phone beeps. Checking it, I see Della’s name, which brings a smile to my face.
Della: We’re having dinner with CRC tomorrow night. We need to fly back earlier than expected because Carter has business to take care of. Dinner is at The Rose Acre at 7pm. Hugs xxx
Shoot. I’ll have to see Julian sooner than I thought. At least I have a day to prepare myself mentally and emotionally.
Jamie: See you tomorrow xoxoxoxoxo PS. Give Danny a hug from me.Feeling anxious about the dinner date, I soak in the bath for a long while before I get ready. Knowing Julian will be there, I take extra care with my appearance.
Smiling at the dress before I slip it on, I look at my reflection in the mirror. The lace fabric flares out from my hips, stopping just above my knees. Wearing black heels to complete the outfit, makes me feel a little more confident.
Julian will regret calling me a mistake when he sees me this evening.
At least, that’s what I hope will happen.
I pull a brush through my brown curls before I grab the clutch I left lying on my bed.
Giving myself one last glance in the mirror, I whisper, “You can do this, Jamie. Be the better person, and be nice to Julian. Pretend nothing happened.”
Or Carter and Della might catch on, and then all hell will break loose.
Taking a deep breath, I leave my suite and head out to the car Carter sent for me. Greeting the driver, I climb in the back and adjust my dress so it won’t wrinkle.
Before we reach the hotel, I quickly reapply my lipstick then take a couple of deep breaths. An anxious feeling tightens the muscles in my abdomen, and my fists lay clenched on my lap as we pull up to the entrance.
I wait for the driver to open the door, and stepping out of the car, I straighten my dress and take one last deep breath before I walk into the lobby.
Walking into the restaurant, I can’t stop myself from glancing at the piano where a woman is playing to the patrons.
My eyes skim over the people until they land on Della as she waves to catch my attention.
I straighten my shoulders and lift my chin a little higher as I walk toward the table where my family and friends are already seated with families from CRC Holdings.
The instant my eyes land on Julian, I have to force them back to Della and not stare at him looking amazing dressed in a dark grey suit.