THREE

Tessa

My new flat is right in the heart of London next to the bar where we once went with Taylor to karaoke. I was lucky enough to pick up a job bartending there to pass the time until I figure out what I really want to do. It’s easier to keep my mind off of him if I stay busy. It’s been ten months. I haven’t heard from him since I left the tour. Not that I’d know if he tried to contact me. I decided a clean break would be best and I blocked his number. At least this way when he didn’t call I wouldn’t be disappointed.

Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to cover it. I thought he was my soul mate. The one. I still miss him everyday. It’s like a piece of me is gone. I’ve had to relearn how to be alone with myself. I’ve kept in touch with Dels of course. I’ve even talked to the other guys, but they all know not to call me if he’s around or talk about him with me. He’s off limits. As far as I can tell he hasn’t given me a second thought.

It’s finally Spring in London and the flowering trees are blooming everywhere. It also rains all the time here which doesn’t help with my broken heart. Taylor’s in town though and she asked me to meet her for a yoga class while she’s here.

I’m not about to skip any opportunity to keep my mind busy. I’ve been so tempted to unblock his number just to see if he’s tried to call or text me and I know that’s a rabbit hole that I should never go down. So far I’ve been able to curb my curiosity. It’s obvious from social media that he clearly doesn’t miss me anyway. Unblocking his number would just confirm what I already know. He’s had a different piece of arm candy with him nearly every night. He was all over the internet with yet another girl yesterday.

I try my best to avoid the updates, I really do, but it’s like he’s everywhere. It doesn’t help that they have yet another hit single streaming constantly every place possible.

My phone rings as I’m leaving my apartment and I glance at the screen to see that it’s Delilah before I answer it. “Hey Lilah,” I say shutting my door behind me. “I was just about to call you. Taylors in London and I’m meeting her for that hot yoga class she’s always raving about. What are you up to? I’ve missed you. Sorry I’m blabbering on and on and I haven’t let you get a word in!”

I stop in my tracks when it’s not Delilah’s voice replying, “So you’re in London then?” His deep voice washes over me and I’m frozen in place. Unable to speak, jaw hanging open. “Come on Tess. Please talk to me. I’ve missed hearing your voice.”

My heart skips a beat. My mind is completely frazzled. I can’t make any words come out of my mouth.

For what seems like minutes my mouth flops open and closed in disbelief. “I ummm. I think you must have the wrong number. Sorry.” I say quickly before hanging up. I was definitely not prepared for that.

I’m such an idiot! That’s the best I could come up with? ‘Wrong number?’ I could scream…or cry. Maybe both. My phone starts vibrating almost immediately as texts come pouring through.

Please talk to me Tessa.

Whatever I did I’m sorry.

It’s been too long Tess.

You know you miss me too.

I can’t believe this is actually happening. I quickly do what any reasonable person would and chuck my phone into the bushes.

I’ve been needing a new one anyway.