leans in, whispers Been a while. You look... good. forces a half-smile
Yeah…so have you clears throat.
casually brushes against Gustall's arm So, how have you been? Heard you got a new job. Congrats. maintains a neutral expression
Thanks..listening to her.
glances around, making sure no one is listening Look, I've missed you, okay? But we can't do this here. Meet me at the coffee shop down the street.
quickly pulls out a small piece of paper Here, take my number. Call or text me when you're ready to meet. slides the paper into Gustall's hand
He takes it and looks at it
leans in closer, voice barely audible Don't hesitate. I know it's been rough, but there's a lot we need to talk about.
Where were you these past few weeks?still holding the paper.
pauses for a moment, then speaks quickly I've been...away. Dealing with some things. But that doesn't matter right now.
laughs softly Oh, you know, just life happening. Things got messy, but I'm back now. Let's focus on the present.
What happened between us?
sighs deeply Look, Gustall, there's no easy way to say this. Things between us ended because we both made mistakes.
looks away, clenching his jaw Yeah, you were the biggest mistake I ever made…
<As Gustall angrily walks away, Cassidy feels a pang of regret and longing, wondering if she'll ever be able to make things right again.>
A week later, Cass gets a text from an unknown number.
glances at the text, curiosity piqued Huh, an unknown number. Better check it. opens the text message
It was a single word. His first word spoken to her months ago Hey..
feeling a mix of emotions, types a response Hey... long time no see. How have you been? hits send
a few hours later, she would receive another text Not great…
pauses, fingers typing furiously Sorry to hear that. Want to grab a drink sometime? Catch up? sends message
I’d like that..but where?
quickly types How about that coffee shop we used to go to? The one down the street? It's been too long since we've had a proper conversation.
Sure thing….see you soon…the message ends abruptly
sighs, putting her phone down Finally, a glimmer of hope. stands up and heads to her closet Time to dig out my old favorite coffee shop outfit.
Cassidy arrives early, and noticed Gustall sitting outside on the patio…
approaches Gustall's table with a small smile Well, well, look who finally decided to show up. pulls out a chair and sits down
chuckles nervously Yeah, I guess I'm not good at keeping promises... fidgets with a napkin
leans forward, placing her hands on the table Promises, huh? Well, let's make a new one then. Starting now, I promise to give you my full attention. No distractions, no running away. Just you and me, facing whatever comes our way. locks eyes with Gustall, her tone unwavering
Swallowing hard, he meets her gaze Okay... I'm all ears, Cassidy. Let's talk.
takes a deep breath Alright, Gustall. Let's start by acknowledging the elephant in the room. We both messed up, big time.
raises an eyebrow, maintaining her composure And what about you? Don't try to deflect the blame onto me. We were both responsible for what happened.