Tales Of Re-gifting And Letting Go Of What Isn't For You
Day 8 of The Andie Chronicles
“I think I know where we’re going, but just in case I’ve got it wrong, feel free to elaborate.”
I didn’t realise I had got in the car with James and taken off without having explained anything.
The poor man didn’t have the nerve to ask until we were over twenty minutes into the morning traffic. Neither one of us had to deal with morning traffic ever since moving into my dining room office.
This little taste of the real world reminded us how much we loved our decision.
“You know we’re going to Douglas’ office. I have the gift in my bag.”
“So you’re returning your birthday paperweight, are you?”
I nodded whilst coming to another red light.
“I am. It’s not a gift for me. It’s not a gift for a girlfriend. It’s a gift his secretary picked out to give me. It’s a gift to make him look good when he’s been a complete asshole.”
I bit my lip.
I didn’t want anyone to know that I was struggling with this. I’ve never been a fan of letting frustration show after my best friend from high school dumped me for being too problematic.
It was now my mission to keep the drama to myself.
And this is what this was. It was drama. It was a six-month-old relationship coming to a natural end, albeit in a somewhat ugly way.
But this could all be worse.
Douglas and I could be married, have kids, or even be in love. We never said it to each other and probably for the best. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway.
At thirty-five, I vowed not to get hung up on relationships like these ones.
“You don’t think his secretary, what’s her name, bought it for you?”
“Angela. And yes I do. It’s a nice gift but it doesn’t have his name on it at all. He knows me better than a paperweight.”
James didn’t disagree with me. Whether he thought I was right or not wasn’t up for debate. Yet, even he knew a paperweight wasn’t a thoughtful, personal gift.
“I sort of can’t believe you’re going to give it back. It’s pretty badass of you.”
“You could say it’s the only way people learn you don’t take shit. You don’t take shit gifts.” We both laughed. We had to if we wanted to survive the morning.
I placed the bag on Angela’s desk. She looked it up and down. “Did you already have one, Andie?” James couldn’t hide his laughter.
“Yes, something like that. It’s beautiful though. Perhaps it would look nice on your desk, Angela. And don’t bother mentioning it to Douglas, I mean, your boss. It can be our little secret.”
She smiled at me. “Oh, you’re a dear. You and I share the same tastes. I had the most fun picking it out for you. The best assignment Mr. Gallo had ever sent me on.”
As she found a place on her desk for the paperweight, James and I left. Descending in the lift, I nudge James in the ribs. “I told you he didn’t pick it out for me.”
We both burst into hysterics again. It wasn’t that funny, either.
You’re reading The Andie Chronicles, the 2023 romance-fiction series from the 1 Lovelock Drive (1LD) universe.
By the way, this all started when Andie turned thirty-five, and her then-boyfriend didn’t call her.
Or the day after that.
Or the day after that, too.
Everything started to unravel when her BFFs got into bed with her ex, too… ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
Tales Of People Forgetting Your Birthday And Lovers Who Don't Materialise
Today is my birthday. And like all birthdays, it should be an amazing day. There should be metaphorical fireworks going off in my life. My loved ones, family, friends should be everywhere, celebrating with me, teasing me about reaching my mid-thirties, and showering me with happy memories.
Just a moment! 1 Lovelock Drive is a reader-supported publication (I can’t do this without you!). If you love what you read, and want to receive the next instalment and support my work, consider becoming a subscriber!
Want to read the next instalment? Or the last one?
Use the “Previous” and “Next” buttons below! ⬇️