Decision
Sadie’s POV
I was still sitting at the bar, waiting for Paul, but my thoughts were consumed by Justin. On my way here, Daisy had called to update me about her dad’s condition, and I felt an urge to call Justin. Should I reach out to him or not? That question kept repeating in my mind. After waiting for a while alone, a young man approached and stood in front of me.
“Hi there, beautiful! What can I get you?” he greeted, waving his right hand.
I looked up and felt a sense of familiarity, realizing I’d seen him when I first arrived.
“Thanks, but I’m waiting for a friend,” I replied.
“Alright, I’m the bar manager, and I don’t like seeing gorgeous ladies sitting all alone without a glass of wine,” he said.
His remark made me smile, and just as I was about to respond, someone touched my shoulder. I turned, ready to react, but it was Paul.
“Paul, why did you keep me waiting for so long?” I asked.
“I’m sorry. It was Sara again—she started another argument. I can’t wait to sign those divorce papers and move on.” He then took a seat, and by then, the manager had left.
“Who was that young man?” he inquired.
“He said he’s the manager.”
“Hmm… the manager?” he asked, amused.
“That’s what he said. This is why I don’t come to bars—there’s always some kind of disturbance,” I replied. Paul then reached over and placed his hand on mine. At first, it felt comforting, but when he started caressing the back of my hand, I slowly pulled away.
“Oh, sorry. I got carried away,” he apologized. He turned and called one of the bartenders, ordering a bottle of wine, and then refocused on me.
“Sadie, I want you in my life. Is that too much to ask?” he said, spreading his hands wide.
“Can we just be friends for now?” I suggested, giving him a playful look.
“I’m tired of being just friends. You’ve always been my friend.”
“Are you sure you truly love me? I don’t want to rush into another relationship right now. I prefer close friendships,” I replied, looking straight into his eyes.
The wine arrived, and Paul poured it into two glasses. He took his glass and sipped, but I hesitated with mine. He urged,
“What are you waiting for?”
However, my thoughts were still on Justin, and I couldn’t help but recall everything he’d said the last time we were together. When these thoughts grew overwhelming and began to disturb my focus, I stood up, trying to stay grounded or at least listen to Paul.
“What are you doing?” Paul asked, surprised.
“I need to use the restroom. Just give me a few minutes,” I replied. As I was about to leave, I glanced at my wine glass and remembered my mom’s story about how she’d become pregnant with me. I hoped I wouldn’t end up in a similar situation.
Once I reached the restroom, I paced back and forth, nervously fidgeting with my thumbs.
“Should I accept Paul? Will spending the night with him lessen my desire for Justin?” I said aloud. Resting my head against the wall, my heart pounded. When Leo broke my heart, Justin had been there to comfort me at the hotel. Would spending a night with Paul have the same effect? I was confused. I wanted control over my emotions, but the more I tried, the more powerless I felt.
After about ten minutes in the restroom, without really using it, I decided to give Paul a chance and see how the next morning would feel. Paul claimed he was practically single and that once he and Sara signed the divorce papers, he’d be fully free.
I left the restroom with a determination not to pull my hand away if Paul tried to touch it again. When Paul saw me, he smiled, and as I sat down, the first thing he said was,
“Your wine has been waiting for you.”
“My wine,” I thought, hesitating to drink, even though I’d made up my mind about him.
“I feel dizzy. Where are you staying for the night?” I asked, narrowing my eyes. Excited, he stood up and replied,
“Come, it’s at the hotel behind this bar. Oh, here’s your phone.” He handed it to me, and as he approached, he reached for my hand. Expecting me to pull away, he was surprised when I let him hold it. We walked to the hotel behind the bar, where he paid for a luxurious room. He placed his hand on my shoulder as if we were a couple, but I kept my hands at my sides.
It was almost 7:30 PM when we entered the room. Paul hadn’t mentioned that someone had called my phone while I was in the restroom. I sat on the bed, and he approached me, wanting to touch me, when my phone started ringing. I stood up to grab it, and Paul said,
“Why don’t you leave your phone and spend some quality time with me?”
Ignoring his suggestion, I answered the call and saw it was Daisy.
“Hi, Daisy…”
“Where have you been? I’ve been trying to reach you,” she said.
“You called me?” I turned and looked at Paul, noticing some guilt on his face.
“Could you come over to my place? There’s a late flight at 8:30 PM from your city, and I’m booking it now. Only two seats left. Please, I don’t want to lose my mom’s affection by choosing sides. You’re my friend, and I don’t know who else to ask.”
“But it’s already late. Will I even reach the airport?” I asked. Paul stood up, concerned.
“Where are you going tonight?” he asked, and Daisy overheard.
“Is that your boyfriend?” she asked.
“Let’s forget about that for now,” I replied.
“Please, I don’t want to cause any trouble between you and him. But I really need to see my mom. If you make it, let me know,” she ended the call.
“Who was that?” Paul asked.
“My best friend, Daisy. She’s going through a crisis, and I need to help her.”
“Are you leaving me again?” he asked, slightly irritated.
“Why didn’t you tell me she’d called?”
“I knew this would happen. Why am I so unlucky?” he said angrily, walking away.
“I need to go,” I said.
“When will we see each other again?” he asked, coming closer and trying to kiss me.
“Please wait.” I put my hand on his lips and walked out to find a taxi to the airport. This was the craziest thing I’d ever done. In the taxi, my heart pounded as I worried about what might happen to Justin. I knew I was the cause of everything. While in the car, my phone rang—it was Paul.
When I didn’t answer, he sent me a text saying,
“No woman has treated me the way you did…” I ignored it, focused on seeing Justin. I arrived at the airport just in time and, relieved, boarded the plane. I texted my mom, “Mum, I’m on my way to see Daisy. I’ll call when I arrive.”
On the plane, I had many thoughts, wishing we’d arrive faster so I could see Justin. Daisy had left to see her mom, as planned. The plane landed before midnight, and I quickly left the airport without any bags, catching a taxi.
“How will Justin react when he sees me?” I wondered. There was a burning urge for the car to go faster so I could reach Justin’s house.
Twenty minutes later, it was past midnight. The street was silent when I knocked on Justin’s door. I guessed he was asleep, so I called him. The phone rang, but he didn’t answer. I tried again, with the same result.
“Did he get drunk and pass out?” I thought as I turned around, considering a hotel for the night. Then my pho
ne rang—it was Justin.
“Hi Justin, I’m outside your house.”
“Are you kidding me?” he replied, voice raised.
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