My dinner date with Lucas had been a little rough. Emotions ran high and he made me promises which were so freaking beautiful I couldn't contain myself. I cried and cried and he held me. He showed me so much kindness it hurt. I made a decision about this all.

I had to break-up with Lucas.

It was Monday morning, I was putting on my battle armor which consisted of a mustard colored knitted sweater, a plaid skirt, black tights and knee high boots. This outfit made me feel as if I could blend in with the fall weather. Braiding my hair into a messy side braid I glanced over my shoulder, my eyes trailing to my nightstand where my phone rested. It was ringing, letting me know to answer it otherwise it would keep ringing until I lost my damn mind. I moved to the nightstand, still working my braid and carefully tapped to answer it and switched to speaker.

"Nick." I called, "You're on speaker."

"I can hear that."

I smiled and sat down on the bed, finishing my braid and tying it to keep it all in place. I then grabbed my phone and took it off speaker.

"All good now, how was your weekend?"

"Great, you know catching up on my series and doing nothing but hanging out on my couch. The usual. How about your weekend?" He asked so casually I knew he was preparing to have a fit, "I mean besides you losing your mind and deciding to break-up with Lucas who more or less promised you the fucking moon."

I closed my eyes and sighed. It wasn't like I didn't appreciate it. I loved those words, they were beautiful and absolutely amazing but I didn't deserve it. Our relationship was based on a lie, I kept a few things from him so he wouldn't run for the hills. I was done with that. Lucas had to find a girl who would also promise him the fucking moon as Nick called it.

"He deserves to be with someone better," I whispered.

"You're not an awful person, Nina."

Nick was getting angry, I could hear it in his voice. I knew this would upset him, I knew the parents would react even worse. But right now I was thinking of Lucas' future and his happiness. Those things he couldn't achieve when he was with me.

"But I am." I opened my eyes, determined to win this argument, "I lied to him, our relationship started based on a lie. Then I more or less used him to get over my feelings for Jacob and it worked. But then I also expected him to fight my battles for me. I'm a freaking bitch and we both know it. Lucas should date someone better than that."

Nick wasn't going down with a fight, I knew this might take the whole morning. I wanted to grab a coffee and go through the emails I received from mom. I was going to focus on my potential clients and figure out what to do about Jacob. It was a busy Monday for me, mostly emotionally draining but these things had to be done. I didn't have the time to keep arguing with Nick about Lucas. I made up my mind. I wasn't going to change it.

"You've been honest about this thing with Jacob."

"I didn't tell him about the make-out session in the office." I sighed exasperatedly.

Nick was quiet for a little while, maybe he finally agreed with me.

"Then tell him."

He made it sound so simple as if I could just walk up to Lucas and tell him about what happened so long ago. We weren't together back then, not officially but I also didn't tell him about it when I had the chance. I was a greedy girl who wanted to handsome guy who made me feel like a princess, knowing our relationship was starting on a lie.

"I should."

"Yes let him decide if you need to break-up or not."

It sounded so freaking simple, but Nick was right. Lucas deserved to make a decision about us. If he wanted to break-up then so be it. I was already prepared to give him his freedom. It wouldn't change anything, at least he knew I wasn't a princess. He'd have no regrets when he'd start dating someone else. I wanted to give him that.

"I'll do that."

"Good." Nick sounded relieved, "I'm glad you call me nowadays to discuss your thoughts because I think your rash decisions might get you into a lot of trouble. It's okay to talk to people around you, ask for advice and such."

I stared at my feet, the boots were lovely and comfortable. The suede fabric feeling so good to the touch.

"I'm glad you're my best friend too," I muttered.

Nick chuckled, "How did this happen?" He wondered.

"Jacob Blackwood." I had to try really hard not to roll my eyes at that.

"Anyway, I have to get back to work and you have a busy schedule today, right?"

I nodded despite Nick not being able to see. I got to my feet and walked back to the tall mirror. Everything was still in place.

"Yes, thank you. Love you."

I hung up the phone and collected my things. My bag was quite big but I had to take my laptop with me to the coffee shop I had in mind. It was crowded but not so crowded that I couldn't enjoy good coffee and getting some work done.

The coffee shop wasn't crowded anymore, the morning rush had passed. Talking like old gossiping ladies over the phone with Nick worked out. I ordered a cappuccino from the woman I knew was Owen's sister. She didn't know who I was so I didn't want to make things awkward. I just smiled at her and took my order.

"How are you?" She asked.

Hesitantly I answered her greeting, "Hello, great how are you?"

She nodded with a grin spread across her face. Owen's sister had the kind of smile which brightened up the room.

"I know this is weird but I asked my brother about you the other day and he told me who you are."

I couldn't help but to laugh, it sounded so familiar to me. If I saw Nick chatting with a lady and looking like he had a great time I'd be curious too.

"It's okay, I have an older brother too. I get it."

She made another unsure face which made me tilt my head to the side in curiosity.

"I actually also know about that. I know who you are." She shrugged, "It's kind of unavoidable if you're pretty active on Social Media. I'm so sorry, I didn't want to snoop or anything. I just figured you were Owen's client than he blew my mind when he told me you're dating Luke."

"Luke," I whispered, testing that nickname.

Her cheeks flushed, she looked embarrassed by her words. I didn't know what she said which would make her feel that embarrassed. I didn't mind that she had a nickname for Lucas. Everyone needed a few good friends in their lives who'd listen and give them advice when they tried to make life-changing decisions. They were lucky to have each other. I still needed to find people who I could trust with sensitive information. Right now there was no one but Nick I trusted with my whole dramatic relationships with handsome men.

"It's okay, I don't mind." I reassured her, "I just thought it was funny."

She grinned at me, "You should call him that some time."

"You want me to take a picture of his face when I do?" I asked her jokingly.

She laughed, the sound almost musical, "I wish you could but he'd know something was up." She held her hand out to me, "I'm Joy by the way."

I shook hands with her, "Nina. Nice to officially meet you."

A few people stepped into the coffee shop so I didn't want to keep her up. I left her to it, gesturing I was going to grab a seat. I stalled out my laptop and sipped from my coffee while going through the email mom sent me. I carefully read everything, taking all the information in. I picked out two clients. An older woman who needed a new wardrobe and a middle-aged woman who wanted to start early collecting the Christmas gifts she needed. She'd be out of town, traveling and when she got back she'd be right on time for the holidays. These jobs sounded interesting to me so I chose them. I reached for my cup and sipped the amazing coffee again. My eyes trailed to the woman who approached me, taking a seat across me.

"Owen?"

"What are the odds?" He asked, "I just finished up a shift and needed to grab some coffee so I wouldn't pass out when doing the groceries."

"Long day?"

He sighed, "You have no idea."

I closed my laptop and focused on the tired looking Owen. He was sipping his coffee too, a much larger cup which would probably get his heart rate up. If he needed it I could only imagine how tired he must be feeling.

"You want me to tag along?" I asked, "I can't promise I can catch you when you go down, but it can try."

He laughed, "I'm good, you can keep working." He glanced at his cup, "I'm almost done anyway. I'll quickly do the groceries and then head home by cab."

"That's a good idea," I whispered.

He grinned at me, "Lucas found himself a good girl."

I snorted, "I can sure you I'm not."

He looked curious about that, but he didn't pry, "I didn't mean it like that. I actually mean like a woman who is kind and cares about others." He smirked, "I'm sure you can get yourself in all sorts of trouble which Lucas will love."

I stared at him open-mouthed, not quite sure I heard him correctly. The chuckle that followed confirmed that I did indeed hear him correctly.

"Did you guys gossip?" I asked him.

He raised an eyebrow at me, "Didn't you? Don't women always share everything?"

I pointed at him, "That's putting people in boxes and that's quite rude." I smiled at him, "And I don't have girlfriends which sounds sad but it's okay. So no, I didn't go gossip about my night with Lucas. I thought stuff like that was supposed to stay private."

"He didn't tell me what you guys did if you're worried about that. He just let me know he was spending the night with you. Then he came back home looking like he cuddled with a large cat so I assume you were that cat."

I blushed, biting my lip to keep embarrassing words to myself.

"Your look tells me I'm right." He placed his cup down, "I'm glad things are working out between you two. You seem like a couple who can make it, you know." He then grinned at me, "Can't wait till we do the embarrassing thing like meeting up in the kitchen when you awkwardly take the coffee I made and then slip away as quietly as you can. Sounds like fun."

I nodded, "Now I see why Lucas always comes over at my place. So we can avoid that."

He chuckled, "Well, it will happen sometime, right?" He got to his feet, "It was nice talking to you. Now I need to do the adult thing and buy some things for the house. Sorry to keep you from your work."

"Not at all, it was nice talking to you." I agreed, "I hope we can do it more often."

"Me too."

He walked up to his sister to stay goodbye. They looked like they got along great, I'm sure Nick and I were also like that. I focused back on my work, making sure to contact these ladies and sharing my contact info with them. I knew what else needed to be done but I had been stalling. I didn't want to do it because of the whole dramatic exit but the party was coming up and things needed to be fixed before that.

Good afternoon, Mr. Blackwood

After recent events, I think we have a lot to discuss.

I hope you can find the time to make an appointment with me.

It would be best to discuss things privately.

Kind Regards,

Nina Merigold

I hated that I had to do this, I didn't want to press send but I did it anyway. I then closed my laptop and put it away. I pretended like I didn't send that email out at all. I jumped when my phone rang. I didn't dare to look at it but I knew I'd annoy the people around me with the relentless ringing of my phone. I grabbed my phone and answered it.

"Hey, you busy?"

I grinned, feeling relieved hearing Lucas' voice, "Not at all. I just finished work."

"Owen texted me letting me know he met my amazing girlfriend at the coffee shop again. Then he gave me shit for not inviting you over for dinner despite me coming over at your place regularly."

Owen was the sweetheart, not me.

"So I know it's last minute and all, but would you like to come over for dinner tonight?" He asked.

I glanced over my shoulder, "I can make dinner tonight. Will you invite Joy over too?"

He sighed, "Sure, I'll invite her over too."

I then glanced at my cup of coffee which was now empty, "Great, then I'll see you tonight. I'll bring over dessert."

"You don't have to." He reassured me.

"I know I don't have to but I will do it anyway."

"You can bring a bag too." He suggested.

I loved the promise of that, making love to Lucas was intense and felt so good. I definitely wanted to do it again and maybe get the chance to love him. I would take a bag with me, but I wouldn't count on staying. When we had some privacy after dinner I did have to talk to Lucas about Jacob and finally tell him everything. Either I'd get some intense loving or I'd be crying myself to sleep.

It was a gamble, really.