If Only
Chapter 2:
Addison woke up with a content smile on her face. Thinking back, she couldn't remember the last time she'd slept this well. She rolled over to look at her alarm clock.
"Mm, nine." She whispered sleepily to herself. Slowly waking up, she thought back to the previous night. She sucked in air so quickly she momentarily choked. "NINE! I'm meeting him in thirty minutes!" Addison jumped out of bed and ran to pick something out to wear. She chose her favorite casual lucky 7 jeans, and her most comfortable Gucci cami. "No need to dress up," she stated quietly to herself. Although, she did add a pair of black, three inch Christian Dior sling backs, just because. She knew how amazing the simple outfit would make her look. Why not let Pete enjoy what he's definitely missing?
She jumped in the shower, which could possibly be the shortest one she's ever taken. Skipping her now routine morning towel dance, she went to blow dry her hair. She checked the clock. 9:07. She was doing all right. Deciding to let her hair flow in its natural waves, she slipped on her clothes, sprayed some Chanel No. 5, put on some light eye liner and mascara –even though she didn't need it- and flew out the door.
She arrived at the Ivy just three minutes late.
"Not bad," she said to no one in particular. She slipped the valet her keys and gracefully made her way to the entrance. The young woman, who was the typical Hollywood stereotype, escorted her to their table.
Pete was sitting silently at the table when she approached him. He was nursing what looked like a chilled beer, but quickly stood up when she came nearer. "Wow, he looks amazing," she thought to herself. She added a brief, "Damn," under her breath.
He flashed his award-winning smile, which she returned hesitantly.
"Wow, Addison… You look great."
Pete pulled her chair out for her and sat down at the opposite end of the table.
"They're jeans Pete. Ever heard of them"? She paused. Why was she being so defensive?
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to come out that way."
"It's okay. You have a right to be upset with me."
"Yeah, I do. How could you?"
"Addie-"
"Pete I told you not to call me that." She answered sternly.
"I'm sorry. I'm just so used to it, that's all." She could see his face slowly crumble. Oh god, it just killed her inside to see him hurt. This isn't what she wanted. In fact, this is exactly what she wanted to avoid.
"Pete, I'm sorry. It's just… It's just that, when we were together as, whatever we were, that's what you called me. It just hurts to know that it's gone."
"You don't think that it hurts me too?!" He slowly started to raise his voice.
"Of course I do! But you don't need to take it out on me! I was there, waiting for you all night! Where were you Pete? What's your excuse?" Addison could hear her voice becoming louder and more accusatory. Who did he think he was? This wasn't her fault! It's not like she stood herself up for god's sake!
"Addison, I just couldn't do it. You're right, you can't just be another notch in my acupuncture table, and I want more too."
She slowly felt her throat tighten. No, she couldn't let him get to her. She wouldn't.
Pete continued, "It can't just be about the kissing, and the other non twelve year old activities." He felt himself smirk as he said this. Addison on the other hand pursed her lips in anger when he said this. Did he think this was a joke? Was this funny to him?
"I want to give this another try. A real try. I just want to take things slow, one thing at a time. When we're ready, we can take another step. What do you say? Do you want to do this?" While he said this he came over to her side of the table, and had grabbed her hand.
"You really want to know?" Addison asked with a softer tone.
"I really do want to know how you feel about giving me a second chance."
"No." She replied fiercely and with an edge to her voice that made him drop her hand and step away. "You hurt me, you BROKE me. Hell no I don't want to give you another chance. Not right now. So back off. And stop calling me."
With that Addison got up and walked out. The valet rushed to her, and gave her the keys instantly. Just as Pete was coming out, Addison was getting into the driver's seat.
"Addison, can we please talk about this?" he pleaded.
"No. There is nothing to talk about. Good bye Pete."
As soon as the words left her mouth she was off. Driving away from what seemed to be the only important thing in her life right now. The only thing she had left to hold on to.