Indecent Revenge
After having a quiet moment, refreshing her head from rising dizziness and fixing her make-up, Cathy came back into the hall. The party was just warming up, celebrating the merge of private limited company with J.I.L. Corporation, the giant they could not live without anymore. She thought she was ready for anything now: the never-ending attention, the queue of drinks just for her and dancing until she could not stand on her feet anymore. She made herself perfect tonight from top to toes and was ready to show those J.I.L. people how welcome she was. Yet, what destiny had prepared for her – that much-unexpected turn of fate - she did not see that coming.
As Cathy was crossing the hall, incidentally looked to the left and that is when she saw him - David Callaghan, her ex-boyfriend. He was standing few metres away, surrounded by his colleagues and seemed to be in the middle of serious discussion.
It seemed like for a moment Cathy’s legs gave up on her. Suddenly all lost and distracted, Cathy searched for Maggie, her colleague and roommate.
“Look at those guys from J.I.L. Corporation, particularly the one with dark blue tie and fancy hair,” she whispered to Maggie.
“He’s gorgeous. I’d say, go for it,” whispered Maggie back, spying the man considerably.
“No, he’s my ex. What shall I do now?”
“What? I must admit, he is yummy. Go and say hello.”
“No, no, we had a pretty harsh breakup. I want to get out of here. Will you be alright getting home all by yourself?”
“Don’t be silly. When did you date him?”
“That would be ten or eleven years ago.”
“What? Why you want to run away now? Cathy, I suggest to look at it my way,” started Maggie assuredly. “How many opportunities did you have to meet him, or any other ex, just bumping into him at street, absolutely by chance, with you hairs messed up, faded make-up or ridiculous shirt on? Worse, it could happen in the middle of a very bad day, on the skyscraper of problems with your nerves all over the planet. Now, many chances can one have to meet the ex, with an amazing hairdo, perfect make-up and designer dress on. Tonight is your night, girl. Go and show him.”
“I’m... kind of... worried,” Cathy mumbled.
“You have nothing to worry about. You are successful, smart and you look perfect. Show him what he has lost.”
“You are right. Yeah, I have nothing to worry about.”
“You go girl!”
“I don’t wear ridiculous shirts,” Cathy added and, gathered all her courage, went towards her ex.
She stopped on the half way just to have a second look at her reflection in the large window and make sure she looks fine. Just as she turned back, her ex was not there anymore. Cathy searched in the crowd with her eyes, thinking that probably that is for better, when she heard his voice just beside her.
“I wanted to ask if I could buy you a drink, but the bar is free, so, risking making quite a foolish impression can just get you one?”
Cathy stared at him, all numb from the surprise. None of “how have you been” or “so nice to see you” formalities? Those, at least, sound friendlier than some general flirting line.
“OK,” said David after decently long silence. “Sorry to disturb you, miss.”
He politely turned to walk away.
“Cosmopolitan” swiftly replied Cathy, not sure, what is going on or what should she do next.
David stopped, turned back at her and smiled.
“Cosmopolitan it is. It won’t take a moment.”
As she watched him walking towards the bar, Cathy wanted to bang her head to the wall. No matter how perfect her hairdo or make-up was or how flattering she looked in her custom-made dress, nothing could make her feel self-confident and prepared to talk to David Cavanaugh.
She quickly headed to the exit, hoping to disappear in the crowd on the way and unnoticed vanish from the party. Just as she put on her coat in reception, she heard his voice behind her once again.
“Going somewhere?”
Cathy turned back and looked at him embarrassed. No good explanations came to her mind. He chased her to the reception area. He was standing there with the drinks in his hands. In the midst of uncomfortable silence, Cathy wished she could disappear like a smoke.
“Let me escort you,” said David, before Cathy could even think of opening her mouth. He put the drinks on the windowsill nearby, took his coat and they both went out.
As if to some unspoken agreement, they took a walk. David started some small talk, being all so charming and attentive. Cathy kept on staring at him, minimally participating in the conversation. She still found hard to believe that she see him again. That naughty and cute boy, her first love she was high over heel for, was such a manly and matured grown up now.
Suddenly, it stroked her – he does not know who she was. He does not recognise her. He talked to her as if they have just met. That made things much easier for her. All the tension was suddenly gone. Cathy was happy to be just a random woman hooked at the party.
She asked him if he would be much around after the merger of the companies they both worked in and got to know, that her department will get one more manager to take care of marketing. That will probably be the new Unlucky John’s position, as they all see it as the step back. Nobody from David’s office wanted to leave J.I.L. for some small company.
They kept on talking for hours, while walking in the nocturnal streets of city. The conversation flowed easily, changing from travelling to career plans, from movies to music, from anecdotes to the stories of their social lives. They had lots of fun and laugh, talking for hours, until met the sun rising in the tranquillity of morning city streets.
***
For three days, the memories of that night were so vivid for Cathy. She thought it is not possible see David ever again and was happy she could get to know how he was doing now and had an opportunity to talk to him.
Just as the memories were fading away and she got her inner balance back, David reminded about himself. He sent her an enormously huge bouquet of flowers to her office. It raised the curiosity of all her female co-workers, as nobody saw Cathy with anyone lately. By the lunchtime Cathy was tired of explaining to everyone, that she is not dating and the bouquet is from a friend, just a friend. Surprisingly, everybody found it difficult to believe and the gossiping increased until unthinkable.
The call came at the end of the day and David invited her to have a lunch tomorrow. He was not going to take “no” for an answer and she had no intention to refuse. Once again, she had an opportunity to make herself perfect and shine - in professional style this time.
They met at the overcrowded corner cafe, involved themselves into interesting chat from the very first minute and David was not even trying to hide his increasing infatuation for her.
When David incidentally touched her shoulder, the pleasant shiver ran through her spine up and down and a bunch of butterflies whirled inside. It was almost as the first time when he touched her ten years ago, the entire world was waiting to be explored and lads were funny and mysterious creatures in it.
She remembered a date, when they went to the movie and she expected the first romantic kiss in the dark cinema hall. Movies were one of the semi-private places they could afford those days. However, it was “Star Wars” movie on and David was too much into it to notice her desire. While sitting there deeply disappointed, Cathy insensibly got into the movie as well. Later, they have left the cinema emotionally sharing the favourite parts and singing the soundtrack aloud and out of tune. They even replayed a part of it, running and shouting by the river. Then, completely unexpectedly, he kissed her for the first time.
As the memories revived in her head, Cathy noticed David looking straight in
her eyes and for a moment in seemed as if he remembered everything as well, although Cathy was not entirely sure about it. Sadly, her lunch break was going to the end and she had no time left. She thanked him for the wonderful lunchtime; he strongly insisted on a dinner and they arranged a time on Friday. Cathy was just about to leave when his phone rang. Discretely she had a glimpse and noticed female name and a picture of beautiful woman on the screen. David ignored the call. His all attention was on Cathy. The woman called again.
Cathy quickly said her final goodbye and went out. A minute later she realised she left her phone on the table, after showing David couple of pictures, and immediately hurried back. As she entered the cafe, she was glad to see David was still there. He was talking on the phone, probably returning the call. It was obvious from the conversation, that the woman he was talking to was his girlfriend.
Cathy came from behind, stretched her arm and took her phone. It was unexpected for David and suddenly he seemed all lost. Cathy went out without saying a word. David stayed there, still hanging on the phone and looking sheepish.
He called her few times that day, but she did not pick up. He texted her, but she did not reply. Finally, Cathy switched off her phone giving herself some time to think.
***
Cathy needed urgent girls’ consultation, so she invited Lorrain to come over after the yoga class Thursday night. Lorrain was her friend since the high school and been with Cathy through water and fire for more than a decade. At the present, she lived with her boyfriend and there was heating up towards proposal atmosphere between them, which granted Lorrain a respectable knowing – all – about – relationships status.
Lorrain was there for Cathy after her harsh breakup with David ten years ago and Maggie, her co-worker and the roommate, was in the course of the current events, so, adjoining the information and forces together, Cathy hoped to have a deeper insight of the situation.
“Are you sure you understood his intentions right?” suspiciously inquired Lorrain, after long and detailed introduction to the last days’ events.
“I think so. He was hitting on me, which is confusing, as he has a girlfriend.”
“Maybe he’s looking for a short fling?” suggested Maggie.
“Or maybe he is just being friendly. In teenage years we’ve spent lots of time just talking till the morning,” guessed Cathy.
“He doesn’t even remember you,” reminded Maggie. “By the way, why did you two broke up?”
“Well, we were sixteen then, it was the first relationship for both of us, we’ve been together for quite a while, things were getting serious and he wanted to have sex. I was not ready for it, so he dumped me,” said Cathy, her voice full of anger.
“Isn’t that what every sixteen year old would expect – sex?”
“Yeah, I understand that now.”
“So, why are you angry on him?” asked Maggie.
“I’m angry, because we were so great together and he didn’t wait for me. I just needed a bit of time. We had everything: understanding, fun, chemistry, the connection. There was a full package. However, he dumped me after the first big disagreement we had and all I needed was a bit more time. Even more, he slept with Julie Thompson just two days after our breakup. I’ve spent years battling the insecurities in my relationships.”
“Gosh! There should be a punishment for the jerks like that! Even more, he is hitting on you now. You know what - you have a chance to have your revenge on him. We should come up with a plan. Let us do something, leave him naked outside or so. No, have sex with him and then dump him.”
“Wouldn’t that be too bitchy?”
“I’d say that’s fine. You had a walk and then a drink together, so the next meeting is the third date. It’s just about time.”
“Except that we are not dating,” specified Cathy.
“Gosh!” exclaimed Lorrain. “I do not miss it at all!”
Cathy and Maggie looked at her with enormous question marks written all over their faces.
“Yeah, exactly this,” explained Lorie, showing young women back at their faces. “All those questions, running through the head, troublesome doubts, not mentioning constant deliberation of some sort of games and strategies, trying someone to get to like you – that’s so exhausting! I am telling you, girls, I am so happy to be in the relationship, where I can feel myself without any kind of racking headache. It is amazing to come back home after a long workday, get into bed, relax, have some sex and fell asleep without questioning yourself if he will still be there in the morning or so. You know what I mean.”
Cathy and Maggie listen to her, filled with friendly envy.
“Isn’t it a time we’d left all those questions and games behind and grow up? The way I see it - it is simple. There’s only one question to ask.”
Lorrain inhaled deeply, taking a meaningful pause and preparing to deliver the crucial sentence.
“Cathy, do you want that man or not, yes or no?”
“Yes,” Cathy answered without a blink, which was a bit of surprise for herself.
“So, go for it. Enjoy him, beguile him, and treat yourself. ”
“What about the girlfriend part?”
“Sex takes two, so I’d say if he’ll let himself to be seduced - he doesn’t care about that girlfriend as much as he thinks.”
“You know, she’s right,” agreed Maggie. “Once he left you for another woman, for sex, so now you have a chance to be that other women, to sabotage his relationship. Show him what he has lost. Have your revenge.”
“It’s a win-win situation,” complemented Lorrain. “You have sex with a man you desire and take a revenge on him at the same time. Make him regret loosing you.”
There was no need to say anything else. The decision made. All the anger, jealousy and rage, Cathy burned with, turned into burning desire. She was going to be indecent this time and have her delightful revenge.
***
Cathy was happy about her new revenge plan; it made her feel much better. Yet, next morning she was not so sure anymore if she could do that. She dropped the idea few times and came back to it. Nonetheless, it was completely clear for her she wanted to see David again. She saw the returning addiction to that man, felt the danger of it, but he attracted her as the fire attracts butterfly.
Even though Cathy kept on rethinking her outfit for the dinner all over again, she was not entirely sure she would go there. Finally, when the time came, it was the last minute decision to go or at least Cathy told herself so.
She was glad to see David at the restaurant waiting for her. Providing some silly explanation about her phone’s battery down the other day, she started some small talk. Cathy was barely listening to David, distracted and confused. He was quick to notice that and asked her if she wants to talk about something. Cathy was going to ask him about the girlfriend, but all out of sudden, the revelation came out, unexpected even to her.
“David, that’s me – Cathy.”
He leaned back in his chair, taking a long look at her. His face expression was unreadable.
“Cathy Brown... Watts High School...” Cathy felt like she needed to provide more explanation.
There was no move from David. He sat there frozen, starring at her.
“You kissed me after “Star Wars” movie...,” whispered Cathy.
“I know... I remember... I’ve recognised you straight away when I saw you at the party.”
“What? Why didn’t you say anything then?”
“It seemed like you didn’t want to see me, you were running away from the party. Later it looked like you do not remember me. However, after the breakup we had, I was not sure I wanted you to remember me. I accept I was a jerk back then.”
“Why then did you invited to take a walk after the party and sent the flowers?”
“I wanted to know how you are. Common, as if you never thought about me as well. We were so good back then; the thing we had was the real one, I think. As well, I felt bad about the breakup,
the reason of it. I was a jerk. I admit it now, sorry for that. I suppose, I wanted to make up for you somehow.”
Some flashbacks of the breakup surfaced from the deep and hidden corners of her memory and Cathy felt the suppressed anger crawling out of the most shadowy places of her soul. She instantly suppressed it, still trying to comprehend how two people, who were so close once, can avoid the acceptance they knew each other? Cathy realised, the world was still complicated and still a place to explore.
“Anyway,” David interrupted her awakening self-pity. “How have you been for the last ten years?”
“I think, I’ve told you pretty much during our last meetings.”
“You know I’m asking you more personal question. I suppose, you have already figured out that I am seeing someone. Soon it will be couple of months. What about you?”
“I’m not seeing anyone,” she revealed and was not happy about it. She was supposed to wave her perfect life just in front of his nose and that was not working out.
“My last few relationships were a disaster, but I saw that coming from the very beginning. I do not know why I am wasting my time on things that have no future. Well, anyway, I’ve learned few good lessons.” Cathy supplied an honest answer and was surprised to realise she felt OK to be so open with her ex.
“Anything in the horizon now?” pried David.
“No, but I expect the next relationship to be a serious one," smiled Cathy. "Life is too short to waist it on the things that won’t last.”
The answer came out before Cathy even considered allowing herself more openness and for a second she regretted it, until she saw the admiring look in David’s eyes.
“I’m not exactly happy in my present relationship,” he said sincerely, which immediately lifted Cathy’s mood few levels up. She could bet his girlfriend is not aware of that.
“Isn’t it interesting how our life consists of random events, sequencing one another and later we see how those events became the turning points of our lives,” started David after a short pause.
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