Chapter 24
Ines brain hadn’t fully awakened yet, and it took her a few seconds to understand what Phoebe was talking about. She found the nickname quite amusing, so she played along. “You can keep those good catches for yourself. No need to worry about me anymore.”
“Izzy, you’re giving up way too easily, chickening out after just one try How do you think I feel as a single lady fighting on the dating battlefield for two years? Are you even worthy of being called my bestie? Hurry up and go forth. I’ll be behind you, cheering you on silently.”
‘Come on. You go forward yourself. I’m not qualified to do that anymore”
Phoebe didn’t catch the deeper meaning of Ines‘ words at first, but she noticed that Ines‘ voice sounded a bit nasal, “Wait, Ines, are you still sleeping, or do you have a cold?”
Ines replied irritably. “You woke me up with your call”
“Wow, it’s Tuesday, 9:30 AM, and you, a workaholic, are still sleeping? Something’s off!”
It’s a long story, not something that can be explained in a few words, “Phoebe, I quit my job, moved to A City, got married, and we should meet up somewhere, and soon.”
There was silence on the other end of the line after Ines said this, and all she could hear was Phoebe’s deep breathing. She knew she had shocked her friend. She hesitantly called out, “Phoebe.”
On the other end, Phoebe seemed unable to accept what Ines had just said, “Ines, what nonsense are you talking about this early in the morning? Are you still dreaming?”
Tm very awake right now. If you’re free at noon, let’s meet, and I’ll tell you everything that’s happened recently.”
“Why wait until noon? Let’s meet at Summer Café in the city center. I’ll leave the office right now, and we’ll meet there in 40 minutes.”
Phoebe hung up right after saying that. Ines listened to the sound of the call ending and rolled out of bed, helpless. There was no sign of Ethan in the room, but Ines wasn’t surprised, as it was already past the time for work. There was a note on the fridge with a scribbled handwriting.
“I went to work. There’s porridge and buns in the fridge. Heat them before eating.”
Ines knew she wasn’t far from Summer Café, so she had breakfast before heading out. As soon as she arrived, she saw a woman coming out of the underground garage, hurrying towards Summer Café. A knee–length red coat, a tight mini skirt, black knee–high boots, and slightly curly long hair – fashionable with a touch of playfulness. Who else could it be but Phoebe? A gentle lady when calm but ready to fight the world when riled
- up.
“Phoebe,” Ines called out to her.
Phoebe turned to look at Ines, walked over, and dragged her into the café, grinding her teeth menacingly, “You better explain what’s going on, are you married? If you don’t have a satisfactory explanation, watch out, I’ll deal with you.”
Ines couldn’t help but smile as Phoebe dragged her inside, “Miss, please don’t put on such a fierce face, or people around us might think you’re trying to kidnap me and call the police.”
Phoebe realized she was being dramatic, so she loosened her grip, “Ines, you’re really something.”
They each ordered a latte and a mocha, and with her arms crossed, Phoebe assumed the posture of a judge. “Now, explain everything to me. How did you get married?”
