Chapter 35
She stepped out her car and started towards her apartment. She was glad to be home. She couldn't believe it was Wednesday already. The days were just flying by. It was too bad she wasn't enjoying herself more. After checking her mailbox, she started up the stairs and inside to her apartment. She kicked her shoes off and headed into the kitchen to make something for dinner, when there was a knock at the door. She really hoped it wasn't a solicitor. She made her way over slowly and opened the door.
"Hi."
"Nick, what's wrong? You look terrible."
"Thanks."
"Sorry but it's true."
"Yeah, I know."
"Come on in."
He stepped in and Illana closed the door. They headed over to the couch and sat.
"Nick, what happened, what's wrong?" She looked at him concerned.
He looked up at her. "I talked with Vanessa last night."
"Oh. What happened?"
"It was bad. After screaming and yelling with her as usual, I told her I'd had enough of worrying about what I did wrong in our relationship and walked out."
She let out a breath. "Wow, I'm sorry Nick. I'm sorry all of this happened."
He nodded, looking down sadly. She shook her head and scooted closer to him on the couch and pulled him into her arms. "You did what you had to. She may be upset, but she has to realize. I'm so sorry you're hurting." She whispered in his ear, hugging him tightly. "I know she is important to you. You never know what'll happen in the future." She felt him nod and she pulled away a little, his head lowered. "Oh baby, I wish there was something I could do to make you feel better."
"I'm ok. It's just hard ya know. Two years of my life I spent with her. She told me I was too wrapped up in being a superstar to care about her. It just really hurt."
Illana shook her head. "I know. I mean after all this happened, I still consider her my friend. I know that seems impossible, but I do. I'd like to think we can overcome all this."
Nick looked up at her finally and smiled, his eyes glistening. "You're amazing."
She could feel her face burning. "Nick." She whispered and stood. "Ok, how bout dinner? I'll make us something really good." She walked into the kitchen.
"You don't have to."
"I do really, I'm hungry." She laughed. "How about...frozen pizza? Cheese?"
"Girl you said the magic words." Nick grinned.
"Good! Let me just pop this baby in the stove and we're go to go!" She took the box out the freezer and opened it, taking the pizza out and putting it in the tin before setting it in oven.
They talked for awhile while they waited for the pizza to finish and once it was ready, they gathered around Illana's table to eat.
"I don't I've eaten to the table with a girl in a long time."
"You should try it more often." Illana laughed.
Nick rolled his eyes and took a bite of his pizza. "Come to my house."
She looked over at him. "Where'd that come from?"
He shrugged. "It's just been a while since we hung out. I thought it'd be nice to spend the evening together. How bout Friday? You can come after work."
She expected herself to be hesitant, but she wasn't. She felt no guilt. She no longer cared about what Vanessa thought, and neither did Nick.
"Sure Nick, sounds cool."
"Great!"
"I have to warn you though, I'm usually really tense."
"Nah, that's cool. Just bring your bathing suit and we'll go for a swim, that usually helps with I'm stressed out."
"Ohh that sounds nice."
"Yeah so don't forget it and a change of clothes and stuff."
"Sounds good to me." She smiled and they finished the rest of their pizza. She would be looking forward to it.
