The Con Captain's Nightmare

Chapter 14: The Girly Catch-Up

Beatrice's choice of outfit was both bold and elegant, reflecting her determination to face the world with confidence. The bright fuchsia color of her dress complemented her smooth dark skin and emphasized her curves. Her updo and subtle makeup added a touch of sophistication to her look. She felt empowered and ready to reconnect with her friend.

As she left her house, she exchanged a warm farewell with her mom, who couldn't help but smile at her daughter's resilience. Beatrice booked a cab and, with anticipation building, sent Yvonne a text to confirm her imminent arrival. Before heading to the diner, she decided to make a quick stop at the supermarket to pick up chocolates, knowing that these sweet treats could always lift her spirits.

Beatrice chose a box of Ferrero Rocher chocolates for her friend Yvonne, a thoughtful gesture to celebrate their reunion. She also indulged herself with a box of Lindt chocolates, a small luxury that she enjoyed savoring. The smooth, velvety taste of chocolate had a way of providing comfort and solace, even in the face of life's challenges. For Beatrice, chocolates truly were a girl's best friend.

With her chocolates in hand and her spirits lifted, Beatrice made her way to The Separate Chef, looking forward to reuniting with Yvonne and sharing stories, laughter, and maybe a few more chocolates.

Beatrice couldn't help but chuckle at Yvonne's barrage of questions and her eagerness to dive into the story. Her friend's candid and inquisitive nature had always been a source of amusement and comfort.

With a warm smile, Beatrice began to recount her recent adventures, starting from the moment she encountered James, the enigmatic "con captain." She described the party, the unexpected twist of events, and the rollercoaster of emotions she had experienced over the past week. As she spoke, Yvonne listened intently, occasionally interjecting with exclamations of surprise or concern.

Beatrice shared the events, the moments of vulnerability and strength, and her conflicted feelings about her encounters with James. She emphasized that she was not dating him and had no intentions of doing so. Her goal was to focus on her studies and her future, not to get entangled in a tumultuous relationship with a notorious figure.

Yvonne absorbed the story with a mix of emotions, from shock to relief. She knew her friend's character well, and Beatrice's determination to maintain her independence and academic focus made perfect sense. As Beatrice finished recounting her tale, Yvonne sighed in relief and said, "I'm just glad you're okay, Bea. You've always been the strong one. But, girl, you sure know how to find yourself in the middle of some drama."

The two friends continued to chat, share their thoughts, and enjoy their dinner. Beatrice was grateful for Yvonne's presence and the opportunity to offload the weight of her recent experiences. Their friendship had always been a source of strength, and this evening was no exception.

As they engaged in a lively conversation over dinner, Beatrice's phone suddenly chimed, displaying the caller ID as "James the Weirdo." Yvonne, catching a glimpse of the name, smirked at her friend. Beatrice, without hesitation, chose not to answer the call.

"Bea, your phone is ringing," Yvonne pointed out.

Beatrice shook her head and replied firmly, "I'm not picking it up. I'm feeling good and safe here with you, but my experience with James has been traumatizing. I even had a nightmare this morning after coming back. I'm not interested in reopening that chapter. It's over between us, and I intend to keep it that way."

Curious, Yvonne couldn't help but ask, "So why did you save his name as 'James the Weirdo'?"

Beatrice chuckled, "Well, he's just so strange, and I can't quite figure him out. 'James the Weirdo' seemed like the best way to capture that."

Yvonne chuckled at Beatrice's response. "James the weirdo" seemed like a fitting name for someone who had brought such a whirlwind of emotions into Beatrice's life. She understood her friend's apprehension and was supportive of her decision to distance herself from James.

As the phone continued to ring, Yvonne teased, "You know, sometimes weird can be intriguing. But I get it, Bea. You're in control of your own life, and if you say it's over, then it's over. If he's being weird and causing you nightmares, you definitely don't need that."

Beatrice nodded in agreement, grateful for Yvonne's understanding. She had made her decision, and no amount of strange behavior from James would change her mind. They continued their dinner, putting the conversation about James on hold and focusing on enjoying their time together.

Unbeknownst to Beatrice, James had left a voicemail, expressing his concern and apologizing for his actions. However, she had no intention of listening to it, at least not for now. Her focus was on healing and moving forward, and that meant leaving the "con captain" and his complications behind.

The following day, Beatrice and Yvonne continued their quality time together, and Yvonne wanted to make sure her friend felt welcomed back in the best way possible. She suggested they go for some emotional pick-me-up shopping, focusing on scents and perfumes. It was her treat for Beatrice to help her transition back into the comforts of home.

Excited about the idea, they ventured into town and explored various fragrances in the market. After trying several options, they both fell in love with the captivating scents of the new MSL brand, and it was an easy choice for them.

As they exited the South Side Shopping Mall, they unexpectedly crossed paths with George, who was on his way back from the gym. George couldn't contain his surprise and questioned Beatrice, "When did you get back, Bea? Why didn't you think to let me know?"

Beatrice, still feeling a bit sensitive about recent events, responded with a hint of sass, "Maybe if you had called to check on me, I would have informed you about my return. Real friends keep in touch." She gestured towards Yvonne to emphasize her point.

George quickly realized his oversight and apologized. He explained that he had been occupied assisting his father with a project and was just beginning to reestablish his routine. He then suggested they meet up for lunch the next day when Beatrice was going to work, and asked if that would be acceptable to her.