Do You Love Me, James Taylor

House Party Part 18

(Trudy)

After getting forced out of my son's apartment I went to get some air. A lot had happened so I need a breather. I was pretty sure I just killed my business. Calming down a bit I walked back up to my son's apartment and on my way I spotted Carl standing in front of the railing looking down at the multiple-story drop

"Carl?" I went over to him worried about what he might be thinking

"Oh, Trudy," he said turning to me. His eyes were red and puffy from all his crying

"Carl are you-"

"Am I what?" He asked before looking down then back at me

"No, I'm not wasn't thinking about that. Now that I think about it. I'm deadly afraid of heights" he said stepping away from the railing

"It's good that you aren't thinking about that"

"Trudy, did you really mean it?" he suddenly asked

"What?"

"About wishing that night never happened"

"Carlton we were both hurt and I might've gotten a little too excited when you called me beautiful. To be honest I needed to hear that because I was beginning to think I was unattractive. I mean why else would my husband leave me for my best friend"

"That can never be it. You are the most attractive person in town"

"Thank you, Carlton," I said

"But if you needed that why would you wish it never happened"

"Because I took advantage of you. I don't know if it was because of your change of physique but I couldn't see you as that little kid that ran around my yard. It was my mistake and it cost you your first time"

"So what's the big deal?" He questioned

"Carl, the first time in anyone's life is supposed to be a special moment you can look back fondly at. I regret that you won't be able to do that because of my self-indulgence"

"What could be more special than having an affair with your best friend's mom" he chuckled

"That's nice of you" I laughed

"Hey Trudy, do you think I really projected my feelings for Brittney unto you?"

"Yeah, but it's totally normal. She was your first girlfriend and she broke your heart. A wound like that takes a while to heal. So don't jump in another relationship because somewhere along the line you might turn into a sad man still pining over his ex and you might hurt a really good woman"

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," he said

"No problem"

"I should probably head home," he said

"Good night Carl," I said

"Good night, Mrs. Taylor" he respectfully said as he walked away leaving me with a smile as I continued to James's apartment to speak with him.

"Sophie, do you know where James is?"

"Probably in his room. Up the stairs last door down the hall to your right" she told me

"Thank you," I said following her instructions to his room

I walked in to see him laying down face first on his bed

"So this is your room. It's tidier than I expected"

"Why are you still here?" He asked not even bothering to look up

"I'm here to apologize"

"Well you did so you can leave now"

"I have something to say"

"I don't want to hear it" he sighed

"I know I'm partially responsible for what happened to the family but I want to fix Hugh's and my mistake. I'm hoping you would come to Thanksgiving"

"What?"

"I want to hold a*- Thanksgiving party. You could invite Betty-Ann and her mom. We use to go to the same college you know"

"I don't care so get out"

"James, would you at least think about it?" I pleaded

"Fine, I'll think about it," he said getting up and facing me

"Thank you" I smiled too early

"If you explain to me what you and Hugh were talking about in the alley"

"James" I frowned

"What? Can't do it then get out of my apartment"

"Fine" I sighed

"Well get on with it" he urged me to continue

"Fours years ago. Just before your dad-" I said before he glared at me

"...before Hugh went on his business trip he found out that I was...that I was...."

"Was what"

"I'm not proud of it. It was a mistake that definitely shouldn't have happened-"

"Spit it out already" he hurried

"The night before he was supposed to leave I wasn't home"

I had thought he wouldn't know since he had already left town for his camp

"Yeah, Hugh told me when I called. So where were you?"

"I was out with someone."

"Out?"

"Yes we went for dinner then we went back to the bakery"

"And?"

"We kissed," I said noticing his grip tighten on the bed

"Nothing else happened I swear. Hugh walked in and found us out" I said remembering the horribly made pie he had dropped when he saw us

"Who?"

"What?"

"Who were you kissing?" He gritted his teeth shaking with anger

"Ebenezer" I admitted after a moment of silence

"You've got to be freaking kidding me! Another one!" He furiously yelled

"James"

"Get out. Get out right now!"

"What about Thanksgiving?"

"You seriously want me to go? Fine get Hugh to come and I'll be there" he said

"You can't be serious"

"Deadly. Now get the hell out I'm tired" he said before I sighed and walked out