Pride, Prejudice and other bad first impressions

Chapter 14

Charlotte had only been gone a week and I was feeling terrible. I hadn’t had one text from George since before the party at Bing’s and when he finally texted me to meet for coffee, I was surprised but my excitement was lessened by both his ignoring me as well as the pain of being separated from my best friend.

“So how are things?” I smiled at George.

“Dealing with the princess is fun. I’m sure Lydia’s told you about Ms. Alana. She is definitely not an easy person to work for.”

Lydia had in fact gone into detail about every single aspect of Alana, referring to her with as much reverence that Ricky had for Catherine DeBourg. Everything Alana said or did was gospel, and it was a bit amusing while at the same time disconcerting seeing my sister turning into an Alana Bryce clone. We talked for awhile, but then his phone began to buzz, and he had to excuse himself to go back to work.

I felt so annoyed at George blowing me off. My bad mood was only worsened when I came home and found Jane crying in our room.

“Jane!” I ran to put my arm around her. “What’s wrong?”

“Bing left.” she said.

“Left? But you saw him a week ago. Did he go to the city on business?”

“He, they closed up the house. They packed up all their things. He didn’t even say anything to me, they just left. I tried his number but it didn’t work. And then Caro emailed me.” Jane began to cry again.

I reached for her phone and read the email.

Janie,

Sorry to leave in such a hurry. We were only supposed to spend a summer really, and I’m surprised Bing stayed for as long as we did. It was obvious from our first week or two that the Hampton’s was not the place for one of our restaurants, but after Bing promised your sister, we had to stay for the party at least.

He’s been biting at the chomp to get back to the city, so we had to go in a hurry. It’s not so much business but the fact that Gigi Darcy wouldn’t come out to the Hamptons. She’s very passionate about charity work, and Bing finds it so hard to be away from her. It’s so cute how much he admires her, really, and honestly I’m relieved that someone amazing like Gigi has captured my brother’s attention.

Anyways, I really value the time we spent together, and will always consider you to be the sweetest girl. Don’t be afraid to look me up the next time you are in the city. We can have brunch!

Ta-ta,

Caro Lee

“I was so stupid.” Jane sobbed. “I thought he might really like me. But I was just a...summer fling!”

“No way.” I said. “I saw the way he looked at you. That was real.”

“But the email...” Jane blubbered.

“Gigi Darcy is like eighteen years old. There is no way Bing Lee is in love with a girl ten years younger than him. And if he is, then he is gross. Caro is just trying to keep you away from him.”

“Do you think so?” Jane sniffled. “But then why didn’t he answer my call?”

“I don’t know.” I said. “But he sucks for that.”

“Yeah.” Jane said.

Jane’s sadness permeated through the household. She tried to put on a brave face, but I saw that she was really hurt by Bing’s treatment of her. Even my mother, who I thought would have spent every moment lamenting the loss of Bing and his money loudly, refused to mention his name. She saw the real pain her daughter was going through, and left it alone.

“Any news from Bing?” I said to Jane.

She shook her head.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok.” Jane said. “It’s better this way. I need to stop being so complacent. I need to get over it.”

“You were hurt.” I said. “It is not that easy to get over.”

“I just can’t sit here wallowing around in my sadness.” Jane said.

“Nope, not an option.” I smiled at her.

“Pippa has a friend. She needs an intern for a few weeks up until fashion week. In the city. I think I might take it.”

“Jane that is awesome!”

“You think I should do it?”

“Of course!”

The thought of my sister leaving after Charlie had also left was not pleasant to me, but the thought of Jane doing something she loved, something that make her happy and distract her from her sadness seemed like a great idea. Mom, of course, was sad to think of her daughter leaving, but Jane being in the city and the prospect of her running into Bing was an opportunity that Mother would not have her eldest daughter miss.

I didn’t hear much from George. Lydia informed me that he spent most of his time catering to the whims of Alana.

“It’s gross really.” Lydia said, sticking her tongue out. “She’s not that pretty really. She is just famous and has money, and she is obsessed with him, so he flirts with her.” I was comforted by Lydia finally seeing Alana’s true nature, but hearing my little sister be so jaded disturbed me a bit.

“He’s just afraid to lose his job. I hope Alana doesn’t take it too far.”

“Ugh, poor Wicks.”

I nodded my head in agreement.

I was so absolutely bored. Mary was busy studying. Lydia was busy being an extra, Mother was busy on Pinterest and Dad with his Ipad. I felt so lonely, and after complaining about this to Charlie in an email again, she told me I had to come and stay with her for a week in the city.

“It’s not like you’re working.” Charlie said. “My apartment is so cute. We could see a show together. Just come!”

I wasn’t sure but it was an email from Jane that changed my mind.

Hey Lizzie,

Things are going OK here. I’ve been working really hard. There is a lot to do, and everyone is so nice. Pippa’s friend is really cool and I’m learning so much. I’m starting to think that I should maybe think about taking some classes at FIT to really hone my skills.

Nothing from Bing. I called Caroline, and she took three days to answer me back. She invited me to brunch, but it was really weird. She was super cold and totally different from how she’s been this summer. When I asked after Bing, she said he was so busy with work and Gigi, that he didn’t have time for friends. Can you believe it?

Anyways, I miss you alot. The girls here are OK, but there really isn’t anyone I can talk to about these things.

Love ,

Jane

Jane needed me. And I needed Charlotte. We could comfort each other, go and see a show or go shopping in the city. I think it was what we all needed to feel better, and I packed my bag and took a jitney into Manhattan.