Page 106 of Craving Paradise

I can hear the hurt and confusion in my friend’s voice. “Fine! Give me five, I’ll call you back. Let me find out for you.”

Do this for your friend, Jasper. He deserves to know why this girl ditched him. I press call on Lauren’s name and it rings out.

“The one time I need you to pick up your fucking phone, Lauren,” I scream at my phone in frustration. I open up the text message and send her one.

Jasper:I’m calling you to find out what happened to Elle. She stood up Ali, and he’s freaking out wondering what happened.

The bubbles pop up onto my screen. This is good.

Lauren:It’s not my place to tell him.

Not her fucking place to tell him? What the hell! Your friend has left London and gone to the country when she is supposed to be on a date with my friend.

Jasper:Come on. The guy has gone to so much trouble for tonight, and you’re going to let your friend ghost him? I thought you were better than that.

Lauren:I can’t.

Jasper:You won’t is more like it.

Lauren:I’m sorry your friend is hurting, but so is mine.

Jasper:She doesn’t look like she’s hurting too badly while you’re all partying in Dorset.

Lauren:You’re stalking me?

Jasper:No. My friend thought something bad happened to Elle and was concerned, but she blocked him everywhere. I had a look, and there she is having the time of her life with her friends while ripping my friend’s heart out.

Lauren:You’re protecting your friend, and I’m protecting mine.

Jasper:Your friend is being a bitch.

Lauren:Fuck you, Jasper. Your friend is a two-faced asshole. All men are fucking liars.

Jasper:Liars? Oh no, sweetheart, we’re the ones who fell for the liars.

Lauren:Fuck you.

Jasper:No, fuck you.

Unfortunately, my message doesn’t go through because Lauren blocks me.

I’m so angry at her and Elle. Fuck her. Fuck them both. I don’t understand what happened with these two girls. I thought I was able to read people, but Ali and I just got fucked over by two people we never expected would do such a thing.

I phone Ali back.

“What did you find out?”

“Nothing. They refused to tell me anything. I’m sorry, but I think this might be the end of the road for you both.”

Alistair sighs and falls silent for a couple of moments. “Thanks, man. I appreciate you helping me, and I think you might be right.”

I can hear his sadness through the phone.

“Chin up. You’re about to go to Australia, where there are hordes of gorgeous single women ready and willing for you. Enjoy your holiday, Ali. London and all its drama will be here when you get back.” I try and cheer him up as best I can.

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JASPER