Page 17 of Falling for my Best Friend

F I V E

- Lucy -

I had just let myself into the apartment when my phone started to ring.

“Hey Dad,” I said, slinging my purse over a chair. “What’s up?”

“I’m worried about your brother.”

“Why? Did something happen?” I kicked off my black boots and wiggled my toes.

“No. He still won’t come out of his room.”

“Should I buy some pot and invite him over? I bet that would get him out of the house.”

“That’s not funny.”

I shrugged. “I thought it was.”

“I’ve never seen him so depressed, Lucy. He’s moping around in the same clothes, speaking in single syllable grunts-”

“Sounds pretty normal to me. I mean, he’s a teenage boy. It’s not like he’s going to sit down and talk about his feelings with you.”

“I just don’t even know what to say to him.” He let out a heavy sigh. “Your mother would’ve though. She would’ve known what to say-”

“She would’ve given him his space just like you’re doing,” I said. “Just let him know that you’re there if he needs you. Honestly, that’s enough.” I made my way towards the kitchen. “Let him work through his heartbreak with his guitar. It’s much better for him than going out and getting shitfaced.”

“He’s been doing that, too.”

“Oh good,” I said, opening the fridge and staring into it. “So he’s fine. He’ll get over it. Trust me.”

“Would you talk to him?”

“I don’t know. He knows I hated Ceci so I’m probably the last person he wants to talk to right now.”

“Please.”

“Fine,” I said. “If it will make you feel better, I’ll talk to him.”

“Thanks, Luce. I’d really appreciate it.”

“Sure.”

“But please don’t bring him any pot.”

“It was a joke.”

“Oh. Okay, good,” he said, letting a moment of silence linger between us. “So. How are things with you?”

“Fine. I just got home though, so I’m gonna get something to eat,” I said. “I’ll catch up with you soon. Love you.”

“Love you, too, sweetheart.”

I slumped on the couch and flicked through my phone. I had three new Tinder matches. One of them, Brad, had already sent me a message. “What’s up, beautiful?”

I sighed. Nothing boosted my ego like the empty flattery of a complete stranger. “Nm, you?” I texted.

“Hey bitch,” Fiona said, swinging the front door open.

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