Page 32 of Falling for my Best Friend

“Right?” She scooted her lemonade towards her. “It’s starting to feel really unhealthy, though, like I’ve forgotten how to enjoy the moment cause I’m always looking for the next thing.”

“You and everybody else.”

“And what’s the point of even trying to enjoy the moment if I know the person I’m with is thinking about whether or not the next girl he meets will be easier or better company or prettier or-”

“I know,” I said. “I couldn’t agree more.”

“On the other hand, if I’ve had a shitty day, nothing boosts my spirits like left swiping a bunch of people.”

I lifted my lemonade. “At least it’s a cheaper form of therapy than online shopping.”

“Is it though?” she asked. “I mean, financially it is, but there’s still a cost.”

I tilted my head. “What? You mean spiritually?”

She nodded.

I didn’t know what to say, but I could tell she was getting a little worked up. “Don’t worry. I’m sure Blondie will be the perfect guy for you, and you’ll never have to worry about swiping anyone again.”

“Thanks, Luce. I hope you’re right.”

“I’m going to go to the bathroom before our food arrives. If you must take out your phone and do some swiping while I’m away, I promise I won’t be offended or accuse you of not enjoying the moment.”

She sighed. “Make it quick. If I meet the guy of my dreams while you’re in there, I won’t be out here when you get back.”

“Fair enough,” I said.

As I weaved through the inside tables towards the bathroom, I couldn’t help but think about Fiona’s concerns. However, in our defense, it wasn’t easy to meet eligible straight guys in our line of work. Plus, most of our friends were artsy types and we both craved the company of classic meat and potato guys. What choice did we have to meet people outside our social circle but to do so online?

I decided when I went back outside I would tell her she shouldn’t feel bad, that we were only doing what it took to survive and compete and mate in this day and age, and that the only reason our souls were resisting it was because we were the transitional generation. In ten years’ time, all of the uncomfortable things we were up to with technology will have been completely embraced by the subsequent generation and not awkward at all.

But when I stepped back on to the patio it was everything I could do to keep my jaw from unhinging itself entirely.

I hung my head and hurried to my seat. As soon as I sat down, I put my elbows on the table and my hands up like blinders to shield my face.

“Are you okay?” Fiona asked, furrowing her immaculately shaped brows. “Did something happen in the bathroom?”

I shook my head.

“Seriously, you’ve gone even paler than you normally are, like you’ve seen a ghost or something.”

“No,” I said. “Not a ghost.”

“What then?”

“Brad’s here.”

“Who’s Brad?”

“The guy who brought me here in the first place.”

“Oh.” She started to turn her head-

“Don’t!” I said. “Don’t look yet.”

“Why? I thought you said it would be fine if you ran into him.”

I took a deep breath. “It’s not him. It’s who he’s with.”

---