Page 19 of Reeling in Love

“Nah. I couldn’t stand the suspense of when he would propose.” And then I tell them what happened last night.

“You said Gabriel told you to tell him the truth. Why would you say that? You know how jealous Rick is of him,” Lily shrieks.

“Jealous! Why would anyone be jealous of Gabs?”

Both Eva and Lily roll their eyes, and Lily speaks again. “You’re usually quite smart, Nora, but sometimes you’re equally dumb. Do you think the man who thinks men are from Mars and women are from Venus could ever believe that a man and a woman can be best friends and not have any sexual tension?”

“How do you know about this Mars and Venus conversation? Eva told you?”

“Nah. I saw your posts and figured the rest.”

I slump back in my chair. “You think he was jealous? Eva, you too?”

Eva nods. “I’m not the best person to read other’s behavior, but even I could sense his insecurity every time we all met. He always asked me about you and Gabs. So yeah, I’d have to agree with Lily. Though I don’t think that justifies the rest of his behavior. I mean, he acted like a jerk and I think you’re better off without him.”

“Anyway, it’s for the best. He used to be okay with Gabs when we started dating. I always make sure that anyone I date beyond the first couple of dates is okay with our friendship. How people change. That’s another reason for not getting into a relationship and keeping things casual. Now, if you both will excuse me, I have to pick up my clothes from Rick’s house and then meet Gabs. We’re going bar crawling and helping each other find sex-partners for the night.”

“Ooh. Exciting,” Lily says. “Can we come along? I can call Alex. Eva, check with Ryan.”

“No. No! You guys make everything a couple’s thing. No single person even looks at us when you all are there with me. This is a single’s night out. Not for you all. And Eva can’t even drink. What’ll she do in a bar?”

“Okay. As you wish, ma’am. Eva, are you and Ryan up for brunch on Saturday?” She gives me a wink. “Now that’s a couple’s thing for sure for a weekend. Let me know if you want in.”

I stand up and walk to the door, shaking my head. “No. And I need to leave now before I vomit at the couple’s things y’all are planning. See you guys later.”

“Where are you staying now, if not at Rick’s? You can come and stay with me and Ryan if you like. He’s planning to bake his almond and cranberry cookies tonight.”

“Now, that’s tempting. Keep some for me, please. I’m putting up at Gabs’ condo till I find a new place.”

“How will you go there with your stuff from Rick’s? You still don’t have your car, right?”

“Taxi. Shouldn’t be a problem at this hour.”

“I can drop you,” says Lily, jumping up. “I’ll help you pack, then drop you at Gabriel’s. Alex lives close to his place, and I’m meeting him tonight.”

“Tonight! Don’t you live there now?”

She gives a sheepish grin. “Well, he is my fiancé. But I go home once in a while, or Mom and Rose raise a stink about me not caring enough for family and stuff.”

“How’s Rose? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen her.”

“She’s okay. Going steady with Luke. And managing the studio better than ever. We’re exploring opening up another branch. Let’s see.”

“Wow. That’s awesome, Lily,” I say opening the door and stepping out. “But we better hurry now. I want to leave before Rick gets home. I don’t think I wanna see his face for at least the next few weeks.”

“I’ll punch him for you, if you like. That’s the least he deserves after treating you the way he did last night. I mean, the cheek of that man. Even if he was hurt or angry, but you both were in a relationship for two years and he should’ve acted better. Who does that? That too, to Sugar.”

I punch her on the arm and pull her before she and Eva begin another tirade.

As expected, Rick’s apartment is empty. I dash to the bedroom and open my side of the closet. He had thrown in most of my stuff, except the bottom shelf, the drawers on the bedside table, my bathroom accessories, and a few books. As I stuff it all inside a carton, I take a peek my watch.

“Shit! I won’t even get time to change.”

“For your bar crawl? To get laid?”

“Don’t be so crass, Lily. You’ve been where I am and done what I’m going to do. So don’t act all high and mighty.”

She chuckles. “Hey, you’re right. I’ve had my share of dates and boyfriends, and the nightmare of looking for a guy who you might want to spend at least a few months with. I’m just glad I’m out of that cycle.”

---