Page 5 of Love Me Not

Megan and Ryan had left as well, since she had to be at work early in the morning. Though not attached to a school, being a librarian still meant getting ready for the start of a new academic year. Their wedding was set for early October at a beautiful event space created and run by Donna’s contractor-turned-boyfriend, Calvin.

He was not only a top-notch contractor, but an entrepreneur, small business guru, and all around good guy. Also hot. Very hot. A fact not lost on me, as I was single, not dead.

“Has she said what she wants to do?” Donna asked. “I’ve been so busy packing for this move that I’m out of the loop.”

Megan hadn’t said anything to me. “If she’s told anyone, it’ll be Becca.”

“That’s true,” Josie said. “She is the planner.”

While she was out on maternity leave, Becca’s boss handled many of the wedding details, but the official planner in charge of Megan’s wedding was still Becca.

“Speaking of the wedding.” I sat up and dropped my feet to the floor, ignoring the protests coming from my thighs. “Do you think Megan will care if I wear Converses with my dress?”

We were all bridesmaids in this shindig, just as we’d been in Becca’s wedding back in January. And because our friends didn’t hate us, the dresses for both occasions were lovely, but I didn’t want to spend the day in heels if I could avoid it. As the maid of honor for Becca, I’d tolerated the pumps until mid-reception, when I changed into cute little slippers that matched the dress.

This time around, Becca was serving the maid of honor role, and as a mere civilian bridesmaid, I could hopefully get away with a more casual shoe.

“She probably won’t care, but you’ll have to ask her.” Josie uncurled off the couch, yawning as she went. “Donna, the house is gorgeous.” Leaning down, she gave her a hug. “Enjoy settling in, and call me if you need anything. I can hang a picture like nobody’s business.”

Between the pin incident and decorating my new classroom, I was done hanging things for a while.

Josie turned my way. “Have a good first day of school. It’s Wednesday, right?”

“Yep.” I had one more glorious day off. “Another break over too soon.”

As much as I loved teaching, I also loved having my summers off.

“Back to the rat race with the rest of us.” Donna rose from her chair to show Josie out, and I leaned back with my eyes closed, consciously trying to relax my muscles.

“You want to crash here?” Donna asked when she returned to the living room.

If I had a toothbrush on me I might have considered it. “Nah, I’ll head home.”

She curled up on the end of the couch. “You don’t have to rush off. I’ve been wanting to talk to you about something.”

That sounded ominous. “Did I offend someone today? I’m too tired to remember.”

Being blunt could be an attribute, but there were times when words flew out of my mouth before the filters kicked in.

She shook her head. “Nothing like that. I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

“Okay about what?”

“Well…you know. Me and Calvin.”

Did she think I wanted her man? “Why wouldn’t I be okay about you and Calvin?”

Of the five in our friend group, Donna and I were the most alike. Seeing her hem and haw around whatever she was getting at confused me even more than the am I okay stuff.

Finally spitting it out, she said, “I don’t want you to feel like the odd one out when we’re all together. Everyone is coupled up, and I know you’re fine not being part of a couple, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying about you.”

Way back in high school, I’d set Becca up with a guy in my homeroom class. His name was Bryan and I knew within days of meeting him that he and Becca would be perfect together. And they had been, until he was tragically killed a few years ago. But for fifteen years before that awful day, we were the three musketeers.

I was used to being the extra wheel. The outlier of the group. Nothing made me happier than to see my friends blissfully in love and knowing that I could go home and have no one in my space. In my mind, I had the better deal.

“There’s nothing to worry about. I’m happy for all of you, and I’m totally content being on my own. Not every woman needs a man in her life.”

She laughed. “I said the same until Calvin proved me wrong.”

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