Page 23 of Passionate Hearts

Willow was obviously right. Everything in her life was wrong, starting with Brianna giving her the cold shoulder. She should have known that kissing Brianna would have long term consequences. Unfortunately, her mind hadn’t been focused on potential problems at the time.

“River, come on. What happened?”

River sighed and buried her face in her hands.

“I told Brianna that I wanted to kiss her. And that I was developing feelings for her,” River moaned.

“I’m sorry, what?” Willow managed to choke out.

Mel was waiting on tables nearby, and River was hoping she hadn’t heard the disruption.

“Willow. Quiet down. Your girlfriend is Brianna’s best friend for crying out loud. I don’t need any extra trouble.”

“I’m sure she already knows,” Willow smirked.

“You’re probably right.”

“What happened?”

“I had invited Tiff over for a date. And things started out okay. Then she had to go out to wine and dine a client.”

“Tiff is the worst. Am I allowed to say that?”

“Willow,” River moaned.

Willow’s apparent dislike for Tiff was not what River needed in this moment.

“I’m just saying what everyone else is thinking. She’s not great. But please keep going.”

River shot Willow a death stare. She could only hope her friend would take the hint.

“Anyway, Tiff was gone, and Brianna got home. We were on the couch together. She’s just been taking such good care of me since the accident. And I don’t know. I suddenly wanted her to know what I was feeling for her.”

“I’m guessing that didn’t go well,” Willow smiled.

“It did not.”

“What happened?”

“Brianna told me she was feeling the same way. But when I said I wasn’t ready to let go of what I have with Tiff she got up and went to bed. We haven’t had an actual conversation since then.”

“Oh, ouch.”

Willow’s face turned into a grimace.

“I can’t say I blame her, though,” Willow admitted.

“Whose side are you on?” River asked.

“Yours. I’m always on your side. Which is why you choosing a woman who is actively putting her energy other places doesn’t make sense. As your friend it has been painful to watch. You deserve better. You deserve Brianna-level of attention from a partner.”

“Willow, it’s been awful. But do I deserve it? I mean maybe I shouldn’t have told her. Especially while I’m dating someone else.”

“No, that was definitely a lapse on your part. I think the real question is, what are you going to do about it now?”

“That’s what you’re here to tell me,” River laughed.

“Oh no. I’m here to listen and maybe make some directional suggestions. But I’m not here to tell you what to do.”

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