Page 58 of Love Not Qualified

I knew my body was going to give up at some point, I was just praying that when that happened, my mother was safe and well taken care of. She was the only one I had left in this world and even if I loved my friends so much—so so much—she was the only priority I had.

That didn’t mean I wanted to hurt them, it meant that nothing they’d said could cure me of a habit that had grown on me for years. I tried and I tried, for the sake of my mother, but I couldn’t do it.

Whether I liked it or not, I’d always seen food as my enemy and now it was hard to change that perception.

It was going to get better one day.

As I distanced myself from her, I heard David talk.

“Let her go,” he said.

“But she’s my best friend and she’s not doing well.” Merielle’s voice broke, and my heart along with it.

I hated to see her hurting. And I hated more to see her hurting because of me.

“I know. You are a great friend, really, but sometimes I wish you cared about us as much as you care about her.”

I quickened my pace, not wanting to hear the rest.

He was right. Merielle and him barely got time for each other with me around. I didn’t want them to fight because of me. They loved each other and the last thing I wanted was to be between them.

With tears still rushing down my cheeks, I opened the app and texted Chad.

Me

can I call you? I could really use someone right now.

His reply came right away.

Chad Bitt

Are you okay?

Me

yes

actually no, not really.

Chad Bitt

Do you want to talk about it?

Me

no. not talking about it is exactly what I need

if you don’t want to share your number, it’s fine.

A sigh fell past my lips. This dude really didn’t like me? I thought we had built up something, that we were getting to know each other and still, he hadn’t made a move on me.

Chad Bitt

No, it’s not that

+1203842934

I clicked on the number and while usually I’d be nervous—because this was taking our situationship forward—I didn’t hesitate to call. After a few rings, he picked up the phone.

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