Page 63 of The Valentine's Bet

Maybe we’re getting closer.

But ONLY as friends.

That’s what I keep telling myself as I walk past the cubicles to my own office. Before I can even shut the door, Nellie waves me down, following me in and closing the door.

“Hey, how was your lunch?”

“It was good,” I say, taking off my coat and hanging it on the back of my chair. “I met up with a friend.”

“A friend?” She raises her brow. “Is this the same friend that took you to the emergency room?”

I hesitate at the smirk on her face. “Yeah, buttrust me, we’re just friends. He’s made thatveryclear.”

“Oh, one ofthoseguys.” She frowns, plopping down in the chair opposite my desk. “I was hung up on one of my guy friends. And, well, now we’re not friends anymore.”

“Oh?” I jiggle my mouse to wake up my computer and check my inbox for any important emails. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”

She laughs, dismissing me. “It’s okay. I wasn’t the one who ended up heartbroken in the end, surprisingly.”

Oh.

“What happened—if you don’t mind me asking?”

“It was years ago, I don’t mind.” She smiles at me, though it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I, um, I had this guy friend. I think I realizedI had feelings for him a few months into us being friends—maybe even sooner than that.” Nellie pauses, picking at her fingernails. “I wascrazyabout him. I thought I was in love with him.”

Well, I don’t think I’m in love with Parker. It’s just a crush.

“All my friends told me that I should tell him. They didn’t want me to miss out on something really special.”

My stomach flips. “And?”

“And I finally worked up the courage to tell him that I thought I might be in love with him. He responded like a deer in the headlights. He wasshocked. And then, it gotsoawkward. He told me that he wasn’t looking for a relationship, that he didn’t see me as anything more than a friend. Things got super weird after that. He started avoiding me. Looking back, I realize he had some major commitment issues.”

I inwardly cringe. That soundsexactlylike something Parker would do. “Was that the end of your friendship?”

“No,” she says, laughing softly. “I toughed it out and continued to be his friend—only because Ireally valued his friendship. But I definitely grieved the romantic relationship I wanted with him. I eventually started dating and met someone ... andthenhe told me he loved me.”

“Oof.” My eyes widen.

“Yeah. Sothatwas the end of our friendship. He took the rejection hard and basically cut me off after that. I suppose it was always the wrong timing for us.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She perks up. “The point of the story is that if you have any feelings for this friend of yours and he’s made it clear that you two are nothing more than friends, leave it alone. Don’t try to make some grand gesture to change his mind. I promise it’s not worth the pain.”

I nod, feeling the contradiction between Eliza’s and Nellie’s advice. Everyone has their own experiences they draw from—and that’sveryapparent.

It’s just too bad that I havenoneof my own to rely on.

“I’m sorry if that’s not what you wanted to hear.” Nellie shoots me a sympathetic smile. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt. A man with potential is just that—potential.”

I smile. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m actually going to a matchmaking event tomorrow. I had to fill out this long questionnaire, and then a panel will pair me with the person they think I fit best with.”

“Oh, that’s agreatidea!” Nellie beams. “I wish I could’ve participated in something like that when I was out in the dating scene. Get all the serious stuff out of the way upfront so you at least know you’re good on paper.”

I wonder if Parker and I would be good on paper.

The thought leaves my mind swimming.

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