Page 76 of It's Complicated

Not. Even. Close.

I look at my best friend and he must read the answer in my eyes because he adds, “See? You came into my office today asking how to recognize if you’ve found the one for a reason.”

I keep looking at him with a mixed expression of confusion and surprise. “I love him, Aiden. I love Jace with all my heart, but I’m still so mad.”

“So angry you won’t forgive him ever? Because if it’s only a matter of waiting a week instead of doing it right away, could you spare the poor guy a lot of heartbreak and just do it now? When I went over to his place earlier, he was a total mess.”

“A mess how?”

Aiden slings an arm over the backrest. “He had a glass on the coffee table without a coaster, a half-drunk bottle of vodka abandoned in the sink, leaking, and an empty packet of Cheetos discarded on the floor.”

I smile, despite myself. For such a neat freak as Jace, those are capital offenses.

“He was drinking?”

“Yep, while simmering in self-pity. But I made him a strong black coffee, and he was in slightly better shape when I left. But really, there’s only one thing that would make him feel whole again… knowing he hasn’t lost you.”

“Don’t you think he deserves to stew, at least for a night?”

“Poor guy, no. Jace’s been stewing for the past fifteen years.”

I self-consciously pull a lock of frazzled hair behind my ear. “Well, I’d better go make myself presentable if I’m about to have my big romantic moment. Do I have chocolate on my face?”

Aiden laughs. “You most definitely do, Lori.”

“And you let me sit through this whole pep talk without mentioning it once?”

“Why? Chocolate looks really cute on you.”

Playfully outraged, I ask, “You think Jace would agree?”

Aiden nods, satisfied.

“I’m still washing my face before I go put him out of his misery.”

“That’s a shame.” He gets up from the couch and opens his arms. “Can I have a hug?”

“Yeah, you can.”

I take his hand and he pulls me into a warm embrace.

Fear has been simmering in my insides for the past few weeks, and now, in Aiden’s arms after his stupid, soppy, sweet pep talk, it evaporates.

“I’m sorry I tried to make you jealous by using Jace,” I whisper. “It was silly, and it didn’t even work. You were never jealous of us and you really are the best of friends.”

“And I get accused of being the soppy puppy. Enough with the schmaltzy fest.” Aiden puts a finger under my chin and lifts my head up. “Now go and make up with your boyfriend. I’m gonna go home and spend some time with my bride-to-be.”

I smile at Aiden’s overly casual tone. “Yes, Jace and I, we’re really together now. Or at least we will be after I sort this whole mess out. I’ll walk you to the door.”

Aiden draws away, smiling. He slings one arm over my shoulder, grabbing his coat as we go.

I open the door and we pause on the doorstep to say goodbye.

“Lori,” Aiden says, giving me an uncharacteristically serious look. “You deserve to be happy. And Jace is a lucky guy.”

“I’m really happy for you, too, Aiden, Kirsten is…” I don’t really know what to say.

Aiden pushes a finger to my lips to silence me. “Get to know her better before you decide. I promise, if you give her a real chance, you’re going to like her.”

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