Page 60 of It's Complicated

He hands me one of the cups and sits down across from me.

“So, how’s life going?” he asks, sounding a little awkward.

“Never been better.” I beam.

“Yeah, I can tell, you’re practically glowing.” He shifts on the chair and gives me another weird look before he says, “And I wanted to apologize.” I frown. What does he have to apologize for? He must read the question in my expression because he elaborates, “Sorry it took me a minute to get on board with you and Jace dating. I guess I was a little shocked at first and worried about what it would mean for our friendship and, well, work…”

I stare at him a little dumbfounded. The fact that he, the guy I’ve lied to and forced Jace to lie to as well while I was trying to manipulate him into jealousy to sabotage his wedding, should apologize to me about it is beyond ridiculous. Aiden really is a good guy. Sweet, honest, loyal, true.

I shake my head as I look into Aiden’s angel face. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry about. I’m sorry we didn’t tell you sooner.”

I’m sorry I’ve lied to you, I add in my head.

And even if he can’t know, I don’t mean just about inventing a relationship with Jace. I mean about all the years I haven’t been honest with my feelings for him. If I had been, who knows, I could’ve discovered a lot sooner we were not meant to be, romantically, and I could’ve let my heart open for the other significant man in my life.

And I hate that even now, I can’t tell him everything. Confess how truly new and explosive this thing growing inside me for Jace is. Ask his opinion, his counsel. But I hope that all the liesI’ve told will soon turn into the truth and that there’ll be no more secrets between the three of us.

Aiden waves me off with a bright smile. “Oh, it’s nothing, I understand why you didn’t tell me right away and it’s okay. I’m just glad you two are happy.”

Our receptionist picks this moment to interrupt us. “Morning doctors, your first patients of the day have arrived.”

“Be right there.”

Aiden stands up and, on impulse, I do the same, rounding my desk and pulling him into a hug.

“What’s this for?” He chuckles.

“For being the best friend in the world. Jace and I are so lucky to have you.”

Aiden hugs me back but still teases me. “Already talking in the plural, you’re going to give me diabetes.”

“You eat too healthy for that,” I joke.

Aiden pats my shoulders and then leaves. And even if I couldn’t be completely honest with him, I feel better after talking to him. I’m relieved that he doesn’t have a problem with Jace and I being in a relationship, that he’s just happy for us. Kirsten sure is a lucky woman. No, I don’t envy her anymore. I’m still not sure she’s good enough for him, but if she makes him happy, I’m willing to give her the benefit of the doubt for the first time.

At lunchtime, Jace shows up right after my last appointment of the morning, looking impossibly hot and snuggly in a light-gray cashmere sweater.

My heart races as my best friend, ex-fake-boyfriend, now-real-boyfriend pulls me in for a kiss. It’s only been a few hours since we saw each other, but it feels like an eternity. His lips are soft and warm against mine, sending shivers down my spine. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as we deepen the kiss.

When we finally pull away, Jace grins down at me. “You have no idea how much I’ve been looking forward to this,” he says.

I chuckle. “Oh, I have a pretty good idea.”

He takes my hand and we join Aiden for lunch at the salad bar across the street. As the three of us eat together, it finally doesn’t seem awkward. We’re just us, joking and sharing medical cases. We’re the same and yet everything is changed. But only for the best.

I’m happy, Aiden is happy, and Jace—he looks positively radiant. Like the broody cloud that followed him everywhere has lifted for good, the ice has melted and he’s finally allowing himself to truly feel and be happy.

Our eyes meet across the table and he winks at me, and, oh gosh, the reaction the simple gesture sparks in me.

I feel a warm flush spread through my cheeks, and I know that I’m blushing. His smile is enough to set my heart racing, and I can’t help but think how lucky I am to have him in my life. Aiden clears his throat and brings me back to reality, giving me a knowing look.

We all burst out laughing, and I swear I’ve never been happier in my entire life.

25

LORI

Thursday night I’m home alone, packing my bag for Aiden’s bachelor party. This is the only wedding event I put my foot down for. I accepted my bridesmaid destiny stoically. Even when I was still fully in love with the groom, I went to the engagement party, the dress fittings, and, next Saturday, I’ll attend the bridal shower—shudder. But no way was I going to end up stuck with Kirsten, Kendall, and their cadre of pageant queens for an entire weekend while Aiden and Jace, my real friends, were out having fun somewhere else. So, as unusual as it might be, I’m going to the bachelor party.

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