Page 139 of We Can't Be Friends

“I’m going to need that bagel now.”

Dallas, the more seasoned of the two, snickers and hands me the bagel already smothered with cream cheese. “He told me this morning when I got in.”

“And you didn’t want in on fun reval?” She’s usually piping with gossip in the mornings.

“Oh honey, I already promised my silence in return for at least one flight.”

Taking the outstretched bagel, I’m careful to not get my hands or the napkin in the overflowing cream cheese.

I find Liam in the boardroom, leaning back in a chair with his feet propped up on the table. My best friend and boss is always carefree, relaxed, and light—how does he do it?

“Like your present?”

“My present? You’ve never gotten me anything this nice before.”

“Did I not give you this job?” He asks, completely kidding, but also touché.

“What changed your mind?”

“Wanted to join the mile high club.” He shrugs smugly, planting his feet on the ground. “Kidding. You were right, it was a good business decision”

“Good?” I arch a brow, my heart speeding up at the smallest praise.

“Yes, good. Logical. Don’t hunt for gratitude from me. You know you are smart.”

“Are you taking it back to London?” He nods yes.

Liam and Emerson leave for London tomorrow. I love my friends, but I’m ready to have them out of our space, and be back to my routine.

Their disruption hasn’t been unwanted, but I miss the quiet mornings with Chloe. Her watching reality television at night, sticking her toes under my thighs for warmth even though she’s wearing fuzzy socks, while I read. Hearing her singing in the shower. Watching her reclean a spot on the counter, even though I have to go back to clean up after her no matter what. Trying to predict what her oversize T-shirt of the day will say.

I miss it being just us.

Liam Hayes will forever be my best friend.

Emerson Clarke will always be my bonus sister.

Chloe Henry. . . she’s the one though that will infinitely make me feel chosen.

Ben files into the room next, interrupting whatever Liam was opening his mouth to say. Today is his first day back since his delayed honeymoon with his new wife and Emerson’s ex-colleague, Blake.

“Coming back to work on a Thursday, for a two-day work week, is a power move,” I say to him.

He leans back, stretching his sunkissed arms behind his head. “If the school system can do it, I can do it too.”

“I don’t understand.”

“American school systems. School will start on a Wednesday or Thursday, only to go into the weekend and then give kids off school on a Monday for some holiday or another. My parents always hated it. I sort of loved it.”

“You were a kid.”

“Exactly.” He cheeses.

“How was your honeymoon?”

“We never wanted to leave. Tortola was amazing. The clearest and brightest blue waters we’ve ever seen. Kind of like your eyes.” Ben spins his attention to me.

“You staring?”

---