Page 13 of Once Bitten, Twice Fried
“Just exchanged polite messages, but that was it.”
Claire leaned back. The unimpressed look still hadn’t left her face. “I don’t get it, did you try to talk it through with her back then and she shut you off?”
“No. She just acted like nothing had ever happened that night. So I didn’t push it, I didn’t see the point. She was straight and we were both drunk.”
“There’s your answer. She probably thought it was not a big deal, you two being close friends and all.” Claire sighed. “I know it’s tough, but you should leave it behind you. There’s plenty of other fish in the sea! Fish that are very gay and would be very into you!”
This was not the answer Julie wanted to hear, but it was probably the one she needed. The small unreasonable part of her that still pined after Zoe, still clung to the memory of that one night, needed to be told in a cold hard way. Claire was right: even if Zoe was into women now, she would find it pretty pathetic if her friend who ignored her after college showed up out of the blue, still having feelings for her. Even Julie wouldn’t be desperate enough for someone like that, let alone a busyfamous person like Zoe who was probably mingling with much more interesting people all the time. Not to mention that she was engaged to a handsome and successful actor.
“You’re right.” Julie conceded.
“Also, I want to point out that all of this will happen at Yasmine’s wedding.”
“Oh god. I need to not create any drama on her big day. She would disown me.”
Claire leaned forward. “What you need to do, Julie, is to bring a date to the wedding.”
“A date?” Julie blinked. “I feel like this would be adding more drama.”
“Yes but at least, it would look like you moved on. And who knows? Maybe it really would help you move on.”
“How am I supposed to find a date in a little over a month for the wedding? I spend all of my free time planning this wedding already.”
Another unimpressed look from Claire. “I’m sure there are lots of nice women out there who are only looking for fun. You should try it.” Claire scrutinised Julie. “Besides, I’ve never understood how you could be so stressed about dating. Julie, you’re good looking. And more importantly, you look like you can drive, build IKEA furniture and cook dinner. You look like the one who should be breaking hearts, not the other way around.”
Again with the breaking of hearts? Julie made a mental note to try the apps to find nicer friends. Deep down, she knew it was true. She knew her good hair, blue eyes and sharp jawline made her very popular with the ladies on dating apps. But she had a hard time being casual about it. She either fell hard for someone or not at all, and everyone else seemed to be somewhere in between and much more relaxed about it. Julie’s heart keptgetting caught in the middle. She was sick of it, but self-imposed celibacy didn’t seem to be much fun either.
“I guess you’re right. If she shows up with her hunky actor fiance at the wedding and I’m alone, I’m going to be miserable.”
“Shows up with her what?!” Claire screeched, and then stopped herself. “You know what, no, it doesn’t matter. We’re moving past her. You won’t be miserable. We’re going to get you back in the game.” Claire waved her hand, signalling for Julie to take her phone out, which she resignedly did.
There was no point in getting hung up on Zoe. Julie knew it back then and she knew it now. She reinstalled her dating app.
Chapter 7
“Are you sure you won’t need me in Belgium?” Nicki suddenly swerved to avoid a cyclist and swore. “Sorry, I didn’t see this guy at all. Why are all London cyclists suicidal?”
Zoe was slouched in the passenger seat. It was the last filming day of the new season of “Cooking from A to Zoe,” followed by the wrap party.
“I think they’re drunk. It’s one in the morning.” Zoe shifted in her seat. The studio had sent over several boxes of champagne and she might have enjoyed it a bit too much. Every time Nicki took a turn, Zoe felt like the entire car was spinning out of control.
“You’re one to talk,” Nicki chuckled. “You still haven’t answered me for Belgium.”
Zoe closed her eyes. “No, it’s going to be fine. Yasmine’s a long-time friend. I’ve talked to her on the phone and she wants me there as much as her guest than her caterer.”
“You have the event at the race track a few days before, though.”
“That’s only one day. I should be able to survive without you.” The car came to a halt at a red light and Zoe was thankful. “Besides, I think you deserve a long vacation and you’re already going to Italy with me next week.”
Nicki smiled at Zoe. “Thanks boss! I hope you’re not just saying that because you’re a bit tipsy.”
“I’m fine.” Zoe was not fine. The car wouldn’t stop spinning. “Actually, no. Can we pull over there and have the windows down?”
Nicki turned into a parking spot on the side of the curb and obliged.
“Are you sure you’re doing okay?”
“I’m alright. My head hurts, I just need some air.” Zoe’s heart was pounding hard in her chest. She tried to catch her breath.
