Page 37 of Loving the Sinner
We’ve been sending TikToks and memes back and forth and have a girl’s night planned for this weekend with Savannah. I’m a little nervous because I want to tryalcohol, but it feels like betraying Wes if I don’t try it with him, as silly as that sounds.
I’m meeting Matt for lunch today, and I’m going to let him know that I want to be friends because I don’t see us going anywhere romantically.
I’m waiting out on the patio of a cute little cafe called Hens and Pigs when Matt shows up wearing tailored gray slacks and a light blue button down that makes his skin look extra tan. He always looks so posh and put together, I feel a little underdressed in my lavender sundress, but then I remember he’s a bigwig businessman and I work from home so it makes sense that he’s all dressed up.
“Hey gorgeous, how’s it going?” Matt asks with a beaming smile as I stand to give him a hug. He places a gentle kiss on my cheek and motions for us to sit down.
“I’m doing alright. How are you?”
“Better now that I’m having lunch with a fucking model.” He gives me a rakish wink that makes my face turn pink.
I clear my throat, ready to friend zone him, but our waitress comes over and asks us what we want to order. After Matt orders his chicken bacon ranch wrap and I order my chicken nachos, he looks at me expectantly, motioning for me to continue what I was saying.
“Matt, I think you’re a really great guy, and I want to keep being friends, but I don’t want to continue a romantic relationship.”
Now, this isn’t the first time I’ve had this conversation with a man, and usually I get called a bunch of mean names and labeled a tease, but Matt nods thoughtfully as he takes in my words and then he…
Laughs?
Why is he laughing?
Whatever he sees on my face makes him stop laughing and reach across the table to grab my hand, “Hey, I’m sorry, that wasn’t cool of me. I’m not laughing AT you, I swear. I’m laughing because I already had a feeling that’s what was going to happen, and I feel the same way. You are gorgeous, funny, smart, and so cool, and I would love to be friends.”
“What do you mean you had a feeling this was going to happen?”
Matt clears his throat and rubs the back of his neck, “Well, I um. I could tell you weren’t super into the kiss we shared, we have different life aspirations, and the way you talked about Wes was different than how you talked to me, so I figured out you were into him.”
Oh god, this is so embarrassing. “I’m so sorry Matt. Ugh. I feel like a total bitch.”
“Hey, Elli, no. No, you’re not a bitch, I swear. I kind of knew we weren’t super compatible when you said you weren’t sure if you wanted kids. I’m looking to settle down and start a family, but it seems like you’re not quite on the same track, ya know? This is going to make me sound like an asshole, but I thought with you being Mormon and all, you’d be looking to settle down too. I thought it would be cool to give it a chance, but I think we’d be better as friends.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your honesty, and for not thinking I’m a bitch. Sorry Matt, I do NOT want to be your little housewife with a gaggle of little hellions.”
Matt rolls his eyes but laughs. “It’s all good babe. Wes can keep you barefoot and pregnant if you guys decide to have kids.”
“HA. Right. Wes isn’t interested in me like that.”
“You’re wrong, but I’ll let Wes prove it.”
I try not to think about that statement too hard.
We don’t talk about Wes the rest of lunch. We just get to know each other as friends.
Whoever Matt ends up with is going to be a very lucky girl.
On Thursday morning, Wes shows up to my apartment with to-go coffee cups in hand.
“I thought we were going out for coffee?” I haven’t even put on real clothes yet. I’m still in my light green lounge romper that feels buttery soft. I bought two more in black and gray because they’re so comfy.
“I was up and thought it might be easier to have a coffee flight taste test from home. Besides, there are a lot of options and I didn’t want you to get overwhelmed.” He explains, like that’s just something a normal person does for a friend.
“Well, thank you.” I glance down at my outfit and cringe. “I should change into something more presentable.”
Wes shrugs, “If you want. I think you look great. Comfy.”
“If you’re sure…”
“It’s your house, Elli. You make the calls about what you wear.”
