Page 49 of Imperfections Forbidden
“I wasn’t blowing you off.I wouldn’t blow you off, Matt, in either way.”Guys.I smile to myself and continue.“I’ve been dealing with family and personal issues.It’s been kind of rough.I’m going through some things.I hope you understand.”
“I understand, dealing with family can be rough; that’s always been my experience dealing with my family.Are you okay now?”
“I’m trying to be.It’s hard.”
“Give it some time; it can’t be easy to readjust to living with your family after you’ve been on your own.You’re used to doing your own thing when you want, no questions asked.”
“That’s the truth.I wish that was all there was to my issues and family drama.”
“You know you can talk to me.I’m a good listener, and I might be able to help you.”
“Thanks, but I don’t think that’s a good idea.You wouldn’t be able to help me with this problem.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I’m sure.”
“Does this problem have anything to do with a lawyer who may or may not be linked to Kate?”
I stop walking in front of the school abruptly.“What?Why would you say that?”
“I’ve heard a few things, mostly rumors.You know how that goes.”
“Why don’t you tell me how it goes and what these rumors are?”
“Is he engaged to Kate?”He turns the question on me.
“I’ve heard those rumors too.As far as I know they’re not.”
“It sounds like there is something going on, though.Whatever it is, I’m guessing you’re in the middle of it?”
“It’s complicated.”
“Have things changed between you and him since the last time I saw you?”
I don’t feel like lying to him.I’m going to give him as much of the truth as I can.I trust Matt.He’s not going to tell anyone.
“Yes, things have changed, and then they changed again.”
“What does that mean?Are you two together?Have I missed my chance again?”
“I care for you a lot, Matt.I don’t see us being together for now, but I would like to be friends.I need good friends at this time in my life.I’m going through some really…fucked up things.”
“That bad, huh?”
“Yeah, I never thought I would be in a situation like this.Unfortunately, at this time, I’m not taking applications for romantic interests.”I feel like I’m on the verge of crying again.I have to keep it together.I don’t need a parent or a coworker seeing me cry my eyes out like an idiot in front of the school.I fan my hand in front of my face to stop the tears from welling up.“I am taking applications for friends who will help put me back together if I fall apart, who won’t freak out if I suddenly burst into tears in the middle of a phone conversation in the middle of the day.”
“I’m eagerly handing in my application right this minute,” he says energetically, making me smile.“I would be honored just to be called your friend.”
“I accept your application.You’re hired, effective immediately.Thank you.”
“You don’t need to thank me.If you’re falling apart, I want to help you pick up the pieces, and when you decide to start taking applications for other things, I hope you will take another look at mine.My résumé is not spotless, but I think it’s acceptable.”
“I promise I will give it a second look.It’s looking better already.”
“As your newly hired friend, let me help you pull it together by changing the subject.”
“Sounds good.I only have two minutes left on my lunch break.”
