Page 35 of Happily Ever Laughter

It took me a while to figure out that most of her complaints were actually attempts at humor. She wasn’t trying to be bitchy, she was trying to crack people up just to get some sort of reaction.

Her long black hair is streaked with slivers of white, pulled back in her constant low ponytail. Combined with her black, navy, and gray sweaters, instead of looking clean and modern, her attire always looks sort of utilitarian.

“Did you have a good weekend?” she asks.

“Pretty good, yeah,” I reply, unable to begin articulating how incredible it had actually been, so deciding to leave the subject aside entirely. “And you?”

Marla shrugged. “Same old, same old.” She pours herself a coffee, then fills my mug. “Hang in there, kiddo,” she adds before shuffling away down the hall.

As I walk back to my desk, a strange shiver goes through me. Is that what happens to people when they give up? I don’t want to think that it’s for lack of a love interest in her life. More likely a lack of friends and hobbies to give her routine some variety.

Making a mental note to myself, I swear never to rely completely on Felix for the spark in my life. Just in case.

After a few sips of coffee and a few more emails, I take my phone and go outside to walk around the block. It’s such a small office that people are encouraged to take a “smoke break” outside for personal calls. Nobody seems to mind as long as it’s only once a day.

On my way out to the lobby, I sent a text.

Me: Hey – do you have a minute to talk?

Claire: Perfect timing, I need a break.

I call her and she picks up immediately. “Hey, what’s up? Did you see Felix this weekend?” It’s adorable how infatuated with love Claire is, now that she’s swimming in it.

“Yes. We spent quite a lot of time together, actually.”

“And?” She practically squeals, forcing me to hold the phone a few inches away from my ear.

I try to think of how to explain it without going into complete detail. I’m not sure how tell-all these conversations are supposed to be, and it doesn’t feel right to share absolutely everything.

“Well, Friday we finished that project I was telling you about at the music studio in his loft. Then I stayed over.”

“Amazing!” she gasps, and I can just picture her practically jumping up and down excitedly. “How was it? I mean, the date part not the…everything. But I hope that was great too.”

I laugh so hard I have to stop walking. “Well, even though I stayed overnight at his place, we didn’t…everything. But then the next night he stayed at my place...”

I pause, letting the empty air speak for itself.

“Do you guys really click?” Claire asks. “Does he really listen, and treat you like the most important person in the world?”

“Absolutely. It’s intense, and I didn’t think I would enjoy this much attention.” I can feel my cheeks heating up. “But I do. I really do.”

“It’s incredible, isn’t it?” she gushes. “Here I always thought I wanted to be a super independent woman, but I am much happier being half of a whole.”

“I understand what you mean now. It’s not cutting your life in half, it’s doubling it. Does that make sense?”

“Absolutely!”

“Anyway, the real reason I called is that I wonder what you would think about canceling the book club meeting this week and

going to a launch party for a new TV show instead?”

I quickly explain the concept of the show, and how it’s coming together, with bits of my video mixed with Felix’s music.

“Oh my goodness – I’m so proud of you, Tanis!” Claire says breathlessly. “I’m so excited. Yes, of course, we’ll all come.”

“Great, thanks. I’m going to be nervous, and it will really help if you’re all there. I’ll send the details to our group chat.”

“Okay.” She pauses. “You could have sent the news via text. But you called me. What do you need to ask?”

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