Page 79 of Keep Me Close

“What do you mean? How come you didn’t mention this to me?”

“I never went into it because it didn't matter to us. He was confused that we tried to date and stayed close. You're still my best friend. Chris is a different kind of best friend.”

“I don't know what you mean.”

“I know. You will know what I mean someday.”

“This feels all very cryptic, Jonathan.”

He burst out laughing. “I'm not being cryptic. Call him, or better yet, go see him. Tell him you want to talk. And yeah, tell him to stop overreacting. It’s not unusual for him to need to sort out what it means to fall in love with someone who has a best friend that she once tried to date. That's part of figuring a relationship out. I'll be up there next month. That's why I was calling, aside from your text.”

“Oh, you will?”

“That’s the plan. Chris will be with me. We’re planning to move back sometime after the baby is born, so we want to scout out real estate options.”

“Oh, wow. This is starting to feel really real.”

“I know.”

“I’m so happy for you, Jonathan,” I said, my heart swelling with emotion.

“I am too. I'm happy for you, and you're going to figure out this thing with Chase.”

“I’m starting to wonder if it wasn't the best idea for Chase and me to try to date while I was pregnant.”

“There's no great time. You're having the baby, so you might as well figure it out now.”

“That’s what Chase said.”

“Well, he’s on point,” Jonathan pointed out. I laughed softly. “I hope I get to meet Chase when I’m up there,” he added.

“That would be really nice. Text me with an update for when you’ll have time to get together next weekend.”

“I will. That gives you a week to get your shit together. Miss you.”

A laugh slipped out. “Miss you too.”

I looked down at the phone again. I was about to call Chase back, but I needed to call my sister-in-law first. Risa was always clear-eyed.

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