“Nothing.” I answer truthfully.
Molly looks like she’s about to reach across the table to throttle me. “Nothing? What the hell is all this drama about? Your text made it sound like you were in the depths of despair.”
“I am. Because nothing happened.”
Awareness dawns, and Molly’s expression gentles. “But isn’t that what you wanted? Friendship?”
“Of course not! It’s what I said I wanted, but it’s not what I actually want.”
“You’re a mess. Let’s hope this Dirty Shirley is a strong one.”
As if on cue, Nick returns with our drinks and a beer for himself. I expect him to drop off our beverages, send me a frosty glare, and mosey on his way, but he takes a seat.
“Thanks,” I offer, gesturing to my drink, and Molly echoes my gratification.
“No problem.”
We engage in meaningless small talk for a few minutes, totally ignoring the fact that I crushed his best friend’s heart.
“Nick, we need your help.” Molly’s clearly had enough of our idle chatter, though, I have no idea where she’s going with this. I am pretty sure, though, that I’m not going to like it.
Nick’s look is skeptical. “You know I’m usually a fan of your schemes, Molly, but I’m gonna beg off of this one.” He drains his drink and sighs. “ It was good to see you ladies, but I should go.”
“Nick,” I call, halting him as he stands. And what the hell am I doing? What am I going to say to him that I can’t say to Simon?
“Look, Elaine. Whatever happened between you and Simon is just that: between you and Simon. And I need to stay out of it, but I’ve gotta say this. This plan you and Molly are about to cook up? Don’t go through with it, okay? You already broke his heart twice. Isn’t that enough?”
He’s right, and I know it, but there’s more to the story. “I have no intention of breaking his heart again, I swear. I know I was wrong, and I’m ready to do better. And yes, I probably should just leave him alone, but I can’t. There’s something between us—a connection I’m sure neither of us has felt before, and I can’t ignore it.”
“You positive about that?”
“Absolutely.” I meet his gaze unflinchingly.
Nick eyes me speculatively. “So, let’s say we’re all hanging out at trivia, right? And one of the Taco Belles asks for his number. What do you do?”
“I listen politely while he tells her he has a girlfriend and then continue to enjoy a night out with friends. And after we get home, I’ll prove just how happy I am to be his girlfriend.”
He nods, seemingly satisfied with my answer, but then Molly fires a question at me. “Ok. But what about this? Let’s say Simon’s at Nick’s place for poker night, you’re at home reading, and your mother starts sending you terroristic texts about your age and child-bearing prospects?” Wow. My best friend pulls no punches, but it’s a fair question, and a frighteningly accurate glimpse into my future.
“I answer by texting back that Simon and I are very happy together, and beyond that information, our relationship is none of her business.”
“You sure you can say that to your mom?” Nick asks. These two are seriously good at tag-teaming me.
“Definitely. I’ve had a lot of practice shutting her down these last few weeks.” I can tell he wants to believe me, but he’s protective of Simon.
“I know where I went wrong, Nick. And I’m not going back there.”
My sincerity must register, because he smiles. “He’s been a miserable bastard these past few weeks. I don’t know whether to give you hell or kidnap you and tie you to his bedpost.”
“Uh, before anyone ties me to a bedpost, I definitely need another drink.”
Nick laughs and then heads back to the bar and returns quickly. The crowd has thinned out a bit as the night has worn on.
“My boy is stupid in love with you,” he states bluntly, as he returns and places my second Dirty Shirley on a napkin in front of me.
Molls takes a sip of her whiskey and looks straight at me. “Told you.”
She did. And so did Simon. It just took me a while to believe I deserved it. I smile. “That is excellent news, because the feeling is entirely mutual.”
