Ryan sighed. True, lots of people hated their jobs. He never imagined he’d be one of them. His privilege was showing.
“And I guess it will be a ‘character building’ experience for me. God, at least tell me the writer gets more creative later.”
“You’re a jerk.” There was no rancor in Iz’s voice, and a small smile played on their lips.
“I know, but I’m a lovable jerk.”
“You’re lucky you are.”
“Yeah I am. You’re one of the best things in my life.”
“Only one of? Has the lovely Elissa replaced me in your teeny, tiny heart?”
“Shut up.”
Iz shoveled a forkful in their mouth, but their knowing eyes locked onto his. Ryan refused to play this game anymore. He allowed the silence to grow, knowing Iz had a lower tolerance for the quiet than he did.
“I like her for you. I think you two bring out the best in each other,” they said, almost once Ryan gave up.
“I like her too. But I miss her.”
“That’s a good thing, you know. Missing someone.”
“How so?”
“If you miss someone, it means they matter. It means you notice when they’re not with you. Do you miss me when I’m gone?”
“Most of the time.”
“Only most? I’m hurt. Devastated!” Iz smiled to take the sting out of their words. “What about your parents?”
“Never. I miss Nonna.”
“Me, too. She was awesome! Best hugs ever. Alex?”
“Sometimes. We never had the strongest relationship, but we had some good times, and he never made me feel forgotten.”
“How often do you miss Elissa?”
Every fucking day. It hit him right in the gut as his brain answered Iz’s question. If she wasn’t by his side, he missed her. Every second of every day. But he wasn’t ready to admit it to Iz. Of course, he didn’t need to admit it to Iz. His best friend already knew. It was painted on their face, just like their red lipstick.
“Point taken.” He was in love with Elissa. Simply, utterly, wildly in love with her.
“You should tell her.”
“I did. And she still had to work.”
“Not the missing her. The other thing.”
“What—” Some days, he hated having a friend like Iz. Someone who knew him well enough to know exactly what he was feeling before he did. But today wasn’t one of those days. “Never mind.”
“Give it another month, max. Tax season will be over, and she’ll have more time. I see you two together. She’s almost there, too, dude.”
Doubtful, but still his heart hoped. As long as it didn’t drag his brain along for the ride, he was willing to let it.
His phone rang, and Elissa’s name popped up on the screen.
“Nice talk. Gotta take this.”
