She was met with skeptical silence.
“What are you thinking?” She looked at each of her friends, who had known her for a decade, and had been like sisters during the rockiest years of her parents’ divorce.
“You deserve to be loved without reservation,” Amira finally said. “Don’t lose your heart again to a man who can’t do that.”
* * *
Josh
I’m not doing the bachelor auction.
Catie
We can be clear that you’re sort of, not really a bachelor.
Josh
There’s no “sort of” about it!
Catie
We could pivot away from the whole bachelor schtick completely.
Josh
It’s on the flyer. Right above my face.
Catie
Let’s discuss this tonight.
Josh
We are not discussing this in front of Monica. Or at all. I’m not doing it.
Catie
It’s for a good cause.
Josh
Tough. I’m out.
Catie
In that case, I need you to tend bar, and I’ll swap Garrett in your place.
Josh
Fine.
* * *
Monica had clean underwear,and after the last few days, that felt like a real victory. But they were also a reminder that she only had one other pair with her, that she had to leave this town and go back to New York to literally have more clothes to wear.
A reminder that this wasn’t where she belonged.
She pulled them on, along with clean jeans and Josh’s sweater, because her blouses couldn’t go in the dryer. They were air drying in front of the heating vent.
