SIXTEEN
“Why are you so grumpy?” Maggie asked Cora accusingly.
“What makes you think I’m grumpy?”
“Because you’re acting like a total bitch.”
Cora had been storming around the kitchen, complaining loudly about the empty milk jug in the fridge and tossing utensils back into the drawer. Fritz kept his distance in the hallway, confused by Cora’s sour mood. She was ready to spit venom at Maggie, but she took one look at her friend and teared up.
“What’s wrong? Oh my God, what’s wrong, honey?” Maggie walked over and put her arms around Cora. The floodgates opened, and Cora began to sob.
“It’s nothing. It’s stupid! It’s so stupid and I feel stupid.” She surrendered to the tears.
“Tell me! Is it Aaron?”
“No, screw Aaron,” she spat.
“What is it? Tell me.”
“There’s this guy, a client, and he’s really perfect but he has a perfect girlfriend who is bitchy, and I couldn’t help it and I really started to like him.” She hiccuped a sniffle and continued. “I was pretty sure he was flirting with me but it turns out he’s going to propose to her soon! I just feel dumb, Mags. I’ve been acting all stupid around him, and I can’t stop thinking about him. I was sure he was flirting! He called me the total package, Maggie! Isn’t that flirting? And I’m horny. I haven’t been on a date with anyone in forever and I don’t know what guys are thinking anymore!”
Maggie chuckled. “I was on a date last night and I have no clue what guys are thinking either. Well, I knowonething they’re always thinking.”
“You know what I mean, don’t joke!” She wiped her eyes with the dish towel.
“I’m sorry. How long has this been going on?”
“A few weeks.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I don’t mean to make this about me, but I’m a little insulted you didn’t fill me in.” She paused. “Ohhh, wait a sec—it’s all making sense now. This is mascara guy, right?”
Cora nodded.
“Is he your nighttime client? Is that who you were with last night?”
She nodded again. “Takeout sushi dinner after our lesson. With wine. Oh, and I forgot to mention that his perfect gorgeous girlfriend is out of town.”
“Wait a sec, you’re drinking wine and hanging out with him while his girlfriend is away?” She shuddered. “That’s sort of gross. He sounds like a douche. Why can’t you be attracted to a nice guy for a change?”
“Heisa nice guy. He’s almost too good to be true, minus the girlfriend. He practices animal law. And he’s adorable.” Cora looked glum. “No, more than adorable. Smoking hot.”
“Sorry, but having you stay for dinner while his girlfriend’s not home is a douche move, even if you do have a professional relationship. Think about it. Would you want your boyfriend to have his gorgeous, funny, amazing personal trainer, or stylist, or barista hanging out with him while you’re out of town?”
Okay, Maggie was right, but Cora tried to play it off. “If I knew what it was like to have a boyfriend I might have an opinion.”
“Stop it. You’re being stupid.”
Cora welled up again.
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry! You’re really sensitive right now. Are you ragging?”
“Maybe, I don’t know. I’m just sad and lonely and I feel stupid and ugly and unlovable.”
Maggie hugged her again. “I love you, girl.”
“Unless I become a lesbian, you don’t count.”
Maggie put both her hands on Cora’s shoulders. “What are you doing today? Clear your calendar, I have an idea!”
