“Of course. Business comes first. I get it.”
Honestly, I’m relieved. It gives me a second to recollect my thoughts. The server comes back and drops off our drinks along with the bread before she whispers she will be back to take our order.
When Clint finishes, he smiles. “Sorry. I put it on silent. You have me for the next forty-five minutes. I promise.”
I smile. “That is sweet.”
“Sweet. Not what every guy wants to hear. So tell me the truth, Iris. Did the guy finally wise up?” he asks point-blank.
I swallow hard. “Not exactly, but I did realize that I am not quite over him enough to think about dating. I am still trying to read into his actions. That’s not fair to you.”
He nods, looking down. “Guess I should have seen it coming.”
“I am so sorry, Clint. You are an amazing guy. It really isn’t you. I am the problem.”
He chuckles. “Nah, Iris. You could never be the problem. I’m not upset. I think we both knew this wasn’t what we wanted. Wewere using each other as a crutch. I’m glad I’m here to help you sort through your feelings. Now if only I could do the same.”
Relief fills me. I didn’t want him to hate me. I’m glad he doesn’t.
“Well, we are still friends, right? I can still help,” I tell him.
“Alas, the woes of my ex are a bit more complicated than your story of unrequited love that I am still not sure is unrequited after all.” He raises a brow.
I bite my lower lip before I spit out, “I think he wanted to kiss me.”
“I bet he did.” His smile grows. “If you want him, you should go after it. Does he know you are out to lunch with me right now?”
I shake my head.
“Go back to the office and give him hell. Mention our lunch, but don’t say why. Say it in passing and see if he reacts. If he clenches any part of his body or acts like a dick, then he likes you. He might need a little help admitting it because men can be idiots, but the feelings are there.”
“What about your girl? You want her back? Or would you rather move on?”
He sighs, picking up a piece of bread and buttering it. “Honestly, if she called me tomorrow and said she wanted me, I wouldn’t hesitate. It won’t happen, though. We aren’t in the same place in our lives. So moving on is my only option,” he says, taking a bite of his bread.
“I’m sorry. Maybe one day you’ll get back together. Or maybe you’ll find your forever love. Maybe, say, the server? She has a crush on you.”
“What? Really?” he asks, turning to look for the girl.
“Stop it. You are going to embarrass her. You could maybe ask for her number, though. You don’t have to move on all at once. You could take steps,” I tell him.
“You’re a good friend, Iris. I hope this means we can still talk. I feel like having a friend like you is like finding a shooting star. Rare.”
I shake my head. “Of course we will stay friends. Call me anytime. I want to hear all about your date with Tris here. She looks like she is a sweet girl.”
He groans as the girl in question comes back.
The lunch is longer than I planned, but I don’t regret it.
Clint and I might not have been soulmates, but I think I found a forever friend.
I only hope he finds his happily ever after.
MAX
I should be working, preparing for our meeting, but I feel like I’m vibrating. There is only one thing I know for sure.
I need to see her.
