“Just promise me, when you two get married, because I know it’s going to happen, invite me and offer me a plus-one.”That’s something I can do.
“I very well might dedicate a toast to you if this all works out. You gave me a bout of confidence I wasn’t feeling this morning.”
“If you ever need someone to pump you up for overtaking Brian, I’m your girl. He might have introduced you to me, but he still is an idiot.”
“Yup, can’t disagree with you there.”
We both laugh and then stand from the boulder. I was right all along. Brian is a douche.
“Shall we head back? The birds are letting us down today,” I say.
“Yes, and we can go over all the ways you can be flirtatious without crossing the line. It’s time for the Win Your Girl Bootcamp. You in?”
“Teach me all the things, wise one.”
* * *
Breaker:Stopped by Masala Palace and grabbed some chicken tikka, reshmi kabab, paneer korma, and garlic naan. You in?
Lia:Are you kidding me? I think I just drooled reading that text message. I’m home, want me to prepare the gameboard and table?
Breaker:Obviously.
Lia:On it. Please choose your Plunder ship color.
Breaker:Why are you asking? You know I’m always green.
Lia:You’ve lost the last three times, so I didn’t know if you wanted to change it up. Maybe switch your luck.
Breaker:Green for life.
Lia:Okay, prepare to be annihilated. Also, I have a surprise to show you when you get here.
Breaker:Yeah, does this surprise happen to be one of the things you’re checking off your list?
Lia:Yes.
Breaker:Well, I can’t wait. See you soon.
* * *
Food in hand,I step off the elevator of our apartment building and head right to my front door. After Birdy and I made it down the hill, I gave her a hug goodbye and then traveled back up the hill myself, this time thinking about everything. Letting my mind wander, my mind process, ruminating on my true thoughts and feelings.
First and foremost, I love her. I let that sink in. I let myself sit in my feelings and understand them. Lia is the most precious person in my life. She’s my ride or die. She means everything to me.
She’s my girl.
After I let myself accept that, I went on to accept that everyone is right. I need to tell her about my feelings, but I need to ease her into it. It might scare her if I jump out at her with these feelings.
Also, I need to give her time to check her goals off her list. I don’t want to get in the way of that. I want her at her best when I approach her with my feelings, which will give her time to adjust to the new way I’ll approach our friendship.
After some time up on the hill and just living in the moment, I made my way back down again and ordered food, knowing Lia wouldn’t be able to say no to Indian food. It’s one of her absolute favorites.
With excitement in my chest, I reach my door, turn the knob, and enter, half expecting Lia to be standing there, waiting for me. When she’s not, I call out, “Hey, I’m here.”
“In the bedroom,” she says. “Come here.”
Confused but also excited, I drop the food off at the table and make my way to my bedroom, where the door is cracked open. Whatever she wants to show me, she sure is making a big deal about it—which I love.
