“In here,” I say as I open the door.
Ellen pushes me inside, and I sit on the closed toilet seat as she locks the door behind her. “Talk to me.” Leaning against the wall, she crosses her arms over her chest. “What’s going on?”
“I’m an idiot.”
“You’re not an idiot.”
“I am. Ugh.” I bury my face in my hands for a few seconds before looking up at her. “I have told Garrick I don’t want to date him, that I just want to be friends, so that scene shouldn’t have upset me.”
“But it did.”
I nod. “Like I said.” I poke myself in the chest. “Idiot.”
“You like him, and that scares you.”
“I don’twantto like him.”
She crouches down in front of me. “You can’t help how you’re feeling. Even if you try to control it, try to push it away, it’s not going to change how he makes you feel.”
“I have made a fool of myself.”
“You haven’t, and I don’t think it’s what it looked like either. It seemed pretty one-sided to me, and Garrick was upset when you took off.”
“I don’t know why. We’re only friends. He’s free to date or hook up with who he likes.”
“True, but he seems to only have eyes for you.” She stands. “Do you want to leave?”
I consider it for a few seconds.
“I’ll go with you. We can call an Uber.”
I climb to my feet and hug my bestie. “I love you, and I’m not tearing you away from your man. Nor am I leaving.” I release her and straighten my spine. “I had a moment, but it’s over now. I’m good, and I need to save face. Running away is something a coward would do. We’re staying.”
“That’s my girl.”
* * *
Garrick is back on stage when we return, and I spend the second part of his set avoiding eye contact with him, unsure what I’ll see and unable to face it. My bravery only stretches so far.
“Hey.” Cohen moves his stool in closer to mine. “You okay?”
“Fine.” My smile is as fake as my lashes.
“You sure? You looked upset back there.”
“I wasn’t upset,” I lie. “I just needed to use the restroom.”
“Okay.” He sips his beer as he turns to face me. Our knees brush in the exchange, and there is no shiver coasting over my body like when Garrick touches me. “This is why I don’t do relationships. Too much shit. Casual hookups are much less hassle.” His slightly glassy blue eyes bore into mine before dropping to my chest.
“My face is up here, buddy,” I say through gritted teeth.
“And what a pretty face it is.” A suggestive smirk materializes on his mouth as his eyes rake over my features.
“Whatever you’re doing, don’t.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Will frowning and Ellen watching with concern.
“I’m just trying to have a conversation.” He waves his hands around, almost dropping his bottle of beer. “You know, clear the air and all that jazz.”
