MightyPuck:True. I really needed to hear that.
CraftyCutie:I’m glad it could help. I need that reminder every day. In fact, I’m totally making that an art print and I’m going to plaster it all over my apartment.
CraftyCutie:And it’s working.
MightyPuck:What is?
CraftyCutie:Your self-improvement quest. You’re the most dependable person I know. You’ve been my rock this year.
My heart squeezes.
If Eve believes in me that’s all that matters. It makes me feel like every unknown will be okay. I’ll be able to face whatever comes next because of her.
MightyPuck:Thank you. That means a lot to me. I appreciate you listening.
CraftyCutie:This is our safe space. No matter what, we’ll figure it out. You’ve always got me in your corner.
A tender smile stretches across my face. I close my eyes, picturing her laying next to me. The future feels less daunting knowing I have her to confide in.
It’s not just this connection we’ve formed that’s become my lifeline. It’s Eve. She’s my safe space. My comfort.
SEARCH HISTORY: HOW NOT TO FALL FOR HOT HOCKEY COACHES/YOUR BROTHER'S BEST FRIEND
EVE
7:54PM
I clear my search history—twice,just to make sure—then slam my laptop shut. Not sure what I was hoping to find.
Some sort of community or forum for people pining for their sibling’s friends? What to do when you think you’re falling for your friends with benefits situationship that was only supposed to last for the winter? A guide to get rid of those feelings?
My lips purse as I lean back in my swivel chair, swaying back and forth. Maybe I just wanted an excuse to get these insistent thoughts out of my head for a minute.
This whole thing with Cole would be a hell of a lot easier if I was only physically attracted to him. Of course, that’s always been the problem. My crush didn’t begin just because he’s hot. He is unbelievably hot, but that’s beside the point.
How can he feel more like my boyfriend than any of my past relationships?
We’re supposed to keep this arrangement feelings-free. Then he goes and does all these sweet things for me like helping me work on my camper and taking care of me when I’m sick. Henever gets annoyed with me for my neurodivergent tendencies. In fact, he’s so heartbreakingly supportive I don’t know how to cope.
It’s impossible not to fall for a guy who believes in you in every way. I feel so seen when I’m with him.
I should’ve known I couldn’t keep this simple and uncomplicated.
The truth is I was a goner for him from the start, before we even began this situationship. The longer it’s gone on and I’ve grown closer to him, the more I wonder if it’s the same struggle for him.
It’s not like anything has changed. Cole is still working under my dad and he’s still my brother’s best friend. Yet… I don’t care as much as before. If there’s a chance for us to be together, maybe we could work after all. If we do, I don’t have to worry about any fallout tearing my family’s relationship with him apart.
I’m afraid to bring it up in case it does cause a change, one that could end this before I’m ready to let go.
Naturally, I distract myself from one of my sources of overthinking by focusing on the other—my business. I open my laptop again. I’ve had a browser tab open with an application to a maker’s market at the end of the year for days. This would be a big step for me.
When I bought the camper, I imagined being able to do things like this if I was doing well with Sweet Luxe. It’s not ready, though.
There’s also the other worry—am I even good enough to apply? I’ve only been in business a few months. I thought it would be good to try, even if I didn’t get in. I probably won’t.
Trapping my lip between my teeth, I procrastinate on my phone. I end up opening my messages with Cole, then hesitate.
I listened when he needed me to. Of course I did—this is our safe space. It makes me feel braver than texting him for real. I always feel better when I talk to him.
