“Jade, I’m going to need a weekly update on what’s going on between you and Matty.”
My lips tug into a frown as I stare back at my best friend, emotion welling in my throat. Ellie lets out a deep sigh, her head turning to look at Nicole with the same degree of sadness that’s consuming me.
The three of us met for lunch today at our normal spot. The one café that’s halfway between all our apartments. The place that has the best brunch menu and mimosas.
Next week, it wouldn’t matter anymore. It will just be Ellie and me left for lunch dates.
Nicole will be in New York, starting her new life there with Ben.
“I don’t know that I’ll have much to update you on, but sure,” I say after a moment, clearing the emotion from my throat. “It just sucks we won’t be able to do this anymore.”
“I’ll only be a few hours away,” Nicole smiles, her gaze drifting between Ellie and me. “We’ll still make time to see each other, okay?”
Sadness settles in my chest, because I know exactly how things like this go. There’s always a hopefulness when someone moves away. Hope that you’ll still make plans to see each other. But then, as time goes on and as you grow apart, the opportunities to get together seem to dissipate. I know from my own experiences with my family.
“You’re right,” Ellie says after a moment, lifting her glass in the air. “As much as it sucks, I think this is really a good thing for both you and Ben.”
Nicole’s smile spreads and I swear, it looks like she’s glowing. There’s excitement that bubbles from her. I know she’ll miss us, but I also know she’s equally excited for this new chapter in her life.
“I think so too.” Nicole lifts her glass, holding it toward Ellie’s.
I lift mine. “To New York,” I say as the three of us clink our glasses. “To a new chapter, a new city, and new beginnings for you and Ben.”
“To Ben becoming a corporate powerhouse and forgetting us completely,” Ellie adds.
Nicole laughs softly, shaking her head as she rolls her eyes. “He wishes. I’d never let that man forget my two best friends.”
As much as I’ll miss my best friend, I am excited for her. It just…it isn’t going to be the same without her here.
“I can’t believe it’s actually happening,” I say, quietly, draining the rest of my mimosa. “It seemed so far away and now it’s here.”
Nicole’s smile grows softer. “I know. It feels like we blinked and here we are.”
“Time just disappears without us even realizing,” Ellie muses, shaking her head as her eyes grow distant. Our server comes back to the table with three salads, setting them in front of each of us, along with fries we ordered to share.
When I said their brunch menu was amazing, I didn’t mean we’d order anything but our normal meal we get when the three of us are together. Girl dinner can be had at any time of day, honestly.
“Just think,” Ellie starts as she pierces some of her lettuce with her fork. “You’re going to a brand new city, with new people who don’t know every embarrassing thing you’ve done.”
“I’m pretty excited about that. They’ll know the version of me now, not all the cringy versions I’ve been in the past.”
I tilt my head to the side, chewing a bite of salad and swallowing it before adding, “So, are we just baggage now?”
Nicole laughs, her eyes turning glossy for a fraction of a second before she blinks it away. “You two are my favorite baggage.”
“The highest compliment,” I smile, amusement dancing in my expression.
“It truly is,” Ellie says, nodding.
“I’m going to miss you guys,” Nicole says after a moment, her voice barely audible. “More than either of you understand.”
Emotion washes over me and the corners of my eyes burn. I will not cry here in the middle of the café. “Like you said, we’re only a few hours apart.”
“And we’ll talk every day,” Ellie adds before taking a sip of her water.
Nicole slowly nods in agreement. “You guys will have to come visit too.”
“Girls weekend in the big apple?” Ellie smiles, glancing at me with a mischievous grin.
