No.
Cross
It just means he’s too afraid to put a label on it, but doesn’t want anyone else to have her.
Matty
She’s not my goddamn girlfriend.
But she is mine.
Does that clear things up for you imbeciles?
Shaw
Loud and clear.
She’s your girlfriend.
Matty has left the chat.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
JADE
“If looks could kill, my date would have been stone cold dead on the floor.” - Clara Foss, Painted Inferno
“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.”
